Automated Data Systems Extend Engine TBOs for Citations

Latitude Technologies is making its Enode Engine Data Acquisition Unit (DAU) and Ionode Digital Data Recorder (DDR) available for use on legacy Cessna Citations.

Under a supplemental type certificate (STC), the Canadian avionics and satellite connectivity specialist aims to give operators greater flexibility by supporting a 2,000-hour time between overhaul (TBO) extension for the Pratt & Whitney engines on the Citation II, S/II, V, and Ultra.

The STC announced on February 24 allows the Enode DAU and the Ionode DDR to function as a component of the TBO extension for the legacy Citations. Latitude already holds an STC for the same technology to be used on the Beechjet 400A/XP.

Latitude's Ionode DDR acts as a lightweight data collection system for automating flight data management and flight operations quality assurance programs. By recording and transmitting this data, the unit’s digital and analog inputs allow operators to analyze data accurately for fleet-specific program goals. The systems also support engine condition trend monitoring and fuel management programs with data transmitted from engines automatically.

Data uploaded from onboard programs to operators’ fleet management systems is streamlined through Wi-Fi offloading to Latitude’s servers without pilots or technicians being involved. According to the Victoria, British Colombia-based company, this reduces errors and improves accuracy.