Lider Aviacao has begun the modernisation of a Hawker 400A jet by installing a Garmin G5000 avionics suite. This will be the first time that the system has been installed by a maintenance centre in Brazil and will be completed by the end of 2024.

The G5000 upgrade of the cockpit, a project already approved and validated by ANAC and FAA, extends the useful life of the aircraft, reduces its weight by approximately 150kg (which generates fuel savings and increased baggage capacity) and improves technology in essential systems for a safer and more comfortable flight, such as the two-channel digital autopilot and WAAS/LPV and ADS-B approaches.

According to Thiago Damasceno, commercial director of executive maintenance, there are several advantages to investing in the upgrade: “The global fleet of Hawker 400A/XP aircraft with the ProLine 4 system has been experiencing operational difficulties due to the obsolescence of its avionics and, given this problem, 15 per cent of this fleet has already undergone modernisation with the Garmin deck. By modernising the system, the operator extends the useful life and increases the value of their aircraft in the market. In addition, the modification can be performed simultaneously with aircraft inspections, optimising downtime.”

The Garmin G5000 avionics suite combines three 14-inch flight displays, two of which are touchscreens that serve as the primary flight crew interface. The model allows pilots to simultaneously view maps, charts, checklists, terrain, traffic, weather, video input and all engine indications and alert messages without cluttering the visual layout. It also allows access to more airports, with lower approaches using PBN/RNP 0.3 with LPV capability.

The integrated cockpit includes a fully digital Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) that supports vertical navigation, flight level change and other flight performance and monitoring capabilities, as well as emergency descent mode in the event of loss of cabin pressurisation. Other innovations include data collection and communications, global connectivity, terrain and chart navigation, weather radar, traffic alerting and a wireless cockpit.

Already present in some aircraft in operation in Brazil, the Garmin G5000 has not yet been installed at a Brazilian maintenance centre. In the case of the agreement signed by Lider Aviacao with the owner of the Hawker 400A, the entire upgrade will be performed at the company's maintenance facility at Congonhas airport in São Paulo.

“This will be the first modernisation with the Garmin G5000 actually performed in Brazil. It is a very robust service that requires great technical capacity. This is certainly a milestone for Brazilian executive aviation and for Líder's maintenance unit, which was created over 40 years ago,” says Damasceno.

Focused on expanding internet access and onboard connectivity solutions, the company offers several solutions in this regard and is able to install the most modern services. For example, a project has been developed with the Airtex+ system to replace the obsolete Airshow on Learjet aircraft, which can also be installed on other models. With this, the aircraft now has features such as an HD moving map with aircraft positioning, speed and flight time, exchange of WhatsApp messages, e-mail and phone calls during the flight, in addition to enabling connection to the pre-existing audio system for content playback.

“Airtex+ also meets the demands of Learjet 40/45 operators, considering the lack of manufacturer support and spare parts for the original systems,” explains Damasceno.