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Brand New ARINCDirect Portfolio Showcase at MEBA by Rockwell Collins

December 7, 2014
Business Aviation News
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Find Out More About ARINCDirect Flight Support ServicesFollowing its acquisition of ARINC Inc last year, Rockwell Collins have launched a new a re-branded portfolio for its business aviation arm, ARINCDirectSM. The new offerings will be showcased at the upcoming Middle East Business Aviation convention and exhibition (MEBA) this month.

The new ARINCDirectSM portfolio includes a suite of flight support services that consolidates Rockwell Collins’ former Ascend Flight Information SolutionsTM and ARINC Direct services into one solution for flight operations management, regional & international flight support, flight planning and cabin connectivity and it already cited as being the most comprehensive flight support solution for business aviation in the industry.

Some of the ARINCDirectSM services that will be showcased will be:

  • A tankering feature accessible via the ARINCDirectSM customer portal to help manage fuel costs more effectively
  • An extension of the Rockwell Collins’ Flight Operating SystemTM (FOS) with new and improved integration properties
  • The latest in in-flight cabin and crew connectivity
  • An upgrade to the ARINCDirectSM iPad application that provides business aviation pilots with the ability to carry out accurate computations via an integrated weight/balance/performance feature –on or offline

The cabin connectivity features integrate Rockwell Collins’ successful VenueTM system with Airshow Moving MapTM and SkyboxTM, giving business passengers real-time information and IFE on both cabin-mounted and personal devices.

CPDLC FANS 1/A Package for Bombardier Challenger from Rockwell Collins

November 1, 2014
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Rockwell Collins' FANS 1/A & CPDLC CapabilitiesIt has been announced that Rockwell Collins is to offer FANS 1/A with CPDLC capability to the Bombardier Challenger 604 aircraft currently equipped with their Pro Line 4 avionics systems. The upgrade will be made available in mid to late 2015 and will build upon the aircraft’s current Flight Management System (FMS) and Control Display Units (CDUs).

The incorporation of a new communications unit will give operators of the Challenger 604 access to the transatlantic route that offer greater wind-efficiency, which results in significant savings of both time and fuel for the carriers.

The FANS 1/A package is made up of Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) capabilities and Automatic Dependant Surveillance-Contract (ADS-C) which offer both enhanced clarity for pilot communications and a reduction in flight crew workload.

Concerns Still High as European Mandates Approach

September 30, 2014
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Datalink Solutions Providers for Mandatory CommunicationsThis week, at the European Regions Airline Association assembly, speakers echoed the concern that is spread across the aviation industry about the upcoming mandatory regulations in Europe for CPDLC cockpit upgrades that are averaging $500,000 per aircraft in retrofit costs. Sectors are hoping for a delay to the mandate, which is intended to be in place by February 2015.

Also at the assembly, Steven Tyler, IATA director general says he has grown tired of trying to fight for reform in other areas.

Echoing the thoughts of many members, he said, “Everybody agrees with [changing the rules], but nothing ever happens. So the only conclusion you can reach is the reason they’re there is somebody likes it the way it is, and ‘the somebody’ is the governments. We can all agree it would be a good thing, but it’s just not happening, and the reason it’s not happening is because people like it the way it is. It may be illogical, it may be hypocritical, but I’m afraid that’s life. And that’s why I haven’t put all my own energy and all the energy of the organization, of IATA, into campaigning on this particular issue, because it would be wasted effort.”

Aircell Business Aviation Services Rebranding

September 2, 2014
Business Aviation News
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Other Leading Providers of Business Aviation ServicesIt has been announced that Aircell, Gogo Inc’s business aviation communications provider, has been rebranded to firmly define the company’s two divisions – commercial and business aviation – and will now be known as Gogo Business Aviation.

Business aviation service providers bring aircraft communications services to the business aviation sector exclusively. Many providers have two divisions, as the requirements differ hugely in each sector.

