A Boeing 777 plane for Pakistan International Airlines. Photo: Boeing

[Via Satellite 08-15-2014] The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for satLINK Max, an Iridium-based Air Traffic Services (ATS) satcom solution for air transport aircraft, to Avionica, a data collection and data transmission manufacturer. The STC covers Avionica’s installation of satLINK Max for all Boeing 777-200, -300, -300ER, -200LR and 777F series aircraft.

Avionica’s satLINK Max Satcom communications system is compliant with RTCA/DO-262A for air transport aircraft, the FAA’s Advisory Circular AC20-140B guidance for Data Link Communication systems supporting Air Traffic Services (ATS) and RTCA/DO-262A minimum operational performance standard. The solution enables Future Air Navigation System (FANS ) 1/A over Iridium, as well as multiple voice and data services though a single dual-element antenna.

United Airlines is Avionica’s launch customer. The company reports more aircraft type approvals are currently pending.