The Bose A20 is Engineered to Deliver Greater Noise Reduction

Bose has introduced the new Bose A20 Aviation Headset, described as "the result of more than 30 years of ongoing Bose research in noise reduction technology".

Photo Credit: Bose According to Bose, the A20 has been engineered to deliver significantly greater noise reduction -- even in louder environments -- and offers improved comfort, clear audio reproduction, and new features, including a Bluetooth communications interface, auxiliary audio input, and priority switching of audio sources.

“Since introducing the industry’s first active noise reduction headset in 1989, we’ve continued our aviation research with a very specific goal: to improve the flying experience for pilots,” said Sean Garrett, general manager of the Bose Noise Reduction Technology Group. “With the A20 headset, several proprietary technologies work together to deliver a combination of benefits that wasn’t available until today.”

To achieve a greater level of noise reduction in the cockpit -- where noise levels can reach 105 dBA -- the A20 Aviation Headset uses a new, more advanced approach to active noise reduction, leveraging the technology used in the acclaimed Bose QuietComfort 15 consumer headphones for the more demanding applications of pilots.

Source: Bose

Garmin SafeNav Guides Airport Vehicles Away From Runways

Photo Credit: Garmin

The Garmin company blog features information on SafeNav, an on-vehicle, GPS-based navigation and alert system designed to provide airport vehicle operators with information to avoid accidental runway incursions.

The SafeNav is powered by the same technology found in Garmin-equipped aircraft. Garmin's SafeTaxi maps guide operators driving on the ground to see where the runways, taxiways and buildings are at the airport.

Source: Garmin

Aviation Apps Bring the iPad to the Cockpit

The iPad is the hottest selling tech item in years and promises to bring sweeping changes to publishing, video, and office computing.

AOPA Online features a story on the potential uses of the iPad for pilots. Aviation apps have been available for the iPhone before.

Apps, like ForeFlight, are already expanding their capabilities for iPad's larger screen and interactive tools. Aviation apps can help pilots prepare pre-flight checklists, track weather, and even check for restaurants near destination airports.

Source: APOA Online and ForeFlight

Swift Enterprises Develops "Greener" Aircraft Fuel

While previous research on aircraft biofuel focused on powering jet aircraft, small planes are now getting chance to “go green”.

Wired magazine’s Autopia blog reports on Swift Enterprises and demo flights of a test aircraft using a new fuel called 100SF.

The fuel contains no lead or ethanol and is originates from feedstocks ranging from sugar beets to sorghum.

AOPA Online also has a story on the new fuel. Here is YouTube video of an interview with Swift Enterprises co-founder John Rusek.



Source: Wired Autopia, Swift Enterprises, AOPA Online, and YouTube

Two New Features Available With The Cirrus Perspective by Garmin

The Cirrus Aircraft News site reports that the AOPA Directory and automatic database synchronization are now available with the Cirrus Perspective by Garmin avionics suite.

Photo Credit: Cirrus Aircraft

According to Cirrus Aircraft, the The AOPA Directory allows access to useful airport information, including rental cars, airport restaurants and lodging.The new automatic database synchronization feature will automatically check all databases stored on the digital cards.

Source: Cirrus Aircraft

Gulfstream Marks 500th Enhanced Vision System Entry-Into-Service

Photo Credit: Gulfstream

Gulfstream recently marked the entry-into-service of its 500th revolutionary Gulfstream Enhanced Vision System (EVS). The milestone comes eight years after the company began offering the industry-leading flight deck technology to operators of large-cabin Gulfstream aircraft.

The original Gulfstream EVS, and now the second-generation EVS II, uses a nose-mounted FLIR (forward-looking infrared) camera, specially designed by Elbit Systems of America –Commercial Aviation Kollsman, to generate actual, real-time images of the aircraft’s surroundings. The system dramatically increases situational awareness at night and during low-visibility daylight conditions by allowing pilots to see terrain, runways, taxiways and approaches that are undetectable by unaided sight. To date, EVS I is in-service on 464 Gulfstream aircraft, while EVS II is in-service on 36Gulfstream aircraft.

“For more than 50 years, safety has been the prime focus at Gulfstream,” said Pres Henne,senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream.“This milestone reaffirms that. It has been said that the Gulfstream EVS is one of the greatest strides forward in aviation safety since the introduction of the instrument landing system in 1929.”

