These days, STC approvals for jets are neither inexpensive nor easy to come by, but after a relatively short certification effort, Avidyne has new approvals under its belt for the Atlas navigation system.
The Atlas system is unique because it provides a sizable—and relatively inexpensive—one-shot upgrade for old jets and turboprops that haven’t seen avionics upgrades since the Reagan era. It’s tough to believe, but in some cases, these old jets don’t even have WAAS GPS capability. That limits their operation, and also their resale potential because the avionics in many older jets aren’t supported and if they are, it might not make sense given their age and capability.