NextGen 101: Satellite Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS)

Welcome to Wired!

As our industry enters the new dawn of airspace management and integrated avionic capabilities we at ASIG felt it was appropriate to share the benefit of our experience and know-how with those laymen of our industry who are most directly charged with keeping and maintaining safe skies, the Technical and Flight Operations Managers. We'll start this year's look at the future of Air Traffic Control (ATC) with an intro to SBAS. Satellite Navigation and positioning systems represent the most important technological breakthrough in aviation navigation history. Satellite Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS) refers to geostationary satellites over various regions of the world supported by a network of precisely located ground reference stations. These ground stations monitor, collect and process satellite signals and send this information to ground-based master stations. The Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) master stations develop a WAAS correction message that is relayed to airborne, WAAS enabled aircraft via geostationary satellites.

This highly precise SBAS navigation system improves accuracy, availability, and integrity of GPS-derived position thereby increasing the navigation capacity for all classes of aircraft in all phases of flight. When operating in North America, WAAS equipped aircraft achieve a dramatic improvement in signal availability over traditional GPS sensors. This is due to the use of WAAS geostationary satellites as distance ranging sources. The large gain in availability eliminates the need to perform GPS integrity predictions (aka: RAIM) prior to departure. This allows for easier flight planning and fewer delays or canceled departures.

All Satellite Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS) are regional systems. There is currently an international effort to establish cooperation among SBAS providers so their implementation becomes part of a seamless worldwide navigation system. ASIG's integrated flight decks allow even classic and contemporary generation aircraft to be compatible with all international satellite-based systems. Whether operating within Europe's (EGNOS), Japan's (MSAS) or India's (GAGAN) system you can be assured of global dispatch ability. Working with our clients and the end-user operator(s) our integrations are designed and developed with forward-fit future compliance with the standards established in RTCA DO-229D. ASIG's designs largely feature off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment for efficiency of integration and ease the procurement effort of Line Replaceable Units (LRUs). Our retrofits and architecture provide all the necessary capabilities that will extend into Canadian airspace as well. NAV CANADA has participated in the development of a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) by proposing a Canadian WASS (CWASS) that supplements the United States installation of WAAS by adding additional reference stations within Canada in order to increase coverage across North America. Flying in one of ASIG's fully integrated cockpits provides virtually seamless international satellite-based navigation for a fraction of the implementation cost of manufacturer Service Bulletin modifications.

Until next time stay 5x5, Mission Ready & Wired!
To learn more about our approach to aircraft modernization or the products and services available from Avionics & Systems Integration Group (ASIG), please visit us online at http://www.asigllc.com/, via email at info@asigllc.com, or contact us direct at 866.890.ASIG [2744].

ASIG Receives FAA §145 Air Agency Certificate

Little Rock, AR: January 30, 2008 - Avionics & Systems Integration Group, LLC (ASIG) yesterday received 14 CFR §145 Repair Station Certification. This important certification proves that the ASIG service center has met the FAA’s stringent aircraft component repair and maintenance regulations. ASIG can now lead the repair and maintenance of any article contained in their PMA’d aircraft modifications kits and other components as contained in their FAA accepted capability list.

The comprehensive five-phase certification effort consisted of preapplication, formal application, document compliance, demonstration / inspection, and certification. ASIG’s repair station manual was reviewed and found acceptable by the FAA for conformity to applicable regulations and safe operating practices. In addition, the FAA approved ASIG’s repair station training manual. Also throughout the certification process, the company’s facilities and equipment were found to meet the regulatory requirements.

“We are building an enduring aviation legacy, and this latest FAA nod of approval represents another important step in our journey,” said Luke Ribich, Managing Director of ASIG. “Previously, we have designed and certified superior aircraft articles and now are well on our way to delivering and maintaining a large array of aircraft and components ranging from use on GA through large transport aircraft. This certification reflects the seriousness with which we are approaching our entire customer experience – from sale, through design, certification and delivery, to the service and maintenance of each of our products over its lifetime.”

