An STC issued to Kollsman signals new opportunities for retrofit installation of enhanced flight vision systems (EFVS) in business jets. The FAA issued the STC on June 6 to Elbit Systems of America’s Commercial Aviation-Kollsman unit for the Kollsman EFVS on the Bombardier Challenger 604.

The STC allows operators to take advantage of FAA regulations–specifically, FAR 91.175–allowing descent below decision height/decision altitude using EFVS with EVS infrared imagery displayed on the HUD. The STC coincides with proposed new FAA regulations that would allow pilots using EFVS to fly below the current FAR 91.175 limit–100 feet above touchdown zone elevation–and dispatch to below-minimums airports for commercial operators. When the new rules are implemented, they will add even more incentive for Part 91 and 135 operators to purchase EFVS.

The 40- to 50-pound EFVS package for the 604 will cost “a little more than $1 million,” not including installation, according to Kollsman v-p of commercial aviation Roy Gentry. The package includes the digital HUD, EVS, installation kit, AFM supplement and pilot training. The EFVS STC is “a first for the 604 and certainly our first for the business aviation marketplace,” he said. Next up are EFVS STCs for the Challenger 605 and CRJ series, Gentry said.