Data Communications Upgrade for Hawker 4000 Business Jets Earns STC Approval
Textron Aviation announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved supplemental type certification (STC) for an integrated Future Air Navigation System (FANS) and Protected Mode Controller Pilot Data Link Communication (PM-CPDLC) program for Hawker 4000 jets with Honeywell PRIMUS EPIC cockpits. This upgrade enhances pilot-ATC communication and uses the latest data link services in North America and Europe. The technology reduces pilot workload and improves efficiency. The program supports future FAA NextGen Data Com capabilities and offers features such as trajectory-based operations, improved re-routing, and prioritized departure clearances. Installations are available at selected Textron Aviation service facilities.
- FAA approval of STC for integrated FANS and PM-CPDLC program.
- Enhanced communication between pilots and air traffic controllers.
- Utilization of latest Data Link services in North America and Europe.
- Reduced pilot workload and improved efficiency.
- Supports future FAA NextGen Data Com capabilities.
- Features include trajectory-based operations and improved re-routing.
- Prioritized departure clearances can save several minutes.
- Program installation available at selected Textron Aviation service facilities.
- The upgrade may involve significant installation costs for customers.
- to selected domestic Textron Aviation service facilities, potentially causing inconvenience for some customers.
Insights
The Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) authorization of supplemental type certification (STC) for the Future Air Navigation System (FANS) and Protected Mode Controller Pilot Data Link Communication (PM-CPDLC) upgrade for Hawker 4000 jets represents a significant advancement in aviation technology. These updates streamline communication between pilots and air traffic control (ATC), enhancing operational efficiency and flight safety. By leveraging data link services, pilots can quickly upload complex instructions into the flight management system, reducing manual input errors and pilot workload. Moreover, these upgrades support future FAA NextGen capabilities, positioning Textron Aviation's fleet ahead of regulatory requirements.
For both pilots and operational stakeholders, the ability to re-route around severe weather and congestion and receive prioritized departure clearances, translates to tangible time and fuel savings. This operational efficiency can ultimately lower operating costs and improve overall flight experience.
Furthermore, as these systems become more widely adopted, the standardization of data link communications will facilitate smoother international flights, aligning with global aviation standards.
From a market perspective, the certification of the FANS and PM-CPDLC upgrades for the Hawker 4000 jets could potentially enhance Textron Aviation's competitive position. Customers seek efficiency and safety in their aviation solutions and these technology enhancements directly address those needs. The ability to offer cutting-edge avionics can be a critical factor in both retaining current customers and attracting new ones. This upgrade also reinforces Textron's commitment to leveraging customer feedback to drive innovation, which can strengthen customer loyalty and brand reputation.
Given the increasing emphasis on data-driven operations in aviation, this development aligns well with industry trends toward smarter, more connected aircraft. The long-term benefits include potential incremental revenue through upgrade installations and ongoing maintenance, as well as positioning Textron as a forward-thinking player in the market.
The Federal Aviation Administration has granted supplemental type certification (STC) approval for a data communications upgrade for Hawker 4000 business jets. (Photo: Textron Aviation)
Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker customers receive factory-direct support, maintenance and modifications by Textron Aviation, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, through a global network of service and part centers, mobile service units and 24/7 1CALL AOG support.
“The new cockpit technology upgrade for Hawker 4000 business jets reduces pilot workload and offers improved efficiency,” said Brian Rohloff, senior vice president, Customer Support. “Our team is committed to supporting customers throughout their ownership experience and we made this option available through our global service network based on their feedback.”
The FANS 1/A+ and PM-CPDLC program features:
- Ease of operation by quickly and accurately loading complex instructions into the aircraft flight management system with the push of a button
- Support for future FAA Next Gen Data Com capabilities
- Trajectory-based operations
- Improved re-routing of aircraft around severe weather events and traffic congestion
- Prioritized departure clearances that can save several minutes of wait time before takeoff
PM-CPDLC is similar to SMS text messaging used on a personal cell phone. The technology uses prescribed text messages to enable pilots and air traffic controllers (ATC) to request and authorize clearances and flight plan changes quickly and accurately.
Customers can complete the program installation at selected domestic Textron Aviation service facilities.
About Textron Aviation service
Textron Aviation, through its Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands, is renowned for its unrivaled global service network dedicated to complete life-cycle support. Textron Aviation’s support organization includes 20 company-owned full-service centers located around the world with expert service engineers offering maintenance, inspections, parts, repairs, avionic upgrades, equipment installations, refurbishments and other specialized services. In addition to its company-owned footprint, Textron Aviation’s jet and turboprop customers have access to a global network of more than 300 authorized service facilities. Textron Aviation also offers a mobile support program featuring more than 40 mobile service units and on-site service technicians and support. Find additional information about Textron Aviation’s service programs at http://txtav.com/en/service.
About Textron Aviation
We inspire the journey of flight. For more than 95 years, Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has empowered our collective talent across the Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands to design and deliver the best aviation experience for our customers. With a range that includes everything from business jets, turboprops, and high-performance pistons, to special mission, military trainer and defense products, Textron Aviation has the most versatile and comprehensive aviation product portfolio in the world and a workforce that has produced more than half of all general aviation aircraft worldwide. Customers in more than 170 countries rely on our legendary performance, reliability and versatility, along with our trusted global customer service network, for affordable and flexible flight.
For more information, visit www.txtav.com | www.defense.txtav.com | www.scorpionjet.com.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, Textron Systems, and TRU Simulation. For more information, visit: www.textron.com
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements which may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; these statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
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Hailey Tucker
Htucker@txtav.com
+1.316.881.2684
txtav.com
Source: Textron Aviation
FAQ
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