In 2006, ASIG introduced a revolutionary customer care program that will continue to drive down cost of aircraft ownership and operation. The VESSA (Virtual Engineering Services Subscription Agreement) Program, is ASIG’s one-stop solution for for operational support, engineering & design service, DER/DAR approvals and component maintenance, it provides the engineering, solutions development and FAA certifications customers need to operate and manage their aircraft or fleet at a fixed, guaranteed price. The VESSA Program leverages the experience and proficiencies of its cadre of highly skilled multi-disciplined aerospace engineers, designers, technicians and fleet/program planners to aid its clients implement safety enhancements, airframe mid-life extensions, maintaining regulatory compliance, reliability improvement programs and reducing the challenge of acquiring and maintaining internal engineering, manufacturing and MRO capabilities. As is done for customers of modern automotive companies like Lexus, the VESSA program significantly improves the customer ownership experience by providing a 24/7/365 single point of contact that greatly simplifies day-to-day and AOG aircraft management.

For additional information regarding ASIG's operating activities, product & services offerings contact Mr. Luke Ribich, Managing Director of ASIG, toll-free at (866) 890-ASIG x100 or via email at lribich@asigllc.com. – END OF RELEASE

ASIG Receives New FAA-PMA for CFM56-2F Interconnect Devices

Little Rock, AR: December 20, 2007- Avionics & Systems Integration Group, LLC (ASIG) announced this week that they have received FAA-PMA supplement for the manufacture of CFM56-2F EGT thermocouple airframe interconnect harness assemblies for DC-8-7X airframes. ASIG part number 1011-9000-00 has been designed and FAA certified as a direct replacement for Boeing part numbers D51A56107-3 & -5 utilizing modern materials and manufacturing processes in order to enhance in-service reliability. Units are available at less than half the cost and lead time, and can be shop overhauled and/or repaired in contrast to OEM counterparts.

“These units have been designed and manufactured to exceed the reliability of legacy OEM units in order to aid operators of the DC-8-70 series aircraft in increasing dispatch performance in this ever less supported, never more utilized freight workhorse. Each unit is serialized and tested to withstand the grueling conditions of its operating environment.” – Bill Helliwell; Manager, Engineering & Programs

New parts are available through IASA Group, Inc., an authorized ASIG distributor, at (214) 350-5996, via the ILS Parts Locator Service or, from ASIG directly at (866) 890-2744 or http://www.asigllc.com/.

For additional information regarding ASIG's operating activities, product & services offerings contact Mr. Luke Ribich, Managing Director of ASIG, toll-free at (866) 890-ASIG x100 or via email at lribich@asigllc.com. – END OF RELEASE

ASIG Partners to Educate and Train the Future Aerospace Workforce

Little Rock, AR: September 18, 2007- Avionics & Systems Integration Group, LLC (ASIG) announced today that they have joined the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the Workforce Investment Board and other aviation and related industry organizations in partnership with Pulaski Technical College to meet the needs of aviation and associated industries in the Little Rock region through the U.S. Department of Labor Community-Based Job Training Program. “Our company feels strongly that these strategic partners are committed to the success of this demonstration project and are the right partners to ensure its success in growing the pool of qualified, skilled future aviation employees.” – Luke Ribich, Managing Director

ASIG has been a key industry participant in the strategic partnership that identified the capacity and challenges addressed in the grant funded program. As an employer partner with Pulaski Technical College for its U.S. Department of Labor Community-Based Job Training Program we have been, and will continue to be , involved in the strategic leadership and goal setting of the overall program, including:

• Defining the program strategy and goals.
• Identifying the needs and skills competencies.
• Designing training approaches and curricula.
• Implementing the program.
• Contributing financial support and in-kind support.
• Hiring qualified training graduates.

ASIG is committed to the project for the 36-month term and expects to sustain the partnership well beyond the project period. The Company expects to continue to contribute significantly to the partnership and its success.

ASIG performs integration engineering, certification & program management, PMA manufacturing including structural components, switching matrices, wire and cable harness assemblies and the installation of Communications, Navigation, Situational Awareness, Air Traffic Management and In Flight Entertainment equipment for aircraft & other air vehicles. Additionally, the Company performs research and development of emerging technologies in support of aircraft operations, maintenance, modification and repair for civil, commercial, government and foreign flight departments.

