Silentium Air has received FAA STC approval for its Silentium Air 300 soundproofing system for the Bombardier Challenger 300. According to Nicholas Houseman, the company’s president, the system will “generally reduce overall cabin noise levels by at least three decibels, which approximately represents an average 30-percent reduction in perceived noise throughout the cabin. A reduction in noise level translates into reduced passenger fatigue and creates a more productive and comfortable environment for conversation, concentration and audio/video entertainment.” Because the kit consists of pre-fitted modules it makes installation easier with a resulting decrease in down time. Houseman added that the aerospace-grade fiberglass and foam components completely replace factory-installed soundproofing and have “minimal” effect on aircraft empty weight. The first kit is being installed at Bombardier’s Business Aircraft Service Center in Tucson, Ariz., on an aircraft that was first delivered in 2003 and has logged more than 5,000 flight hours and more than 3,000 cycles. The company is in the process of developing similar systems for the Global Express and Challenger 600/601/604.