Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

In partnership with Rockwell Collins, Universal Avionics is offering operators a new integrated package to comply with the mandate for automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B). Here at the EBACE show, the companies announced an incentive program that allows them to combine the Rockwell Collins TDR-94(D) Mode S transponder with the Universal Avionics SBAS-FMS (Satellite-based Augmentation System-Flight Management System).


The SBAS-FMS is an approved Arinc 743A position source, meeting the requirement for ADS-B out compliance. It interfaces with ADS-B transponders. “The biggest value of this package is that operators receive a new, integrated SBAS-FMS,” said Carey Miller, Universal Avionics’s business development manager. “While providing ADS-B out compliance, our solution also provides a path to future technologies and mandates such as LPV [Localizer Performance with Vertical guidance] and Link 2000+. Other solutions only address ADS-B out.”


In promoting the limited-time offer, Universal Avionics (Booth Z108) pointed out that European operators also need to consider the requirements of Europe’s new Data Link Services Implementing Rule (DLS-IR). This will reduce the number of aircraft exempt from data link mandates, although the final list of exemptions has yet to be agreed.


According to the company, some 4,000 business aircraft will need updated ADS-B and Link 2000+ equipment by 2020. With no more than around 40 avionics shops qualified to do the work across the continent, it believes there could be an installation bottleneck if operators do not act soon. In addition to meeting mandates, the new equipment also promises improved safety and fuel economy.


For a more affordable compliance solution, operators with legacy Universal Avionics FMS equipment may be able to keep their control display unit and install a SBAS navigation computer unit with antenna and the Rockwell Collins TDR-94(D) Mode S transponder. For new customers, Universal Avionics is offering an upgrade incentive program valid for the rest of 2015 allowing them to trade in their legacy FMS or GPS systems for new units.


Operators with aircraft equipped with SBAS-FMS will also benefit from Performance Based Navigation (PBN), larger database memory, dependable data and reliable subscription service, and access to more than 3,972 APV (LPV) approaches worldwide. Eurocontrol has indicated that after ADS-B and Link 2000+ implementation, it will be increasing the use of SBAS approaches.


CMU Upgrade Offer


Universal Avionics also is offering an upgrade incentive program for operators to install its UniLink UL-800/801 Communications Management Unit. The equipment supports compliance with Link 2000+/controller-pilot data link communications (CPDLC) requirements.


The offer to trade in existing data link systems is available to operators regardless of whether or not their current equipment was supplied by the Tucson, Arizona-based manufacturer. As well as CPDLC capabilities, the UniLink UL-800/801 CMU also provides embedded automatic dependent surveillance-contract (ADS-C) capability, as well as ACARS/CMU functionality, uplink forecast winds and flight information services. o

Universal and Rockwell Collins Team for ADS-B Solution

Universal Avionics and Rockwell Collins are offering an incentive to combine their SBAS-FMS and TDR-94(D) transponder to comply with ADS-B requirements.

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