All posts by webadmin

Frostbitten Pilot Rescued After Burying Plane On -35° Night

Pilots often buy inReach® devices for the two-way satellite
communication or SOS functionality, sometimes with the thought of a worst-case
scenario — an in-flight
malfunction or a crash — in
mind. But in Alaska, anything can happen. And on a cold day in January, that
was the case for Chad Lewis.

No stranger to flying, Lewis got his pilot’s license before
he even had his driver’s license. His first job was at an airport. And he ultimately
moved from the East Coast to settle in Alaska because of his love for
flying. 

“I’ve just always loved it,” Lewis said. “And of course that
romanticism of Alaska bush flying is what drew me here originally.”

Many years later, Lewis uses his Supercub for recreational
flying and to get to remote portions of Alaska.

In early January, however, Lewis found himself in a
precarious situation.

It was his last intended landing of the day, and Lewis found
a spot that looked good to stop. It was a bit of a swampy area, and he knew the
snow would be deep. He did several passes to check out the location and made
some tracks to pack the snow. But when he finally came to a stop, the tail and
one side of the plane sunk down into the snow — nearly down to the wing.  

Lewis made several attempts to dig the plane out and get it
turned around, but his efforts were futile. And by that point, it was -20 degrees
Fahrenheit, the sun was setting, and Lewis knew he wouldn’t be able to pull out
of that location in the dark even if he could get the plane unstuck.

“As soon as the sun started to go down – within 15 minutes
to half an hour – it got down to -35 degrees,” Lewis said.

Lewis began preparing to spend an unplanned night in a snow
cave in a very remote area of Alaska. He had survival gear and a -20 degree
sleeping bag, but the air temperature and snowy, swampy landscape made it
almost impossible for Lewis to get a significant fire going. He had a stove, too,
but it was so cold he couldn’t get it to ignite. That meant he couldn’t make
food or boil water to drink.  

“It was rough,” he said. “Maybe rougher than it should have
been based on how I was prepared.”

Tracking and Texting

Not every portion of Alaska has flight following or other
radar coverage, which is partly why Lewis had invested in an inReach satellite
communication device
in the first place. He wanted his wife back at home to
be able to track his flight path via MapShare™.

“If I’m ever late, my wife can easily log in to the site and
see where I was last or what’s going on,” he said. “Then we can communicate
back and forth, and I can let her know why I’m late or what happened.”

The inReach device’s two-way text communication via the
global Iridium® satellite network was key to his initial investment in
the technology as well.

“I was looking for a way to actually be able to
communicate,” he said. “If you know where somebody is but you can’t communicate
so you don’t know what’s going on, that can heighten anxiety for the folks on
the other end.”

Lewis was particularly grateful he could communicate with
his wife on that early January night. He had the inReach device attached close
to his body to keep it warm, and so as soon as he realized he was stuck, he
texted his wife on the device to inform her of the situation.

SOS Situation

Still awake in the cold of that -35-degree night, Lewis
determined that his feet had been numb for about 10 hours and began to worry
about doing permanent damage to his extremities.

That worry finally prompted him to trigger an SOS and communicate
with staff at the GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Center.

A search and rescue team via helicopter was dispatched to
Lewis.

“They found me immediately because they had my coordinates,”
he said. “The biggest challenge they had was finding a good place to land
because the snow was so deep.”

The helicopter sank all the way down to the frame, so they
opted to lower a rescuer down instead. Without snowshoes, the rescuer sank all
the way down to his chest. The depth of the snow was serious, but the rescue
team managed to get Lewis out and transport him to a local hospital.

Lewis had developed severe frostbite on his hands and feet.
His right thumb was black with third-degree frostbite and felt as though it were
burning.

“The rescue team actually told me that rather than suffering
as long as I had through the night, I should have just triggered the SOS
earlier and not risked potential harm,” he said.

Ultimately, though, Lewis recovered – and kept all of his
fingers and toes.

“But without the inReach I would have had to spend the night
until the morning and then continued trying to get unstuck,” he said. “Or I
could have potentially hit the plane’s ELT, but that doesn’t give your exact
location, and I don’t know if it would have been working in those
temperatures.”

