The Duncan Download Blog: Business Aviation Advice & Observations

The avionics experts at Duncan Aviation know that most passengers aboard business aircraft want to stay connected as they travel. A connected aircraft lets cabin passengers access the internet in flight.

Our experts have been advising owner/operators for years about the connection options that are available. This year, there are new connectivity options that offer far greater speeds than in the past.

“Factors such as where you operate your aircraft, the type of aircraft, and passengers’ internet needs dictate the type of system to install,” says Duncan Aviation’s Avionics Service and Sales Rep Steve Elofson. “When it comes to aircraft connectivity today, you have plenty of options.”

So many, it can get a bit confusing if you’re not an avionics expert, so we’ll give you the rundown of what’s available. Satellite-based services keep you connected on global flights, and terrestrial-based systems cover your flights throughout the continental United States and in parts of Canada.

Satellite Connections

• Ka-band features upload speeds (sending data from the aircraft) of up to 5mbps (megabits per second) and download speeds (to the aircraft) are up to 49mbps.

• Ku-band offers coverage in populated areas of the world. Its download speeds currently reach about 1mbps, and upgrades are in the works to match Ka-band performance.
• Inmarsat’s service, called SwiftBroadband (SBB), has worldwide coverage at speeds of around 500kbps (kilobits per second).
• Iridium provides mostly voice and texting services due to its lower connectivity speeds.

Connected Over US Airspace

For flight over the continental United States, Gogo Biz’s 3G ATG (air-to-ground), terrestrial-based network features speeds of up to 3.1mbps and has affordable data plans and STCs (Supplemental Type Certificates) for nearly every make and model of aircraft.

Two companies with 4G networks are expanding their services through this year and in 2018. Covering the United States and parts of Canada, Gogo Biz’s 4G AVANCE L5 system reaches download speeds between 5-9mbps and is available now in certain aircraft, with STCs for many others in the works.

Duncan Aviation has developed an STC for the AVANCE L5 system, which covers the Wi-Fi certification, full equipment, and antenna installation, for multiple large-cabin Gulfstream models and will have STCs for the Dassault Falcon 900 and 2000 series and the Bombardier Challenger 600 and 300 series aircraft in early 2018.

SmartSky’s network is true 4G LTE and offers performance similar to using smartphones over cellular networks. Service covers most of the continental US in 2018 and will expand to the rest in 2019.

The greater speeds allow live-streaming data, including video conferencing and live TV. You can access the internet with little-to-no latency, send and receive email with attachments, and stay connected to social media apps (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, etc.).

Ask Our Connectivity Experts

As with our home electronics, new equipment and advancements in technology are fairly typical in the aviation industry, too. Business jet travelers want higher speeds, and service providers comply by upgrading infrastructure and equipment.

Taking advantage of faster speeds usually requires new equipment. STCs are a good idea and often required for this equipment. Find out which makes and models are covered by existing STCs before upgrading to a new service. If your make/model is not covered by an existing STC, one can be developed, which requires additional downtime.

As mentioned, services for some systems are available only in the continental United States, so if you regularly fly outside of the United States, you’ll want to invest in a global satellite system.

Service coverage, connection speeds, and costs vary from provider to provider. Usually, the faster the connection speeds, the greater the costs, and satellite-based systems are generally more expensive than terrestrial-based systems.

When you’re ready to fully connect your aircraft, give the knowledgeable Avionics Service and Sales Representatives at Duncan Aviation a call or visit our web site for more information: www.duncanaviation.aero/services/avionics-installation.

Duncan Aviation has a network of 27 Satellite Avionics Shops and work-away stations located at the busiest airports in the United States. Each shop has knowledgeable, experienced avionics technicians who have already brought dozens of aircraft into compliance with the ADS-B mandate. As the January 1, 2020, deadline rapidly approaches, Duncan Aviation is taking the lead to get the word out about the urgency of installing ADS-B in your aircraft now.

