Scottsdale, Ariz. – June 26, 2015 – Associated Air Center, through its in-house Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) delegation, has obtained Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval for its first installation of a Controller-Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) System, as part of the requirements for Future Air Navigation System (FANS) on a 737-300 Boeing VVIP aircraft.
This low time/cycles 737-300 platform, manufactured in 1990 and operated by a head of state customer, is an out-of-production, classic aircraft. While CPDLC/FANS certification is available for new generation aircraft, Boeing does not offer a technical solution, in the form of a service bulletin or master change of FAA approved engineering data and parts kit for the installation and integration of the CPDLC/FANS system on older aircraft.
AAC’s in-house, engineering department developed the engineering data package to support the installation and integration to qualify for the required FAA STC approval for this system. The workscope included the installation of a new FANS compliant Flight Management System (FMS), a new FANS compliant Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS), a new FANS compliant Iridium Satcom System, a new FANS compliant Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) equipped with a back-up battery (replacing the original CVR), a new VHF Communications antenna, a new Global Positioning System (GPS) antenna and a new Iridium communications antenna.
“This particular VVIP customer flies to international destinations requiring CPDLC/FANS compliance for better flight planning along heavily congested, direct routes and flight levels in order to optimize fuel burn and range,” said James Colleary, President of AAC. “We are pleased to provide an FAA approved technical solution, while we are currently addressing additional interests from other VVIP aircraft platforms.”
All work for this project was completed at AAC’s Maintenance and Repair Organization (MRO), FAR-145 FAA Repair Station, Hangar 3, at its Dallas Love Field location. AAC installed and certified the CPDLC system during a regularly scheduled maintenance event.
Associated Air Center (AAC), StandardAero’s Transport Category VIP completion center in Dallas, Texas, is the global leader in BBJ completions and the most experienced completion company in the industry. Authorized by both Boeing and Airbus, AAC offers full completion capabilities for both narrow body and wide body aircraft, including maintenance, refurbishment, modifications and upgrades. AAC’s vertically-integrated, state-of-the-art facility provides world-class interior design, engineering and completion capabilities, engine and airframe MRO and ODA certification authority. AAC provides the most advanced engineering in the industry along with operational excellence and superior customer service from start to finish, keeping airplane programs on schedule; providing industry-leading experience and warranty support after delivery. Founded in 1948 as Associate Radio, the company has served the VVIP market and global Heads of State for over six decades.
StandardAero is one of the world’s largest independent providers of services including engine and airframe maintenance, repair and overhaul, engine component repair, engineering services, interior completions and paint applications. StandardAero serves a diverse array of customers in business and general aviation, airline, military, helicopter, components, energy and VIP completions markets. A Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) company, StandardAero provides a global service network of 13 primary facilities in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Singapore and Australia, along with an additional 50 sales and field service locations. The company celebrated its 100th year of industry leadership in 2011. On May 26, 2015, DAE Ltd. announced the signing of a definitive agreement to sell 100% of StandardAero to an affiliate of Veritas Capital. More information can be found on the company’s web site at www.standardaero.com