Avcon Industries has received FAA STC approval for the installation of the Honeywell Aerospace MKV-A Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS).

Honeywell is phasing out the Mark V EGPWS, and is making it easy for operators to upgrade to the next generation of terrain awareness and runway safety technology with the MKV-A, which offers higher resolution databases, enhanced safety and situational awareness, and resilience to GPS jamming and spoofing. The MKV-A will be available as a drop-in replacement for the operator’s existing MKV, with options to upgrade capabilities down the road.

“Avcon is committed to supporting customers with FAA-approved solutions to obsolescence,” says president Marcus Abendroth. “We appreciate the cooperation with Honeywell Aerospace to achieve the STC result. The form, fit and functional MKV-A replacement should minimise the replacement effort. Operators may accomplish this modification at our New Century, Kansas facility or at the operator’s qualified avionics modification centre.”

All equipment associated with the modification can be sourced from Honeywell. MKV-A EGPWS computers are available for shipment. STC licensing and FAA STC information is available from Avcon.

In 2000, the FAA mandated EGPWS or Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems (TAWS) equipment on turbine-powered airplanes that are configured to have six or more passenger seats. FAA regulations require all Bombardier and Learjet aircraft, except certain Learjet 23/24 airframes, to have a TAWS or EGPWS system installed.

The FAA Approved Models List (AML) STC No. ST12439CH for the MKV-A includes the Learjet 40/45 and 60 and the Bombardier CL-600-1A11 (600), CL-600-2A12 (601), CL-600-2B16 (601-3A variant), CL-600-2B16 (601-3R variant), CL-600-2B16 (604 variant), BD-700-1A10 (Global Express) and BD-700-1A11 (Global 5000). The installation uses existing avionics racks and is designed to minimise installation effort.

Avcon is in the process of applying for Transport Canada, EASA and UK CAA validation/approval of the FAA STC.