757 FANS STC Issued to Associated Air Center

Associated Air Center has obtained a supplemental type certificate for installation of a FANS/CPDLC system on the Boeing 757-200. The Future Air Navigation System (FANS)/Controller-Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) system includes an ICG Iridium satcom and equipment supplied by Universal Avionics and Astro-Med. While the company didn’t provide details of the specific type of equipment, Universal manufactures FMSs, datalink systems and flight data recorders used by many FANS installers.

Astro-Med makes data-acquisition systems. The new equipment includes a new ACARS, the satcom, a cockpit voice recorder and new VHF com, GPS and Iridium antennas.  Associated worked with sister company StandardAero and its Springfield, Ill. organization designation authorization to certify the upgrade. Associated previously certified a FANS/CPDLC system in a Boeing 737-300, and both were done at the company’s Dallas Love Field repair station.

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