DC-9 Transformed with Help from Universal Avionics
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 matchless configuration with the help of Universal Avionics. The flight deck package consisted of:
Four EFI-890R flat panel integrated, high definition flight deck displays modernizing the DC-9 flight deck by offering an advanced, large-format instrument suite.
Two UNS-1Fw Flight Management Systems (FMS) with 5-inch Flat Panel Control Display Units (FPCDU), bringing WAAS/EGNOS capability to the aircraft.
Two Radio Control Units (RCU), providing centralized radio tuning.
Two Application Server Units (ASU), designed for integration with the EFI-890R 8.9 inch diagonal flat screen display for electronic charting, checklists, broadcast weather, and E-docs.
As Scott Campbell, Universal’s Director of Airline and Military Marketing puts it, “This low-time aircraft was in incredible condition, but suffered operationally due to its original analog cockpit.” Scott goes on to say, “The Universal cockpit upgrade provides advanced capability that our customers will find beneficial for the life of the aircraft.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), giving DC-9 operators a new option for advanced flight deck upgrades for the aircraft.