Contributed by Matt Nelson, Manager of Satellite Operations
As early as Jan. 2013, you could experience a complete loss of satellite television service aboard your aircraft over the United States. According to satellite television manufacturers Rockwell Collins and Honeywell, the service provider for airborne satellite television services in the continental United States is discontinuing its services for some early model systems. DirecTV could potentially discontinue its services for these early receiver modules by the end of the month.
Common Honeywell AIS 2000 configuration.
Photo Source: www.HoneywellBusiness.com
Is your satellite television impacted?
The model and part numbers of the receiver and decoders currently installed are the determining factors whether your aircraft will be impacted and will dictate your course of action.
- The Rockwell Collins Tailwind Series systems utilize a Receiver/Decoder Unit, or RDU, and will use a part number of either 931000-XXX, or 930002-XX.
- Honeywell AIS-1000 and AIS-2000 systems utilize a Receiver/Decoder Module, or RDM, and will use a part number of 4088477-XXX.
The replacement RDU/RDM may also affect the television remote control functionality and require hardware and/or software upgrades or other modification to your existing Cabin Management System (CMS). When speaking to one of our avionics professionals, it is advised to have your avionics wiring diagrams accessible.
Both Collins and Honeywell are offering upgrades and trade-in pricing for the Receiver/Decoder replacements. These are limited-time trade-in programs; we recommend that you do not hesitate in taking advantage of them.
At Duncan Aviation, we have avionics satellite locations throughout the United States, anyone of which is capable of the new RDU Installation. We will also provide you with Duncan Aviation quality installation records and drawings needed for future upgrades.
For installation and scheduling information, contact the following Duncan Aviation Avionics Satellite shop managers:
- West Coast, Marc Francetic
- Northern U.S., Bob Hazy
- Southern U.S., Brian Redondo
- East Coast, Jeff Glanville
Matt Nelson serves as the Manager of Satellite Operations for Duncan Aviation's avionics network, providing avionics installation services at the busiest business airports in the United States. His aviation career began in 1987.
