A method to modify an aircraft including: disconnecting a first engine control device from command cables and transmission cables, wherein the first engine control device is in a fuselage section forward of a pressure bulkhead; replacing the engine control device with a jumper connector positioned in the fuselage section, wherein the jumper connector electrically connects the command cables to the transmission cables; installing a second engine control device in the fuselage aft of the pressure bulkhead, wherein the second engine control device is in an engine compartment of the fuselage; connecting the second engine control device to transmission cables at a location at or near the pressure bulkhead; connecting sensor cabling directly to the second engine control device, and connecting the engine control device directly to the engine.