Later, Lewis used the inReach coordinates to guide him back
to where his plane was located and retrieved the plane with a helicopter.

Be Calm, Be Prepared

In addition to having all the necessary survival gear to spend the night in negative temperatures, Lewis credits his ability to stay calm for his ultimately successful rescue.

“I was definitely prepared, but the biggest thing was just
being calm,” he said. “I was calm about the situation the whole time. Maybe
just a little frustrated I was stuck.” 

Back at home, his wife was calm, too, because she could text
back and forth with Lewis.

 “I think it would have been a lot worse – she would have been really concerned – if there was no way to communicate,” Lewis said. “That made all the difference in settling fears and anxiety. Because I was safe. It wasn’t a crash. I just landed and got stuck and couldn’t get out because I was in the middle of nowhere.”

That’s why his advice to other pilots who fly in the
backcountry is to carry an inReach.

“At the end of the day, the minor additional cost to be able to communicate with somebody if something happens, and being able to provide details of the situation so that rescue can be prepared, is huge peace of mind,” he said. “I recommend it to everybody.”

NOTICE: To access the Iridium satellite network for live tracking and messaging, including SOS capabilities, an active satellite subscription is required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communications devices. It is the responsibility of the user to know and follow all applicable laws in the jurisdictions where the device is intended to be used.

The post Frostbitten Pilot Rescued After Burying Plane On -35° Night appeared first on Garmin Blog.

https://www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/saved-by-garmin/pilot-rescued-after-burying-plane/

Data Comm: Easy and Efficient Cockpit Communication

Technology is changing the way we fly. Technological advancements are improving the safety and efficiency in how we aviate and navigate through increased in-flight automation and GPS navigation. Today, tech is even enhancing the way we communicate, with digitally delivered text messages — known as datalink communications — in the cockpit. These services, known as Data Comm, are expanding throughout the world to complement traditional voice communications between flight crews and air traffic controllers. That helps save time, reduce delays and cockpit workload, and more.

What are datalink communications?

In two words: text messages. The datalink communications network is a series of VHF ground stations and/or satellites delivering messages between air traffic controllers and pilots. Traditionally, pilots received their departure clearances and weather reroutes via radio transmissions. It’s an effective system, but Data Comm services offer an alternative to avoid frequency congestion and mitigate delivery or read back errors by sending clearance and reroute information directly to pilots in text format. This method was originally intended to help reduce the number of miscommunications — and ultimately reduce pilot workload.

How does it work?

When an aircraft is flying above land with ground-based coverage, the VHF ground stations act as the primary communication link. For oceanic flights where ground stations aren’t available, a satellite network becomes the primary mode. At select airports with controller-pilot datalink communications (CPDLC) departure clearance capabilities, pilots can send their flight information to air traffic control from the flight deck, either upon departure or via pre-departure clearance services. Upon receipt and approval, controllers respond with route details, departure clearance information and approval. Additionally, reroute information can be sent via Data Comm for pilots to review and respond accordingly via digital text message.

Touchscreen displaying datalink communications
Datalink communications on Garmin G3000 and G5000 integrated flight deck

For several aircraft types equipped with our G3000 or G5000 integrated flight decks, compatible Data Comm equipment and enablement, these messages and flight information can be directly uploaded and incorporated into the flight plan for added convenience.

Garmin datalink communications solutions

Garmin offers a wide range of datalink communications solutions tailored to meet diverse aircraft and operations. Through the FltPlan.com team at Garmin, pilots can take advantage of U.S. FAA Data Comm departure clearances, en route services and more for $499 per select aircraft per year. Visit our website to learn more about which airframes are current candidates for FAA Data Comm services, which regions and airports are eligible for CPDLC-departure clearances and more.

