Chicago Jet Adds More FANS STCs

Chicago Jet Group has added approved model list supplemental type certificates (STC) to its list of FANS/CPDLC approvals, covering the Gulfstream GIV/IVSP and G300/G400 and the Boeing 767-200. The approval covers Future Air Navigation System (FANS 1/A+) and Controller Pilot Data Link Communications using Iridium satcom. Installation of this FANS/CPDLC STC also “provides the foundation to meet ADS-B and upcoming [European] Link 2000+ program mandates,” according to the company.

Chicago Jet received its first FANS STC two years ago for the Falcon 50, and since then the company has successfully done a FANS retrofit for the Falcon 900/900EX and Gulfstream G100 and Astra. The GIV is the fourth and the 767 the fifth type to receive FANS STC approval by Chicago Jet. Aircraft in process for FANS STCs, include the GII/III, GV/G500/G550, Falcon 2000/2000EX, Challenger 600/601 and Hawker 4000. The company’s Kobev International affiliate also offers FANS/CPDLC training and end-to-end operational performance testing.

The equipment used for the recent FANS/CPDLC STC includes a Universal Avionics UniLink UL-801 Communications Management Unit with VHF VDL Mode 2 receiver, a single Universal WAAS/SBAS FMS and Universal 120A cockpit voice recorder for recording of FANS data link messaging. The Iridium satcom is the NxtLink ICS-120A provided by International Communications Group, which was recently acquired by Rockwell Collins.

“The certification of this integrated retrofit system in the GIV series and Boeing 767-200 entitles international operators to utilize the significant time and cost advantages offered by flying FANS-preferred airspace,” said Mike Mitera, president of Chicago Jet. “This certified FANS solution is the only cost-effective solution specifically developed to mitigate installation cost and downtime.”

Here at NBAA 2015, Chicago Jet (Booth C7012) is highlighting its FANS/CPDLC STCs as well as an agreement to be the exclusive distributor of the AdonisOne portable in-flight entertainment (IFE) system developed by Paradigm Technology. AdonisOne retails for $13,900 and can stream movies, magazines, music, company commercials and advertisements to up to 10 passengers via the system’s built-in Wi-Fi. The new AdonisOne LX unveiled at the show can stream up to 20 passengers as well as update content via Wi-Fi when the aircraft is parked near a Wi-Fi signal connected to the internet. Also new is the XR version, with streaming for up to 60 passengers. All AdonisOne systems include a moving-map.

Passengers connect to the AdonisOne via Wi-Fi, and the HTML 5 user interface works on any smart device. Passengers can also change the destination information using their devices.

The AdonisOne includes its own battery, which lasts from 10 to 15 hours, and it can be plugged into 12 to 28 VDC or 100 to 240 VAC. The unit weighs just 2.9 pounds, and no certification is required.