Avionics

Ken Elliott, Jetcraft VP Avionics Systems, wrote an article about "LVO becoming center stage and whatever solves the problem has to work every time" that was published in the January 2014 issue of Professional Pilot magazine.

January 2014 – As the aviation industry focuses on ADS-B, PBN and Datacom, the gaps fill in between operators and air traffic control, eventually allowing seamless 4D trajectory based operations pretty much anywhere. Well, that is the plan at least. In reality we find that as long as everyone  is equipped both ground and air, it is a nice clear day, the operation is approved and all of air  traffic control is on the same page, there is a chance flights may go as planned. Too often this is  not the case and debate continues determining the highest priority of operational  improvements hoping to mitigate failings.

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The Business Case and Performance Metrics Work Group (BCPMWG) presented three reports at the Sept 19th meeting of the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA) NextGen Advisory Committee (NAC). These reports were the culmination of two years of research that supports improved understanding of NextGen impacts.

The Fuel Data sharing report was especially well received by the committee, as well as NAC chair, Bill Ayer. The FAA has not yet had an opportunity to formally address the report, but will respond at the February NAC meeting.  Shortly after the NAC meeting, Michael Huerta referred to the research in these reports during a speech he delivered to the NextGen Institute public meeting on Friday, September 20th.

Jetcraft Avionics’ own Ken Elliott led the Data Sharing Task Group. The BCPMWD co-chairs, Ed Lohr, of Delta Air Lines, Inc. and Deborah Kirkman of The MITRE Corporation, acknowledged Ken’s efforts, saying: “Many thanks again to everyone who contributed to our w...

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At the NBAA 2013 Conference in Las Vegas last week, FlyRealHUDs.com rolled out a new HUD simulator that was built for Jetcraft Avionics. It simulates the enhanced flight vision system called “HUD Vision Access” which was recently certified for use on the Bombardier Challenger 604 business jet. HUD Vision Access combines Kollsman’s EVS-II and AT-HUD giving pilots greater visibility through rain, snow, smog and even heavy fog – with a level of detail and contrast never before achieved. The two systems combine to form the world’s most advanced EFVS solution all from a single OEM. Jetcraft has the only HUD and Enhanced Vision aftermarket program for corporate and air transport aircraft.

View the article here.

Learn more about HUD Vision Access here.

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World Aircraft Sales, Sept 2013

by Ken Elliott

Forever the frugal partner, my wife for years diligently selected the lower cost shoe, then complained of foot pain and sought the advice of medical experts. She will willingly admit to ignoring my suggestion that the quality and subsequently price of the shoe is directly related to the comfort of the foot. One day after all other avenues were exhausted she relented and purchased an expensive pair of Walking Company shoes and has never looked back on the need to evaluate value when making choices.

Older and wiser today we both make decisions based mostly on a value equation. Another great example of that is choice of vacations, particularly accommodation. For some folks the vacation is about sightseeing and not where you stay. After experiencing several hotel mishaps, for us it became very important to consider the hotel. However that choice is subject to a value equation where price is only one of several...

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Enhanced Flight Vision System Operations (EFVS Ops) is one of those NextGen elements that functions just below the radar. Because it is considered elective and more the purview of the business jet community it is not in the limelight of the regular Washington airports and air traffic focus on ADS-B, PBN and Data Comm where endless streams of funding finds eager experts justifying  business cases and promoting various benefits primarily to airlines. Meanwhile the rest of aviation sit and waits for rule making and mandates such as ADS B Out by 2020.

Speaking of rule making on June 11, 2013 the FAA announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for a comment period ending in September that essentially will allow zero visibility operations without the need for natural vision, an ability to land at zero runway visual range without the need for Category III aircraft, crew and runway certification! This profound leap of enablement is all the more incredible when you realize the FAA intend...

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RALEIGH, NC, July 23, 2013 – Jetcraft Corporation and its subsidiary Jetcraft Avionics LLC, today announced that their HUD Vision Access™ system is now available for sale and installation on the Bombardier Challenger 604 (CL604).

Last month, Kollsman announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had awarded a “lower landing credit” approved supplemental type certificate (STC) for the Kollsman enhanced flight vision system (EFVS) for the CL604. As a major Kollsman EFVS distributor to the business aviation aftermarket, Jetcraft has commercialized this offering and branded it as HUD Vision Access.

Fully integrated with existing avionics, HUD Vision Access makes the CL604 a more flexible and valuable aircraft by allowing pilots to safely taxi, take-off and land in total darkness, fog, rain, snow, smog and other reduced visibility conditions. Under FAR 91.175, HUD Vision Access permits pilots to descend below decision height (DH/DA) at most airports, reducing the need f...

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World Aircraft Sales, June 2013

by Ken Elliott

Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs) represent one of those revolutionary technologies that transform cockpit management. It’s a technology with multiple applications for potentially minimal cost, streamlining aircraft operations while reducing both aircraft weight and environmental impact.

One major US Airline estimates that it will save 326,000 gallons of jet fuel a year and 16 million sheets of paper by replacing traditional paper-based flight bags with iPads across its fleet.

Unfortunately, as with many emerging and rapidly evolving aircraft technologies, authorization for use is a certification puzzle.

The operator is not simply approving an installation but also flight bag operations for that specific flight department. New aircraft owners may be spared that effort as production aircraft are delivered with single or dual flight bags standard, or as an option – in which case the aircraft OEM has typic...

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Both environmental conditions and weather are intertwined and together they can significantly impact avionic equipment selection and performance. The following paragraphs will address that shared relationship and the influence it has on aircraft operations and maintenance.

Understanding weather is not just knowing how to avoid storms or turbulence. You must understand the different types of environment and weather – the impact and equipment to detect and protect against these are listed for each event.

The environment and weather can impact all phases of flight and later ground storage of an aircraft, including layovers during trips. Its effect can be immediate, slow to act or simply hidden, like corrosion or the intermittent failure of avionics components sensitive to extreme heat and cold.

Many people don’t realize that electronics are thin adjacent layers of different natural or man-made materials that are highly sensitive to heat, cold, static and moisture. The more we minia...

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Some cabin considerations for operators

April 2013; World Aircraft Sales Magazine – Anyone who has traveled in a business jet knows cabin layout and design are almost as critical for operations as the cockpit and aircraft performance. When evaluating an aircraft for purchase or for lease, a lack of capability or an unsuitable configuration within the passenger compartment can quickly knock a specific model or serial number off the short list.

Aircraft manufacturers go to great lengths to provide up-to-date cabins. However they can quickly fall behind the trends of style and the ability to stay connected in a way that today’s passengers expect. Many service bulletins and software upgrades have circulated the world of OEM’s and MRO’s in order to try and stay abreast of change.

While not exhaustive, the decision map above highlights the diversity of interrelated factors in cabin options. Management pertains to cabin features that are co...

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