The Duncan Download Blog: Business Aviation Advice & Observations

Duncan Aviation recently installed Rockwell Collins’ Venue Cabin Management System (CMS) upgrade in two Falcon 900B aircraft and developed a video walk-through that shows those interested in potentially installing the system how it works.

“Our avionics team was impressed with the installation results and continues to see a surge in demand for Venue upgrades. Many existing systems are becoming obsolete as their technology has become dated,” says Senior Avionics/Installation Sales Rep Steve Elofson. "Upgrading to a current generation CMS like Venue provides not only the popular features expected today, but the new systems are well-supported and have a positive effect on the value of the aircraft. This video helps customers better visualize how the system would integrate in their aircraft."

In the video below, Duncan Aviation’s Install Team Leader Jason Thuman walks viewers through the entire cabin, highlighting the all-new High Definition (HD) CMS supplying intuitive user interface through touch-screen controls and wireless iPad cabin control. 

Straight Talk eBook Series

Duncan Aviation's free Straight Talk books are an aircraft operator's source for easy-to-understand information about important topics in business aviation today. These publications are written by Duncan Aviation's very own aviation experts, and the authors are just a phone call away.

To download Duncan Aviation's "Straight Talk about CMS" eBook, visit: www.duncanaviation.aero/straighttalk/

Duncan Aviation recently released an update to its “Straight Talk About FANS” ebook, which gives operators a closer look at the Future Air Navigation Systems involved with the FAA’s NextGen initiative.

Duncan Aviation’s team of experts compiled information to explain FANS 1/A, including what equipment is needed and how it functions, the benefits of the enhanced communications systems and the applicable regulations and certification in an easy-to-read ebook.

Justin Vena, Duncan Aviation Avionics Installations Sales Rep in Battle Creek and others at Duncan Aviation know there are many operators wondering what each of the FAA’s NextGen systems are and how they are used, the costs of implementation and whether there is a datalink system for their aircraft.

“Although there are no easy answers in the retrofit market, our Straight Talk About FANS is meant to help clarify the FANS protocol and how the mandates affect communication systems in various aircraft,” Vena says.

Vena explains that there is no one datalink system that will fit every aircraft, and often it takes a variety of avionics equipment to comply with the new guidelines and mandates. “Our, avionics experts have done the research and can assist customers with any questions regarding FANS,” he says.

To download a copy of Straight Talk About FANS, visit www.DuncanAviation.aero/straighttalk. 

In addition to this publication about FANS 1/A, Duncan Aviation avionics experts have developed Straight Talk booklets for NextGen and other systems including Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums (RVSM) and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B).

For more information, stop by booth #604 this week at the Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) 57th Annual International Convention and Trade Show in Nashville, Tennessee.

In 2013, Duncan Aviation’s Engineering and Certification departments worked diligently to complete a number of new Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs). The company’s status as an Organization Designation Authorization (ODA), along with its stringent processes and working relationship with the FAA,  allows Duncan Aviation to administer many of the aspects of the STC process that are usually controlled by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

“The ultimate value of this delegated authority to our customers, both internal and external, is time, and this is an industry where time is money,” says Shawn Carraher, Certification Programs & Alterations Planning Manager for Duncan Aviation.

“Because the FAA has limited involvement in the ODA STC process, we don’t wait on them so our customers don’t have to wait, either,” he says. “That gives us flexibility with our schedules and hangar space so we can easily accommodate our customers’ long- and short-term needs. An additional benefit of this flexibility that translates directly into savings is that our customers experience shorter downtimes than they would taking their aircraft to repair stations that lack this delegated authority,” he continues.

“Delays equal dollars,” Carraher says. “Our delegated authority gives us more control over costs. We’re not waiting to turn aircraft, and our customers aren’t waiting for certification. This allows Duncan Aviation to be more efficient in completing projects and delivering aircraft as promised.”