The post Data Comm: Easy and Efficient Cockpit Communication appeared first on Garmin Blog.

https://www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/aviation/data-comm-easy-and-efficient-cockpit-communication/

Garmin Aviation Expands Online Education Series

The Garmin aviation training team is making it easier for pilots to enhance their avionics skills from the comfort of home. Throughout April, May and June, several free webinars and promotions on select eLearning courses are available for many of our most popular avionics. These online classes range from basic product fundamentals best operating practices and techniques to expert tips and tricks. Learn about our GTN and GTN Xi series navigators, GFC 500 and GFC 600 retrofit autopilots, Garmin weather radars, the Garmin Pilot app, and G1000, G1000 NXi, G3000, G5000 and more.

Pilot flying a landing approach

Pilot Training –
Approaches

Learn techniques and best operating practices for using
Garmin navigation and flight control systems to set up and fly ILS and a
GPS-guided WAAS LPV approaches into all types of airports.

April 16, 2020, 10 a.m. CT: Register Here

Weather radar displayed on Garmin TXi flight display

Weather Radar Pilot
Training

Get familiar with the fundamentals of radar technology and
learn techniques and safety tips to help maximize the benefits of your Garmin
airborne weather radar system.

April 24, 2020, 10 a.m. CT: Register Here

Pilot hand touching GTN 650 Xi

GTN VNAV Pilot Training

Explore techniques for flying descent vertical navigation
profiles throughout the en route and terminal phases of flight with your GTN or
GTN Xi series touchscreen navigator.

April 30, 2020, 10 a.m. CT: Register Here

May 26, 2020, 10 a.m. CT: Register Here

Pilot hand touching GFC 600 autopilot controller

GFC 600 Pilot Training

Learn the fundamentals of using our GFC 600 digital flight
control system and its advanced capabilities to couple and fly various
instrument approaches, set up flight profiles and more.

May 7, 2020, 10 a.m. CT: Register Here

Cessna 206 cockpit featuring G1000 NXi
Photo courtesy of Textron Aviation

Garmin Logic, Tips and Tricks:
GTN and G1000 Pilot Training

Get an overview of the Garmin design logic for its GPS-based
navigation systems and learn insider tips and tricks for getting the most out
of your GTN or G1000 system and its capabilities.

May 14, 2020, 10 a.m. CT: Register Here

Pilot and passenger in cockpit interacting with GTN 750 Xi

GTN Follow-along Scenarios
Pilot Training

Receive step-by-step, scenario-based operational training on
our GTN series navigators, using the downloadable GTN simulator app on your
tablet or PC. To get the most out of the training, please have this installed
prior to joining the webinar.

May 22, 10 a.m. CT: Register Here

Pilot with iPad display Garmin Pilot in cockpit

Garmin Pilot App

Get familiar with the fundamentals of the Garmin Pilot app —
including an effective preflight, map essentials and the latest on new route
data packages that help ensure you’ve downloaded all the data required for your
flight plan.

Garmin Pilot 101: Create and File a Flight Plan — April 22, 2020, 4 p.m. CT: Register Here

Garmin Pilot Tips and Tricks — May 12, 2020, 10 a.m. CT: Register Here

Garmin Pilot 101: Map Essentials — June 17, 2020, 4 p.m. CT: Register Here

Aviation eLearning Course
Sale

From March 30, 2020 through May 29, 2020, save 10% on select
Garmin aviation eLearning courses. Using typical flight scenarios, these
courses provide a new pilot (or an experienced pilot who wants a refresher) instruction
on best practices for operational use. Eligible courses are listed below.

For additional information visit, Garmin.com/aviationwebinars.

The post Garmin Aviation Expands Online Education Series appeared first on Garmin Blog.

https://www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/aviation/garmin-aviation-expands-online-education-series/

Avionics Care: Cleaning and Disinfecting Guidance

Cleaning your Garmin avionics is a great way to not only
maintain a clean cockpit environment, but also help prevent the spread of
disease. Because our products are built with sophisticated electronic
components and touchscreen materials, it’s important to take special care in
choosing which cleaning method is best for your specific Garmin products. Below
are general guidelines for cleaning the touchscreens, buttons, knobs and bezels
on Garmin avionics. 

NOTE: The following guidance is intended to help reduce
the spread of disease while preserving the integrity of Garmin aviation
products. Garmin does not guarantee that it will do so in all cases. For
general cleaning and disinfecting guidance, please refer to CDC guidelines and
other applicable guidelines.

