Wednesday, October 17, 2012

iPad EFB Apps Get Real-Time Data with flyTab Aircraft Interface Module

iPad Apps can now receive real-time flight data through the flyTab® Aircraft Interface Module (AIM) developed through a collaboration of ASIG (www.asigllc.com) and Shadin Avionics (www.shadin.com).

Data formats that can be streamed to the iPad EFB Apps include ARINC 429, RS-232, RS-422, RS-485 and discrete data. Using Shadin’s Avionics Interface Systems (AIS) converter platform, additional interfaces can be easily added and certified. Examples of possible future growth options are MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 717, Ethernet as well as WiFi options. Potential iPad EFB App uses for this data include aeronautical charting, own ship position, chart centering, FMS/GPS information (position, altitude, groundspeed, track, origin, flight plan and destination, time), real time weather, ACARS messaging and customer specific programs.

“Real-time flight data to iPad EFB opens up a whole new realm of possibilities for aircraft operators,” commented Luke Ribich, Director of ASIG, developer of the flyTab® Suite. “ASIG is excited about collaborating with Shadin Avionics and their expertise in data management solutions.”

“ASIG, Shadin and the rest of the flyTab team have been able to produce the first complete integrated iPad Class 2 EFB solution,” stated Brad Jacobson, Shadin Avionics Product Manager. “We look forward to leveraging the rapidly growing commercial tablet technology to meet the increasing demands of the EFB market.”

About ASIG and the flyTab® Team
The flyTab® Suite is developed and owned by the Avionics & Systems Integration Group (www.asigllc.com) an industry pioneer of analogue-to-digital upgrades for classic and contemporary aircraft. The flyTab® Suite is an end-to-end iPad EFB solution, providing certification, mounts, power, data and a software developer’s kit. ASIG provides engineering and Supplemental Type Certificates for iPad EFB implementations. The pedTray® Mounts attach iPads to the airframe. flyTab® Power Conditioning Units provide continuous power and charging while mitigating the risk of thermal runaway. The flyTab® Aircraft Interface Module (AIM) is developed in collaboration with Shadin Avionics (www.shadin.com) and feeds real-time aircraft flight data to the iPad via the 30-pin iPad connector ensuring minimal latency and data security. The iPad App SDK is developed in collaboration with AppOrchard (www.apporchard.com) and provides a toolkit to develop iPad Apps that take advantage of real time flight data. Learn more at www.flyTab .aero. The flyTab® brand and product suite is a registered trademark of ASIG, LLC (dba Avionics & Systems Integration Group).

About Shadin Avionics
Shadin is an acknowledged industry leader in providing world class data collection and data conversion products for all types of aircraft. Shadin Avionics specializes in the design, manufacture, support and distribution of Avionics Interface Systems (AIS), Fuel Flow Systems, Engine Trend Monitoring (ETM), Altitude Management Systems, Air Data Computers (ADC) and other instrumentation for turbine, piston and rotor aircraft for the military, general and corporate aviation markets. For more information, please visit www.shadin.com.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Press Release: New Software Development Kit Enables Real Time Flight Data into iPad EFB Apps

iPad Electronic Flight Bags (EFB) will soon be able to incorporate real-time flight data into iPad Apps with a new Software Development Kit (SDK) being developed by the flyTab® (www.flyTab.aero) team led by ASIG and supported by Shadin Avionics and AppOrchard.

With real-time information gathered from a wide array of aircraft systems and sensors provided to the iPad EFB via a wired interface, the flyTab® SDK will empower a new breed of iOS Apps. Data formats that can be streamed to the iPad Apps include ARINC 410, ARINC 429, ARINC 618, ARINC 623, ARINC 717, RS 232, RS 422, RS485 and other forms of digital and discrete data.

Potential iPad EFB App uses for this data include aeronautical charting, own ship position, chart centering, FMS/GPS information (position, altitude, groundspeed, track, origin, flight plan and destination, time), real time weather, ACARS messaging and any other customer required programs that the flyTab® team develops or converts for use in the flyTab® runtime environment (TOLD, W&B, PERF, etc).

