Universal Avionics Achieves FAA Certification for Wi-Fi-Enabled Flight Management System
Date: March 28, 2025
TUCSON, Arizona – Universal Avionics, a subsidiary of Elbit Systems, has announced that it has obtained certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the installation of its Wi-Fi-enabled Flight Management System (FMS) on Part 25 aircraft. This approval is facilitated through an Approved Model List Supplemental Type Certificate (AML STC), allowing for the integration of Universal’s Connected Avionics technology across various aircraft models.
The Connected Avionics solution links the Universal FMS to the FlightPartner iPad application, enabling pilots to modify flight plans and update databases in real-time. This innovative system significantly cuts down the time needed for database updates—reducing it by nearly 45 minutes—and simplifies pre-flight procedures.
Pilots can interact with the FMS through the iPad at all flight stages, boosting situational awareness and facilitating necessary amendments to the flight plan both on the ground and in the air. Furthermore, the system allows for the direct entry of flight route data, including factors like wind conditions, fuel calculations, and takeoff and landing performances, minimizing manual data input. The aircraft can also automatically gather flight data for analysis via the UA FlightReview application or third-party software.
“In aviation, time equates to money. Hence, the ability to save time and modify flight plans dynamically is crucial for improving operational efficiency,” stated Dror Yahav, CEO of Universal Avionics. “Thanks to our focused efforts to secure widespread cybersecurity approvals, seamless database updates and real-time flight planning on an iPad interface are now available on these aircraft. “
The Connected FMS adheres to cybersecurity and safety regulations to ensure secure communications between avionics systems. It is now deployable on aircraft models from manufacturers including Bombardier, Cessna, Dassault, Gulfstream, Hawker, Learjet, ATR, De Havilland, Embraer, and Saab.
For further insights, read about Textron Aviation’s selection of Universal Avionics KAPTURE flight recorders here.
