Thu, Oct 01, 2015
Spirit Aeronautics Authorized To Upgrade Systems
The FAA has granted a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) allowing Spirit Aeronautics to install Future Airspace Navigation System (FANS) 1/A capability in Bombardier’s Challenger 604 aircraft equipped with Rockwell Collins Pro Line 4 avionics.
The STC upgrade is straightforward and utilizes the current flight management system (FMS) and control display units (CDUs) coupled with a new communications management unit (CMU) to achieve integrated FANS 1/A capabilities. With FANS 1/A, Challenger 604 crews will be able to utilize preferred wind-efficient transatlantic routes which saves time and fuel. The upgrade also includes Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Contract (ADS-C) and Controller Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) which reduces pilot workload and improves clarity and accuracy of pilot communications with Air Traffic Control (ATC).
“This is what Challenger operators have been waiting for and it is truly one of those occasions where they better move fast to reserve a slot because the equipment and capacity levels will be stretched to the limits to meet the mandated deadlines. There are simply more aircraft that need FANS upgrades than installation facilities and equipment OEM’s can keep up with”, said Tony Bailey, President and COO of Spirit Aeronautics. “Even though the STC is complete, FANS installations are very complex and require a qualified installation facility that is not only approved by the equipment OEMs but have years of experience working with complex avionics installations like Spirit Aeronautics.”
The concept of Future Air Navigation System (FANS) was introduced by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 1983 as a way to establish a standard protocol for oceanic communications for aircraft. The evolution of the system included the adoption of Automatic Dependent Surveillance (ADS) and Controller Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) which allows for better aircraft control in congested airspace. Evolving technologies that utilize FANS are included in the FAA Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) with regulatory mandates requiring compliance starting in December 2017.
(Image from file)
More News
Runway Lead-in Light System Runway Lead-in Light System Consists of one or more series of flashing lights installed at or near ground level that provides positive visual guidance a>[...]
Aero Linx: Aviation Without Borders Aviation Without Borders uses its aviation expertise, contacts and partnerships to enable support for children and their families – at hom>[...]
Dave Juwel's Aviation Marketing Stories ITBOA BNITBOB ... what does that mean? It's not gibberish, it's a lengthy acronym for "In The Business Of Aviation ... But Not In The Busine>[...]
From 2010 (YouTube Version): Yeah.... This IS A Really Cool Job When ANN's Nathan Cremisino took over the lead of our Aero-TV teams, he knew he was in for some extra work and a lot>[...]
Also: Junkers A50 Heritage, Montaer Grows, Dynon-Advance Flight Systems, Vans' Latest Officially, the Carbon Cub UL and Rotax 916 iS is now in its 'market survey development phase'>[...]
ANN's Daily Aero-Term (04.24.24): Runway Lead-in Light System
See All