“In the last two years, we’ve upgraded close to 300 aircraft of all makes and models,” says Matt Nelson, Manager of Satellite Operations. “Because the techs at our Satellite Avionics Shops have done these installations, and they currently have hangar capacity, we’re encouraging our customers to contact the Satellite nearest their home hangar and schedule a two-week time slot.”

Satellite Shops Busy With ADS-B Requests

In Van Nuys, Manager Tony Russo and his team completed FANS (Future Air Navigation Systems) and ADS-B on several business aviation aircraft in the last year, as well as on two 727s and an MD-87. The team is currently installing FANS, ADS-B, SwiftBroadband with Wi-Fi, TCAS 7.1 (Traffic Collision Avoidance System), and an Airshow system in a 737-200.

“Our customers are taking a serious look at their aircraft and fleets, requesting quotes, and determining a good time to put their aircraft down for these upgrades,” says Tony. “To meet the ADS-B mandate, aircraft must have WAAS-compliant GPS sensors and upgraded transponders. Each aircraft is a little different, and that’s what we’re here for—to help you determine what you need.”

The Duncan Aviation Houston Satellite Shop recently completed two ADS-B upgrades on Citation 560s using a Duncan Aviation-owned STC.

“Those installations were flawless; we didn’t have a single issue,” says Houston Manager Mark Winter. “We also delivered a Challenger 601 in January, with FANS 1/A and ADS-B Out, also using a Duncan Aviation STC.”

The Challenger had WAAS/LPV, and the Houston Shop sent the transponder to the DME (Distance Measuring Equipment) bench in Lincoln, Nebraska, for the upgrades.

“We’re encouraging our customers to book their aircraft now,” says Mark. “We have some capacity left in 2017, and with the average downtime right around 2 weeks, we can realistically do two of these a month.”

The Satellite Shop in Kansas City, Missouri, recently upgraded a G150 for ADS-B. The Lincoln DME bench upgraded those transponders, too, and the KC shop installed a fail annunciator and the interfacing for the transponders to the GPS. That customer already had the WAAS sensors, so although Kansas City Manager Jeff Aman quoted 10 days, they finished the upgrade in 6 days, delivering ahead of schedule.

Duncan Aviation’s ADS-B Slot Program

“The ADS-B mandate has presented the business aviation community with some challenges, but our Satellite network has stepped up to help our customers get their aircraft in compliance,” says Matt Nelson. “The Duncan Aviation slot program allocates two spots per satellite per month for ADS-B upgrades. This program holds a confirmed date and hangar space for one aircraft, and operators can call now to reserve the spots for 2018 and 2019 and throughout the rest of 2017.”

Contact the Satellite Avionics Shop nearest you to reserve a slot (www.duncanaviation.aero/locations/#satellites) or call Duncan Aviation (+1 402.475.2611) or Regional Avionics Sales Manager Mark Francetic (702.303.4888) for more information.

Duncan Aviation recently refurbished a 12-year-old Gulfstream G550, giving it a whole new interior, a new exterior paint scheme, and an upgraded CMS (Cabin Management System). During this refurbishment, we also performed scheduled maintenance to minimize the impact of the downtime for the client’s flight schedule.

“Because of the reliability of Gulfstream aircraft, they continue to be dependable business tools, regardless of age,” says Completions/Modification Sales Manager Nate Klenke. “This serial number was a top performer in our client’s fleet, so they decided to give it a facelift and keep it flying.”

In addition to the newly painted exterior and company logos to match the fleet, the aircraft was the recipient of the first Honeywell Ovation CMS to be installed on a Gulfstream G550.

Whether passengers are looking for entertainment or a few quiet hours of productivity, the all-digital Honeywell Ovation CMS interfaces with a variety of carry-on devices (Smartphones, iPads, laptop computers) and gives passengers a range of controls for maximum comfort.

Typically, the cabin monitors in a Gulfstream are inset in the windows. Instead, Duncan Aviation Lead Designer Rachael Weverka’s design included one flush-mounted, 22-inch monitor on the right-hand forward partition and one, 19-inch monitor mounted aft on the sidewall over the credenza.