Cleaning and Disinfecting:

  • Cleaners containing ammonia will harm the antireflective
    coating on many Garmin aviation display lenses.
  • Disinfecting using a solution of 70% isopropyl
    alcohol that does not contain ammonia is preferred. Solutions of up to 91%
    isopropyl alcohol are also acceptable.
  • Clean the display lens using a clean, lint-free
    cloth and a cleaner that is specified as safe for antireflective coatings.
  • For other exposed surfaces such as knobs,
    buttons and bezels, a damp cloth with soap and water is acceptable. Garmin does
    not recommend bleach-based cleaners, ammonia-based cleaners or other harsh
    chemicals on any surface.
  • Remove all soap/soap residue to prevent buttons
    and knobs from gumming up or becoming slippery.
  • Many aviation products are not rated as
    waterproof. Spraying or wetting the units to the extent where moisture could go
    beyond the exterior surfaces could damage the unit.

This information is sourced from Garmin Service Advisory 2051: Cleaning/Disinfecting Guidance.

The post Avionics Care: Cleaning and Disinfecting Guidance appeared first on Garmin Blog.

https://www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/aviation/avionics-care-cleaning-and-disinfecting-guidance/

Appareo Releases New EFB: Stratus Insight™

Features include ATC Transcription, Vertical Weather Profile, Radar Forecast, TAWS, and Smart Flight Plan

FARGO, North Dakota (March 31, 2020) — Appareo today introduced a new flight app called Stratus Insight™. Stratus Insight is an electronic flight bag (EFB) suite that includes VFR sectional maps, IFR low/high charts, geo-referenced approach plates, TAWS, and AHRS with synthetic vision. Beyond typical EFB features, Stratus Insight also provides ATC Radio Transcription and Playback, Vertical Weather Profile, Radar Forecast, and Smart Flight Plan. The Stratus Insight application supports integration with all generations of Stratus™ receivers, which provide subscription-free weather, WAAS GPS information, and ADS-B traffic to the app during flight.

Stratus Insight is one of two software applications in the Stratus family of pilot-friendly affordable avionics. The other app, Stratus Horizon Pro, was the industry’s first app to provide ATC Radio Transcription and Playback to pilots. Those features are now also available in the new Stratus Insight EFB to give pilots the option of flying with an “all-in-one” app experience.

At its core, Stratus Insight is a full-featured EFB designed to make pilots’ lives easier and to provide enhanced situational awareness in the cockpit. Stratus Insight’s weather tools were designed to give pilots a deeper understanding of weather for improved preflight planning. For example, weather modeling products such as Radar Forecast, and a Vertical Weather Profile tool that allows pilots to see conditions across their route of flight based on their aircraft speed and departure time. If changes in weather advisories force a pilot to take an alternate route, Stratus Insight goes beyond simply listing alternate airports — the Smart Flight Plan tool considers fuel stops and day/night currency.

Stratus Insight displays supplemental attitude information driven by a Stratus receiver — essentially creating a “backup glass cockpit” on your iPad, with an impressive synthetic vision view. The app can also be paired with a Bluetooth headset or audio panel to alert pilots with TAWS or runway information.

Beyond its full-featured EFB functionality, Stratus Insight boasts a custom aviation speech recognition system. When paired with a Stratus Audio Cable, the ATC Radio Transcription feature works similar to visual voicemail. ATC communications are converted into text and displayed directly above the audio playback line, providing a helpful visual assist for referencing previous audio clips. This enables pilots to receive a clearance, ATIS, or other important ATC communications without needing to write them down.

The future of aviation: a beyond-glass strategy
The speech recognition and language understanding technology that drives the Radio Transcription feature was custom-designed by the Artificial Intelligence (AI) division at Appareo. “We are focused on developing machine learning technology to reduce workload and increase safety in the cockpit,” said Appareo AI Systems Director Josh Gelinske.