"Tethering iPads to flight data systems provides a rich stream of data with almost unlimited possible uses," commented Luke Ribich, Managing Director of ASIG, creator of the flyTab suite. "The flyTab partnership with AppOrchard opens up a world of new possibilities to develop a whole new generation of avionics apps that will help airlines save money and improve operational efficiencies. In addition, avionics equipment OEM's and iOS application developers can now easily integrate the iPad EFB into their family of products and services."

Until recently, iPads had to be stowed by pilots during critical flight phases. These Class 1 iPad EFB implementations could not be tethered to the aircraft for power and data. Whether the end-user selects the flyTab® mounting system, which supports pilots activities from flight planning through dispatch, in-flight and debriefing with a walk-on/walk-off capability; or, the pedTray® mounting solution which provides fixed equipage in a high-security static mount, the operator can enjoy an FAA approved Class 2 EFB that allows the operator to use the iPad EFB, with airframe power and data connectivity, through all phases of flight including take-off and landing.

The flyTab® suite enables Class 2 iPad EFB by tethering iPads to aircraft electrical and data systems. Continuous power is provided through the flyTab® Power Conditioning Module (PCM). Flight data is streamed through the flyTab® Aircraft Interface Module (AIM), developed in partnership with Shadin Avionics (www.shadin.com). Now with the flyTab® SDK, data can be streamed into iPad Apps.

The SDK provides a full suite of tools that app developers can use to build advanced iPad EFB Apps by allowing Apps to pull real-time flight data from multiple airframe systems and sensors. Also planned as an SDK kit add-on is the flyTab® iFlight Simulator which will provide sample data streams and a hardware proving interface which will enable app developers to live-test applications on the iPad as they are produced.

"We are pleased that the flyTab SDK powered by AppOrchard will enable many of the world's best iOS developers to work with the aviation industry on innovative iPad Flight planning applications," said Art Chang, CEO of AppOrchard. "We see the value of native iOS processing of real time data as a progressive leap for a more connected cockpit enabling new charting as well as the next generation visualization applications that will be needed for the future Class 2 hardware plus maintenance apps," he continued.

"As the industry continues to adopt the iPad platform we are excited to be on the tip-of-the-spear as the thought leader of iPad EFB deployments," said Ribich.

About ASIG and the flyTab® Team
The flyTab® Suite is developed and owned by the Avionics & Systems Integration Group (www.asigllc.com) an industry pioneer of analogue-to-digital upgrades for classic and contemporary aircraft. The flyTab® Suite is an end-to-end iPad EFB solution, providing certification, mounts, power, data and a software developer's kit. ASIG provides engineering and Supplemental Type Certificates for iPad EFB implementations. The pedTray® Mounts attach iPads to the airframe. flyTab® Power Conditioning Units provide continuous power and charging while mitigating the risk of thermal runaway. The flyTab® Aircraft Interface Module (AIM) is developed in partnership with Shadin Avionics (www.shadin.com) and feeds real-time aircraft flight data to the iPad via the 30-pin iPad connector ensuring minimal latency and data security. The iPad App SDK is developed in partnership with AppOrchard (www.apporchard.com) and provides a toolkit to develop iPad Apps that take advantage of real time flight data. Learn more at www.flyTab .aero. The flyTab® brand and product suite is a registered trademark of ASIG, LLC (dba Avionics & Systems Integration Group).

About AppOrchard
AppOrchard builds premium enterprise apps, transforming legacy IT infrastructures to perform in the mobile world. Through its integrated approach that encompasses both the business and technical perspectives, AppOrchard aligns the latest devices with existing systems. Founded in 2011, the AppOrchard team is comprised of iOS insiders who are former Apple and NeXT software engineers and leaders with a track record of delivering business opportunities through technology. The company is based in NY. More information can be found at www.apporchard.com.