Among many STCs that Engineering and Certification completed and issued in 2013 are the following:

• SA01710WI   GH-3900 ESIS and Securaplane Instruments Battery Backup for Falcon 2000 & 2000EX
• SA01717WI   High Speed Internet with Wireless Local Area Network System for Cessna 525A
• ST01735WI   Universal Avionics EFI-890 Flight Dec Retrofit Falcon 900
• ST01736WI   Datalink Communications System with provisions for FANS Falcon 900

SA01710WI gives Falcon 2000 and 2000EX aircraft a steady source of back-up power if the instruments lose power. SA01717WI allows for high-speed Internet so passengers in the cabin of a Cessna 525A may send and receive in-air email or stream movies from an onboard storage device.

ST01735WI and ST01736WI apply to Falcon 900s from serial numbers 001 through 178.

Additionally, the following amendment was added to an STC:

• ST01615WI-D  Honeywell FMZ-2000 upgrade to Version 6.1 -03040

This amendment allows for a software upgrade to the Honeywell FMZ 2000 Flight Management System on Falcon 900B, Hawker 800/A/XP, and other makes. The upgrade to the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS)/Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance (LVP) components let pilots navigate routes more accurately and allow for lower minimums (200 feet) for instrument landings.

ODA

The Organization Designation Authorization(ODA) held by Duncan Aviation is an appointment by the FAA authorizing the Duncan Aviation organization to perform approved functions on behalf of the FAA. On-staff and consultant engineers, flight test pilots, and manufacturing and airworthiness inspectors are qualified under the ODA to perform the authorized functions.

This designation authorizes Duncan Aviation to approve design data, analysis and test procedures, witness compliance testing, as well as make a finding of compliance to the regulations and issue Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for interior and airframe modifications and avionics systems and system upgrades. In addition, the ODA is authorized to issue airworthiness certificates, as well as domestic and export worthiness approvals.It has oversight from the FAA’s Wichita, Kansas, Aircraft Certification Office (ACO).

Duncan Aviation has ODA for the following:

• Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs)
• Major Repairs and Alterations (MRAs)
• Parts Manufacturer Approvals (PMAs)

Can you think of a better way to begin the new year than to open the doors to a brand new aircraft maintenance hangar? Neither can we.  And on Monday, that’s exactly what we did. The clean and freshly coated floors of Duncan Aviation’s newest 40,000 square-foot maintenance hangar were christened as four business jets, including one Falcon 7X were ushered in during near-record low temperatures and blowing winds, two weeks ahead of schedule!

And we’re not done!

Although this new hangar is large enough to hold the largest model business jets in operation, this is only phase one. Another 40,000-square-foot maintenance hangar and a 95,000-square-foot office and shop space, will be completed and ready for use in June of this year. Altogether, this maintenance structure is the largest expansion project Duncan Aviation’s Lincoln campus has ever seen.

The expansion comes in response to customer requests and changing customer needs. The business aviation industry continues to shift toward larger business aircraft, a trend fueled by technological advances and increased globalization.

There has been considerable buzz and anticipation for Duncan Aviation’s expansion in Lincoln, Nebraska. At last check (only moments ago), all available space is occupied and 18 more large-body aircraft are scheduled for multi-week maintenance events during the first quarter. With nearly 20 more waiting to be placed on the schedule for hangar floor space through the middle of the year.

If you are wanting to get your business jet on the schedule and in this new hangar for the coming year, don't hesitate. Space is limited and it is filling up fast. Contact a Duncan Aviation sales rep today.

We are excited about this expansion and want to share it with you. Let me personally invite you to come visit Duncan Aviation and see firsthand our commitment to our customers, our team members and business aviation.

To view the construction progress, a timelapse video, and a construction photo gallery, visit. http://www.duncanaviation.aero/airframe/promotions/maintenance_hangar_construction.php

Knowing that many potential aircraft buyers don’t want after-purchase downtime, sellers are looking at interior refurbishment and avionics upgrades that will provide them the greatest return on investment (ROI). Duncan Aviation addresses this by providing some guidelines for increasing aircraft interior ROI in the fall 2013 issue of its Duncan Debrief magazine.

