News
STCs for Universal Avionics WAAS-Capable FMS

April 14, 2009, Tucson, AZ – Two “first of type” Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) were issued to West Star Aviation for Universal Avionics WAAS/SBAS-FMS on March 26, 2009.

The STCs are for the UNS-1Lw WAAS/SBAS-FMS with LP/LPV Monitor in the Cessna 550 Bravo series and Cessna V 560 series aircraft. In what marks the first approval of Universal’s WAAScapable FMS for these aircraft types, West Star’s achievement opens the door for all other Cessna 550 and 560 operators to add Wide-Area Augmentation System (WAAS) capabilities to their aircraft.

With its WAAS/SBAS-FMS product line, Universal Avionics was the first manufacturer to provide WAAS/SBAS capability for Part 25 Transport Category aircraft, like the Cessna 550 and 560. West Star’s STCs include approval for 3D coupled WAAS GPS (RNAV) Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance (LPV) procedures. These approach types, referred to as RNAV (GPS) LPV approaches on the approach chart, are the fastest growing GPS approach type in the U.S. In fact, LPV approaches now outnumber ILS approaches.

As part of the NextGen National Airspace System improvement plan, the FAA is focused on reducing the industry’s dependence on older ground based navaids such as ILS, and increasing the use of GPS navigation via the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS). Because of its ability to alleviate airspace congestion, save fuel and improve safety, SBAS technology is being applied worldwide, with systems in Europe and Japan to be operational for aircraft use soon.

Operators of aircraft equipped with SBAS-enabled avionics take advantage of lower descent minima, greater airport accessibility and improved performance and safety in poor weather conditions. The WAAS/SBAS-FMS allows pilots to fly to ILS-like minimums at airports without an ILS approach, or in inclement weather. With the WAAS/SBAS-FMS, pilots can fly with RNP-like accuracy of 0.3 NM and minima as low as 200 ft without special operational approval from the FAA, as required for RNP SAAAR approaches.
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 .