Cleveland, Ohio-based MRO provider Constant Aviation has received a FAA STC approval for its Future Air Navigation Systems (Fans) solution for the Embraer Legacy 600/650. The technology, which replaces high-frequency voice communications with automatic texts, is required for operators wishing to fly overseas in the North Atlantic Track System (NATS). Aircraft using NATS can benefit from maximized tailwinds, which can reduce fuel burn as well as flight time.

“Other companies pair the STC with a Honeywell Mark III CMU and an ICS 220 Iridium transceiver,” noted Derek Morris, Constant’s manager of avionics design and engineering, adding that the company’s customers requested a solution that didn’t involve the installation of an Inmarsat satellite system. “We have a fully integrated solution that involves EICAS messages, pop-up alerts on the PFD, and a tone generated by the aural warning unit that chimes 'ATC Message.'”

Constant Aviation's solution includes an Iridium satcom system and an upgrade to the Honeywell Mark III CMU and CVR 120A for datalink recording.

According to Constant, an Embraer authorized service center with more than 1.3 million hours of Legacy airframe experience, customer response to the system has been “extremely positive.”