Jetcraft Corporation and its subsidiary Jetcraft Avionics LLC, today announced that their HUD Vision Access™ system is now available for sale and installation on the Bombardier Challenger 604 (CL604).
Last month, Kollsman announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had awarded a "lower landing credit" approved supplemental type certificate (STC) for the Kollsman enhanced flight vision system (EFVS) for the CL604. As a major Kollsman EFVS distributor to the business aviation aftermarket, Jetcraft has commercialised this offering and branded it as the HUD Vision Access.
Fully integrated with existing avionics, HUD Vision Access makes the CL604 a more flexible and valuable aircraft by allowing pilots to safely taxi, take off and land in total darkness, fog, rain, snow, smog and other reduced visibility conditions. Under FAR 91.175, HUD Vision Access permits pilots to descend below decision height (DH/DA) at most airports, reducing the need for ground-based infrastructure. For owners and operators of CL604s, the principal benefits include additional operational credit at more than 4,000 runways across the country, during straight-in approaches with ILS or WAAS-LPV.
Implementation of the HUD Vision Access is a value-adding retrofit for CL604sin-line with the FAA’s new ‘NextGen’ initiative, which places increasing importance on cockpit-based (vs ground-based) guidance systems.
West Star Aviation, a leading US provider of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services with multiple authorised locations, has been selected by Jetcraft for system installations. West Star will sell and install HUD Vision Access as an integrated system, provision or as separate component.
"Jetcraft’s HUD Vision Access system makes the CL604 a more valuable aircraft," said Chad Anderson, president of the Jetcraft Corporation.
"Based on our extensive experience in the remarketing of previously-owned business aircraft and independent analysis, we estimate the resale value of HUD Vision Access to be approximately 70%. In addition, HUD Vision Access is a significant differentiator at resale, compared to a similar aircraft without this upgrade. Previously, EFVS was only available on new aircraft sold directly by OEMs. With HUD Vision Access now STC approved on the CL604, we look forward to continuing to work with the Kollsman team to pursue EASA approval and comparable retrofits for aftermarket Bombardier Challenger 605 and CRJ conversion fleets. Working with West Star Aviation to access this game-changing technology enables clients to derive more value from their aircraft investments," said Mr. Anderson.
"We are pleased to be the leading installation facilities of Jetcraft’s HUD Vision Access system for CL604s," continues Greg Byrnes, senior vice-president of West Star Aviation.
"We have considerable expertise with Challengers, specifically including avionics installations. The HUD Vision Access represents major value for aircraft owners and operators. With recent FAA STC approval now established, we are ready to serve the more than 150 CL604 operators registered in the US," said Mr. Byrnes.
