News
Universal Avionics first to certify WAAS LPV approaches for Part 25 aircraft

March 7, 2008, Tuscon, AZ – Universal Avionics Systems Corporation has announced that the FAA Transport Airplane Directorate has issued a Part 25 Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the Universal WAAS-enabled Flight Management Systems (FMS). Currently, Universal is the only avionics manufacturer to obtain an STC for WAAS-FMS with LPV approach capability on transport category aircraft.
 
“Universal is excited to be the very first to provide unprecedented accuracy and reliability for the balance of the fleet with maximum takeoff weight over 12,500 lbs,” says Universal Marketing Vice-President, Dan Reida. The WAAS-FMS allows operators of transport category aircraft to fly Lateral Precision with Vertical Guidance (LPV) approaches.
 
LPV approaches, referred to as RNAV (GPS) LPV approaches on the approach chart, are the fastest growing type of GPS approach in the country.  Currently, 1028 such approaches exist, and the FAA plans to add an additional 300 LPV approaches per year. The FAA is focusing on reducing the industry’s dependence on older ground based navaids and increasing the use of GPS navigation via the Wide Area Augmented System (WAAS) space-based navigation system. Universal’s success in obtaining this STC bolsters the FAA’s initiative to provide horizontal and vertical navigation to all users at all locations.
 
The WAAS-FMS allows pilots to fly to ILS-like minimums at airports without an ILS approach, or in inclement weather. More importantly, with the WAAS-FMS upgrade, pilots can fly precision approaches with RNP-like accuracy of 0.3 NM and minima as low as 200 ft without special operational approval from the FAA. “There are many advantages of precision approaches,” says Mr. Reida, “but what it really comes down to is knowing that you can rely on a system that will enable you to nail your approach every time.”
 
Universal’s new line of WAAS-FMSs include the UNS-1Lw, UNS-1Ew, UNS-1Espw, and UNS-1Fw. The WAAS-FMSs’ internal GPS WAAS sensor/receiver eliminates the need for add-on sensors and allows GPS to be used as the primary means of navigation from takeoff through Category I precision approach. It also provides a self-contained solution perfect for those looking for greater space efficiency onboard their aircraft.
 
The WAAS Part 25 STC flight was conducted in a Bombardier CL-601-3A and the STC includes Bombardier CL-600, CL-601 and CL-601-3R’s. The WAAS-FMS meets FAA TSO-C146b Gamma-3 and DO229D certification criteria.
 
Universal Avionics is an industry pioneer in the design and manufacture of Flight Management Systems, including the WAAS-FMS. Universal offers a complete line of flight management systems, cockpit instrument displays, a terrain awareness and warning system, a cockpit/ground communications datalink, navigation position sensors, and cockpit voice recorders.
 
To learn more about Universal Avionics, please visit the www.uasc.com or call 1-800-321-5253.