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Business Air News Bulletin
Business Air News Bulletin

Press Release

Issued by Stevens Aerospace and Defense Systems (GYH).

June 4, 2018

Stevens Aviation completes FANS 1/A and ADS-B Out avionics upgrade for Falcon 50EX

Stevens Aviation's Greenville, S.C. MRO facility recently completed a comprehensive FANS-1/A+ with ATN B1 and ADS-B avionics upgrade on a 1999 Dassault Falcon 50EX. Executed in five weeks, the upgrade package allows the business jet to safely complete transatlantic flights while maintaining direct data link communication between the pilot and air traffic controllers.

The Falcon 50EX, with its three-engine configuration and spacious cabin, is designed for long flights. With the FANS-1A+ with ATN B1 and ADS-B systems installed, the aircraft is suitable for flights along the North Atlantic Track (NAT-OTS). Dan Machis, aviation department manager for Augusta, Ga. based Morris Communications states, “Upgrading just made sense for us financially. This allows us to take advantage of preferred routing and altitudes, increases our level of safety, performance, and efficiency while conducting North Atlantic and European operations. Now we will have the convenience of using our own business jet over a charter or airline.”

This avionics upgrade required several components, including a Flight Management System (FMS), a UniLink UL-801 Communications Management Unit (CMU), a Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), TN1007 Iridium Datalink Unit (DLU) and a VHF high frequency radio. These components make it possible for aircraft to maintain real-time communication with air traffic control.

Starting on January 1, 2020, the FAA mandates that aircraft must be equipped with ADS-B Out to fly in most controlled airspace. “Many customers are skeptical to upgrade because they question whether the FAA will push back the deadline,” explains Mike LaConto, avionics manager at Stevens Aviation. “In this case, the FAA has all systems in place to require compliance. There's no doubt in my mind that the 2020 deadline is set in stone.”

According to Machis, Stevens Aviation was a logical choice for the upgrade. “Stevens keeps us in compliance and offers us cost-competitive solutions. Beyond that, they're a great team of experienced aviation pros who love what they do. We have enjoyed our over twenty year relationship with the Stevens team.”