Universal Avionics is offering aircraft operators two new upgrade incentive programs for the SBAS-Flight Management System (FMS) and UniLink UL-800/801 Communications Management Unit (CMU). The programs are designed to help operators follow the path to Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Out and Link 2000+/Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) compliance.

Mandates for both are set to happen in Europe in 2020. European operators also need to consider recent developments under the new Data Link Services Implementing Rule (DLS-IR). The list of exempt aircraft will be reduced, which could affect their equipage requirements. The final list has not yet been published.

Throughout 2015, operators may trade-in their qualified legacy FMS or GPS system for a new SBAS-capable Universal Avionics FMS. Universal Avionics SBAS-FMS is an approved ARINC 743A position source, required for ADS-B Out compliance.

Operators that equip their aircraft with Universal Avionics SBAS-FMS also experience many other benefits such as Performance Based Navigation (PBN), larger database memory, dependable data and reliable subscription service, and access to over 3,972 APV (LPV) approaches worldwide. EUROCONTROL has indicated that SBAS approaches will be the next big push after ADS-B and Link 2000+.

In addition, the SBAS-FMS is part of Universal Avionics Link 2000+/CPDLC solution. Universal Avionics’ second incentive program allows operators of legacy Universal Avionics and non-Universal Avionics equipment to trade-in their existing data link system for the popular UniLink UL-800/801 CMU, provisioned for Link 2000+.

Along with CPDLC capabilities, operators of the UniLink UL-800/801 CMU gain: Embedded Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Contract (ADS-C) capability, ACARS/CMU functionality, uplink forecast winds, Flight Information Services and more.

With an estimated 40 avionics shops in Europe capable of installing the ADS-B and Link 2000+ solution, operators need to consider an update fairly soon to “beat the rush” of the estimated 4,000 corporate aircraft that will need these updates by 2020.

To learn more about Universal Avionics SBAS-FMS, UniLink UL-800/801 CMU or these special incentives, stop by Universal Avionics Stand Z108 during the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE2015) while exhibit halls are open May 19th-21st. Additional program information can also be found at: uasc.com/trade-in/fms and uasc.com/trade-in/unilink.

Universal Avionics is a leading manufacturer of innovative avionics systems offered as retrofit and forward-fit solutions for the largest diversification of aircraft types in the industry. Markets served include Business, Special Missions, Government / Military, Airline (regional / commercial), Helicopter and OEM. To learn more about Universal Avionics, visit www.uasc.com/company/about.aspx.