How many Fast Stack Hub and Cable Systems have you sold?
How long have you been in business?
Is the Approach Fast Stack Hub and Cable System just a cable harness?
What does the FAA think about it? Is the Fast Stack Hub STC'd or PMA'd?
How do I install the Fast Stack System into a certified aircraft?
Have you ever had a 337 denied?
What is a 337?
Who can install the Fast Stack System?
Why is power not routed through the Fast Stack Hub?
Why hasn't anyone done this before?
Do avionic shops support the use of your products?
How much does the Fast Stack System cost?
What if I want upgrade avionics in the future?
What is your warranty?
What about Fast Stack durability?
How long are the cables? What if I need different lengths?
Can I add functionality the Fast Stack Hub does not support?
Where is the Fast Stack Hub typically mounted?
Do any aircraft manufacturers OEM your product?

Q. How many Fast Stack Hub and Cable Systems have you sold?

A. We have sold hundreds of units installed in ultralights and experimental aircraft to certified twin turbo prop aircrafts and business jets.

Q. How long have you been in business?

A. Approach Systems has been in business for three years. The first Fast Stack Hub and Cable System was in development for over two years. Product development is a continuing process with new products being introduced on a regular basis. All employees are aviation enthusiasts from private and commercial pilots to employees that regularly participate in aerobatic competitions.

Q. Is the Approach Fast Stack Hub and Cable System just a cable harness?

A. No, the Approach Hub is a junction box and cable system of individual, professionally made cables manufactured specifically for most avionics on the market. The Fast Stack system delivers everything you need making avionic installs and upgrades fast, cost-effective and safe. Simply install the Fast Stack Hub into your aircraft and select the appropriate cables for your avionics. Plug in the cables and you're done. Approach eliminates all hand wiring and troubleshooting with a standardized, modular approach eliminating the "rat's nest" of wiring behind your instrument panel.

Q. What does the FAA think about it? Is the Fast Stack Hub STC'd or PMA'd?

A. The Approach Fast Stack Hub has no power and is considered an inactive component falling under junction box regulations requiring no STC or PMA. All wiring complies with FAA Regulation AC 43.13-1B & AC 43.13-2A. All that is required to install the Approach Fast Stack Hub and Cable System in a certified aircrafts is an FAA Form 337. Nothing is required to install Approach Fast Stack products into experimental aircraft.

Q. How do I install the Fast Stack System into a certified aircraft?

A. An FAA Form 337 is required for a certified aircraft install. Everything required for the 337 application is included in the installation manual supplied with all Fast Stack Hubs. The Hub is considered a junction box and requires no PMA or STC.

Q. Have you ever had a 337 denied?

A. No.

Q. What is a 337?

A. A 337 is an FAA form required when a major repair or alteration is made to a certified aircraft in the airframe, power plant, propeller or appliance areas. This is a very common procedure that will be completed by your dealer or A&P.; It is a simple two page form that takes no longer than 30 minutes to complete. If you have any question regarding a 337, call Approach, refer to the Fast Stack Hub installation manual or talk to your dealer. A 337 is not required for experimental aircraft.

Q. Who can install the Fast Stack System?

A. If you are building a kit plane, you or your A&P; can perform the installation. If the aircraft is certified then your avionics shop needs to perform the install and the necessary 337.

Q. Why is power not routed through the Fast Stack Hub?

A. Power is not included for one very important reason-it allows each piece of equipment to have its power routed to its appropriate bus, as per the manufacture and eliminates any possibility of creating a single point of failure for your entire avionics suite. All Approach cables come ready with flying leads for power, ground and lighting. All flying leads are properly identified making installation and identification fast and easy.

Q. Why hasn't anyone done this before?

A. The technologies Approach's Fast Stack System incorporates and the standardization of signals has only been available in the last few years. This has allowed us to create a system that is standardizing and modernizing the industry, yet does not require changes to be made by the manufactures of avionics.

Q. Do avionic shops support the use of your products?

A. Yes. We have shops that resell and install our product throughout the US and Canada. Shops report that it has increased their productivity, reduced customer aircraft down times and panel wiring errors.

Q. How much does the Fast Stack System cost?

A. A full IFR stack typically runs between $1,200 to $1,400. The Fast Stack system drastically reduces your costs by eliminating time-consuming hand wiring and troubleshooting. The Approach Fast Stack system is guaranteed to get you back in the air sooner with a modernized system that you can rely on. Please call Approach for our current price list.

Q. What if I want upgrade avionics in the future?

A. The Fast Stack system was designed to support future maintainability. Future upgrades are as easy as a new cable. This is by far the most cost-effective and safest way to upgrade available in the industry today.

Q. What is your warranty?

A. We guarantee that all products you receive will work out of the box or we will replace it for free. We also guarantee the Fast Stack Hub and Cable System free from manufacturer defects for the life of the aircraft.

Q. What about Fast Stack durability?

A. Our products have been through rigorous testing; they have stood up to some of the harshest environments including aerobatics competitions and have experienced no problems. We have had no in-flight failures with any of our customers. Fast Stack Hubs are made of durable aluminum and is gold alodined for superior conductivity that centralizes grounding eliminating any possibility of ground loops. Hub connectors are of the highest quality assuring strong electrical connections and a long life. Approach cables are professionally built using Milspec Tefzel wiring terminated with the appropriate end-connectors for most avionics in the marketplace. Approach cables also have an outer white polyolefin jacket for an additional measure of safety found no where else in general aviation protecting wiring insulation from abrasion, fretting, cracking, UV damage and heat. All cables are proper gauge and shielding. All Approach cables and hubs are properly identified making installation fast and trouble-free.

Q. How long are the cables? What if I need different lengths?

A. Cable lengths are 24" between the connectors and the flying power, ground and lighting leads are 36". If you have different requirements-we can modify cable lengths for an upcharge. Intercom and audio panel lengths will be cut to standard lengths for your specific needs. When you place your order, sales will assist you in determining you requirements (2 place vs. 4 place, music ins, push-to-talks, etc.).

Q. Can I add functionality the Fast Stack Hub does not support?

A. Yes, the instrument side of the connectors are accessible allowing for the addition of wires.

Q. Where is the Fast Stack Hub typically mounted?

A.Most people mount the hub directly behind the stack on the firewall or bulkhead. Fast Stack Hubs are small and lightweight providing installation virtually anywhere behind your instrument panel.

Q. Do any aircraft manufacturers OEM your product?

A. Yes.