Avionics News January 2016 - 64
NBAA CONVENTION Continued from page 63 company's customer advisory board, which is comprised of more than a dozen top business aviation operators. According to the company, operators are beginning to evaluate options and to set budgets for compliance for multiple avionics mandates coming due in the next four years. Over the last five months of 2015, ADS-B system quotes have risen more than 80 percent for StandardAero, as the company has begun focusing on educating operators on the mandate and promoting affordable ADS-B programs. Among other mandates, such as TCAS, FANS-1A and CPDLC, customer inquiries have risen nearly 50 percent. In addition, StandardAero joined forces with Universal Avionics to offer new avionics upgrade incentives. Operators of Learjet 45, Learjet 60, Astra SPX and Gulfstream G100 can now upgrade their aircraft with the Universal Avionics Satellite-Based Augmentation System-capable Flight Management System and transponders with ADS-B DO-260B while taking advantage of new, significant savings during a limited time offer. StandardAero also signed an agreement with RollsRoyce to become an authorized engine line maintenance service provider for CorporateCare operators of the AE 3007A and BR710A2-20 turbofan engines. The new agreement expands the company's engine service portfolio and authorizes StandardAero to provide additional services to its customers. True Blue Power True Blue Power announced the receipt of a Transport Canada Civil Aviation Part 23 STC for installation of the True Blue Power TB17 (17 amp-hour) lithium-ion aircraft battery on the Beechcraft A36 Bonanza. True Blue Power has applied for FAA bilateral acceptance of the same STC for use on U.S.-based aircraft. "This certification is a significant milestone for us," said Rick Slater, True Blue Power division manager. "It provides the baseline for subsequent STC processes on a long list of aircraft applications awaiting True Blue Power lithium-ion batteries." The TB17 utilizes Nanophosphate lithium-ion chemistry to provide unmatched power, energy, safety and life. The advanced battery system weighs less than 16 pounds, delivering a 45 percent weight savings compared to lead-acid and nickel-cadmium alternatives. In addition, the company said that R1 Airlines, 64 avionics news * january 2016 based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, has become the first commercial operator to utilize an aircraft equipped with True Blue Power lithium-ion main aircraft batteries in revenue service. The on-demand charter service, which is an Avmax managed company, installed the battery on a Bombardier DHC-8-100 (Dash 8) aircraft after True Blue Power and Avmax received a Part 25 STC from Transport Canada for installation of the True Blue Power TB44 lithium-ion battery on Bombardier DHC-8 100/200/300 series aircraft. True Blue Power and Avmax have applied for FAA bilateral acceptance of the same STC for use on U.S.-based aircraft. TrueNorth Avionics TrueNorth revealed that it plans to offer a personalized entertainment application on its Optelity Pro cabin communications platform. The Optelity Experience features the innovative UGO in-flight services platform developed by Paris-based Display Interactive. "We feel that the UGO platform offers the best-inclass entertainment option for business jet passengers," said Mark van Berkel, TrueNorth chief executive officer. "TrueNorth and Display Interactive share the same philosophy regarding the customer experience of business jet passengers. Optelity Experience will go beyond movies and magazines to include curated content and what we refer to as exclusive experiences." The company also introduced its Optelity Care program, which gives aircraft owners and operators the highest level of support and peace of mind, while ensuring their airborne connectivity systems keep pace with the latest mobile technologies, according to the company. "With Optelity Care, we've made airborne connectivity more predictable and have streamlined upgrades to tackle evolving technology," van Berkel said. "Optelity Care represents a new philosophy on managing and maintaining onboard connectivity systems because it is a membership with exclusive privileges and services specifically for Optelity products. What we have heard from our customers is that they are frustrated by how quickly their investment in cabin connectivity becomes obsolete by the rapidly changing landscape of mobile devices. We listened, and the Optelity Care program provides a way for business jet operators to maintain that investment long into the future." TrueNorth also announced the receipt of an STC for its Optelity Cabin Gateway Pro communications system. The STC, developed and certified on a Gulfstream V aircraft, was completed by Mississauga, Canada-based Mid-Canada Mod Center.