After nearly two years of planning and preparation, our client brought the G550 to Lincoln in June 2016, and we delivered the completed aircraft on budget in September 2016. A client representative was on-site while the aircraft was here, and as part of the team, the representative attended the daily team meetings, was involved in day-to-day decisions, and had access to every Duncan Aviation team member who touched the aircraft.

“We like to partner with our clients on these complex projects and be transparent throughout the entire process,” says Nate Klenke, Completions/Modifications Sales Manager, “This is an example of how Duncan Aviation supports operators through the entire life of the aircraft. Rene Cardona, one of Duncan Aviation’s Aircraft Sales Representatives, helped the customer buy the aircraft 12 years ago and now we have helped extend its usefulness in a very active fight department.”

Read about the rest of this project in the Spring 2017 Duncan Debrief magazine.

Duncan Aviation estimates that roughly 6,000 of the business jets in its core customer base still need ADS-B. That paints a pretty urgent picture of the industry. However, when you consider that ADS-B affects ALL aircraft, it's an even more dramatic picture. The number of U.S.-based turbine aircraft that still need ADS-B is closer to 11,000 and the number of all U.S. aircraft that still need ADS-B is closer to 74,000.

Brian Redondo, Duncan Aviation's Ft. Lauderdale Satellite Shop Manager, explains why he is concerned about the shortage of qualified installation labor.

"During the RVSM mandate compliance phase, shops performing RVSM installations could hire technicians from other shops that were slow because their core customers were not affected by the mandate. That won't be possible with ADS-B because every installation shop will be performing these installations for many years to come. And honestly, there is already a shortage of skilled labor as it is."

Operators need to begin looking at their paths for compliance and schedule the work needed, and soon. This video will highlight some of the key figures about why you need to be thinking about your upgrade now.

The business aviation industry has been talking about Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) for the last decade, and the January 1, 2020, mandate deadline is coming fast. It is now time for aircraft owners and operators who want to avoid inconvenient circumstances to finalize their ADS-B compliance plans.

What is ADS-B?

In May 2010, the FAA published its final rule mandating ADS-B Out, with the goal of making crowded skies safer and more efficient. ADS-B is a relatively new technology that provides Air Traffic Control (ATC) with precise, three-dimensional position data. Pilots in equipped aircraft have access to air traffic and weather services that provide a new level of safety, better situational awareness and more efficient routing.

ADS-B transmissions include position, altitude, velocity, aircraft identification and other information and are more accurate than ground-based radar.

The ADS-B Out mandate requires all aircraft operating in the US airspace to have a certified GPS position source paired with a transponder capable of transmitting data from the aircraft without prompting from the pilot or a request from ATC.

What If I Miss The Deadline?

If your aircraft is not ADS-B compliant by January 1, 2020, it will, unless you plan to fly below 10,000 feet and avoid Class A, B and C airspace, be grounded.

Post-mandate, and on a case-by-case basis, ATC may give permission to relocate the aircraft in order to have it modified for compliance with the mandate. You’ll then be notified that the aircraft is grounded until it complies.        

The Myths of ADS-B

We are seeing an interesting industry trend. Nearly 9,000 business aircraft need ADS-B. Roughly one-third of them are in compliance. So 6,000 more need to upgrade. With the deadline roughly 34 months away, more than 175 aircraft will need to be upgraded each month. Yet many operators are waiting. Those who continue to wait will face scheduling pressure and higher installation costs. Yet many unfortunately believe several myths currently circulating.

• There is plenty of time.

Those in the industry need only think back to 2005 and the RVSM mandate. Capable avionics installation facilities were at capacity 24 months before the mandate and for a full 12 months AFTER the mandate. ADS-B installations are similar to RVSM (Reduced Vertical  Separation Mimimum) installs in complexity and downtime.  Make no mistake.  There simply isn’t enough capacity in the industry to complete the number of modifications required.  There will be aircraft sitting and waiting for modification after January 1, 2020.

• The deadline will be extended.

I feel confident in telling customers that the deadline will not be extended. FAA Administrator Michael Huerta and other FAA and industry leaders have consistently gone on record several times saying the mandate deadline will not change.

