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Aircraft Avionics

Altitude Minders: Portable, Panel Mount

At some point, many pilots answer to ATC for blowing through an altitude restriction. Altitude busts can be costly and easy to commit—made easier by the distraction of programming complex avionics and falling behind speedy aircraft. Altitude alerting technology comes from the jet world, where climbs and descents happen at a brisk pace. While similar systems are less common in basic aircraft, PFDs and autopilot integration provide helpful altitude bugging, preselect and aural annunciation. You can also install a dedicated altitude alert system. Here’s a look at some worthy choices, including an affordable portable option, autopilot integration and ways you might enhance altitude buffering while using your PFD.

Larry Anglisano
Verified

At some point, many pilots answer to ATC for blowing through an altitude restriction. Altitude busts can be costly and easy to commit—made easier by the distraction of programming complex avionics and falling behind speedy aircraft. Altitude alerting technology comes from the jet world, where climbs and descents happen at a brisk pace. While similar systems are less common in basic aircraft, PFDs and autopilot integration provide helpful altitude bugging, preselect and aural annunciation.

You can also install a dedicated altitude alert system. Here’s a look at some worthy choices, including an affordable portable option, autopilot integration and ways you might enhance altitude buffering while using your PFD.

Larry Anglisano

Editor in Chief Larry Anglisano has been a staple at Aviation Consumer since 1995. An active land, sea and glider pilot, Larry has over 30 years’ experience as an avionics repairman and flight test pilot. He’s the editorial director overseeing sister publications Aviation Safety magazine, IFR magazine and is a regular contributor to KITPLANES magazine with his Avionics Bootcamp column.