ARINC, AeroMech Get RVSM STC For Citation III, Beechjet 400

The FAA has awarded ARINC Direct a supplemental type certificate (STC) for RVSM instrument modifications on the Cessna 650 (Citation III). ARINC and its partner, AeroMech, say they've come up with a convenient "one-stop" RVSM package for Cessna 650 operators. 

Less than a third of Cessna 650 aircraft in North America have been modified for RVSM flight. Until now, the only available RVSM solution has been a factory service bulletin.

"ARINC and AeroMech are pleased to offer the first competitively-priced RVSM solution for the C650," said Dave Poltorak, ARINC Vice President, Business Aviation Services. "We have combined our engineering and RVSM experience with new precision Thommen avionics to offer a complete and convenient solution."

The ARINC/AeroMech solution includes a group certification STC from AeroMech and covers all C650 airframes, equipped with either single or dual air data computers. It is the first package in the U.S. to include advanced avionics from leading Swiss manufacturer Thommen, one of Europe's most respected instrument makers.

ARINC will perform modifications at its FAA/JAA-certified repair facility in Colorado Springs (COS) in 2 to 7 days of downtime.

The ARINC/AeroMech C650 RVSM kit will also be made available to certified repair stations, complete with the required STCs, wiring harness, a new custom instrument panel, upgraded dual or single air data computers, and the advanced Thommen Air Data Display Unit (ADDU). The Thommen ADDU is a combined altimeter and air data computer that was TSOd by the FAA in January.
 
"Thommen is excited to expand our offering to the U.S. business aviation market," said Rudolf Iten, Thommen Director of Sales. "ARINC and AeroMech are clearly industry leaders, and we are impressed by the pace and quality of their RVSM work." Thommen avionics are specified as original equipment on many major commercial and military airframes around the world.

"ARINC and AeroMech want to be the service providers of choice in the business aviation market," added Poltorak of ARINC Direct. "By providing a comprehensive and convenient RVSM solution, with superior avionics at a very competitive price, we accelerate toward that goal."

RVSM A Major Theme At NBAA '04

ARINC Direct now offers RVSM modifications and/or installation kits for almost 40% of all business jets in North America.

Over the past year, the two companies have pooled their RVSM skills and resources to develop solutions for seven popular business jet airframes. Aside from the Citation III, ARINC offers RVSM products for the Hawker 700, Beechjet 400/Mitsubishi 300 (also announced at NBAA '04), King Air, Westwind II, Falcon 10, and Learjet 35.

The recently certified ARINC Designated Alteration Station (DAS) at Colorado Springs will make it easier for the two companies to develop, process and approve a variety of engineering solutions for both RVSM and Terrain Avoidance Warning Systems, as the demand for technical solutions for regulatory requirements increases in coming months.

"We have focused on airframes where we felt the market was underserved, and have worked hard this year to make the RVSM modification and certification process as convenient and cost-effective as possible," said Dave Poltorak, Vice President of ARINC Direct. "We are committed to providing a full range of installation, engineering, and certification services that will satisfy a large segment of the business aviation market-both now and in the future."

FMI: www.arinc.com, www.aeromechinc.com