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,…

ATM Modernization

People

ARINC Inc.: Green, Dir.-Systems & Services ARINC Inc. has promoted Richard Green to director of airport systems and services for Europe, Africa and the Middle East. He formerly was ARINC’s product director,…

Business & GA

Product Focus: Wire and Cable

Aircraft wiring, fundamental to the safety of airplane operations, is the subject of perennial debate. Incidents such as the TWA crash in 1996 and the Swissair crash in 1998 focused attention on…

Business & GA

Safety in Avionics: Surviving a 'Sucker Trap'

An aphorism exists that rubber, not aluminum, should always touch the ground first. The saying relates directly to controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) accidents. A recent close call ended with rubber touching…