Aircell has been trading since 1991 and are well-known for in-flight connectivity and Wi-Fi solutions using satellite network availability.

“Gogo’s mission is to advance aviation by connecting every aircraft with the most trusted communications services on and above our planet. Having our commercial and business aviation divisions share a brand will make more people aware of the full breadth of our business,” said Gogo’s president and CEO, Michael Small. “The rebranding will also help travellers recognize their favourite Gogo services, whether they’re aboard an airline, corporate, fractional or charter aircraft – anywhere in the world”.

“We’re thrilled to introduce Gogo Business Aviation as the next evolution of our brand,” said Gogo Business Aviation’s executive vice president and general manager, John Wade. “The past five years has seen a remarkable menu of in-flight capabilities emerge for business aircraft operators, including Internet, e-mail, voice, texting, personal smartphone usage, movies, TV episodes, news, weather, cockpit data and more. And at the same time, the onboard equipment has become orders-of-magnitude smaller, lighter and more affordable. These truly are exciting times.”

The rebranded division will also be relocating its headquarters to larger premises a short distance away to fully appreciate the focus of its market, while continuing to share expertise and technology, in addition to the brand name.

Upgrades to Mandalay Airport Approved

July 29, 2014
Business Aviation News
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Complex Airport Infrastructure Improvements ProvidersPlans and proposals to upgrade Mandalay Airport have now been submitted to the Myanmar Investment Commission after receiving government approval last week.

Formal talks have been concluded and the agreement is to upgrade the airport to a logistics hub, requiring improvements to airport infrastructure, physical development and promotion of local airlines. Mitsubishi-Jalux and SPA Project Management won the project tender last year and will upgrade and manage the country’s second-largest airport once completed.

Infrastructure upgrades to airport operations involve a full-scale overhaul of messaging environments to allow maximum operational productivity both in the air and on the ground. Today, web-based messaging platforms give airports greater flexibility and can assist with streamlining both operations and costs.

To operate on a truly global scale, Mandalay Airport will benefit from the liberalisation of economic regulations and strengthening of air linkages between the country and other parts of Asia, Europe and the USA.

Aviation Data Link CMU Ready for FANS Approval

June 23, 2014
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Aviation Data Link Services ProvidersUniversal Avionics announced at the EBACE convention that Clay Lacy Aviation is ready to offer an STC to provide FANS 1/A+ capability for the Gulfstream GIV and GIV -SP models with the UniLink UL-801 Communications Management System (CMU).

Initial certification aircraft installation started in January and STC approval is expected before the end of September, when application for EASA certification will take place.

The installation for FANS encompasses the UniLink UL-801, Cockpit voice recorder, Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Contract (ADS-C) functionalities.

As the date for EuroControl mandates approaches, airlines and operators are preparing for compliance in both commercial and business aircraft.

“The cost of non-compliance to long range business jets is significant, affecting routing, flight time and fuel burn,” said Universal Avionics director of sales, Robert Clare. “Operators may experience challenges flying within the North Atlantic Track System if the aircraft is not equipped for FANS capabilities, such as being routed to lower altitudes, causing a considerable increase in fuel burn.”

EU In-flight Connectivity to be Delivered by Inmarsat

June 6, 2014
Business Aviation News
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In-flight Connectivity Solutions ProvidersBritish satellite communications company, Inmarsat has announced its intention to deliver high-speed, EU-wide in-flight connectivity with a unique integrated telecommunications network including an order for a new s-band satellite, Europasat.

“We believe that the same in-flight connectivity opportunity exists in Europe and that, with the support of EU telecoms regulators, Inmarsat can rapidly bring to market unique, high speed aviation passenger connectivity services to meet this market demand on an EU-wide basis,” said Inmarsat CEO Rupert Pearce.

Inmarsat capabilities already include seamless coverage via Global Xpress and will place them ahead of the competition for in-flight connectivity for passengers.

