Story ID: 
FMS software upgrades open new doors
By: AIN Staff
Caption: Honeywell announced flight management system software upgrades for its FMZ-2000 and Primus Epic systems that will provide advanced GPS-enabled route and ap
Word Count: 303
Honeywell announced flight management system software upgrades for its FMZ-2000 and Primus Epic systems that will provide advanced GPS-enabled route and approach capabilities, including access to congested airspace and oceanic airways. The Version 6.1 FMS software upgrade will apply to aircraft with the FMZ-2000, while Version 7.1 enhances the Primus Epic suite.The upgrades are expected to receive FAA operational authorization late this year. Both are slated for early 2009 availability on selected aircraft platforms.According to Rob Wilson, president of Honeywell Business and General Aviation, the FMS software upgrades will enable more than 1,000 GPS wide-area augmentation system (WAAS) and required navigational performance (RNP) approaches to be flown to lower minimums, as well as provide conformity for landings in high traffic densities and over difficult terrain.The software provides FMS conformity with RNP special aircraft and aircrew authorization required (SAAAR), WAAS-localizer performance with vertical guidance (LPV) and future air navigation system (FANS) standards. FANS creates a radar-like environment in oceanic regions and enables pilot-controller datalink communication for route flexibility, lower crew workload and more closely controlled arrivals and departures. Thus, a single FMS software upgrade reduces pilot workload significantly and makes more direct approaches available to the autopilot, saving time and fuel, Wilson said.Honeywell’s flight department has already become the first Part 91 operator authorized by the FAA for RNP SAAAR operations. This allows company pilots to fly all FAA-created public RNP SAAAR procedures designed for greater airport access.Honeywell is assisting business jet operators to speed their receipt of RNP SAAAR authorization from the FAA through its Go Direct Services.Under a consultancy granted by the FAA, the company has begun helping operators meet performance standards and transition to the new aircraft-based navigation technology. Go Direct Services provides a new database validation service to help operators comply with RNP SAAAR FMS data integrity requirements.