Avionics & Systems Integration Group
10 Collins Industrial Place, Suite 3-B
North Little Rock, AR 72113
Phone: (866) 890-2744 or (501) 771-9388
Fax: (800) 903-9607
Email: sales@asigllc.com
Web: www.flyTab.aero | www.asigllc.com


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Monday, October 1, 2012

Press Release from flyTab: NAV CANADA Installs ASIG’s flyTab Class 2 iPad EFB

For Immediate Release

Avionics & Systems Integration Group
10 Collins Industrial Place, Suite 3-B
North Little Rock, AR 72113
Phone: (866) 890-2744 or (501) 771-9388
Fax: (800) 903-9607
Email: sales@asigllc.com
Web: www.flyTab.aero | www.asigllc.com

NAV CANADA Installs ASIG's flyTab Class 2 iPad EFB

10/1/2012 | Little Rock, AR
Today the flyTab (www.flyTab.aero) team at ASIG announced that it will be implementing a complete Class 2 iPad EFB in CRJ-200 and Dash 8-100 aircraft operated by Nav Canada. ASIG's Class 2 iPad EFB components are permanently installed, certified via STC and enable the iPad EFB to be fully integrated with the aircraft.

flyTab components selected by NAV CANADA for the Class 2 iPad EFB installations include ASIG's Class 2 pedTray mount to secure the iPad EFB, Power Conditioning Module (PCM) to recharge the iPad EFB and Aircraft Interface Module (AIM) to interface the iPad EFB with the aircraft's systems and sensors.

According to Anthony MacKay, Manager, Flight Operations, "The iPad EFB's is a replacement for our current Class 3 EFB that is expensive to maintain. This installation will allow us to maintain our operational efficiency and "paperless cockpit" at a much lower cost on our CRJ and Dash 8 aircraft with enhanced applications".

ASIG will obtain STC's for the pedTray mount, flyTab PCM and flyTab AIM. The CRJ STC will include CRJ-200/700/900 series aircraft and the Dash 8 STC will include Dash 8-100/200/300 series aircraft. These STCs are expected to be approved in early 2013.

"We are excited about our relationship with NAV CANADA," said Mike Neder, Dir. of Business Development at ASIG. "We appreciate the leadership that they are taking in the industry."

About flyTab
The flyTab Suite provides certification, mounting, power and data interface solutions for Class 2 iPad EFB implementations, regardless of deployed applications. Services include rapid decompression and EMI certification testing as well as traditional integration services such as installation design and STC/certification for iPads and other COTS tablets. The flyTab Mounting System is a suite of upgradable iPad mounts and cases. flyTab Power Conditioning Units and Modules provide continuous power and charging while mitigating the risk of thermal runaway. The optional Avionics Interface Module (an industry only wired interface) feeds real-time aircraft flight data to the iPad via the 30-pin iPad connector ensuring minimal latency and data security.

About NAV CANADA
NAV CANADA, the country's civil air navigation services provider, is a private sector, non-share capital corporation financed through publicly-traded debt. With operations coast to coast to coast, NAV CANADA provides air traffic control, flight information, weather briefings, aeronautical information services, airport advisory services and electronic aids to navigation. Learn more at www.navcanada.ca.

About the Avionics & Systems Integration Group
The flyTab Suite is developed and owned by the Avionics & Systems Integration Group, an industry pioneer of analogue-to-digital upgrades for classic and contemporary aircraft. The company specializes in: Integration and Supplemental Engineering; Installation Kit Manufacturing; as well as Installation Services of COM/NAV, IFE, Situational Awareness and Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM); Maintenance, Modification and Repair; and Certification & Program Management. We also perform design research and development of emerging technologies in support of aircraft operations, maintenance, modification and repair activities for civil, commercial, government and foreign flight departments. Learn more at www.asigllc.com and www.flytab.aero.


Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Press Release from flyTab: ASIG Identifies FTB International as Distributor of flyTab Solutions

Avionics & Systems Integration Group
10 Collins Industrial Place, Suite 3-B
North Little Rock, AR 72113
Phone: (866) 890-2744 or (501) 771-9388
Fax: (800) 903-9607
Email: sales@asigllc.com
Web: www.flyTab.aero | www.asigllc.com

ASIG Identifies FTB International as Distributor of flyTab Solutions
9/10/2012 | Little Rock, AR

Today the flyTab (www.flyTab.aero) team at ASIG announced that FTB International, a division of Gruppo Transpart will be a distributor of flyTab Power Conditioning Solutions that enable iPad EFB.