Source: Gulfstream

New Bombardier Global Vision Flight Deck Has Flawless First Test Flight

Bombardier reports that the Global Vision cockpit successfully completed its first Bombardier test flight on a Global Express XRS aircraft on August 3. Dedicated to testing basic system functionality, the flight marks another significant milestone for the program.

Photo Credit: Bombardier 

“The new Global Vision flight deck is fantastic, everything performed as expected,” said Captain Gary Bruce, Project test pilot, Bombardier Aerospace. “The new Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics suite’s large displays, in combination with the synthetic vision system, provide enhanced situation awareness that will surely be a great success with pilots.

The comfort and ergonomics of the overall cockpit are like nothing we’ve ever experienced.” Scheduled for availability on Global 5000 and Global Express XRS jets, the Global Vision flight deck merges leading-edge design with advanced technology to deliver a completely new cockpit experience. It pairs the latest technological advancements from Rockwell Collins – the Pro Line Fusion avionics suite – with superior design aesthetics to create the ultimate flight control environment and provides pilots with an unprecedented level of situational awareness and comfort.

Source: Bombardier

KFD 840 Primary Flight Display From Bendix/King by Honeywell

The Bendix/King by Honeywell features information on the KFD 840 integrated Primary Flight Display (PFD).

According to Bendix/King by Honeywell, the KFD 840 offers a combination of the latest technology, size, affordability and full functionality make it unique in general aviation.

The KFD 840 delivers its information via a large 8.4" diagonal LCD display with high resolution and excellent sunlight readability—but is sized for easy installation in existing piston engine cockpits. The unit is self-sufficient with an embedded Air Data module and MEMS Attitude and Heading Reference System (ADAHRS).

In the event of loss of aircraft electrical power, an optional battery unit will keep power to the ADAHRS for full availability of all attitude, heading and air data functions to the pilot. Other standard features include a customizable checklist and weight and balance utility.

Source: Bendix/King by Honeywell

Cessna Receives FAA Certification for Garmin G1000 Synthetic Vision Technology

It was announced thaat Cessna Aircraft Company has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification for Garmin’s Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT) for all G1000-equipped 172 Skyhawks, 182 Skylanes, 206 Stationairs and the Caravan product line.

According to Cessna, the Garmin G1000 SVT gives the pilot a 3D graphical representation of the surrounding terrain and displays the aircraft’s position in an enhanced topographical database. Garmin’s SVT also includes other features such as 3D depiction of obstacle identification, traffic, flight path marker, zero pitch line, runway information and airport signs.

“Adding SVT to the cockpit is an exciting feature that gives the pilot more information to enhance decision making during flight,” said John Doman, Cessna’s vice president, worldwide propeller aircraft sales. “This brings an entirely new level of situational awareness into the cockpit that will absolutely enhance safe operation of the aircraft.”

In most cases, SVT capability will be available for retrofit to earlier production G1000-equipped Cessnas. Cessna expects FAA certification for SVT on the Citation Mustang, 350 Corvalis and 400 Corvalis TT in the coming weeks.
Application for European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) validation has been submitted and is expected in the coming months.

Source and Photo Credit: Cessna Aircraft Company

Garmin GDU 370 and GDU 375 Offers Affordable and Expandable Avionics For Light Sport Retrofit and Experimental Aircraft

Garmin International Inc. recently announced the GDU 370 and GDU 375, full function multi-function displays (MFDs) developed for the light sport retrofit and experimental aircraft markets.

“The beauty of the GDU 370 and GDU 375 are that they are like building-blocks; they’re expandable and can be interconnected with other Garmin components,” said Gary Kelley, Garmin’s vice president of marketing. “Customers will be able to choose one, two or three GDU displays – whatever works best for their aircraft. When customers are ready to expand upon the GDU’s MFD capabilities, they can install other Garmin components that will add PFD capabilities to the GDU’s. Since all components were designed and manufactured by Garmin, customers have added peace of mind knowing that they will integrate and communicate with each other.”

According to Garmin, the GDU 370 and GDU 375 are large, seven inch, portrait displays that incorporate Garmin’s latest technology to ensure that pilots can read the vibrant display day or night. The bezel that frames the bright screen has multiple keys on the bottom and right sides. The soft keys at the bottom of the display control the most commonly used features of the current page, such as turning the weather display on/off.

The dedicated keys on the display’s right side have specific functions such as nearest, direct to, flight plan, zoom in/out and menu. Also on the display’s right side is a rotary knob/joystick, similar to the G1000’s joystick, that lets pilots enter airport identifiers, pan the map, or scroll to page and sub-page groups.

