Bartlesville, Oklahoma-based Phoenix Rising Aviation and business aircraft sales and charter company Global Jet Partners have completed the first Universal Avionics InSight flight display system upgrade in a Falcon 900B. Phoenix Rising performed the replacement of the airplane’s Control Display System/Retrofit (CDS/R) while conducting major C-check maintenance. The InSight installation in a Falcon 900B follows the specifications of an STC acquired by Chicago Jet Group.
According to Phoenix Rising, the modification addresses the growing obsolescence and maintenance challenges faced by operators of cockpits with legacy avionics. InSight replaces outdated avionics with a fourth-generation integrated flight deck featuring four high-resolution displays and two touchscreen-enabled control displays. Along with offering improved reliability, the 3D synthetic vision system and associated digital map—combined with advanced safety features for traffic, weather, and terrain—“significantly” enhances situational awareness for safer operations, according to the company. The retrofit also increases the aircraft's useable payload by 150 pounds due to the removal of old excess wiring and obsolete and heavier, older avionics.
“We chose the cutting-edge Universal InSight avionics cockpit retrofit upgrade to bring this beautiful, older Falcon 900B up to the latest 21st-century standards and enhance its market and resale value,” said Global Jet Partners CEO Michael Long. “After a five-month, complete upgrade, this aircraft is actively for sale and represents a high-value, turn-key market proposition.”
The InSight Flight Display System integrates with existing aircraft systems and includes the latest Universal flight management systems (FMS) and UniLink data communications management, enabling FANS 1/A+, CPDLC, and ATN B1 capabilities. The system improves operational efficiency with CPDLC departure clearances, saving 15 minutes or more on a typical flight. Additionally, WAAS/LPV and RNP approaches down to 0.3 nm expand the range of airports where Falcon pilots can perform precision approaches.
“This one-of-a-kind jet is a compelling example of the transformative potential of the InSight system,” Phoenix Rising Aviation president Warren Peck said. “With InSight, Falcon 900B owners have a sustainable and cost-effective path to modernization, regardless of its original avionics configuration, ensuring that their aircraft remain competitive and valuable within the market.”