Just goes to show how much testing is involved for FAA approval, which is consistent with the idea that Wencor was undergoing similar testing.

Aircraft Cabin Systems wins FAA approval for new plasma screen

March 18, 2005 – WASHINGTON State-based Aircraft Cabin Systems (ACS) has won FAA parts manufacturing authority (PMA) airworthiness approval for its new 42in plasma video monitor.

The company says that deliveries of the monitor for installation in corporate and VIP aircraft have already begun.

ACS says the monitor is the first in the industry to win PMA approval under the new RTCA DO-160E environmental testing regime. It also meets the FAA’s AMC (Acceptable Means of Compliance) requirements. The two approvals mean that the monitor has complied with standards relating to rapid decompression requirements, operational shock and crash safety, static abuse loads, and ball impact strength.

The ACS line of video monitors comprises 10.4in, 15in, 18.1in, 21.3in and 30in LCDs and 42in and 50in plasmas. The 10.4in and 21.3in LCDs are also PMA-approved.

Aircraft Cabin Systems’ monitors are currently in service on the Airbus A340; Boeing BBJ, 727, 737, 747-200, 747SP, 757 and 767; Bombardier CL-604 Challenger and Global Express; Cessna Citation; DC-10; Ilyushin Il-96; and MD-11 and MD-81.