Delivery Completes A Glass Cockpit Enhancement Program

The French National Civil Aviation School (ENAC), has taken delivery of its 37th upgraded Daher TB-20 training aircraft, concluding an enhancement program for these aircraft single-engine aircraft used by trainee pilots from French and foreign airlines.

The upgrade contract was awarded to Daher in 2011, and involved the installation of a Garmin G500 integrated avionics suite, two combined GNS430W communication-navigation systems and a data recorder. A number of options also were implemented, including the installation of a fuel flow indicator and incorporation of the WAAS (GPS wide area augmentation system) upgrade for TB 20 GTs that already were equipped with GPS and navigation systems (GNS).

The G500 suite fitted to ENAC’s aircraft comprises a primary flight display (PFD), a 15-cm. multi-function display (MFD) and its associated sensors, an attitude and heading reference system (AHRS), the GDC74A data concentrator, a magnetometer and a GAD 43 adapter that transmits attitude and heading data to the autopilot.

Built by Socata, now a part of Daher company, the piston-engine TB-20 is widely used for training and general aviation. At ENAC, the TB-20 fleet is part of the school’s inventory that consists of 130 training aircraft.

“With the TB-20 upgrade, we’ve continued a long-standing relationship with Daher, which traces its roots to SOCATA – a historical partner of our school,” declared Marc Houalla, ENAC’s Director General. “By adopting a glass cockpit configuration for our TB 20 aircraft, we can more effectively prepare trainee airline pilots for their future working environment. This is a decisive factor in attracting new airline customers.”

In enhancing ENAC TB-20, Daher applied its expertise in avionics modernization and aircraft modification, with capabilities covering all aspects from feasibility studies and project management to installation, flight testing, certification, acceptance and delivery.

“We are proud of having been chosen by one of the most prestigious civilian pilot schools in Europe for this fleet upgrade and contributing to its development plan,” explained Nicolas Chabbert, the Senior Vice President of Daher’s Aircraft Business Unit. “This contract is an excellent example of the commitment we make to our customers in providing technical support and long-term assistance for the operation of their aircraft.”

(Images provided with Daher news release)

FMI: www.enac.fr, www.daher.com