"We are excited to have FTB International as a distributor for flyTab Power Conditioning Solutions," commented Luke Ribich, Managing Director of ASIG. "As airlines and airframe OEM's across the globe embrace iPad EFB, this relationship will make it easy for international partners to acquire needed equipment in support iPad EFB implementations."

FTB International provides avionics products for production, Revision / Overhaul, Transformation / Conversion and MRO to customers like Agusta Westland, Alenia Aeronautica, Alenia Aermacchi, and a lot of Italian subcontractors of Boeing, Airbus, Bombardier, Lockheed Martin and Embraer. "The demand for iPad EFB continues to grow and we believe our partnership with ASIG and the flyTab products brings our customers the solutions that they demand," said Nick Verga of FTB International.

Under the terms of the agreement FTB may resell "the products" on a non-exclusive, worldwide basis with the exception of the Asia/Pacific region.

About flyTab
The flyTab Suite provides certification, mounting, power and data interface solutions for iPad EFB implementations. Services include rapid decompression and EMI certification testing as well as traditional integration services such as installation design and STC/certification for iPads and other COTS tablets. The flyTab Mounting System is a suite of upgradable iPad mounts and cases. flyTab Power Conditioning Units and Modules provide continuous power and charging while mitigating the risk of thermal runaway. The optional Avionics Interface Module (an industry only wired interface) feeds real-time aircraft flight data to the iPad via the 30-pin iPad connector ensuring minimal latency and data security.

About FTB International
FTB International Corporation is a procurement company based in New York and active in North American and Canada Markets. The company is dedicated to direct relationships with US Manufacturers which they represent in Italy. FTB International is part of Gruppo Transpart. You can learn more at www.transpart.it.

About the Avionics & Systems Integration Group
The flyTab Suite is developed and owned by the Avionics & Systems Integration Group, an industry pioneer of analogue-to-digital upgrades for classic and contemporary aircraft. The company specializes in: Integration and Supplemental Engineering; Installation Kit Manufacturing; as well as Installation Services of COM/NAV, IFE, Situational Awareness and Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM); Maintenance, Modification and Repair; and Certification & Program Management. We also perform design research and development of emerging technologies in support of aircraft operations, maintenance, modification and repair activities for civil, commercial, government and foreign flight departments. Learn more at www.asigllc.com and www.flytab.aero.

Monday, August 6, 2012

Press Release from flyTab: flyTab Trains Apple Systems Engineers to Support iPad Deployments in the Aviation Industry

For Immediate Release

Avionics & Systems Integration Group
10 Collins Industrial Place, Suite 3-B
North Little Rock, AR 72113
Phone: (866) 890-2744 or (501) 771-9388
Fax: (800) 903-9607
Email: sales@asigllc.com
Web: www.flyTab.aero | www.asigllc.com

flyTab Trains Apple Systems Engineers to Support iPad Deployments in the Aviation Industry

8/6/2012 | Little Rock, AR

Last week flyTab (www.flyTab.aero) trained Apple (www.apple.com) Systems Engineers at the 2012 SE Summer Camp in San Francisco, CA.

"Selling into the aviation industry requires a specific understanding of how the industry works and what regulatory issues need to be addressed," commented Luke Ribich, Managing Director of ASIG, makers of flyTab EFB Solutions. This is particularly true of the highly-regulated aviation industry.

In the event, Systems Engineers were briefed on the current landscape of Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) solutions and the regulatory environment. They also received demonstrations of the flyTab EFB Suite including the flyTab Aircraft Interface Module (AIM) that streams real-time flight data through to the iPad.

"We are excited about the potential to provide fully-powered and data-integrated iPad EFB implementations," said Ribich. "We appreciate our partnership with Apple."

About flyTab
The flyTab Suite provides certification, mounting, power and data interface solutions for iPad EFB implementations. Services include rapid decompression and EMI certification testing as well as traditional integration services such as installation design and STC/certification for iPads and other COTS tablets. The flyTab Mounting System is a suite of upgradable iPad mounts and cases. flyTab Power Conditioning Units and Modules provide continuous power and charging while mitigating the risk of thermal runaway. The optional Aircraft Interface Module (an industry only wired interface) feeds real-time aircraft flight data to the iPad via the 30-pin iPad connector ensuring minimal latency and data security.