The opportunity
At a global scale, speech recognition, translation, and transcription features are commonplace (e.g. Alexa and Siri). However, ATC communications present many challenges for these common speech recognition systems. The high rate of speech, noisy signal, narrow frequency band, and unique location identifiers are among those challenges. Appareo identified that shortfall in the existing technology and set out to develop a speech recognition system customized for aviation.

The solution
“We began by designing a deep neural network and training it on thousands of hours of speech and hundreds of hours of ATC data,” said Gelinske. Appareo then designed a custom aviation speech recognition system that was able to run on mobile devices without requiring cellular service or internet connection, so there would be no accessibility limitations during flight.

As Gelinske explains, “Natural Language Processing is also used to interpret the output of the speech recognition system, to present it in a more pilot-friendly format. For example, tail numbers, altitudes, runways, and frequencies are transcribed in a way that will be more helpful to pilots.”

Comparison example:

Appareo Aviation President Kris Garberg explains, “this new AI technology is the baseline for exciting features we have in our app roadmap, which is focused on creating a safer, more convenient way to fly.”

Stratus Insight is available for download from the Apple Store, and currently offers two subscription plans — $9.99 monthly or $99.99 annually. Available only for iOS devices. No cellular service or internet connection is required to operate the app. The Stratus Audio Cable (available to purchase here) is necessary to enable the Radio Transcription and Playback features. For more information, visit www.stratusinsight.app.

# # #

Acronym Key
ATC: Air Traffic Control
ATIS: Automatic Terminal Information Service
AEA: Aircraft Electronics Association
TAWS: Terrain Awareness and Warning System
EFB: Electronic Flight Bag
AHRS: Attitude Heading Reference System
VFR: Visual Flight Rules
IFR: Instrument Flight Rules

About Appareo
Appareo is a recognized leader in the custom design, development and manufacture of innovative electronic and software solutions for aerospace. Through the creative application of cutting-edge technologies, Appareo creates complex end-to-end solutions that include both mobile and cloud-based components. The company is privately held, with headquarters in Fargo, N.D., and design offices in Tempe, Ariz. and Paris, France. All Stratus products are designed, developed, built and supported in the USA.

Stratus and Stratus Insight are registered trademarks of Appareo Systems, LLC ©2020

https://www.appareo.com/2020/03/31/appareo-releases-new-efb-stratus-insight/

Virtual Sun ‘n Fun, AERO Friedrichshafen Experience with Aviation Webinar Series

With the cancellation of several marquee aviation events, our aviation team is bringing an educational line-up of webinars to you. Ranging from an overview of our latest products, such as the GI 275 and GTN Xi series, to cost-effective autopilot upgrades, these free webinars offer pilots and customers a broad overview of our latest avionics solutions, while also providing a general operational overview.

These aviation webinars are scheduled in Central European Time (CET) or Central Time (CT) to accommodate customers’ schedules around the world. Select webinars are also held in German. To sign up for any of the following webinar topics, visit these websites:

AERO 2020 SEMINAR SCHEDULE

SUN ‘n FUN 2020 SEMINAR SCHEDULE

Aviation Webinars

Beechcraft Bonanza panel featuring Garmin GTN Xi, TXi and G5

The Latest Products from Garmin: GI 275, GTN Xi and more

Check out the latest avionics
available from Garmin, including the powerful GI 275 electronic flight
instrument and the faster, brighter GTN 650Xi/GTN 750Xi touchscreen navigators.

Hand touching autopilot controller on instrument panel

Autopilot
Retrofits

The GFC 500 and GFC 600 retrofit autopilots offer reduced maintenance, as well as safety-enhancing capabilities such as Garmin Electronic Stability Protection (ESP), underspeed/overspeed protection and coupled approaches. This webinar will focus on the features and benefits of both autopilots.

Cessna 182 instrument panel with Garmin avionics

Cost-effective
Avionics Upgrades

Learn about upgrading an aircraft panel with cost-effective avionics such as the GPS 175, GNC 355 and GNX 375 two-inch navigators, G3X Touch and the GFC 500 autopilot.