Duncan Aviation’s knowledgeable interior specialists weigh in with ideas to update the interior of an aircraft in “Interior Investments” on page 7.  

For example, according to Doug Roth, Aircraft Acquisition and Consignment Representative at Duncan Aviation, “Today’s buyers are looking for a turn-key, ready-to-go, pedigreed aircraft with a current inspection status and a record of who performed the inspections. Although safety tends to trump cosmetics, buyers want an exterior that’s sharp looking and an interior that’s easy to personalize with very little downtime.”

Bob McCammon, an Aircraft Sales and Acquisitions expert, agrees. Just a few years ago, he says, the trend was for business jet buyers to completely refurbish the interior so it reflected their personal tastes. “Not so, today,” says Bob. “Business jet buyers are like current home buyers who want a house that is move-in ready.”

Senior Aircraft Interior Designer Mary Lee suggests that, ideally, an aircraft’s interior color schemes, veneers, and carpet should be less than six years old. She says that busy, patterned carpets in bold colors and light-colored veneers date the interior, so the aircraft won’t enjoy broad appeal on the open market.

Additionally, she says, if replacing or completely refurbishing the interior is not an option, make sure the carpet looks like new—at minimum, remove all spots and stains. As long as the leather on seats is relatively new and the colors are neutral, a thorough cleaning may be all the seats need, too.

Another critical component of an interior is its Cabin Management System (CMS). An aging CMS may detract from the ROI, as well. Steve Elofson, Senior Avionics/Installation Sales Representative, says that today’s business jet owners, and often their families, want the same functionality on their aircraft that they enjoy in their connected offices and homes.

For more information on how to carefully and critically assess an aircraft’s interior with an eye toward maximizing the ROI, read the entire article in the 2013 fall issue of the Duncan Debrief.

The Duncan Debrief is an award-winning business aviation magazine for aircraft owners and operators. Written and designed in-house at Duncan Aviation, each edition includes articles on topics and trends in business aviation. The Duncan Debrief is a free, semi-quarterly publication for aviation enthusiasts around the world.

The Duncan Debrief is available for iPads through Apple’s Newsstand. To install, search for the Duncan Debrief in Apple’s App Store and download by clicking the “Free” button. The app is placed in your Newsstand shelves. Once downloaded, you will receive push notifications each time a new Debrief magazine is published.

Contributed by Kaela Paseka, graphic design lead

During an in-booth reception today at NBAA, Universal Avionics awarded Duncan Aviation the Top Dealer in North America for the second consecutive year. This award represents the outstanding sales performance of only one North American dealer out of several hundred in its Authorized Dealer network that has achieved outstanding sales performance.

Duncan Aviation’s Chairman was present to accept the award from Universal Avionics President and CEO, Ted Naimer. "We are honored to be acknowledged by Universal Avionics. Our companies share the same business ethics and family values. We also share a passion for aviation and they too have a long standing aviation history. The Top Dealer Award highlights the great relationship we share, founded on the principle of working together to provide our mutual customers with leading edge avionics solutions for the business jet market.

Stop by the Duncan Aviation NBAA booth #C8543 to congratulate Todd and the rest of the Duncan Aviation avionics team.

Kaela Paseka is Duncan Aviation’s Graphic Design Lead at its Lincoln, Nebraska, headquarters. She isresponsible for all elements of visual communication, including publication design, industry advertising and companywide branding. She is currently attending NBAA 2013. Her aviation career began 2006.

Contributed by Kaela Paseka, graphic design lead

At static on the first day of NBAA, business aviation owners, operators and enthusiasts continually flowed through this Falcon 900B aircraft on display and were impressed by its transformation with a stunning interior and avionics package upgrade.