• The prices will drop.

Installation shops and aircraft manufacturers have collaborated, and owners now enjoy a wide array of choices and price points for equipping to meet the mandate.  I am sure that with supply and demand for equipment and labor, prices will only increase as the mandate deadline moves closer.

• The aircraft will be sold.

For most models, the preowned business aircraft market is still very buyer-oriented. If you don’t upgrade to ADS-B before the sale, the price you will be able to ask for your aircraft will be significantly less than if it had ADS-B.

Be Informed

I feel that we, as leaders in the business aviation community, have a responsibility to inform and provide a solution we are capable of providing.  I don’t share this information to scare operators; but I remember the RVSM days well.  We fielded lots of calls from owners who wanted immediate input, and I was unable to help. I want to make sure owners and operators understand the risks they take by not having an ADS-B compliance plan--now.

As originally appeared in the March/April 2017 issue of Business Aviation Advisor

Every day we field questions from operators about the FAA’s NextGen initiatives. This tells us there is still significant confusion about the various acronyms associated with NextGen. 

What You Need to Know About the ADS-B Mandate

Here are some of the more common questions surrounding the many acronyms and which acronym applies to which solution.

ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast). A cooperative system that transmits digital information regarding the identity, velocity and position of the aircraft to ATC (Air Traffic Control). This is a mandated item. Every aircraft planning on flying in controlled airspace after December 31, 2019, will need to have ADS-B Out. To comply with the ADS-B Out mandate, aircraft need a 1090-MHz Mode S extended squitter transponder combined with a certified GPS (Global Positioning System) navigation source such as WAAS GPS. ADS-B In allows the aircraft to read ADS-B signals from other aircraft.

WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System). A system developed to augment GPS with the goal of improving its accuracy, integrity and availability. Intended to correct GPS signal errors, WAAS collects data from ground stations and satellites, allowing aircraft to rely on GPS for all phases of flight, from takeoff through Category I precision approaches. WAAS permits the use of more fuel efficient flight planning and approaches that have reduced minimums. WAAS-approved units also incorporate navigation procedures to take advantage of preferential flight routing. To upgrade to WAAS, certified equipment appropriate for the aircraft must be installed and properly approved by the FAA or its designee.

FANS 1/A– (Future Area Navigation Systems). This is a datalink system that lets pilots and ATC communicate directly using text transmissions that appear on the CDU (Central Control Unit). It requires a certain level of navigational performance that your aircraft must meet in order to fly overseas while communicating with ATC via CPDLC.

CPDLC (Controller Pilot Data Link Communications.) This is the method of communications being used for operators flying overseas outside of VHF coverage. The aircraft must meet a certain level of precision and performance to fly in these assigned flight routes. CPDLC is the text-messaging component of FANS 1/A.

Still have questions?

• Contact the Duncan Aviation Satellite Shop (www.DuncanAviation.aero/locations/#satellites) nearest you,
• Call any one of our Duncan Aviation Avionics Installation Team Members (www.DuncanAviation.aero/services/avionics-installation/contacts), or call +1 402.475.2611 for more information.
• Visit the Duncan Aviation ADS-B web page at: www.DuncanAviation.aero/adsb
• Download our Straight Talk booklets: www.DuncanAviation.aero/resources/straight-talk

Yes, you almost certainly do. You need a transponder capable of DO-260B transmissions and an upgraded or new WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) receiver unless you plan to fly below 10,000 feet and avoid Class A, B, and C airspace*.

With fewer than 34 months remaining to equip the entire US business aviation fleet with ADS-B Out avionics equipment, there will likely be shortages of hangar space at qualified shops as the deadline draws nearer. From now until the mandate deadline, January 1, 2020, roughly 174 aircraft per month still need to find available hangar space and qualified technicians.

Avoid The Scheduling Crunch

If you are not yet ready for the required upgrades and are worried about finding available capacity at certified service centers, take a look at our ADS-B Slot Program

The Duncan Aviation ADS-B Slot Program lets you buy a slot to reserve a confirmed date and hangar space for your aircraft at one of our Satellite Avionics Shops. The deposit will be applied to the ADS-B installation when you arrive.

