News Archive

Business & GA

Safety in Avionics: Are Two HUDs Better Than One?

For optimum safety and standardization, both pilots in the side-by-side cockpit seating of an airliner should be provided with a head-up display (HUD). That statement is perhaps the one most likely to…

ATM Modernization

Industry Scan

The X-45A unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) technology demonstration aircraft completed its first flight in late May at NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards AFB, Calif. The 14-minute flight reached an airspeed…

Business & GA

The Post 9/11 Transponder

SINCE THE SEPT. 11 DISASTER, government and industry experts have been scrutinizing an essential but unheralded piece of avionics safety equipment-the onboard aircraft transponder. Following the tragic events in New York and…

Commercial

Avionics System Design: Antenna Placement

In my last column (April 2002, page 48), I noted the challenges in positioning radio antennas. Here are some additional thoughts on the subject. Take com-to-com interference, for example. Many newer radios…

ATM Modernization

CPDLC: Back on Its Feet

The Controller Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) program–a joint government/industry effort–has progressed in fits and starts, following conditions in the aviation industry. Like other Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) development programs, CPDLC felt…

Commercial

Editor's Note: Wrestling with Cabin Surveillance

SINCE THE TRAGEDY OF SEPT. 11, much has been done to bolster air travel security in airports. However, little has been accomplished to secure the airplane–save the mandate to install bulletproof cockpit…

Commercial

Electronic Flight Bags: What Airlines Want

Jeppesen Sanderson will tell you that it took 65 years for the chart-making company to produce and deliver its 1 billionth piece of paper, but it took only 24 months to go…

ATM Modernization

New Products

Audio Selector Panel Redmond, Wash.-based dB Systems has introduced its Model 300 audio selector panel, designed to accommodate various panel, switch and custom internal configurations. Certified and employing commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technology,…