Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Avionics Suite

Rockwell Collins calls its Pro Line 21 avionics suite an "investment in performance." Statements like this run commonly run amok in marketing brochures, but this time, we agree with their statement, as does Cessna, Raytheon, Bombardier, Gulfstream, and Dassault. The Pro Line 21 system is currently used in the CJ1, CJ2, CJ3, the Premier 1, the Challenger 601, Gulfstream 150, and the Gulfstream 250. Dassault is currently retrofitting it to the Falcon 20, Falcon 50, and Falcon 60. Although these jets range from light to ultra long-range, they do share the common trait of having enjoyed unusual success in the private jet sales market. Thus, we have already answered the question of whether or not the Pro Line 21 system is good, which leaves us with the question: why?

The Pro Line 21 system was designed to be intuitive, so the pilots could quickly understand and act on the ever-changing mountain of data they are presented with. All flight data, including navigation, engine performance, and sensor readings are displayed on large, flat-panel LCDs. The Primary Flight Displays (PFDs) complement the Multi-Functional Display (MFD). Real-time weather and terrain data ahead of the planned flight route can be accessed via the Broadcast Graphical Weather system. The Collins FMS-3000 is an integral part of the system, which provides cutting-edge flight planning, flight management, and multisensor navigation capabilities. A flight plan uplink feature simplifies the modification of planned routes. Electronic charts are a particularly useful feature: pilots can access airport approach plates, electronic checklists, and digital airport maps which display the real-time position of the jet. Another noteworthy feature of the Pro Line 21 suite is the heads-up navigation display. It is designed to increase safety and precision in approaches, particularly during poor weather.

One of the Pro Line 21's greatest strengths is its potential for future improvement. When Rockwell Collins first installed the Pro Line 21 system, they knew that it would soon be obsolete. Technology in the avionics sector evolves quickly, and state-of-the art cockpits fall behind the performance levels of new aircraft fairly quickly. Furthermore, new requirements are set by the FAA every year, and it is not uncommon for private jets to be grounded for several months when they don't update their cockpits in time. With all of that in mind, Rockwell Collins designed the Pro Line 21 system to have plenty of growing room. Its layout is quite flexible, and all systems were miniaturized to the maximum extent possible, the result being a very light, small avionics system that falls well under cockpit space and weight limits.

For that reason, the Pro Line 21 system has been able to easily transition to new technologies. Recent retrofit options for the standard Pro Line 21 cockpit include the FDS-2000 Flight Display System, solid-state AHRS, and TCAS II. The list of new technologies that can be added to a Pro Line 21 cockpit continues to grow, making it an excellent starting point for any private jet with high aspirations. The Pro Line 21 system originally made its mark in the private jet industry by providing flight information an intuitive, easy-to-operate format. The tradition of pilot-friendly avionics remains constant as the Pro Line 21 system evolves.