Desk with computer, iPad and iPhone displaying FltPlan services

Garmin
Services Overview

Learn how cost-effective Garmin database
offerings, apps and web-based solutions can simplify everything from
pre-departure clearances to international flight handling and more.

Vans Aircraft panel with Garmin avionics

Garmin
Avionics for Experimental Aircraft

Check out experimental avionics options from Garmin, including the G3X Touch flight display and the G5 electronic flight instrument, GMA 245 audio panels and more.

Spring 2020 Promotions

In
addition to a comprehensive webinar line-up, Garmin is offering the same rebates
and promotions that it planned to offer at the Spring aviation events.

Spring
2020 Avionics Rebate

Customers can receive rebates on select certified avionics, including the GFC 600/GFC 500 autopilots, the GNX 375, GNC 355 and GPS 175 navigators, select audio panels and more. Eligible purchases must be made between March 30 and April 6. Attend one of the webinars above to learn more.

Spring
2020 Portables Rebate

Customers can take advantage of a $150 rebate on the D2 Delta PX, D2 Delta S and D2 Delta aviation watches, and a $100 rebate on the GDL 50/51/52 series. Eligible purchases must be made between March 30 and May 29.

eLearning
Promotion 

Through
April 30, customers can receive 10% off normal pricing on the purchase of
eligible eLearning courses, including the G5000 Essentials, GTN Essentials,
Garmin Aviation Weather Radar, Garmin TXi Essentials and the Garmin G3000
Essentials courses.

For
additional information regarding aviation rebates or promotions, visit: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/promotions/aviation/.

The post Virtual Sun ‘n Fun, AERO Friedrichshafen Experience with Aviation Webinar Series appeared first on Garmin Blog.

https://www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/aviation/virtual-sun-n-fun-aero-friedrichshafen-experience-with-aviation-webinar-series/

Appareo Receives Certification for Stratus Transponders in Part 27 Helicopters

FARGO, North Dakota (March 25, 2020) — Appareo has received FAA approval for installation of Stratus transponders in Part 27 aircraft. The STC-AML includes Airbus Helicopters, Bell Helicopter, Leonardo, and Robinson Helicopter. The H-variant models, named Stratus ES-H and Stratus ESG-H, are now available through the Authorized Appareo Dealer Network, and retail for the same price as the Part 23 transponders.

Stratus ESG-H $2,995
Designed to be an all-in-one box solution for ADS-B mandate compliance, Stratus ESG-H is a 1090 Extended Squitter (ES) transponder with built-in certified WAAS GPS.

Stratus ES-H $2,495
Designed for aircraft owners who have already invested in WAAS GPS, Stratus ES-H will make an aircraft rule-compliant when paired with any of the following navigators:

  • Garmin GPS 175
  • Garmin GPS 400W, GNC 420W/420 AW, and GNS 430W/430AW with software version 5.00 or later
  • Garmin GPS GNS 480 (CNX80)
  • Garmin GPS 500W and GNS 530W/530AW/530TAWS with software version 5.02 or later
  • Garmin 6XX and 7XX with software version 3.00 or later
  • Avidyne IFD440 and IFD540 with software version 10.0.3.0 or later

Both models are certified 1090 ES ADS-B Out transponders designed with the common 1.65” form factor to easily replace existing transponders. Stratus transponders can be connected to an ADS-B In receiver for the complete ADS-B experience.

To find a dealer, visit Appareo Dealer Locator.

# # #

About Appareo
Appareo is a recognized leader in the custom design, development and manufacture of innovative electronic and software solutions for aerospace. Through the creative application of cutting-edge technologies, Appareo creates complex end-to-end solutions that include both mobile and cloud-based components. The company is privately held, with headquarters in Fargo, N.D., and design offices in Tempe, Ariz. and Paris, France. All Stratus products are designed, developed, built and supported in the USA.

Stratus is a registered trademark of Appareo Systems, LLC ©2020

https://www.appareo.com/2020/03/25/appareo-receives-certification-for-stratus-transponders-in-part-27-helicopters/

Humans of Appareo | Meet Angela

Meet Angela, Technical Writer at Appareo.

What do you do at Appareo?

