9/8/2004

Midcoast Receives STC for Challenger 604 Electronic Flight Bag

Bombardier Challenger 604 operators who want the benefits of reduced cockpit clutter and greater flight deck information functionality now can turn to Midcoast Aviation for installation of dual electronic flight bags.

Under a new Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) granted to Midcoast, Challenger 604 operators have access to the ADR FG-5000 electronic flight bag manufactured by Advanced Data Research, Inc. of Rochester Hills, MI.

"These flight bags allow Challenger 604 operators to experience the flight freedom that comes from converting charts and other paper-based information into electronic form and gaining fingertip control over aircraft operations manuals, logs, checklists, and much more," said Blake Hogge, director, avionics sales for Midcoast.

Midcoast is certified to mount two electronic flight bag units, one on the right-hand side and one on the left-hand side, in the cockpit between the window and side consoles, Hogge explained. Each unit incorporates an articulating arm for additional ease-of-use. Power is supplied by individual 16-volt power units protected by dedicated circuit breakers.

The FG-5000 features a 600 MHz Fujitsu computer accessed through a custom-touch screen which provides the latest brightness, dimming and wide-angle viewing enhancements for superior readability in both day and night operations. The system runs all Jeppesen charting products including Jeppview FliteDeck®, FliteStar® and FliteMap®, and supports a wide range of informational tools including electronic manuals and documents, performance and flight planning software, terrain avoidance, Internet and SATCOM communications, and all Microsoft Windows-compatible software for use as a personal computer.

"The ADR FG-5000 is the most advanced electronic flight bag available for the Challenger 604 aircraft," Hogge concluded. "And as an OEM-authorized service center for Challenger aircraft, Midcoast has the detailed Model 604 knowledge to configure the system for optimum operator use."

Midcoast currently is working on additional interface capabilities for the 604 EFB installation, including on ship position and WSI weather interface.