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 Systems has announced two new incentive programs for NBAA show attendees, both involving the UniLink UL-800/801 communications management unit (CMU). For those placing an order for Universal’s recently STC’d InSight Display System cockpit upgrade before Dec. 31, 2017, the company will include a UL-800 or -801 at no extra charge.

 


The UL-800/801 CMU is a key component for NextGen upgrades such as FANS 1/A, CPDLC (including digital clearances), Data Comm and Aeronautical Telecommunications Network Baseline 1 (ATN B1) datalink. Universal Avionics is demonstrating the new ATN B1 software update to the UL-800/801 at its NBAA booth (N2821).

 


Buyers of UL-800/801 CMUs who palce orders before December 31 will receive one year of Universal’s FlightAssure extended warranty program at no charge. This program covers not only the CMU but also any other existing Universal Avionics products already installed on the customer’s aircraft. The CMU comes with a two-year warranty, and the FlightAssure coverage kicks in after that period. It includes “full coverage on exchanges and loaners at no charge,” according to the company, “and component repairs, no-fault found and removed-and-refit coverage.”

 


Universal Avionics also announced that authorized dealer Chicago Jet Group will include the ATN B1 module for the UL-800/801 CMUs in its existing FAA- and EASA-approved FANS/CPDLC supplemental type certificates. ATN B1 and Context Management (formerly Link 2000+) functions will be required by Feb. 5, 2020, to meet the European Data Link Services mandate. “This will give customers that have already purchased these Chicago Jet STCs the option to add the ATN/Link 2000+ capability for Europe,” said Mike Mitera, president of Chicago Jet Group.

 


For operators needing to comply with upcoming ADS-B Out mandates, Universal Avionics has received FAA STC approval for the UNS-1Xw SBAS-FMS paired with Honeywell’s ADS-B-compliant RCZ-833 transponder. To help speed up ADS-B upgrades, Universal is offering the data package at no charge to its dealer and integrator network.

 


“Universal’s SBAS-FMS is the first step in preparing for the FAA’s NextGen and Europe’s Sesar,” said Carey Miller, Universal director of corporate programs and business development. “Not only does the SBAS-FMS enable ADS-B Out, but also PBN and Data Comm, including CPDLC departure clearances in U.S. domestic airspace.”

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