Other features include a built-in obstacle and terrain database that gives detailed views of route displayed over realistic topography, terrain mode that gives TAWS-like warnings and alerts when proximity conflicts loom ahead, and AOPA Airport Directory data.

Source: Garmin

What Determines The Fuel Efficiency Of Aircraft?

Flying Magazine features a story on the fuel efficiency of airplanes and what factors affect how much pilots pay for fuel.

What is the most efficient aircraft? According to the article, there is no one single answer. It depends on the aircraft you are flying and what your mission is.

The aviation industry uses a metric called specific range to determine how fuel efficiency. The skill of a pilot can make a difference. Advances in technology in both engines and aerodynamics are helplng as well.

Source: Flying Magazine

Garmin GPS/EFB Devices Help Pilots See Their Altitude Between Aircraft And Terrain

The Official Garmin blog reports on the GPSMAP 696 and 695 large displayed GPS / EFB hybrids.

The 696 and 695 were displayed at the AOPA Expo convention and generated buzz thanks to new features.

One of the capabilities of the 696 is an added view for pilots to see the upcoming terrain and differences between the aircraft’s altitude and altitude of the terrain, allowing pilots to visualize how much space they will need to clear the ground more safely.

Source: Garmin

Gulfstream Jet Completes Future Air Navigation System Data Link Flight Across The Atlantic Ocean

Gulfstream recently completed a full Future Air Navigation System (FANS) flight across the Atlantic Ocean using Controller-Pilot Data Link Communication with Automatic Dependent Surveillance (CPDLC/ADS).

According to Gulfstream The flight was the first of its kind for a purpose-built business jet. The CPDLC/ADS data link provides flight crews with direct communication to oceanic and remote-area Air Traffic Controllers. It enhances safety because it automatically reports when an aircraft deviates from its cleared altitude and route. It also provides meteorological data from the aircraft’s sensors.

Source: Gulfstream

Gulfstream Demonstrates Fly-By-Wireless Aircraft Control System

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has successfully demonstrated aircraft control using “Fly-By-Wireless” technology. This historic flight, which took place on Sept. 18, is the first known application of wireless signaling for a primary flight-control surface in a civilian or military aircraft.

During a two-hour flight over Savannah, four distinct signal types transferred input from the pilot to the lateral controls on the Gulfstream GV test aircraft. A mechanical system controlled the ailerons; a Fly-By-Wire system manipulated the outboard spoilers; the Fly-By-Wireless system handled the mid-spoilers; and a fiber-optic Fly-By-Light system moved the inboard spoilers.

“After developing the Fly-By-Wire system, the next goal for Gulfstream was to reduce the complexity and weight of that system without sacrificing safety or reliability,” said Pres Henne, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream. “This Fly-By-Wireless flight proved we achieved that goal. There was no difference in signal quality or strength among Fly-By-Wireless, Fly-By-Light or Fly-By-Wire. That benefit, combined with the streamlined profile of Fly-By-Wireless, makes it a potential backup for other flight-control systems.”

The Fly-By-Wireless control system was developed by Gulfstream and Invocon, a system-engineering firm near Houston. It offers an additional channel of communication for redundancy, which increases system safety. Gulfstream is reviewing the benefits of wireless technology for applications beyond backup flight control.

Source: Gulfstream

University of North Dakota EERC Creates First 100% Renewable Jet Fuel

The Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) at The University of North Dakota recently announced they have achieved a major technical milestone in creating a 100% renewable domestic fuel that meets the JP-8 aviation fuel screening criteria, proving a pathway to providing energy security to the U.S. military and the entire nation.

EERC fuel samples created from multiple renewable feedstocks were tested at a U.S. government facility to evaluate key specification parameters for JP-8, a petroleum-based fuel widely used by the U.S. military. JP-8 specifications include parameters such as freeze point, density, flash point, energy content, and others; all of which were met by the EERC fuel samples.

The EERC fuel was produced under a $4.7 million contract with the U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The Department of Defense is the largest consumer of petroleum in America, and securing a domestic fuel source is a key operational challenge for the military. Production is now under way to produce a large fuel sample for engine testing this fall.

"This builds on a solid foundation of expertise at the EERC in the area of alternative fuel production," said EERC Director Gerald Groenewold. "The EERC is now uniquely positioned to provide drop-in-compatible JP-8 fuel from both fossil and renewable feedstocks, providing critical strategic opportunities for the U.S. military as well as commercial aviation."