For additional information regarding ASIG's operating activities, product & services offerings contact Mr. Luke Ribich, Managing Director of ASIG, toll-free at (866) 890-ASIG x100 or via email at lribich@asigllc.com. – END OF RELEASE

ASIG Set to Sponsor the 2007 Avionics Outlook Management Forum in Partnership with Aviation Week

Little Rock, AR: September 12, 2007- Avionics & Systems Integration Group, LLC (ASIG) announced that the Company has completed an agreement with Aviation Week, a McGraw-Hill Company, to provide Gold Level Sponsorship of the 2007 Avionics Outlook Management Forum, to be held October 29, 2007 at the Hyatt Regency in Phoenix, AZ. The Avionics Outlook Management Forum is a must-attend event for anyone seeking insight into new avionics systems and integration technology, current regulatory conditions shaping the future capabilities of avionic systems; and, how recent changes in certification requirements are affecting avionics manufacturers, airframe manufacturers, systems integrators and aircraft operators.
“We are pleased to team with McGraw-Hill’s Aviation Week team to present this important meeting of our industries most forward thinking professionals. The continued success of the aviation industry, as well as the overall safety, security and comfort of the flying public are predicated on integrating the latest systems innovations of the CNS/ATM & IFE marketplace within the cost-conscious constraints of the global aviation economy.” – Luke Ribich, Managing Director
To learn more about the Aviation Week Avionics Outlook Management Forum visit www.aviationweek.com/forums online or contact Rachelle Young, Assistant Producer & Editorial Director via email at Rachelle_Young@aviationweek.com, or via telephone at (212) 904-2997.
ASIG performs integration engineering, FAA certification program management and PMA manufacturing of structural components, switching matrices, wire and cable harness assemblies in addition to aircraft installations of Communications, Navigation, Situational Awareness, Air Traffic Management and In-Flight Entertainment equipment for aircraft & other air vehicles. Additionally, the Company performs research and development of emerging technologies in support of aircraft operations, maintenance, modification and repair for civil, commercial, government and foreign flight departments.
For additional information regarding ASIG's operating activities, product & services offerings contact Mr. Luke Ribich, Managing Director of ASIG, toll-free at (866) 890-ASIG x100 or via email at lribich@asigllc.com. – END OF RELEASE

Best of Show, New Products 2007

Welcome to Wired!

Well June was certainly a busy month for the entire Industry from DoD procurements to the final emergence of all US 121 Operators from the depression of bankruptcy concluding with the biggest dance of the year, the Paris Air Show. On behalf of ASIG I'm pleased to report that we had a great month in both production and engineering operations and our client list is continuing to grow (as is our staff, welcome to Shawn & Paul).

In this edition of Wired we've decided to back off of the business of business and our evaluation of case studies and focus on some of the new avionics & IFE products that have really caught our attention over the last year. Among the OEMs represented at this year's Avionics Maintenance Conference (AMC), Maintenance Repair & Overhaul (MRO) conference and the 50th Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) Convention & Tradeshow a few products seem to stand out to both ASIG and our industry peers. These products add capability, functionality, increase reliability and reduce pilot workload while increasing situational awareness for the crew. Although there were many accolades to be had this is a list of ASIG's Top Five, also known as our Best in Show.

Item 1: DAC International GEN-X Electronic Flight Bag
DAC introduced the new GEN-X EFB and touch-screen display at this year's AEA. The system is comprised of a remote processor unit (RPU) that has been specifically engineered and ruggedized for aviation applications, including the integration of pressurized sealed hard drives. These drives are tested beyond current Part 25 G-force requirements which ensure that inclement weather and hard landings by those cargo haulers won’t affect system performance. The unit also includes an auto-off feature in case the crew leaves the power on after the flight.
The display is a thing of beauty. It is a touch-screen hardened tot he elements and designed for today’s rugged cockpit environment, including crew meals, coffee and water when the pilot leaves the window cracked to perform his ground checks. It is a bright, very bright, high-contrast sunlight-readable unit which is the primary control and system I/O.
When integrated with the aircraft FMS (as intended by the developer) airport and route plates are automatically loaded into the EFB.
The unit meets AC 120-76A, Class 2B/3B (installation dependent); DO-160 and uses a WinXP OS with a DO-178 monitoring shell.

Item 2: L-3 Com Avionics Systems IRIS
The IRIS is an Infrared Imaging System used to provide pilots with a real-time, B/W 320 x 240 pixel images in the cockpit by detecting subtle variations in temperature. These variations are converted to video imagery and can be displayed on cockpit displays capable of video resolutions.
The IRIS camera is mounted in a small fiberglass faring in the nose of the aircraft, allowing pilots an optimal field-of-view when on approach for both long range and close targets and obstructions.

