L2 Aviation in Dripping Springs, TX, just outside of Austin is accelerating its production of PMA installation kits for the STC to modify and modernize B757 and B767 cockpits. These modifications go from six Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) primary flight displays (LDS) plus numerous analog instruments to three 15.1” Rockwell Collins large EFIS displays plus the required standby instruments. The upgrade and certification were completed for Star Air through a collaborative effort between Rockwell Collins, Boeing and L2 Aviation.

The primary benefits of modernization are economic efficiency through a >150lb weight reduction, massively improved display system reliability, removing 16 LRUs from a spares inventory and Boeing flight deck commonality between the LDS and the B737 Max and B787. Plus, operators have calculated a three year payback using standard market assumptions. Over 5 airlines have already committed to install the LDS into their fleets of B767 and/or B757 aircraft.

There are roughly 750 B767s and 700 B757s that are eligible for this modernization and the operators who rely on a fleet of these workhorse aircraft are strongly considering this upgrade to extend their aircraft’s life with the future NextGen airspace transformation requirements. L2 took this project on with typical Program Management dedication as evidenced by developing and using a new, proprietary Wire Analysis and Listing Tool (WALT), completing everything and being awarded the FAA STC ahead of the year-long project schedule by 17 days. L2 designed a new Instrument Panel (IP) out of a single block of aluminum, all wiring harnesses and other support bracketry and cockpit control panels for the replacement of the CRT “As Built” cockpit instrumentation and equipment.

This STC marks the 25th FAA STC for L2 Aviation since 1997. They have become the industry expert right behind Boeing, in the B767 and B757 cockpit integration and modernization. Airlines are now using QAR data collection to see more of what is really happening inside and on their assets, thereby extending the lives of older aircraft making these modernization decisions much easier to make and install. It is now proven that these legacy airplanes can continue to deliver more net profit per aircraft for their shareholders and their companies.