Jeppesen and Honeywell on Wednesday announced an avionics industry first at the European Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (EBACE); cloud-based wireless flight deck avionics updates via Apple’s iPad.
The integrated navigation data service (INDS) iPad solution has initial functionality for operators of the Pilatus PC-12 next generation (NG) turboprop aircraft.
According to Jeppesen, the iPad app loads flight data to onboard Honeywell avionics through a remote connection. The wireless updates are available for the Honeywell Primus Apex Integrated Flight Deck when paired with the Aspen Avionics CG-100 connected panel.
"Eliminating manual loading of flight data onboard through use of the iPad app allows for completion of a quicker pre-flight routine, all through a few taps of a finger onscreen. Now the update process is as advanced as the Primus Apex system it supports," said Scott Reagan, director of client management at Jeppesen.
The two companies developed the INDS iPad app with the goal of providing a suite of worldwide navigation information for Honeywell’s Primus Epic platform. Wireless updates using the iPad also takes advantage of the current trend of operators deploying paperless cockpits.
Currently, the wireless updates are only available for PC-12 NG operators, no plans have been discussed yet to launch functionality for other aircraft that feature the Primus Epic avionics system.
"With the recent proliferation of tablets, our customers are increasingly using portable devices for a range of flight planning tasks. We are using these changing patterns to bring affordable wireless capabilities and iPad solutions to market that put the information they need most literally at their fingertips," said Victor Valente, vice president of business and general aviation EMEAI at Honeywell.
The new iPad app is expected to be operational later this year.
Related: Commercial Avionics News