Item 3: UASC WAAS Enables Super FMS Family
Universal Avionics made public their release of the UNS-1Xw line of WAAS capable FMS units. These units are ready for FAA published WAAS/LPV approaches to minimums as low as 200 feet and ½ mile, along with non-precision and LNAV/VNAV approaches, oceanic, enroute, departure and arrival procedures. They also include an integrated SBAS receiver compatible with EGNOS (in Europe) and MSAS (in Japan) and other potential NAV standards developed in accordance with RTCA DC-229.
By far the Universal product line remains on ASIG’s Best in Show list as an integrator preferred manufacturer for both integration development and post-installation operational reliability.

Item 4: EMS Satcom CNX-300 MAR
The CNX 300 is the latest addition to the EMS line of CMX Cabin Gateways and the first to feature a full function Cisco router to the aviation community. This allows integrators and maintenance technicians to better meet the IT needs of customer who want a seamless access to internet based resources.
The CNX-300 MAR includes all the standard fare including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, hub and terminal adapter with the Cisco 3200 TCP/IP router and Cisco IOS software, which helps the make the configuration much easier and faster for the installer.
The system works with Inmarsat Swift 64 and future SwiftBroad networks and can provide users with secure voice, data and video communications; even when dynamic routing, VPN tunneling and AES encryption are required.

Item 5: Rosen Aviation 24” High-Def Widescreen Cabin Display
I already know what you’re thinking, “what self-respecting avionics integrator dabbles with IFE.” To be honest cabin displays are quickly becoming system I/O devices that interact with onboard CNS/ATM systems, albeit peripherally and statically. However, our interest stems from countless hours of watching Blade Runner.
At any rate the large 24” display yields the absolute best picture we’ve ever seen in a cabin IFE with a 1920 x 1080 resolution. And integration design limitations are mitigated by the unit’s shy 15 pound weight. This makes fitting the unit easy and less bulky compared to even smaller non-HD displays. All the standard connections are available including DVI/HDMI, composite, component and RGB and can accomodate both HD-DVD & BlueRay formats. Our question, can it handle our XBOX360?

These products are exciting, functional and well priced per unit and when integrating new. They allow for increased performance and superior reliability when contrast against legacy products currently in use. Their expanded functionality elevate both safety in terms of available sensory inputs to the flightdeck and the travel experience by giving clients connectivity and exceptional video quality. We at ASIG look forward to our planned and pending projects featuring these units. Should any of our readership have additional feedback, please don't hesitate to post your thoughts.

Until next time stay 5x5, Mission Ready & Wired!
To learn more about our approach to aircraft modernization or the products and services available from Avionics & Systems Integration Group (ASIG), please visit us online at http://www.asigllc.com/, via email at info@asigllc.com, or contact us direct at 866.890.ASIG [2744].

ATC Reality 2007 - 2025

Welcome to Wired!

Today’s ATC environment is rapidly changing. The Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) is the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) plan to modernize the National Airspace System through 2025. Through NextGen, the FAA is developing a roadmap of new technologies and procedures to support greater capacity and less congestion. Performance-based navigation (PBN) is helping the FAA chart a course toward achieving NextGen goals.

The demands on our nation’s airspace and the complexity of aircraft are increasing and may result in increased flight delays, choke points, and passenger inconvenience, particularly during unpredictable weather. For example:

• The FAA predicts that passenger demand for air transportation will increase an average of 3.4 percent each year through 2017, totaling one billion passengers in that time period.
• General Aviation will grow, with the piston aircraft fleet increasing at an average annual rate of 1.4 percent, and business jets growing at an average rate of 4 percent per year.
• Growth in scheduled and general aviation aircraft will increase point-to-point and direct routing, increasing the need for greater system flexibility to handle peaks in traffic demand, convective weather, military operations, and security needs.
• By 2017, traffic will peak at the nation’s busiest airports, at a level 30 to 40 percent higher than today.
• The introduction of very light jets and the operation of unmanned aircraft will create new complexities.
• High fuel costs are pushing air carriers to find new ways to combat inefficiencies.

What is performance-based navigation?
PBN establishes precise approach, arrival and departure procedures at airports. It increases efficiency by providing smoother traffic flow, saves fuel, and benefits the environment by reducing the effect of aircraft noise and emissions. Allowing aircraft to fly the same path consistently lets the FAA design procedures that avoid noise-sensitive areas. The FAA and the aviation community are working together to make performance-based navigation a reality.

