Flying Colours KSUS, the St Louis, USA-based sister facility of Canada’s Flying Colours Corp, says it is close to securing an STC for Automatic Dependent Surveillance (ADS)-B Out in Bombardier Challenger 604 and 605 airframes, in line with industry mandates that begin coming into effect in 2017.
The Bombardier Challenger 604 and 605 models were selected as the first for installation as they have one of the most consistent airframes in Flying Colours Corp’s portfolio. ADS-B Out enables the aircraft to report position and status information to air traffic control, replacing the need for traditional radar.
Flying Colours Corp expects to have the accreditation validated by both Transport Canada and EASA following FAA approval in autumn 2015, the culmination of 12 months’ work by the St Louis team. The first Challenger 605 to be modified in accordance with the STC is due to be introduced in September 2015, enabling Flying Colours Corp to start taking orders for the solution at NBAA 2015 (to be held in Las Vegas, USA, on November 17-19). It is also looking to expand into additional business aircraft models, the Challenger 300 series being the most likely next type.
“We have invested considerably in our internal avionics, sales and engineering teams in conjunction with outside engineering resources to develop this solution,” said Kevin Kliethermes, director of sales at Flying Colours Corp. “Our STC requires minimal downtime for installation and fully meets the mandate requirements for DO-260B compliance. By using a dual architecture design and proven interface technology, the solution will also provide for increased dispatch reliability, which is vitally important to our client base.”
The STC will be available for installation at all Flying Colours Corp facilities upon issuance.
July 31, 2015