By scheduling now, you will see better pricing, have easier access to the certified transponders and GPS sensors, and find time for the upgrade/installation that fits your flight schedule and calendar.

Contact the Duncan Aviation Satellite Shop (www.DuncanAviation.aero/locations/#satellites) nearest you, one of our Duncan Aviation Avionics Installation Team Members (www.DuncanAviation.aero/services/avionics-installation/contacts), or call +1 402.475.2611 for more information about ADS-B upgrades and the new slot reservation program.

ADS-B Myth Busting

ADS-B Myth #1: There Is Plenty Of Time

ADS-B #2: The Deadline WIll Be Extended

ADS-B Myth #3: The Prices Will Drop

ADS-B Myth #4: We’re Going To Sell Our Aircraft Anyway

ADS-B Myth #5: I Don’t Need ADS-B

*What Is Class A, B & C Airspace?

Class A airspace encompasses all airspace over the continental United States and Alaska from 18,000 feet to 60,000 feet. This includes all airspace withing 12 nautical miles of the coasts of the continental United States and Alasaka and some designated international airspace beyond those 12 nautical miles. All flights in Class A airspace are under ATC control and must operate using IFR (instrument flight rules) only.

Class B airspace, which is the airspace around the 37 busiest airports in the United States, is strictly controlled. Aircraft flying in Class B airspace must be under the control of ATC, and VFR aircraft must receive explicit permission to enter the airspace. No aircraft can takeoff or land at these airports without permission or without an operating Mode C transponder and a two-way radio. These rules cover airspace within 30 nautical miles of the airports, often encompassing other airports in the area. For instance, the Dallas Love Field is not a Class B airport, but DFW is and Love Field is within the DFW airspace and is subject to the same rules.

Class C airspace goes from the surface to 4,000 feet MSL (Mean Sea Level) above the airport. These 122 airports have operational control towers, currently control approaches by radar, and have mostly IFR operations. Two-way radio communication is required for takeoff and landing, and aircraft may not enter Class C airspace without directly communicating with ATC first.

As one industry broker told us, “Without ADS-B, you may as well use your aircraft as an expensive paperweight. No one is going to buy it.”

Duncan Aviation’s Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions team says that whether an aircraft is equipped with ADS-B Out is already affecting its resale value. In this buyer’s market, if you don’t pay to upgrade to ADS-B Out now, the price you’ll be able to ask for your aircraft will be significantly less than if you had performed the upgrade.

And, with less than 35 months remaining to equip the entire US business aviation fleet with ADS-B Out avionics equipment, there will likely be shortages of hangar space at qualified shops as the deadline draws nearer. From now until the mandate deadline, January 1, 2020, roughly 167 aircraft per month still need to find available hangar space and qualified technicians.

Avoid The Scheduling Crunch

If you are not yet ready for the required upgrades and are worried about finding available capacity at certified service centers, take a look at our ADS-B Slot Program

The Duncan Aviation ADS-B Splot Program lets you buy a slot to reserve a confirmed date and hangar space for your aircraft at one of our Satellite Avionics Shops. The deposit will will applied to the ADS-B installation when you arrive.

By scheduling now, you will see better pricing, have easier access to the certified transponders and GPS sensors, and find time for the upgrade/installation that fits your flight schedule and calendar.

Contact the Duncan Aviation Satellite Shop (www.DuncanAviation.aero/locations/#satellites) nearest you, one of our Duncan Aviation Avionics Installation Team Members (www.DuncanAviation.aero/services/avionics-installation/contacts), or call +1 402.475.2611 for more information about ADS-B upgrades and the new slot reservation program.

