Chicago Jet Group STC’s Universal Avionics Dual WAAS FMS in Falcon 50 with MFD-640

Chicago Jet Group STC’s Universal Avionics Dual WAAS FMS in Falcon 50 with MFD-640

Tucson, AZ – May 29, 2009 – Universal Avionics has once again expanded its WAAS/SBAScapable Flight Management Systems (FMS) to its growing list of certified platforms. In May, an FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) was awarded to Chicago Jet Group, Aurora, IL, for dual UNS-1Fw or UNS-1Lw installation in the Dassault Falcon 50 aircraft. The STC, which included Lateral Precision performance with Vertical guidance (LPV) capability, covers the Falcon 50 for UNS-1Fw and UNS-1Lw installations. With the WAAS/SBAS-FMS, Universal was the first to provide this approach capability to Part 25 Transport Category Aircraft like the Falcon 50.

The STC includes approval for 3D coupled WAAS GPS (RNAV) Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance (LPV) procedures. These approach types, referred to as RNAV (GPS) LPV approaches on the approach chart, are the fastest growing GPS approach type in the U.S., now with over 1600 published procedures. As part of the NextGen National Airspace System improvement plan, the FAA is focused on reducing the industry’s dependence on older ground based navaids such as ILS, and increasing the use of GPS navigation via the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS). Because of its ability to alleviate airspace congestion, save fuel and improve safety, SBAS technology is being applied worldwide.

With the WAAS/SBAS-FMS, pilots can fly with RNP-like accuracy of 0.3 NM and minima as low as 200 ft with ½ mile visibility for “ILS-like” capability at airports without ILS navaids. Greater airport accessibility and improved safety in poor weather conditions are just some of the other advantages of utilizing SBAS guidance.