The fast-paced world of aviation communications and technology

uAvionix achieves skyBeacon certification

uAvionix has received Technical Standard Order Authorization (TSOA) for its skyBeacon wingtip-mounted ADS-B OUT solution. The skyBeacon integrated solution consists of a total of five (5) TSOs:

• ADS-B (TSO-C154c, Class B1S)
• GPS (TSO-C145d, Class Beta 1)
• Barometric altitude sensor (TSO-C88b)
• Position Light (TSO-C30c, Type I)
• Anti-collision light (TSO-C96a, Class II)

“skyBeacon has already become popular in the experimental and Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) categories, and is expected to be hugely popular in the certified aircraft market, too,” noted Ryan Braun, uAvionix Chief Operating Officer. “Its speedy plug and play installation provides the lowest total installed cost of ownership ADS-B OUT solution on the market. The addition of an altimeter late in the certification process introduced a small delay in the certification timeline. The additional component makes the skyBeacon able to address a larger range of aircraft – specifically those with an existing Mode S transponder.

It allows skyBeacon to provide pressure altitude to surrounding traffic and ATC regardless of the radar coverage

It allows skyBeacon to provide pressure altitude to surrounding traffic and ATC regardless of the radar coverage.”

“We were driven to innovate new solutions by the unique form factor of skyBeacon,” Braun continued. “This was especially true for the WAAS GPS, where no existing receiver could meet our size, cost, and performance needs. This meant both designing our own GPS, and working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to develop a new process for certification of complex COTS solutions. This will change the way avionics are developed and certified in the future, increasing technology and lowering cost.”

STCs for multiple Cessna and Piper aircraft are expected in a few weeks’ time, at which point uAvionix will begin shipping pre-orders. The STC data and installations satisfy FAA requirements and will enable subsequent skyBeacon installations to be performed on any ‘suitable aircraft’ without an STC as a minor alteration. A ‘suitable aircraft’ is any aircraft allowing installation of the skyBeacon without airframe modification.

Flightcell

The Flightcell DZMx, the global voice, data, messaging and tracking solution, is to be enhanced with a built-in WiFi hotspot and router that provides a cellular broadband data connection for onboard smart devices and connected equipment without the need for a separate WiFi router installation. The WiFi antenna and components are installed within the existing DZMx housing.

Space is at a premium in the cockpit, which is why we designed the DZMx to be a compact all-in-one unit in the first place

“Space is at a premium in the cockpit, which is why we designed the DZMx to be a compact all-in-one unit in the first place,” says John Wyllie, CEO Flightcell. “We’ve now provided our customers with an additional, and highly desirable, capability and at the same time we are saving them the cost, time and space that a separate installation demands.”

Flightcell said that the new capability will significantly enhance an operator’s ability to move data and information to and from the aircraft. Built-in Bluetooth allows onboard smart devices to pair and be connected to the DZMx. Mobile phone calls can be made and answered through the headset, providing pilots and crew with a hands free capability and they can listen to streaming audio.