Estimated reading time 3 minutes, 11 seconds.
Bill Arsenault, president of Mid-Canada Mod Center (MC2) announced the completion of an extensive cockpit update to a Boeing 737-300. The project was started in February of this year and completed in June. The aircraft is now undergoing modification to “combi” status — a mix of cargo and passenger configuration. The aircraft will operate from a variety of airfield and airspace areas across northern and central Canada.
As with all MC2 mods — especially those for aircraft working into and out of mixed airport and airspace environments — safety and efficiency were among the targets for this modernization project. This project was completed at MC2’s CYKF facility.
FAA and Transport Canada approved STCs were modernized for this installation. The installation was customized to add WAAS LPV approach capability, updates to all component software versions with the latest available, plus additional capabilities such as ADS-B and a passenger briefing system installation used to automate passenger messaging. This required MC2 to develop and obtain approval by Transport Canada and a new resulting STC for the changes and additions.
The core of this mod involved repurposing the existing legacy FMCDU and removing the existing obsolete EFIS systems. The core equipment installed consisted of:
• Four-display EFI-890R large panel integrated smart display suite
• Dual UNS-1FW WAAS LPV flight management systems
• Universal class A TAWS
• Universal Vision 1 synthetic vision system
• DO260b automatic dependent surveillance
• PBS-600 electronic passenger briefing system
In speaking about this modification, Arsenault said: “The Boeing 737’s that we had modified to this point involved 14 Model -200s and one -300. This will make number 16 and is unique to all of the work done on Boeing 737’s to this point. It is however very similar to the cockpit upgrade that was done last year on two – 737-200s where we installed the same four-display EFI-890R System. This particular part of the mod has field proven experience and success.
Our track record in bringing new technology to older cockpits is extensive. MC2 are established champions in the process of extending the life of classic aircraft like these. Improved efficiency and operational flexibility are industry trademarks for MC2. We remain committed and focused on incorporating an advanced level of avionics support and engineering for all our clients.”
