For One-Step FANS
UNITED AIRLINES has begun a six-month evaluation of a computer-based electronic-resource system (ERS), developed by Minnesota-based Computing Devices International, on 5 June.
The ERS, fitted to a McDonnell Douglas DC-10, is "basically the pilot's interface to the FANS [Future Air Navigation System]," says commercial aviation engineering manager Dennis Schmitz. "Through the ERS, the United crew will access a Honeywell satcom [satellite communications] and a Trimble GPS [global-positioning system] without having to install any other dedicated flight deck display equipment."
The "one-step" flight deck FANS upgrade will be tested on regular services on eight different routes within the United network, including over-water flights to Hawaii.
Source: Flight International
