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3S Engineering Completes Part 23 AML-STC for Send Solutions’ Airtext® and Airtext+ Systems

3S Engineering LLC has issued a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) that enables affordable airborne text messaging via Send Solutions’ Airtext® and Airtext+ systems. 3S, an FAA-designated STC Organization Designation Authorization (STC-ODA), has developed and issued an Approved Model List STC (AML-STC) certifying the installation of Send Solutions’ airborne texting systems in FAR Part 23 aircraft, helping passengers stay connected without the high cost incurred with traditional internet services.

“We are very excited to collaborate with the Send Solutions team to market an FAA-approved STC installation package for their revolutionary Airtext products,” said Randy Eno, 3S Engineering general manager. “The AML-STC allows Airtext customers and their selected aircraft modification centers to purchase an affordable solution that gives crewmembers and passengers the seamless connectivity they enjoy on the ground while avoiding the complexity and delays of seeking an FAA Field approval.”

The 3S Airtext AML-STC provides a fully approved FAA installation data package for aircraft included in the STC’s AML: the Pilatus PC-12 series and Textron Aviation’s King Air 90/200/300 series aircraft. The package includes all required installation and airworthiness documentation. Interested aircraft modification centers can purchase the AML-STC directly from 3S Engineering at 3s-engineering.com. Additional aircraft models will be added to the AML based on customer demand.
Airtext connects passengers in the air to friends, family and colleagues around the world using the iridium satellite network. Passengers access the network through a free app installed on a smartphone that connects to the internet via a small piece of hardware installed on the aircraft itself. The average cost per message is just five cents, allowing up to 16 passengers the ability to send and receive SMS messages anywhere, any time, without altitude restrictions.
3S Engineering is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sierra Nevada Corporation, a decades-old, multi- billion-dollar aerospace, aviation, electronics, and systems integration company. For more than 10 years, 3S Engineering and its sister company 3S Certification LLC, have acted as subject matter experts specializing in avionics and cabin equipment modifications and certification.

About 3S-Engineering

3S Engineering is designated by the FAA as a Supplemental Type Certificate Organization Designation Authorization (STC-ODA). This FAA designation allows 3S to act on behalf of the FAA to approve and issue STCs covering modifications to a wide variety of both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. This capability allows 3S to certify aircraft modifications for customers in a faster, more efficient manner. 3S has over 50 FAA- designated Unit Members (UMs) covering all major technical and inspection disciplines in support of STC approvals. Our Engineering team also provides comprehensive engineering installation design and compliance data development for aircraft modifications, cockpit and avionics system integration, major structural modifications, and interior and cabin electronics upgrades. For more information, visit www.3s-engineering.com

About Send Solutions

Send Solutions aims to deliver new technology in innovative ways. Send Solutions’ launch product, AirtextTM, solves the problem of staying connected electronically to business, friends and family without the high cost of a traditional internet option. Airtext allows up to16 passengers the ability to send and receive SMS messages anywhere in the world – On the ground or in the air. Using the iridium satellite network, Send Solutions has designed a product that allows cell phone connectivity while in-air.

Using new technology BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) found in modern phones, passengers simply open a free application to access to Airtext. The hardware consists of a one-pound, “paperback-sized,” FAA-approved Airtext box that is installed on the aircraft and connects to the existing iridium phone antenna found on most airplanes. For more information, visit www.airtext.aero