Avionics Transformation

Duncan Aviation and Universal Avionics partnered to transform a Dassault Falcon 900B by installing Universal’s EFI-890 glass box cockpit. This cockpit upgrade replaced 25 older instruments, significantly improving reliability and situational awareness, and offers advanced capabilities like WAAS-LPV and FANS 1/A.

“If you want an aircraft that’s predictable to operate, properly supported and can hold its value this newly retrofitted aircraft is the way to go,” says Gary Harpster, senior avionics installation sales rep for Duncan Aviation.

Additional avionics installed include Rockwell Collin’s Venue Cabin Management System that allows passengers to watch movies on demand on high-definition displays and conduct business, seamlessly. With Collin’s new Skybox cabin sharing, passengers can securely share movies, TV shows and music wirelessly between the on-board Apple iTunes library, Apple iOS devices and the cabin displays.

Interior Transformation

In addition to the avionics installations, Duncan Aviation completed several interior upgrades, including complete soft good refurbishment, new cabinet veneer, Duncan Design Collection PSU overlay panels, EMTEQ LED lighting and much more.

You still have time to visit and walk through this Falcon 900B today and Thursday. The aircraft is currently at NBAA static display #140 at the Henderson Executive Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada. Gary Harpster and Duncan Aviation’s Avionics Tech Rep, Chris Christenson, will be on-site for a personal tour and demonstration.

Click here to view more NBAA photos on Duncan Aviation's facebook page.

Kaela Paseka is Duncan Aviation’s Graphic Design Lead at its Lincoln, Nebraska, headquarters. She is responsible for all elements of visual communication, including publication design, industry advertising and companywide branding. She is currently attending NBAA 2013. Her aviation career began 2006.

Submitted by Gary Harpster, senior avionics installation sales rep

Right now there are approximately 20 to 25 Falcon 900Bs on the market available for sale. In talking with these owners, I’ve learned the majority of these aircraft were placed up for sale over the concern there was no upgrade path to meet the upcoming mandates and essentially rendering the aircraft as domestic use only.

I totally get it. Who wants an aircraft capable of Mach .84 - .87 that can travel 4,600 miles and only be able to fly it in the 48 contiguous states? 

Universal EFI-890

On the Falcon 900B, the engines, airframe and accessories are still highly supported. Therefore, the weak link in this analysis becomes the avionics. However I am hear to tell you, when it comes to meeting the needs of the mandates for both the U.S and abroad, there is a clear path.

With the installation of the Universal EFI-890 solution, a Falcon 900B gains many of the same capabilities of new production aircraft and in some cases, even more. Charts, weather, synthetic vision, electronic engine gauges, camera input, new LED displays, WAAS FMS with LPV and the necessary accuracy to fly in Minimum Navigation Performance Specifications (MNPS) airspace.

Want to fly to Europe and fly in the most favorable tracks doing so? This is the solution.

Want to jump up into the airspace over Europe on the bosses schedule and not when air traffic allows you to depart? This is your solution.

Add winglets, new custom interior and paint, a state of the art entertainment system and you have yourself one heck of an aircraft that will meet the needs of the future for the next 10 years.

Or as an option you could buy a used aircraft with these capabilities for more than seven and a half times what this upgrade would cost you.  Keeping in mind that if you wanted the custom paint, interior and entertainment – that would all be additional.

On Display at NBAA

Why just read about it when you can come see it. During NBAA at static display #140 on the Henderson Executive Airport in Las Vegas, I personally invite you to walk through and see a Falcon 900B with the first EFI-890R cockpit retrofit upgrade. I will be on-hand to answer any of your questions, as well as representatives from Universal Avionics.

Also featured on this aircraft is a newly designed interior, new paint and new cabin/management/entertainment system; all completed by Duncan Aviation. 

How weak is that link now? 

