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Avionics Upgrades and Enhancements Keep Pilot Mission Focused
Jonathan Corcoran, President of Corcoran Aviation, plans for
what is ahead. Mapping routes to fly the Cessna®
Citation® CJ3+™ jet is an important part of every
mission. Each flight creates its own experience both for him
and his passengers, but Corcoran knew they could be better.
For him, that improvement would be found in the cockpit,
centered around the technology at his fingertips and the
ability to stay connected.
"To us, it felt like it would give us the same aircraft that
was coming off the line at a fraction of the cost."Jonathan Corcoran
While considering purchasing a new aircraft with an updated
avionics platform, Corcoran instead opted to avoid the wait
time and upgrade the Garmin® G3000® avionics system and
wireless connection on the aircraft he already owned. He
recounts the decision his best option at an ideal cost.
"We were looking at a new CJ3+, but the wait time was longer
than expected and prices had gone up. We were required to do a
software update on the current platform, and the new hardware
update had recently come out, as well," Corcoran explained.
"To us, it felt like it would give us the same aircraft that
was coming off the line at a fraction of the cost. It was a no
brainer."
The idea to upgrade the Garmin® G3000® and Wi-Fi
connection enhanced with data communication capability was
rooted in staying up to date with the latest technology.
Ultimately, deciding where to turn for the service was an easy
choice.
"Textron Aviation has been the only one to touch the aircraft
since we bought it, so it was logical to have them perform the
upgrade," Corcoran noted. "Who better than the people who
designed and built it?"
Having an already established relationship with Textron
Aviation, Corcoran was comfortable with the decision and
trusted the hands that would do the work. Understanding this
upgrade would improve his experience as a single-pilot
operator, Corcoran also added Controller Pilot Data-Link
Communication (CPDLC), another key feature in each flight he
takes. He says the text-based communication system alleviates
some of the work required when he is flying on his own.
"It saves a lot of time and reduces a lot of errors associated
with verbal communication. There are times where it is
difficult to understand air traffic control," Corcoran shared.
"With CPDLC they can send new routes directly, you press a
button, and it is loaded. It works the same for getting
clearances. They send the clearance directly to you so there
isn't a need to call anymore."
"Textron Aviation has been the only one to touch the aircraft
since we bought it, so it was logical to have them perform the
upgrade."Jonathan Corcoran
Navigating the aircraft after the completed changes only
enhanced Corcoran's time in flight and his business. With
sharper screens and increased functionality, he says the
differences were immediate and clear.
"It is like going from an old computer to a brand new one and
you only wonder why you hadn't made the choice sooner. It has
been night and day," he said. "The screens are sharper, and
things are available a lot quicker, it made my life so much
easier. The Wi-Fi being faster helped in the same way."
The success of the upgrade in the cockpit has made Corcoran
excited to pursue other opportunities. Having worked with
Textron Aviation since initial delivery, Corcoran understands
the capability and expertise of the OEM. Knowing the aircraft
is in the hands of those who know it best, he is excited to
see it evolve, calling it a chance to recreate the aircraft
from tip to tail.
Even though the paint and interior has held up well, everyone
loves the look and feel of a new interior," Corcoran detailed.
"It will be like getting a brand-new airplane but still
enjoying one we are familiar with. This aircraft has great
bones, and a refresh will make everyone fall in love with it
all over again."
Pleased with the usefulness of the advanced system, Corcoran
explains he has been enjoying the benefits since the switch.
He reflects on how this entire process helped improve his
experience while in flight. Equipped with technology that
would make his more than 350 hours of flight each year easier,
he details the choice as imperative.
"It was extremely important. I fly so much; dispatch
reliability must be 100%. Having the most current and
well-maintained technology makes that happen," he stated.
"Overall, it was the best decision, and I would do it again
without hesitation."