Story ID: 423 UniversalAvionics
Universal Introduces FMS Trainer iPad App
By: Bill Carey
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Word Count: 315
Universal Avionics (Booth No. N6108) is presenting the company’s new FMS control display unit (CDU) emulator iPad application for its FMS Trainer software at this year’s NBAA convention.
  
The new app supports “life-sized, touch-sensitive” emulation of the Tucson, Ariz.-based company’s four-inch CDU, five-inch CDU and multifunctional CDU, providing operators with realistic training in flight management system (FMS) operations. It sends Universal’s FMS Trainer CDU display screen to the iPad, and key pushes from the simulated CDU are sent back to the FMS Trainer via a wireless network.
  
Previously, Universal’s customers would have to use a computer mouse to operate the FMS Trainer software. “Customers desiring a true hands-on training experience had to use expensive aircraft hardware,” said Robert LaBerge, Universal Avionics customer training manager. “The iPad app solves this issue beautifully, allowing customers to achieve a low-cost, realistic solution for hands-on FMS training.”
  
The FMS Trainer software provides interactive training for Universal’s FMSs, including the current line of satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS)-capable systems. 
  
Universal Avionics and Duncan Aviation are displaying a Falcon 900B with the first EFI-890R cockpit retrofit upgrade, which replaces 25 older instruments. The aircraft is on static display at Henderson Executive Airport through Thursday. The avionics suite features five Universal EFI-890R 8.9-inch advanced flight displays, including engine interface units that replace analog gages.
  
Universal Avionics is also announcing a formal partnership with MD Helicopters to design and build a “NextGen” flight deck for the MD Explorer helicopter. The companies signed a memorandum of understanding for the two-year program at the 2013 Heli-Expo conference. Universal is demonstrating the new integrated flight deck at its NBAA booth.
  
Also at NBAA, Univeral is introducing the FlightAssure extended warranty program, which is available for purchase at any time during ownership of Universal Avionics equipment.