ADS-B Myth Busting

ADS-B Myth #1: There Is Plenty Of Time

ADS-B #2: The Deadline WIll Be Extended

ADS-B Myth #3: The Prices Will Drop

ADS-B Myth #4: We’re Going To Sell Our Aircraft Anyway

ADS-B Myth #5: I Don’t Need ADS-B

This is an interesting thought, and we have heard many customers say this. If you look at our industry and the history of mandates, though, prices don’t typically decrease for equipment that is both required and has limited availability. It is our expert opinion after studying the issue thoroughly that as the mandate approaches, prices will instead increase, especially when you look at the upcoming demands for avionics installation capacity.  

There are fewer than 35 months remaining to equip the entire US business aviation fleet with ADS-B Out avionics equipment. That means from now until the mandate deadline, January 1, 2020, roughly 167 aircraft per month will need to find available hangar space and qualified technicians.

Avoid The Scheduling Crunch

If you are not yet ready for the required upgrades and are worried about finding available capacity at certified service centers, take a look at our ADS-B Slot Program

The Duncan Aviation ADS-B Splot Program lets you buy a slot to reserve a confirmed date and hangar space for your aircraft at one of our Satellite Avionics Shops. The deposit will will applied to the ADS-B installation when you arrive.

By scheduling now, you will see better pricing, have easier access to the certified transponders and GPS sensors, and find time for the upgrade/installation that fits your flight schedule and calendar.

Contact the Duncan Aviation Satellite Shop (www.DuncanAviation.aero/locations/#satellites) nearest you, one of our Duncan Aviation Avionics Installation Team Members (www.DuncanAviation.aero/services/avionics-installation/contacts), or call +1 402.475.2611 for more information about ADS-B upgrades and the new slot reservation program.

ADS-B Myth Busting

ADS-B Myth #1: There Is Plenty Of Time

ADS-B #2: The Deadline WIll Be Extended

ADS-B Myth #3: The Prices Will Drop

ADS-B Myth #4: We’re Going To Sell Our Aircraft Anyway

ADS-B Myth #5: I Don’t Need ADS-B

We feel confident saying the deadline is firm. At the EAA AirVenture Air Show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, in July 2016, FAA Administrator Michael Huerta reiterated that the mandate deadline will not change, and he encouraged general aviation owners to upgrade their equipment now, adding that it’s a smart move.

The FAA says there will not be an extension. The agency has outlined its NextGen initiative, and it includes ADS-B technology. Customers in Asia Pacific, Hong Kong, and Singapore all thought the same thing when the deadline for their mandate approached in December 12, 2013. It was not extended.

The FAA has given our industry 10 years to comply, and January 1, 2020 is the deadline. The time to schedule your ADS-B installation is now.

Because business aircraft operators in the United States have less than 35 months remaining to equip the entire fleet with ADS-B Out avionics equipment. That means from now until the mandate deadline, January 1, 2020, roughly 167 aircraft per month will need to find available hangar space and qualified technicians.

If you wait too long, the installation prices will increase, based on simple supply and demand, and you run the risk of not finding a shop qualified to complete the upgrades and installations.

Avoid The Scheduling Crunch

If you are not yet ready for the required upgrades, but don’t want to get caught up in the mad rush to find available capacity at certified service centers, we are offering an ADS-B Slot Program

The Duncan Aviation ADS-B Splot Program lets you buy a slot to reserve a confirmed date and hangar space for your aircraft at one of our Satellite Avionics Shops. The deposit will will applied to the ADS-B installation when you arrive.

By scheduling now, you will see better pricing, have easier access to the certified transponders and GPS sensors, and find time for the upgrade/installation that fits your flight schedule and calendar.

Contact the Duncan Aviation Satellite Shop (www.DuncanAviation.aero/locations/#satellites) nearest you, one of our Duncan Aviation Avionics Installation Team Members (www.DuncanAviation.aero/services/avionics-installation/contacts), or call +1 402.475.2611 for more information about ADS-B upgrades and the new slot reservation program.

ADS-B Myth Busting

ADS-B Myth #1: There Is Plenty Of Time

ADS-B #2: The Deadline WIll Be Extended

ADS-B Myth #3: The Prices Will Drop

ADS-B Myth #4: We’re Going To Sell Our Aircraft Anyway

ADS-B Myth #5: I Don’t Need ADS-B