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Associated Air Center Receives STC Approval for CPDLC/FANS System on VVIP 757-200 Boeing Classic Aircraft

Scottsdale, Ariz. – July 29, 2015 – Associated Air Center (AAC) working jointly with StandardAero’s Springfield Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) delegation has obtained a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the installation of a Controller-Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) System, as part of the requirements for Future Air Navigation System (FANS), on an early model 757-200 Boeing aircraft, manufactured in 1987.

“This certification represents another significant industry accomplishment,” said James Colleary, President of AAC. “Whenever an in-house team can develop an engineering data package to support the installation and integration of a FAA-certified CPDLC/FANS system for an out-of-production Boeing aircraft, it’s a serious technical achievement.”

Workscope for the project 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. The system was installed during a scheduled maintenance event and certified on July 24, 2015.

The new CPDLC/FANS system includes compliance for travel to international destinations and provides better flight planning capabilities for traveling in heavily congested routes and at flight levels that can optimize range and fuel burn. AAC completed a similar STC for a Boeing classic 737-300 CPDLC/FANS system in June of this year.

The project was completed at AAC’s Maintenance and Repair Organization (MRO), FAR-145 FAA Repair Station, Hangar 3, Dallas Love Field, Texas location.


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. The company celebrated its 100th year of industry leadership in 2011. StandardAero is owned by and partnered with Veritas Capital, a leading private equity firm headquartered in New York City. Veritas invests in companies that provide critical products and services to government and commercial customers worldwide including those operating in aerospace & defense, healthcare, technology, national security, communications, energy and education. More information can be found on the company’s web site at www.standardaero.com.