Duncan Aviation Develops Gogo Business Aviation UCS 5000 STC for Bombardier Global Express Operator

Oct. 14, 2014
The UCS 5000 is an in-flight entertainment system with a library of movies, TV episodes, news, destination weather, flight progress and more that orchestrates, manages and delivers entertainment and information services while connecting users via Wi-Fi.

BATTLE CREEK, MICH. — A Bombardier Global Express operator recently wanted Wi-Fi with a smart router and media server that could be used with their electronic devices in-flight. Duncan Aviation and Gogo Business Aviation, formerly Aircell, delivered, developing an STC for integration of Gogo’s UCS 5000 system in Bombardier Global Express and 5000 aircraft.

“A customer of ours purchased a Global Express that didn’t have the level of Wi-Fi capabilities their old aircraft did,” explained Avionics Installations Representative Melissa Raddatz. “We sat down, discussed their options and they decided to take advantage of Gogo Business Aviation’s launch incentives and get the latest and greatest router/media server.”

As soon as the papers were signed, Duncan Aviation’s engineering team began gathering wiring diagrams and other documents and planning for the installation and certification, all months before the aircraft’s entry.

“We had engineers and certification experts at both our Michigan and Nebraska facilities working around the clock on this STC to ensure that on ground testing day, everything worked the way Gogo Business Aviation intended it to,” says Systems Engineer Jim Wheaton.

Wheaton says he and his team always have a laundry list of factors to consider on a project of this magnitude, making delivery day a bigger celebration than most. While it’s convenient for customers to come to a single shop and have their engineering, certification and maintenance done in one place, it’s also professionally rewarding for the teams who work on the launch.

“We’re really proud of our teams. This wasn’t an easy task, but it was a rewarding one,” says Wheaton.  

The UCS 5000 is an in-flight entertainment system with a library of movies, TV episodes, news, destination weather, flight progress and more that orchestrates, manages and delivers entertainment and information services while connecting users via Wi-Fi.

The router manages multiple networks and the media server allows access to in-flight entertainment and file sharing, and the system works with Gogo Biz® and supports Gogo Text & Talk, which allows passengers to use their smart phones in flight.

For a video on how Gogo Business Aviation’s UCS 5000 system works, visit http://business.gogoair.com/services/gogo-vision/#UCS5000

Though the UCS 5000 install was the newest modification, the customer took advantage of the aircraft’s downtime in Duncan Aviation’s hangar, adding a carpet, ADS-B Out, USB outlets in the flight deck, a 60-month service package, a registration change and modifying cabin seat headrest.

For more information, visit Duncan Aviation at booth #208 at NBAA 2014 held Oct. 21-23 in Orlando, or watch for announcements at www.DuncanAviation.aero/nbaa.

About Duncan Aviation
Duncan Aviation is an aircraft service provider supporting the aviation needs of government and business operators and other service providers. Services include major and minor airframe inspections, engine maintenance, major retrofits for cabin and cockpit systems, full paint and interior services and preowned aircraft sales and acquisitions. Duncan Aviation also has international aircraft components solutions experts available 24/7/365 at +1 402.475.4125 who can handle any aircraft system problem with immediate exchanges, rotables, loaners or avionics/instrument/accessory repairs and overhauls. Complete service facilities are located in Lincoln, Neb., and Battle Creek, Mich. Additional locations include Provo, Utah, and 27 other facilities strategically located throughout the United States to provide customers with local support and the quickest response to avionics, engine and airframe Aircraft On Ground (AOG) situations.