Aircraft Returned to Service With Canadian Charter And Cargo Carrier

The Mid-Canada Mod Center has completed the extensive cockpit update and redesign to a “classic” of the industry – the Boeing 737-200. The project was completed earlier this summer and the aircraft returned to service with a specialized Canadian based charter and cargo operator. It has been proving its value since that date and the next in a series of updates is scheduled to be modified in late summer.

The aircraft involved in this mod is a B737-200 Combi – a true “workhorse of the north” - providing charter and service to remote communities in both standard airports and unimproved fields. Safety first and efficiency second were the demands placed on MC2 for this modernization. The resulting project went from concept – through design, specification, and sales of the new components – to finish with installation and certification, all within a tight timeline. The core of this mod involved replacing the existing and now obsolete legacy HSI/ADI suite with four large format flat panel integrated smart displays and associated control panels. The EFI-890R Advanced Flight Display from Universal Avionics selected and incorporated into this update offers flexibility as a stand-alone Primary Flight Display (PFD) or Multi-Function Display (MFD). The units are large, 8.9-inch diagonal LCD high-resolution, high-contrast displays and provide superior readability throughout a full range of ambient lighting conditions including bright sunlight and dim nighttime environments. Extremely wide viewing angles are also accommodated. The backlight system also works with reduced power requirements and produces a lower unit operating temperature for superior reliability.

In addition to this, the existing vertical and directional gyros were removed. Dual Honeywell Laseref Inertial Reference Sensors were installed and interfaced to both the new and existing systems. The resulting modernization provides large format flat panel integrated smart displays that are coupled to the existing autopilot and flight directors and provide accurate and reliable sources of heading and attitude with reversionary display capability. All required ancillary hardware and adapters were included in this MC2 modernization.

The existing radios, audio systems, Flight Management System, EGPWS and weather radar were retained. A second UNS-1LW SBAS Flight Management System was also installed.

In speaking about this modification,  said – “We have a unique track record when bringing new technology to older cockpits," said Bill Arsenault, president of MC2. "MC2 have become champions in the process of extending the life of classic aircraft like these. Improved efficiency and operational flexibility – especially in aircraft working the North in such varied operational situations – have become industry trendsetters for MC2. The opportunity to once again help out an operator in this manner brings us pride and satisfaction regarding the advanced level of avionics support and engineering we offer all our clients.”

(Image provided with Mid-Canada Mod Center news release)

FMI: www.midcanadamod.com