Gary Harpster is a member of Duncan Aviation’s Avionics Installations Sales team and is the current Chair on the AEA Board of Directors. He is an industry expert on the subject of Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), co-authoring  the Straight Talk About WAAS booklet and Upgrading to WAAS guide, as well as hosting a WAAS video series. His aviation career began in 1997.

At the upcoming NBAA 2013 – Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition in Las Vegas, Nevada, Duncan Aviation will present expert advice and guidance through the ever-changing and complex subject of Future Air Navigation Systems (FANS). This one-hour session called “Understanding FANS” will be presented by Duncan Aviation Avionics Sales Representative, Justin Vena, on Wednesday, October 23, during the show.

Attendees will be briefed on the evolution of FANS, how FANS operates, certification and upcoming mandates. Justin will explain Controller Pilot Data Link (CPDLC), Automatic Dependent Surveillance Contract (ADS-C) and how they operate, including details about what happens with initial set-up and operation, including air traffic controller hand-offs, and explain the components included in a typical system. The session will also address FANS mandates in Europe and the North Atlantic tracks.

Duncan Aviation FANS 1/A Resources

FANS 1/A+ is a complex subject, with each aircraft requiring its own unique solution. Because of this complexity, operators have a lot of questions and expert advice is in demand. Duncan Aviation has been instrumental in the development of several resources to assist operators as they work through what is needed for FANS 1/A+ compliance.

With a Straight Talk ebook, a video series, a webinar, multiple blog posts and Duncan Intelligence articles, FANS information by Duncan Aviation has been read and downloaded thousands of times by operators throughout the world. 

Duncan Aviation’s FANS resources include:

Understanding FANS, a four-part FANS video series: http://www.duncanaviation.aero/videos/understanding_fans/index.php

Straight Talk About FANS 1/A, an ebook available for download: http://www.duncanaviation.aero/straighttalk/fans/index.php

A FANS 1/A Webinar, available for download: http://www.duncanaviation.aero/videos/webinars/20121218-fans_1a.php

All of these resources provide current information on the evolution of FANS, how FANS operates, certification and upcoming mandates. In addition, Duncan Aviation offers information and advice regarding FANS operations, and answers the most common questions that operators are asking.

For more information, please visit Duncan Aviation at booth #C8543 at NBAA 2013 held Oct. 22-24 in Las Vegas, or watch for announcements at www.DuncanAviation.aero/nbaa.

Duncan Aviation Systems Engineer, Nick Grzebielski will be attending the Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) U.S. East Regional Meeting at Fort Lauderdale, Florida, presenting a course on Cabin Management Systems (CMS).

A CMS controls all of the powered items in the cabin of an aircraft such as the lighting, cabin temperature, call and even lavatory flush. It also controls the cabin entertainment items such as LCD monitor video select, speaker audio select, volume, head set control, DVD and Bluray players and XM radio. During his course, Nick will cover the basics of CMS getting into the nuts and bolts of installing, interfacing and supporting various cabin management systems. Discussions will include everything from switching to displays, Wi-Fi and more. The session will conclude with time for questions and the critical exchange of pilot and crew debriefs.

In response to the recent explosion of new and exciting CMS entertainment and control options for business aircraft, Duncan Aviation has written a Straight Talk e-book to help guide operators through their many options. Every day, Duncan Aviation Tech Reps field questions on cabin management and entertainment, and these resources cover the most common equipment requested by Duncan Aviation customers and explain what equipment is available and how it can benefit aircraft cabin systems.

To read the Straight Talk About Cabin Management Systems e-book, go to www.DuncanAviation.aero/resources.

For avionics installation support, contact a Duncan Aviation expert http://www.duncanaviation.aero/contact/tech_reps-avionics.php.

Nick Grzebielski is a systems engineer for Duncan Aviation located in Lincoln, Neb. He has designed full-up CMS systems in multiple Part 25 airframes and has recently been involved in the design and certification of multiple Wi-Fi STCs. His aviation career began in 2007.