I’m Appareo’s technical writer. I write documents that teach customers how to use our products. I turn complicated engineering projects into easy-to-digest parts.

What has been your favorite project so far?

I’ve enjoyed writing documentation for our Stratus Horizon Pro app. It’s been amazing watching our speech-to-text capabilities grow.

What might someone be surprised to know about you?

I love going to rock concerts and experiencing them from the floor. In 2019, I saw over 30 bands perform live. I even flew to Vegas solely to see my favorite band!

Do you have a favorite song lyric or movie quote?

“Our hopes and expectations, black holes and revelations” – Muse, Starlight

What do you most like to do to unwind?

I like finding new music, watching award shows, thrift store shopping, and entering sweepstakes. Since moving out to the country, I also have a newfound love for taking care of our chickens, mowing, catching frogs, and fishing.

Favorite restaurant in Fargo?

GP’s Greek Kitchen, Mango’s, or JL Beers.

https://www.appareo.com/2020/03/23/humans-of-appareo-meet-angela/

Garmin Partners with University of Kansas on Environmental Research Plane

In Lawrence, Kansas, a team at the University of Kansas School of Aerospace Engineering has taken technology from the 1970s and created a tool designed to gather environmental research data. The technology? A 1974 Cessna 172. The team has specially modified the aircraft with an advanced airborne radar designed to measure regional snow thickness throughout South Dakota’s Black Hills region.

The Mission

After spending four years in the hangar, the KU team restored a Cessna 172 to operational status to be used as a vehicle for gathering research data. A specially designed snow radars was installed on the classic Cessna and put into service gathering data throughout the Black Hills. The radars measure snow levels as the aircraft flies grid-like patterns over a specific area.

The team recording snow levels in the Cessna 172. Photo courtesy of Emily Arnold.

“The measurements will be used for hydrological models to help predict stream flow,” said Emily Arnold, assistant professor, University of Kansas Aerospace Engineering Department. “If they know how much snow there is, they can help determine how much water is going to run off into a stream and help determine how much water will be available to people within a region as they manage the resource.”

We helped the team meet 2020 FAA ADS-B requirements by providing our GDL 82 ADS-B “Out” datalink. This small, lightweight, easy-to-install 978 MHz universal access transceiver features our patented AutoSquawk technology. It’s a cost-effective solution for aircraft that operate in controlled U.S. airspace below 18,000 feet and was an ideal solution for the KU engineering team because they wanted to keep the aircraft’s existing transponder.

Installation example of the Garmin GDL 82 ADS-B “Out” datalink.

What’s next for the Cessna 172?

“Sense and avoid research with UAVs (unmanned aerial
vehicles),” said Arnold. “The Cessna 172 is a valuable resource within our
department. Having an aircraft like that makes performing our research more
cost-effective.”

Students stand in front of the specially equipped Cessna 172
Students after completing a successful flight. Photo courtesy of Emily Arnold

To learn more about our GDL 82 ADS-B “Out” datalink, visit Garmin.com/GDL82.

The post Garmin Partners with University of Kansas on Environmental Research Plane appeared first on Garmin Blog.

https://www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/aviation/garmin-partners-with-university-of-kansas-on-environmental-research-plane/

Josh Gelinske to present at the 2020 VDI Conference in Düsseldorf

Next week Josh Gelinske, Director of AI Systems at Appareo, will be presenting at the 4th International VDI Conference on Smart Farming 2020 in Düsseldorf, Germany. This conference is supported by national and international experts, bringing together over 100 thought leaders in agri-industry solutions.

Josh’s presentation is titled Robust AI at the Edge – Grain Handling Quality Assurance Sensor. During his presentation he will discuss:

  • The costly mistake of mixing different grain types
  • Sensor architecture and data collection strategy
  • AI for crop type image classification
  • Ensuring robust outputs and confidence measures
  • Seeing inside the “black box” Convolutional Neural Network model

If you would like more information about this conference, click here to visit the official website.

https://www.appareo.com/2020/02/26/josh-gelinske-to-present-at-the-2020-vdi-conference-in-dusseldorf/

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