Widespread interest is being shown by major airlines and passengers could soon be looking forward to the same connectivity that is currently only enjoyed by the business aviation community, with the deployment of Europe’s first 4G broadband network.

Currently, the company are working on shared system to reduce initial costs in partnership with Hellas-Sat, a non-competing European satellite operator and Thales Alenia Space for the construction of a satellite on a shared basis. Europasat will also support the next-gen emergency network services for public protection and disaster relief.

The aviation network deployment, planned for the end of 2016, will be enabled by Inmarsat’s current existing authorisation to operate integrated satellite and terrestrial communications in 30MHz of S-band frequencies spanning the 28 Member States of the European Union. The licensing process has already begun with EU member states and Inmarsat has received strong support for its application from a high number of EU telecommunications regulators. It is hoped that a consistent regulatory foundation can be accomplished quickly in order to facilitate the swift implementation of the services for the benefit of businesses and passengers across the EU.

‘Got Weather?’ Safety Campaign Launched by FAA & GA Pilots

May 4, 2014
Business Aviation News
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aviation weatherAn eight-month weather safety campaign has been launched this week at the Great Alaska Aviation Gathering in Anchorage, with an aim to help pilots prepare for weather issues that may arise over the coming year. The campaign, entitled ‘Got Weather?’ is to be managed by a partnership between the FAA and the GA community and will deal will a focus weather topic each month via an online portal, in addition to safety seminars and case studies.

Aviation accidents caused by adverse weather are amongst the most frequent across the world with almost 75% of these resulting in fatalities. The campaign will discuss turbulence issues, icing, high winds and thunderstorms as part of the initiative to bring enhanced awareness to GA pilots.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said, “General aviation is a vibrant part of our country’s culture and our economy, but too many lives are lost each year in general aviation crashes related to weather. This campaign will help ensure that our general aviation pilots are prepared in the face of bad weather and are as safe and well-trained as possible.”

“The link between aviation safety and weather is something that can never be overemphasized,” said vice president of safety and advocacy for the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Sean Elliott. “Understanding weather and how it affects your planned flight is essential, and that’s why EAA supports this safety initiative for all aviators.”

The official launch date for ‘Got Weather?’ is 4th May and is expected to run until December.

 

Where Does Aviation Weather Data Come From?

April 23, 2014
Business Aviation News
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Flight Deck Weather DataThe recording and delivery of reliable aviation weather data is a critical component in maintaining safety in the skies. Adverse weather is one of the major contributors to aviation accidents on a global scale. But where does the data come from?

All over the world, weather stations are continuously monitoring and recording weather data consisting of temperatures to cloud cover and everything in between. These stations are called Automated Surface Observing Systems. Supercomputers take this data and use equations and calculations to enable weather forecasting.

The aviation weather data readings must be accurate and as fresh as possible to facilitate swift decision-making, flight planning and scheduling. The FAA issues coded messaging to airports, air traffic services and other authorities with numbered data to ascertain the source of the aviation weather data. Currently, there are 5,431 stations recognised by the FAA.

Timely delivery of aviation weather data is managed by ATS via airline data link, radio communications and often via satellite. Using ACARS, HFDL and CPDLC communications, aviation weather data keeps the safety of all aircraft as a priority. State-of-the-art technology in aviation today can mean that via type b messaging capability, aviation weather data can be accessed and delivered within a second.

FANS Upgrade for Falcon Jets Offered by Rockwell Collins

April 11, 2014
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Providers of CPDLC CommunicationsRockwell Collins, recent acquirers of ARINC Inc, has announced an expansion on its Future Airspace Navigation System (FANS) 1/A capability and is offering an upgrade to Dassault Falcon 50EX, 2000 and 2000EX that are currently equipped with their avionics and flight management systems. The upgrades will be available during 2015.

The FANS a/A upgrade will bring operators savings of both fuel and time, helping to reduce the pilot’s workload with CPDLC capability and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Contract (ADS-C) and offering enhanced clarity of communications in remote oceanic and Polar Regions of the globe.