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Press Release from flyTab: ASIG Identifies FTB International as Distributor of flyTab Solutions

For Immediate Release

Mike Neder
Director, Business Development
Avionics & Systems Integration Group
10 Collins Industrial Place, Suite 3-B
North Little Rock, AR 72113
Phone: (866) 890-2744 or (501) 771-9388
Fax: (800) 903-9607
Email: sales@asigllc.com
Web: www.flyTab.aero | www.asigllc.com

ASIG Identifies FTB International as Distributor of flyTab Solutions
7/26/2012 | Little Rock, AR

Today the flyTab (www.flyTab.aero) team at ASIG announced that FTB International, a division of Gruppo Transpart will be a distributor of flyTab Power Conditioning Solutions that enable iPad EFB.

"We are excited to have FTB International as a distributor for flyTab Power Conditioning Solutions," commented Luke Ribich, Managing Director of ASIG. "As airlines and airframe OEM's across the globe embrace iPad EFB, this relationship will make it easy for international partners to acquire needed equipment in support iPad EFB implementations."

FTB International provides avionics products for production, Revision/Overhall, Transformation/Conversion and MRO to customers like Agusta Westland, Alenia Aeronautica, Alenia Aermacchi, and Italian subcontractors for Boeing, Airbus, Bombardier, Lockheed Martin and Embraer. "The demand for iPad EFB continues to grow and we believe our partnership with flyTab brings our customers the solutions that they demand," said Nick Verga of FTB International.

Under the terms of the agreement, FTB may resell "the products" on a non-exclusive, worldwide basis with the exception of the Asia/Pacific region.

About flyTab
The flyTab Suite provides certification, mounting, power and data interface solutions for iPad EFB implementations. Services include rapid decompression and EMI certification testing as well as traditional integration services such as installation design and STC/certification for iPads and other COTS tablets. The flyTab Mounting System is a suite of upgradable iPad mounts and cases. flyTab Power Conditioning Units and Modules provide continuous power and charging while mitigating the risk of thermal runaway. The optional Avionics Interface Module (an industry only wired interface) feeds real-time aircraft flight data to the iPad via the 30-pin iPad connector ensuring minimal latency and data security.

About FTB International
FTB International Corporation is a procurement company based in New York and active in North American and Canada Markets. The company is dedicated to direct relationships with US Manufacturers which they represent in Italy. FTB International is part of Gruppo Transpart. You can learn more at www.transpart.it.
About the Avionics & Systems Integration Group
The flyTab Suite is developed and owned by the Avionics & Systems Integration Group, an industry pioneer of analogue-to-digital upgrades for classic and contemporary aircraft. The company specializes in: Integration and Supplemental Engineering; Installation Kit Manufacturing; as well as Installation Services of COM/NAV, IFE, Situational Awareness and Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM); Maintenance, Modification and Repair; and Certification & Program Management. We also perform design research and development of emerging technologies in support of aircraft operations, maintenance, modification and repair activities for civil, commercial, government and foreign flight departments. Learn more at www.asigllc.com and www.flytab.aero.


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Monday, April 23, 2012

flyTab Demos High-Flying iPad EFB

Simulated flight driven by Garmin GNS 430

Welcome to Wired!

In partnership with Shadin Avionics and App Orchard, ASIG has developed and is now demonstrating its flyTab iPad EFB driven by a Garmin GNS 430. The units are connected by the Avionics Interface Module, which seamlessly translates A-429 and/or Mil-Std-1553 (per end-user requirement) data.

Displaying a three-airport flight plan running on the 430, the flyTab demonstrates its growing number of features. Chart centering works not only on the full range of visual, instrument, and terminal charts but also on Google Maps, available through a wired direct connection interface.

The flyTab also displays threats and textual weather information. The graphic weather app development is nearing its beta test. With the interface module, users can tap into any ARINC A-429 data, including information from the air data computer such as airspeed and altitude as well as traffic, terrain and weather data.

Before any iPad can fly in commercial or military service, it must pass environmental tests, including rapid decompression. Apple set the 2012 iPad maximum operating altitude at 10,000 feet. The FAA requires every iPad to be tested to a higher standard, the aircraft’s max operating altitude.

