The Requirement
This Canadian CAR 705 carrier operates its ATR-42 and ATR-72 twin-turboprop aircraft primarily in northern Manitoba and the Kivalliq region of Nunavut. The legacy HT9100 Flight Management Systems (FMS) in ATRs are obsolete and not capable of providing Satellite-based Augmentation System (WAAS-SBAS) procedure guidance. Universal Avionics WAAS-SBAS family of systems is the standard fit for ATRs operating in Canada’s north and this operator chose MC2’s Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) turnkey installation program for the ATR type to be able to continue to operate in northern Canada airspace.
Why the Operator Selected MC2
Mid-Canada Mod Center’s (MC2) team understands the demands of air operations in remote areas, and the constant requirement to be competitive. A top-tier Universal Avionics Dealer, MC2 holds the STC for Universal UNS-1Lw systems for the ATR type and are ATR avionics experts.
Main Benefit
The key benefit to this operator is the ability to use the growing number of RNAV (GNSS) Localizer Performance with and without Vertical Guidance Level of Service (LPV and LP LOS) approaches in Canada’s north. Flight delays and missed approaches have been substantially reduced through the fitment of WAAS-SBAS FMS. The new FMS is an essential building block for all the acronyms – FANS, ADS-B, RNP, CPDLC and PBN. True north-based course procedures and gravel runways are included in the database. The new FMS has the ability to do cold temperature altitude correction (TEMP COMP) for all segments of an approach – transition, intermediate, final, and missed.
About the Mods
Another unique mod undertaken by MC2, this one also involved the same equipment installation in the flight simulator in conjunction with the operator’s training provider.
Key mods included:
- Dual Universal Avionics UNS-1Lw SBAS-FMS (Flight Management System): with new Flat Panel Control Display Units
(FPCDU) were installed, replacing the obsolete ATR-42 and 72 legacy FMS systems. Fitting the new systems is also the critical step in preparing for the NextGen ADS-B Out mandates, as well as departure clearances (DCL) using Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC), being deployed as a capability by Nav Canada.
MC2 STC package provides the new approaches capabilities while offering pilots a more user-friendly interface, improved ergonomics along with tools to optimize airlines’ operations.
Great Results
This is more proof of North American regional carriers’ confidence in MC2 to be problem-solvers, and good news for the northern and First Nations communities who will benefit from improved connectivity.
What the Operator Says
“We relied on Mid-Canada Mod Center’s experience, not only in regards to avionics, but their understanding of remote charter and cargo operations. Unifying the FMS across our fleet of ATR-42 and 72 aircraft offers many advantages. FMS commonality across our fleet provides ease of use, offering efficiency and safety in the cockpit. This helps us improve our overall operational performance, and get extra life from our aircraft.”
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