Duncan Aviation Certifies and Installs First Universal Avionics EFI-890R in Challenger 601-3A

October 12, 2004

BATTLE CREEK, MICH. — Duncan Aviation recently certified and installed the first Universal EFI-890R system in a Challenger 601-3A. The project was developed, certified, and completed by the avionics modifications team at Duncan Aviation’s Battle Creek, Michigan, facility. The system displays enhanced flight information on four EFI-890R 8x9-inch LCD displays and a MFD-640 Multifunction Display. This installation is the first from Duncan Aviation’s Glass Box Project.

The Universal EFI-890R Electronic Flight Instrument affords new opportunities for modernizing flightdecks by offering advanced, large-format instrument suites that interface with most existing systems. The EFI-890R and similar flat-panel systems increase the value of older aircraft and add safety and technology that has normally been available only in aircraft fresh off the assembly line. The EFI-890R is capable of displaying TAWS, TCAS, Synthetic Vision, Weather and Navigational information in addition to the technology required for CNS/ATM.

“This installation in a Collins-equipped Challenger is unique, and Duncan Aviation is planning to expand the certification to include the Honeywell-equipped Challengers,” says Ron Hall, Duncan Aviation Avionics Sales Representative. “The Universal EFI-890R was chosen to update the technology, safety, and to increase situational awareness. This installation increases the value of this Challenger and lightens the aircraft by more than 50 pounds.”

Duncan Aviation’s “Glass Box Project” is a complete course change from “business as usual” in the strengthening LCD or “glass cockpit” avionics retrofit market. Duncan Aviation has combined customer feedback, market research and relentless product evaluation to learn what customers want and need in the years ahead and which product is the best match for their aircraft. Further, certification preplanning and improved production practices have and will reduce the downtime required to perform these major avionics retrofits. The Glass Box Project will refresh aging avionics and keep these aircraft flying far into the 21st century and includes Universal’s EFIS 890R, Rockwell Collins’ Pro Line 21 IDS-3000 and Honeywell’s EPIC CDSr Flat Panel Systems.

The Challenger aircraft will be on static display at NBAA in Las Vegas, October 12-14. It will be located in space #18 at the Henderson Executive Airport. A shuttle bus will take attendees to and from the display area.

 Duncan Aviation’s high-quality avionic installations, modifications, and complete aircraft maintenance are available at the Lincoln, Nebraska, headquarters, as well as the Battle Creek, Michigan, facility.  In addition, several Duncan Aviation satellite avionics shops including Teterboro, NJ; Van Nuys, CA; Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX; Denver, CO; and Las Vegas, NV; will be performing these avionics modifications. For more information, please call Duncan Aviation Modifications Sales in Lincoln 800.228.4277 or 402.475.2611, and Battle Creek 800.525.2376 or 269.969.8400.

Duncan Aviation is an aircraft service provider with 1,800 employees supporting the aviation needs of government and business operators and other service providers. These services include airframe, engine, avionics installations, interior and paint completions/modifications, avionics/instrument and accessory/propeller repair/overhaul and parts support. Complete service facilities are located in Lincoln, Neb., and Battle Creek, Mich. Additional locations include 21 satellite avionics facilities located throughout the United States, 20 government C-23 contract locations, a line service/regional support operation in Kalamazoo, Mich., and Lincoln-based Parts Support Services, a division that sells and consigns general aviation parts to aircraft operators and service organizations worldwide.

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