FL510, 51,000 feet, is the highest certification for civilian aircraft, but those serving the military and NASA often fly much higher. So ASIG has tested a specific lot of iPad EFB devices to FL800—80,000 feet—in support of these special customers truly unique  mission and flight requirements.

Besides testing that ensures reliable operation and the translation of data for the iOS, flyTab has developed a full range of iPad mounts and a power conditioning unit that provides continuous power and charging and mitigates thermal runaway.

Until next time, stay 5x5, mission ready, and Wired!

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Press Release from flyTab: ASIG Successfully Tests New iPad to 80,000 Feet

For Immediate Release

Mike Neder
Director, Business Development
Avionics & Systems Integration Group
10 Collins Industrial Place, Suite 3-B
North Little Rock, AR 72113
Phone: (866) 890-2744 or (501) 771-9388
Fax: (800) 903-9607
Email: sales@asigllc.com
Web: www.flyTab.aero | www.asigllc.com

ASIG Successfully Tests New iPad to 80,000 Feet
4/18/2102 | Little Rock, AR

Today the flyTab (www.flyTab.aero) team at ASIG announced that they have successfully performed a rapid decompression test on the new iPad (2012) to FL800 (80,000').

Apple has placed an OEM maximum operating altitude of the iPad devices to not more that FL100 (10,000') [See ENVIRONMETNAL REQUIREMENTS at http://www.apple.com/ipad/specs/]

Due to iPad specifications and FAA guidance, every iPad has to be tested to the highest operating flight altitude of any aircraft in which it will be used. While the highest rated operating flight envelope for civil/commercial aircraft is as high as FL510 (51,000') NASA and the Department of Defense routinely have requirements to test to significantly higher flight altitudes due to higher aircraft flight envelopes and mission requirements.

:Environmental testing of the iPad is only one aspect of ASIG's flyTab iEFB products and services, it helps our engineers to ensure that when an iPad is fielded as an EFB, it will continue to operate safely and reliably through all phases of flight while providing the flight crew with enhanced situational awareness and reducing crew resource management efforts thereby increasing overall flight safety," commented Luke Ribich, Managing Director of ASIG.

Rapid decompression tests are intended to evaluate equipment installed in pressurized areas of an aircraft that are required to operate during and after an emergency is declared resultant from a rapid decompression event. Besides electrical malfunction, some of the problems that can be determined during decompression tests are: leakage, deformation, rupture or explosion of (gasket sealed) components, or a change in physical properties of low-density materials.

"As a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business we are pleased to have the opportunity to continue our service to the nation's scientific community and armed forces by endurance testing the iPad to altitudes consistent with the unique missions that these devices are now being integrated to perform", said Ribich

About flyTab
The flyTab Suite provides certification, mounting, power and data interface solutions for iPad EFB implementations. Services include rapid decompression and EMI certification testing as well as traditional integration services such as installation design and STC/certification for iPads and other COTS tablets. The flyTab Mounting System is a suite of upgradable iPad mounts and cases. flyTab Power Conditioning Units and Modules provide continuous power and charging while mitigating the risk of thermal runaway. The optional Avionics Interface Module (an industry only wired interface) feeds real-time aircraft flight data to the iPad via the 30-pin iPad connector ensuring minimal latency and data security.

About the Avionics & Systems Integration Group (ASIG)
The flyTab Suite is developed and owned by the Avionics & Systems Integration Group, an industry pioneer of analogue-to-digital upgrades for classic and contemporary aircraft. The company specializes in: Integration and Supplemental Engineering; Installation Kit Manufacturing; as well as Installation Services of COM/NAV, IFE, Situational Awareness and Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM); Maintenance, Modification and Repair; and Certification & Program Management. We also perform design research and development of emerging technologies in support of aircraft operations, maintenance, modification and repair activities for civil, commercial, government and foreign flight departments. Learn more at www.asigllc.com and www.flytab.aero..

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Thursday, March 22, 2012

2012 Will be the Year of the iPad EFB

Welcome to Wired!

