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.
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