The Duncan Download Blog: Business Aviation Advice & Observations

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.

Contributed by Justin Vena, Avionics Installation Sales Rep

A lot has changed in the world of air traffic control during the past 70 years. To help diagram some of the more recent changes, I have created and released a four-part video series on Understanding Future Air Navigation Systems (FANS), the avionics system that provides direct data link communication between the pilot and air traffic controller. Below are the highlights of the first video: ADS-C & CPDLC.

What is FANS

The acronym FANS stands for "Future Air Navigation System." It is designed to increase the communication between the pilot and controllers by providing a common language that is not influenced or interrupted by language barriers or accents. FANS can be divided into two parts, Automatic Dependent Surveillance Contract (ADS-C) and Controller Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC).

ADS-C

With ADS-C, there are three types of contracts that can be set up by your controller and one set up by the pilot.

Periodic contracts are time-based and can be varied when necessary by Air Traffic Control (ATC) needs.

An Event contract is a contract set up by the ATC that predesignates your aircraft’s altitude, vertical speed or any of several other different parameters. If you deviate from any of these parameters, they are notified immediately.

Demand contracts are initiated by ATC when they want to know where every play is right now. Everyone responds on demand.

A Mayday Message contract is controlled and initiated by the pilot during emergency circumstances.  

CPDLC

CPDLC is a standardized, formatted language that is used in text messages sent between ATC and the cockpit of the aircraft.

View the entire four-part FANS video series at www.DuncanAviation.aero/videos.

At Duncan Aviation, we consider ourselves to be on the cutting edge of all avionics technology, and the subject of FANS 1/A is no different. We have done ample research and talked with hundreds of our customers to develop the most valuable information we can provide.

In addition to this video series about FANS 1/A, our team of 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). Visit www.DuncanAviation.aero/straighttalk for more information.

Duncan Aviation's FANS 1/A webinar coming in December

On December 18, 2012, at 2PM Eastern (EST), I will be hosting an hour-long FAN 1/A internet webinar for operators researching FANS compliance for their aircraft, and all aviation enthusiasts with an interest in FAA NextGen initiatives. There is no charge for the event and seating is limited, so register early and reserve your spot today!

Justin Vena is an Avionics Installation Sales Rep at Duncan Aviation’s Battle, MI, facility. He has a passion for understanding the world’s NextGen initiatives that has led to a four-part video series on the on the subject of FANS. He is an industry leader on the subject of FANS and has been asked to conduct classes and give presentations all across the country. He specializes in NextGen Initiatives. His Aviation career began in 1988.