Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

Universal Avionics announced an FMS upgrade incentive program and new training opportunities for dealers and integrators yesterday at the AEA Convention. The FMS upgrade, available for operators of Bombardier Learjet 40/45s (including XR models) and Cessna Citation Excel/XLSs, offers the opportunity to trade in non-satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS) Universal FMSs for a “significant credit” toward purchase of a Universal SBAS-FMS. The incentive program is available through year-end.

 


Benefits of the upgrade include “compatibility with the regional SBAS around the world, but also a path to Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance (LPV) and ADS-B OUT,” according to Universal Avionics director of sales Robert Clare. The company’s website includes a payback calculator so operators can determine how much they can save by flying SBAS LPV approaches.

 


Meanwhile, members of Universal’s authorized dealer and integrator network can take advantage of free FMS and UniLink UL-800/801 Communications Management Unit integration and installation training at the company’s Tucson, Ariz., headquarters and at its Midwest support center in Wichita. The FMS class will be held May 10 and 11 in Tucson and June 7 and 8 in Wichita. The UniLink class is scheduled on May 12 in Tucson and June 9 in Wichita. Subjects covered include installation planning and resources, models and specifications, system interfaces and basic requirements, configuration, testing, troubleshooting and maintenance, basic operations and technical support.

 


Universal has also added training options on its UniNet Online Service Center, including “FMS End User Maintenance Training Module for Software Control Number (SCN) 604 through 1001,” which covers basics of FMS to operations, maintenance and configuration, according to the company. “Whether learning something for the first time, enhancing understanding, or just refreshing one's memory of a long forgotten topic, these videos are yet one more service we provide to our customers,” said Paul Carlin, Universal Avionics customer training instructor. “Our intent is to provide customers with the best possible resources to help them fly smart and land safe.”

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

Universal Launches FMS Upgrade Incentive for Learjet, Citation Operators

The incentives provide a credit toward upgrading to a Universal Avionics SBAS-FMS.

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News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

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New release adds missed approach climb gradient table and climb gradient values on departure procedures

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News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

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Improves safety when flying into challenging airports

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