Low-Time Aircraft Transformed Into VIP Airliner

The private owner of a DC-9 has found a unique use for the aircraft - transforming the commercial jet into a VIP airliner with a new, NextGen-compliant cockpit. Airborne Maintenance & Engineering Services successfully completed the configuration with the help of Universal Avionics.

The flight deck package consisted of four EFI-890R flat panel integrated, high-definition displays offering an advanced, large-format instrument suite; two UNS-1Fw flight management systems with 5-inch flat-panel control display Units, bringing WAAS and EGNOS capability to the aircraft; two radio control units, providing centralized radio tuning; and two application server units, designed for integration with the EFI display for electronic charting, checklists, broadcast weather, and e-docs.

Scott Campbell, Universal’s Director of Airline and Military Marketing, remarked, “This low-time aircraft was in incredible condition, but suffered operationally due to its original analog cockpit. The Universal cockpit upgrade provides advanced capability that our customers will find beneficial for the life of the aircraft.”

The FAA has issued the Supplemental Type Certificate, giving DC-9 operators a new option for advanced flight deck upgrades for the aircraft.

FMI: www.uasc.com