The aviation community is using the FAA’s Roadmap for Performance-Based Navigation to leverage advances in flight deck navigation capability to meet the demands of future air travel. A government and industry effort, the Roadmap focuses on the acceleration of two key elements of performance-based navigation at U.S. airports: Area Navigation (RNAV) and Required Navigation Performance (RNP). RNP is RNAV with the addition of an on board performance monitoring and alerting system.

What is RNP?
RNP is RNAV with the addition of an on board performance monitoring and alerting system. It takes advantage of an airplane’s onboard navigation capability to fly a more precise flight path into an airport. RNP increases airport access during marginal weather, thereby reducing diversions to alternate airports. Flying straight down the middle of a flight path means that people on the ground perceive less jet noise and experience fewer engine emissions.

The FAA has authorized a total of 37 RNP procedures at 17 airports. In 2006, the FAA published 28 RNP Special Aircraft and Aircrew Authorization Required (SAAAR) procedures at 14 airports. The FAA plans to publish at least 25 more RNP approach procedures in FY 2007.

What is RNAV?
Area Navigation (RNAV) enables aircraft to fly on any desired flight path within the coverage of NAVAIDS, within the limits of the capability of self-contained systems, or a combination of both capabilities. RNAV aircraft have better access and flexibility for point-to-point-operations.

To date, the FAA has authorized 155 RNAV procedures at 38 airports and plans to publish an additional 42 procedures by the end of FY 2007.
What’s in the Roadmap?

The Roadmap for Performance-Based Navigation addresses five key areas:

• Expediting the development of performance-based navigation criteria and standards.
• Introducing airspace and procedure improvements in the near-term.
• Providing benefits to operators who have invested in existing and upcoming capabilities.
• Establishing target dates for introducing navigation mandates for selected procedure and airspace, taking benefits and costs into consideration.
• Defining new concepts and applications of performance-based navigation for the mid-and far-term, building synergy and integration among other capabilities toward the NextGen goal.

The Roadmap details the FAA’s transition plans in three time periods:

• Near Term: Today-2010

Realize the value of investments by operators in current aircraft and new aircraft acquisitions, FAA investments in satellite-based navigation and conventional navigation infrastructure. The focus is on wide-scale RNAV implementation and the introduction of RNP for en route, terminal, and approach procedures. The near-term strategy compliments the agency’s efforts to alleviate choke points at the 35 airports in the FAA’s Operational Evolution Plan (OEP).

• Mid-term: 2011-2015

Shift to predominantly RNP operations for improving flight efficiency and airport access. The mid-term strategy will employ RNAV extensively to improve flight operations.

• Far-term: 2016-2025

Concentrate on performance-based operation through integrated RNP, Required Communications Performance (RCP, and Required Surveillance Performance (RSP); optimizing airspace, automation enhancements; and modernization of communications, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) infrastructures.

ASIG Helps Operators Accelerate Their PBN Operational Plans

In order to help accelerate PBN, the FAA is allowing consultants such as ASIG - to help airlines through the approval process and develop actual flight procedures. In addition to helping operators develop and implement their approval packages for RNP SAAAR, ASIG designs, certifies and manufactures STC’s and Installation Kitting for avionics suites across numerous classic and contemporary aircraft type/model/series capable of RNP SAAAR flight procedures for operators using FAA criteria, allowing our customers to extend the safe and cost efficient in-service life spans of otherwise antiquated airframes, avoiding the enormous fiscal burden of widespread fleet replacement programs. ASIG provides products and services to a variety of customers, including Dassault Aviation, Air Transport International and AStar Air Cargo to name a few. As the FAA continues to develop and implement RNP procedures in accordance with the agency’s Flight Plan goals, ASIG will continue to be engaged as an industry partner and co-collaborator in the development and maturing of future technologies.

In our next edition of Wired, we’ll expand on the future of COTS & Open Source technologies and how today’s integrated avionics capabilities are rapidly meeting and exceeding tomorrow’s operational requirements. We’ll also update you with the FAA’s most recent list of airports with authorized RNAV procedures and those planned for approvals by the close of FY07.

Until next time stay 5x5, Mission Ready & Wired!

To learn more about our approach to aircraft modernization or the products and services available from Avionics & Systems Integration Group (ASIG), please visit us online at http://www.asigllc.com/, via email at info@asigllc.com, or contact us direct at 866.890.ASIG [2744].