Operators flying older Gulfstreams have a new option to upgrade the original avionics–the PlaneDeck retrofit. Gulfstream Aerospace’s PlaneDeck retrofit, which recently received FAA and EASA certification, replaces six cathode-ray-tube displays with Honeywell DU-885 liquid-crystal displays and adds capabilities such as XM graphical weather, electronic charts and maps and display of video to the approximately 700 GIVs, GIV-SPs, GVs, G300s and G400s still flying.

More important, PlaneDeck offers a path to bring these airframes up to date with capabilities such as Waas LPV approaches, required navigation performance, ADS-B IN and Fans 1/A datalink. Other future options include Honeywell Inav and synthetic-vision technology and paperless terminal charts. PlaneDeck features are accessed using cursor control devices installed on the side consoles.

Installation of the PlaneDeck retrofit takes 10 to 12 business days at Gulfstream-authorized service centers, including Jet Aviation facilities. The retrofit includes removal of avionics cooling fans and ducting. Installations have begun, according to Gulfstream, and 15 have been completed.