Tucson, AZ – September 18, 2009 – Prompted by growing demand for its WAAS-capable Flight Management Systems, Universal Avionics collaborated with the FAA to develop a streamlined certification path for the WAAS/SBAS-FMS. Referred to as the “Engineering Assisted Field Approval Process,” it provides Universal FMS operators an upgrade path to WAAS Localizer Performance with Vertical (LPV) via FAA field approval (337). Using this method avoids a costly and laborious Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) process, saving time and money. Universal worked with several branches of the FAA to develop an affordable and expeditious solution for the approval of WAAS/SBAS-FMS upgrades. “The Engineering Assisted Field Approval Process is the result of an exemplary cooperative effort between Universal Avionics, FAA Aircraft Certification Services Branches, Flight Standards Service and the Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office. The resultant FAA approved process is a win for our industry as a whole as well as aircraft operators and the FAA,” says Bob Uhde, Universal’s Director of Engineering Services. Availability of Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS)-capable avionics is integral to the FAA’s goal of increasing the use of GPS navigation and reducing the industry’s dependence on older ground based navaids such as ILS. Charted as RNAV (GPS) LPV on the approach plate, Localizer with Vertical (LPV) approach procedures take advantage of the precision of WAAS GPS for both lateral and vertical guidance during the approach segment. Use of these procedures alleviates airspace congestion, saves fuel and improves safety. In what amounts to an extremely affordable and expeditious approval method, many operators can now upgrade to WAAS and LPV capability during regular aircraft maintenance. The Engineering Assisted Field Approval process is designed so that each installation facility is required to complete the process just once for a particular aircraft type, flight guidance system and display configuration. All follow-on installations for that configuration simply apply for approval under the standard field approval process. Applicants for the Engineering Assisted Field Approval Process must meet certain eligibility requirements. The existing aircraft must be registered in the United States (N-registered) as a Part 91 and Part 135 operator. In addition, the existing FMS installation must be approved by FAA TSO, TC or Field Approval for fully coupled 3D pseudo ILS approaches. Universal Avionics shared news of this valuable tool with all its Authorized Dealers and Installation Facilities in an email communication today, with a follow-up information package to be mailed next week. About Universal Avionics Universal Avionics manufactures and markets an extensive line of advanced avionics equipment. Product lines include the UNS-1 SBAS/WAAS-enabled Flight Management Systems; the EFI-890R Flat Panel Display; a line of Flat Panel Integrated Cockpit Displays; the Vision-1® Synthetic Vision System; the TAWS Terrain Awareness and Warning System; the ASU chart, E-DOCS, checklist display system; Cockpit Voice Recorders; Radio Control Units; an Engine Display System; and a host of other advanced avionics equipment. For more information about Universal Avionics, visit www.uasc.com. Contact: Dan Reida, VP Marketing & Product Support Universal Avionics Systems Corporation 3260 E. Universal Way Tucson, AZ 85756 Email: dreida@uasc.com (520) 295-2300 or (800) 321-5253 www.uasc.com
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