Field Aviation Sells First Dash 8 Flight Deck Modernization to Commercial Operator

Mississauga, ON – June 2011 - Field Aviation has signed a significant contract with Air Iceland for the modernization of flight decks on two “classic” series Bombardier Dash 8 Q200 aircraft.

The announcement comes just six weeks after Field Aviation completed its first major flight deck modernization on a Dash 8 Q300 maritime surveillance aircraft belonging to the Icelandic Coast Guard, and marks the company’s first sale to a commercial Dash 8 operator.

Field Aviation’s upgrade package features five Universal Avionics EFI-890R large format flat panel high definition displays with dual Vision-1® Synthetic Vision Systems as the centre point of its flight deck modernization program. As part of this upgrade, over forty existing mechanical instruments will be replaced in Air Iceland’s instrument panel and center pedestal alone, from their two recently acquired electro-mechanical equipped Dash 8 Q200s. Aside from the new displays, this modernization program also includes a Primus 880 Weather Radar, Universal Avionics Dual UNS-1EW Flight Management System and Dual Radio Control Units which all work in unison to reduce pilot workload and clearly present the flight crew with advanced navigation information.

In addition to the flight deck modernization program, Field Aviation will incorporate its proprietary Gross Weight Increase and Long Range Fuel STCs on both aircraft. The aircraft are expected to arrive at Field’s Toronto facilities by the end of June with first delivery by the end of September.

Commenting on Air Iceland’s decision to select Field Aviation as the integrator for both flight deck and airframe upgrades on its two Dash 8 Q200 aircraft, Guðbjartur I. Torfason, director technical operations said, “We wanted to engage a company with a proven track record of experience on Dash 8 aircraft and the ability to offer a full complement of existing avionics, structural and system modifications within a very tight schedule. Field’s flight deck modernization solution based on the EFI-890R is state of the art and fits very nicely with our decision to maintain the Dash 8 aircraft as the long term airframe of choice. The environment in which we operate is challenging, and these new systems will all work together to increase the aircraft’s operational capability, while providing a safer, more reliable method of travel. Another important factor is the projected maintenance cost savings as a result of more modern and fewer instruments as well as anticipated efficiencies of training new and existing pilots on a more ‘state-of-the-art’ flight deck”.

In addressing the Air Iceland contract, Field Aviation’s vice-president of business development, David Jensen views this as a major milestone event for Field Aviation. “We have spent considerable time and effort in bringing this flight deck modernization concept to market and feel we have a significant market opportunity ahead of us, when you consider the number of “classic” Dash 8 airframes in worldwide operation. With our first delivery to a governmental special mission aircraft operator in April, and now our first sale to a commercial airline operator, we feel our penetration of these two important market segments speaks well to the acceptance of our flight deck modernization offering, throughout a wide range of operational environments.”

Field Aviation is recognized as a leader in Dash 8 airframe, interior, systems and cockpit enhancements, as well as the modification and conversion of aircraft for special mission roles and applications.