Looking back at aviation technology, nothing in memory stands out for its promise of affordable, multipurpose capabilities more than the Apple iPad, which turned 2 years old on January 27, 2012. Despite its promise of saving money as an electronic flight bag (EFB) or as part of an in-flight entertainment system (IFE), many have done little more than dream. They know that bleeding-edge technology is not without risk: solving unpredictable and unforeseen problems can require a lot of time and money.

It is time to put those fears to rest. 2012 promises to be the year of the iPad EFB. To help your budgeting process, ASIG has a downloadable guide—flyTab: The iPad2 EFB Solution. This comprehensive 33-page proposal concisely addresses every pertinent facet of integration, installation, and support. Its appendices include regulatory guidance and the instructions used in ASIG’s rapid decompression and EMI testing of iPad EFBs.

A few short weeks ago the FAA approved American Airlines’ use of the iPad EFBs during all phases of flight. The fleet-wide implementation will begin with the Boeing 777, reports ZDNet. American isn’t the only one turning to the iPad EFB. United, Alaska, UPS, and others are evaluating it.

ASIG cut its teeth on iPad EFBs well before the tablet turned one, certifying it for use during all phases of flight on the N-Jet charter fleet in December 2010. While others are just now taking this first step, ASIG developed its flyTab solutions that take the next steps that cover everything from power conditioning and data connectivity solutions to cases, mounts, and kneeboards for commercial, military, and general aviation operators.

From fuel burn to shuffling paper to strained backs, the savings the iPad EFB make possible are well known. ASIG is committed to making flyTab the most effective and affordable EFB solution available today. We invite further discussions to explore all of the ways that we can combine our team and your team into an efficient, effective and cohesive iPad EFB team!

Until next time, stay 5x5, mission ready, and Wired!

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Long-Term FAA Funding Accelerates NextGen Work, Allows Airline Planning

Welcome to Wired!

For the last eight years, commercial aviation has been doing its best to get ready for the Next Generation Air Transportation system. It’s not been easy for anyone. NextGen is a complex system complicated by the uncertainty of long-term FAA funding.

NextGen LogoBickering over ancillary ideology, Congress has hamstrung NextGen since 2007, when the last long-term FAA authorization expired. While politicians argued, the industry did its best with 23 temporary funding bills and one partial shutdown of the FAA.

Those days are over until 2015. Congress passed a $63 billion funding bill that will support the FAA until then, and President Obama signed it on Valentine’s Day. The bill creates the FAA Chief NextGen Officer, who will work to an accelerated schedule, providing annual reports on progress. With deadlines anchored to February 14:

The FAA has six months to consult with industry reps and issue a report on RNP/RNAV airport ops and 18 months to schedule the implementation of RNP/RNAV procedures at 30% of the 35 operational evaluation partnership (OEP) airports. It must cover 60% in 36 months and 100% by June 30, 2015. It has 18 months for 25% of non-OEP airports, 36 months for 50%, with all airports covered by June 30, 2016.

The FAA has a year to submit its plan and timetable bringing the nationwide Data Communication System on line.  It also has prescribed deadlines for NextGen’s surface systems, such as Airport Surface Detection Equipment-Model X program.

Despite eight years of uncertain funding, the FAA has been making progress. Take ADS-B. The new AC 90-114 gives an overview of the system and guidance on how to comply with the ADS-B Out requirements. In this bill, Congress extended its previous the deadline five years, to January 1, 2020.

In late January, the FAA announced that free ADS-B In-cockpit traffic and weather information services are now available at 51 terminal areas, and that free en route ADS-B In traffic and weather services are now available in service areas centered on Houston, Texas, and a good portion of Alaska.

Aircraft equipped with the 978MHz Universal Access Transceiver (UAT) can receive both traffic and flight (weather) information. Those equipped with 1090 MHz Extended Squitter (1090 ES), required for flight above Flight Level 180, receive only traffic info.

The future of ADS-B In is not yet carved in regulatory stone. Flightglobal reports that the long-term funding bill directs the FAA to initiate rulemaking in the next year that mandates ADS-B In for aircraft flying in “capacity constrained airspace” or at “capacity constrained airports.” 

This requirement contradicts the recommendations from an FAA aviation rulemaking committee evaluating this technology. In November 2011, it said that “In’s” applications had not yet matured.

