Albuquerque, New Mexico-based Aspen Avionics has obtained EASA approval for its Evolution E5 EFI (electronic flight instrument). The budget-friendly E5 EFI will be sold through Aspen Avionics authorised dealers and directly to aircraft owners through aviation retailers. IFR and VFR capable, this approval opens the door to many aircraft owners and flight schools in the region that want to update their existing steam gauges to glass at an affordable price.

The STC'd non-TSO Evolution E5 consolidates attitude indicator plus DG/CDI into a single display with a rechargeable backup battery. It also includes Global Positioning System Steering, air data computer and Attitude Heading Reference System.

“The Evolution E5 offers an easy and economic path for aircraft owners to remove outdated and high-maintenance vacuum systems and air-driven gyros,” explains international regional sales manager Cory Relling. “Additionally, owners will have the opportunity to streamline their panel with Aspen's patented retrofit display technology which substantially lowers installation costs.”

The Evolution E5 EFI is configurable, upgradeable and affordable. As the pilot's need grow, the E5 can also be converted to Aspen's Evolution Pro Max line of displays that enable owners to add software options like Synthetic Vision and Angle of Attack. Owners have a cost-effective path to upgrade their panel without unit replacement or investing in a new installation.

The Evolution E5 EFI is approved for IFR flight when installed with a panel mounted IFR GPS. When installed without a panel mount GPS, it is approved for VFR flight only.