The technology takes advantage of feedstock chemistry to reduce capital and operating expenses. The feedstock-flexible process can use various crop oils and waste greases. The process can be tailored to produce combinations of propane, gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel that are identical to petroleum-derived fuels, enabling direct substitution with existing fuels and providing renewable options across the spectrum of fuel needs.

The EERC is actively exploring partnerships with the private sector to move into full-scale production of the fuel. Preliminary negotiations are under way with feedstock suppliers and oil refineries. Talks of building a large-scale Advanced Tactical Fuels Production Complex are ongoing.

Source: The University of North Dakota

BendixKing Introduces The AV8OR - The GPS That Works On The Road Or In The Air

BendixKing recently introduced a new handheld GPS that works on the road or on the air. According to BendixKing, the AV8OR Handheld Multi-Function Display (MFD) is described as "designed by pilots, for pilots."

The AV8OR Handheld is ideal for any pilot that requires GPS navigation in the air or in the car, real-time weather, and navigator graphical moving map, with built-in entertainment system,” says Dan Barks, Director, General Aviation Aftermarket Avionics. “In addition to pilot-specific features, the AV8OR Handheld includes an all-in-one multimedia player with the ability to view or play music, movies, pictures and electronic books.

The AV8OR Handheld is much more than an aviation GPS unit – it’s a handheld Multi-Function Display that pilots will want to keep with them from the car to plane, and even at their destination, for entertainment.

The AV8OR Handheld is designed with an external interface to WxWorx XM Satellite Weather receiver available separately, and enables graphical NEXRAD, METARs, Storm Cell Tracks, AIRMETs/SIGMETs, Text METARs/TAFs, and more. The built-in multimedia system allows pilots to create library of music, movies, photos and electronic books on the included 4GB SD Card. The unit also includes a Bluetooth interface for wireless weather, an interface to an alternate GPS receiver and even an interface to cellular phones.

Source: BendixKing

Green Flight - Is Algae The Aviation Fuel Of The Future?

Pratt & Whitney Canada is conducting research into a new source for aircraft fuel that is green…literally. The source is algae.

According to a press release, Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) is leading a groundbreaking aerospace industry-university research effort to investigate the potential use of biofuels for small and medium size engine applications.

The most recognized biofuel is Ethanol, most commonly derived from corn. While corn is a renewable resource, it is also food. Critics of Ethanol charge that using corn for fuel will drive up food prices. P&WC is evaluating the feasibility of using "second generation" biofuels that originate from sources that do not compete with human food sources.

These could include jatropha and algae derived biofuels, as well as biobutanol to power aircraft engines. "Already a leader in green technologies for small aviation engines, we aim to have a fuel-flexible engine and to develop technologies that will allow us to offer aircraft manufacturers innovative and green power solutions," said Walter Di Bartolomeo, vice president - Engineering, P&WC.

The objectives for the four-year project include identifying and assessing appropriate biofuels, studying their effect on engine components such as combustors and fuel systems, developing appropriate technologies and design changes to accommodate them, and conducting tests comparing current jet fuels with first generation ethanol, as well as second generation biofuels.

According to US News and World Report, Airbus, Honeywell, Boeing, and Virgin Atlantic have announced they are exploring the possibility of algae-based fuels. The story also reports that algae fuels could power a third of commercial aircraft by 2030.

Source: Pratt & Whitney Canada and US News and World Report

Cirrus Aircraft To Feature Cirrus Perspective Flight Deck By Garmin

Garmin International Inc. announced today that Cirrus Aircraft will offer Cirrus Perspective, Garmin’s all-glass, fully-integrated flight deck tailored for the Duluth, Minnesota, based aircraft manufacturer and its SR22-G3.

According to Garmin...

Cirrus Perspective will be offered as an option on Cirrus SR22-G3 aircraft. All information — from aircraft attitude and air data to engine instrumentation, real-time weather data link, traffic and terrain — is integrated and digitally depicted on the 12-inch primary flight display (PFD) and multi-function display (MFD). Thanks to these large displays, pilots will be able to see the big picture, which will ultimately help simplify operation, enhance situational awareness and increase flight safety.

The Cirrus Perspective cockpit includes a “LEVEL (LVL) MODE”, a new safety feature that may be used in times of high workload when the pilot needs a few extra moments to flip through charts or read back a clearance. When engaged, it brings the aircraft to straight and level flight.