But Congress did nod at the ARC’s recommendation. The new NextGen officer must verify that the ADS-B ground network is “installed and functioning” before issuing any interim or final equipment rules.

ADS-B In seems to be the only major NextGen component with an uncertain future. With FAA funding and deadlines in place through 2015, operators of transport category aircraft can start finalizing their plans to equip their fleets for NextGen.

Until next time, stay 5x5, mission ready, and Wired!

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

flyTab Connects iPad to Larger World

Welcome to Wired!

AIMBy itself, the flyTab Class II iPad EFB is economical technology that makes airline operations more cost efficient and economical. ASIG and its partner, Shadin Avionics, are taking it to the next level with the flyTab Avionics Interface Module (AIM).

Simply put, the AIM translates data communicated via ARINC 429 , MIL-STD 1553, RS232, A410 discrete inputs as well as other data buses and video into the digital language spoken by the iPad operating system. A passive (read-only) interface, the AIM completed its initial functional milestones and stability testing in early January 2012. Up next are red label units for laboratory evaluations and demonstrations.

flyTab is developing a library of application programming interfaces (API) that it will license to those developing iPad apps that would benefit from specific data from the avionics network. The initial interfaces provide 3D position and airspeed. Weather and traffic interfaces are in development and are now undergoing latency testing to ensure the display is keeping up with the data. flyTab will develop additional interfaces as customers demand.

Looking forward, as the iPad EFB proves its usefulness—and reliability—it will surely become cornerstone technology for the Next Generation Air Transportation System. One day in the future it may well allow pilots and/or dispatchers to plan every aspect of a trip. And when the pilot docks the EFB in its Class II mount, it could even burst program the applicable avionics systems and verify every setting. 

This day is still in the future, but the capabilities of flyTab’s passive Avionics Interface Module are an important step toward that future, a step that offers substantial benefits today. With it the instrument procedure charts displayed on a pilot’s EFB could include 3D position and speed, traffic, and weather.

Until next time, stay mission ready, 5x5, and Wired!

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

FAA NextGen Wants Your Comments on Retirement of Legacy Navigation

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In the December 15, 2011 Federal Register, the FAA requested  your comments on its proposed plan to replace legacy navaids, like VORs, with NextGen’s GPS/WAAS RNAV everywhere and required navigation performance (RNP) where beneficial. The comment period ends on March 7, 2012, and you can read the proposal and comment on it here.

Briefly, the plan takes the next step toward NextGen’s “flexible point-to-point navigation enabled by geospatial positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) infrastructure and aircraft advanced navigation systems.” We emphasized that last part. While not stated as such, it is another heads-up call to those whose fleets have not stepped up to NextGen nav systems.

Sure, in its proposal the FAA plans to retain an optimized network of DME stations and a “minimum operational network (MON)” of VORs to ensure safety  and continuous operations for high and low airways in the lower 48 states and terminal operations at the “Core 30 airports,” the major metropolitan hubs.

The plan also would maintain the existing ILS network to support safety during GPS outages, but it will not build new ones. All new Category I requirements will be satisfied with WAAS localizer performance with vertical guidance (LPV) instrument procedures. It sure sounds like the FAA will keep these legacy systems behind glass labeled “Break In Case of Emergency!”

There are, the proposal says, 967 VORs. More than 80 percent of them have surpassed their service life, and repair parts are getting increasingly harder to find. So the FAA plans to gradually retire them until it achieves MON coverage, which would “enable aircraft anywhere in the CONUS to proceed safely to a destination with a GPS-independent approach within 100 nm” if they are flying above 5,000 feet above ground level.

The FAA is also working on alternate positioning, navigation, and timing (ANPT) solution that would enable “further reduction of VORs below the MON.” The FAA would maintain the VORs that support international Atlantic, Pacific, and Caribbean arrivals, and it seems that ANPT might also allow their retirement.

Naturally, how closely the FAA can stick to its schedule depends on Congress. Several months ago it seemed as through the FAA’s long-term funding reauthorization would pass when 2012 was a few days old. But a recent Wall Street Journal article, Stalemate Over FAA Leaves Bill Unsettled, makes it clear that politicians continue to hold the the future of aviation hostage.

Until next time, stay 5x5, mission ready, and Wired!