Chicago Jet Group Receives Approval For The Installation Of Universal Avionics UniLink CMU
Universal Avionics and Chicago Jet Group announce the Supplemental Type Certification (STC) for the Falcon 900, a significant innovative milestone. Awarded to Chicago Jet Group, a Universal Avionics Authorized Dealer, the STC is the first certified retrofit installation for Future Air Navigation System (FANS) 1/A+ / Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) over Iridium in a Dassault Mystere-Falcon 900. The installed system which includes Universal Avionics equipment, also provides the foundation to meet Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) and Link 2000+ Program mandates.
Chicago Jet Group integrated Universal Avionics UniLink UL-801 Communications Management Unit (CMU) with VHF VDL Mode 2 receiver, interfaced with the option for a single stand-alone, dual or triple Universal Avionics UNS-1Fw SBAS-Flight Management System (FMS) and CVR-120A Cockpit Voice Recorder to enable required FANS data link message recording. International Communications Group (ICG) NxtLink ICS-220A Iridium Satcom provides the Iridium AOC and ATC data link messaging and communications.
“The certification of this integrated retrofit system in the Falcon 900 entitles international operators to utilize the significant time and cost advantages offered by flying FANS preferred airspace,” said Mike Mitera, President of Chicago Jet Group. “This certified FANS solution is the only cost-effective solution specifically developed to mitigate installation cost and downtime,” he added.
“The Chicago Jet team’s completion of the Falcon 900 STC for FANS/CPDLC demonstrates the innovative vision that Mike Mitera committed to over three years ago, to diligently strive to accomplish this critical system integration supporting global NextGen initiatives,” said Bruce Bunevich, Universal Avionics Great Lakes Regional Sales Manager. “This STC opens the door for operators to meet global navigation mandates, and provides the foundation for ADS-B capability for Falcon 900B operators,” he added.
The Falcon 900 is the second airframe to receive Chicago Jet Group FANS retrofit certification, following the first ever FANS retrofit STC, achieved last year on the Falcon 50. Several additional airframes are currently in process at Chicago Jet Group for FANS retrofit installation and certification, including the Gulfstream Astra/G100, Gulfstream GII/GIII, Gulfstream GIV/GIVSP/GV, Falcon 2000, Boeing 767-200, and Challenger 600 and 601.
(Image provided by Universal Avionics)