In addition, Perspective is the first single engine piston aircraft with an all-glass Garmin cockpit to utilize dual, solid-state Attitude and Heading Reference Systems (AHRS) that can align while in motion, including in-flight dynamic restarts. This turbine aircraft style architecture provides Cirrus pilots with an extra level of redundancy and safety.
Source: Garmin and Cirrus

Yves “FusionMan” Rossy Flies Over The Alps In First Demonstration Flight

Skydivers are sometimes asked "Why would anyone jump out of a perfectly good airplane?" How about if you jump out of a plane with your own wings?

Yves “FusionMan” Rossy, the first man to fly under a single jet-powered wing, recently completed his first official demonstration before the international press.

Released from a plane at an altitude of 8,000 feet, he completed a circuit in just over 5 minutes which saw him fly over the Swiss Chablais and neighboring mountains.

According to the press release...

The spectacle was impressive. Yves Rossy leapt from the plane with his wing folded, then deployed his craft and began the flight proper. He made several “figure of eights” above spectators aware of being present at an exceptional event. At the end of the flight FusionMan deployed his parachute, folded the wing and landed safely at Bex airdrome.

The fusion of technology, body and mind Yves Rossy represents the intensely close relationship between the development of a technology, a body honed to perfection which he uses to steer his craft, and a mind attuned to split-second coordination of flight parameters. The only instruments available to Yves Rossy are a throttle and an audible altimeter. Otherwise he flies like a bird, using only his body to change direction. The name FusionMan reflects this synergy of diverse skills that has made a dream come true.

This marks the first official step in developing the wing designed by Yves Rossy. Thanks to the support of Jean-Claude Biver, the boss of Hublot watches, the pilot can devote more of his time to his passion and its future development. Some exploits are likely to leave a lasting impression: the first release from a hot air balloon, the first flight in formation or the first “loop the loop” are just some of the pioneering feats that FusionMan is hoping to accomplish over the coming months.

The Channel crossing is scheduled for next autumn. Powered by scaled down Jet-Cat engines, his aircraft has exceptional potential in terms of flying time and range, safety and handling.
Here is video of a previous FusionMan flight posted on YouTube.



Source: Jet-Man.com

Mooney Airplanes Use Of Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS)-aided navigation and Safe-Taxi Certified By FAA

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently certified Mooney’s family of airplanes — the Acclaim Type S, Ovation 3 and Ovation2 GX — to use Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS)-aided navigation and Safe-Taxi.

According to Mooney...

The amended Type Certificate for the upgrade was awarded to Mooney by the FAA on April 30. WAAS and Safe-Taxi will provide additional safety and ease pilot workloads in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) or high traffic environments, both in the air and on the ground. Mooney will begin delivering aircraft with the WAAS system and the SafeTaxi software upgrade immediately.

The addition of WAAS navigation to our airplanes allows Mooney operators to take full advantage of the capabilities, accuracy, reliability and integrity of their Garmin G 1000 avionics and Global Positioning System (GPS),” noted Mooney Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dennis Ferguson. “The overall performance of Mooney airplanes permits them to be operated in the same environment as many business aircraft, especially turboprops. That’s why we have made an ongoing commitment to provide our customers with all the tools necessary to do so efficiently. That’s the reason Mooney airplanes are the only ones in their class to be approved for flight into known icing and that’s also why we made it a priority to obtain WAAS certification. We appreciate the way the FAA worked closely with us to make this happen,” he added.

WAAS uses satellite-based navigational aids for precise lateral and vertical approach guidance. It improves position accuracy from a typical 49 feet down to approximately 9 feet. With the FAA’s published LPV (lateral position with vertical guidance) approaches, operators can frequently make approaches to general aviation airports down to minimums of less than 300 feet and ¾ of a mile.

In fact, the WAAS avionics system approved for Mooney aircraft even generates a virtual glide path for more than 3,000 straight-in GPS and Area Navigation (RNAV) approaches that the aircraft’s navigation system has programmed into it. Coupled with the precision flight guidance of the Garmin GFC700 autopilot, this additional capability ranks Mooney airplanes among general aviation’s safest.

Mooney is working on a retrofit package and pricing structure for aircraft produced prior to April 30 who wish to add the capability to their airplanes. It is expected to be released during the second quarter of this year.
Source: Mooney Aircraft