We originally reported that as early as March 31, 2012, you could experience a complete loss of satellite television service aboard your aircraft over the United States. Since our original report, revised information has been received from DirecTV. The current airborne satellite television service from DirecTV will be continued through January 2013. According to satellite television manufacturers Rockwell Collins and Honeywell, the service provider for airborne Satellite Television services in the Continental United States will discontinue its services for some early model systems.
Certain OEM trade-in programs have been extended slightly for the purchase of the replacement hardware, however if recent experience is any indication, we expect to see extremely long lead-times for that equipment. Please be prepared to place orders soon to avoid any service disruption!
As early as March 31, 2012, you could experience a complete loss of satellite television service aboard your aircraft over the United States. According to satellite television manufacturers Rockwell Collins and Honeywell, the service provider for airborne satellite television services in the continental United States is discontinuing its services for some early model systems. DirecTV could potentially discontinue its services for these early receiver modules by the end of the month.
The model and part numbers of the receiver and decoders currently installed are the determining factors whether your aircraft will be impacted and will dictate your course of action.
The replacement RDU / RDM may also affect the television remote control functionality and require hardware and/or software upgrades or other modification to your existing Cabin Management System (CMS). When speaking to one of our avionics professionals, it is advised to have your avionics wiring diagrams accessible.
Both Collins and Honeywell are offering upgrades and trade-in pricing for the receiver / decoder replacements. These are limited-time trade-in programs; we recommend that you do not hesitate in taking advantage of them.
At Duncan Aviation, we have avionics satellite locations throughout the United States. All are capable of the new RDU installation. We will also provide you with Duncan Aviation-quality installation records and drawings needed for future upgrades.
For installation and scheduling information, contact the following Duncan Aviation Avionics Satellite shop managers.
