WSI Begins Shipping Cockpit Weather System

WSI Corporation has completed FAA certification for the company's innovative WSI InFlight(TM) cockpit weather briefing system. The FAA has issued Parts Manufacturing Authority (PMA) for the WSI InFlight AV200 system. WSI immediately began shipping conforming units to WSI Authorized Avionics Dealers to fill the large backlog of AV200 orders already received.

The WSI InFlight system continuously broadcasts near real-time WSI aviation weather information directly to the cockpit using a geo-synchronous satellite service. Information includes current observed and forecast conditions, as well as WSI NOWrad, a high quality mosaic of the NEXRAD Doppler radar system. WSI InFlight has complete, uninterrupted continental United States signal reception at any altitude. The system features a sophisticated 'high glance' value user interface that is easy to interpret and thereby increases situational awareness. WSI aviation weather data is provided on an 'always on' basis for a low cost, flat-fee subscription.
 
With FAA certification of the WSI InFlight weather receiver now in hand, pilots and passengers of WSI-equipped aircraft will benefit from a dramatic improvement in flight safety and efficiency. "WSI is committed to developing high quality and innovative services for the aviation community. With WSI InFlight, we've taken a prototype through to manufacturing and FAA certification in just about 12 months. We can now confidently deliver the #1 aviation weather service continuously to pilots while in flight," said Lynne Wilson, Executive Vice President of WSI's Aviation and Marine Business Group.

According to Dennis Schmitt, President of SANDIA aerospace and WSI's manufacturing partner, "SANDIA is proud to have been chosen by WSI and excited to bring this much needed product to market. Although we may never know who they are, the WSI InFlight weather system will save the lives of countless pilots and their passengers. That fact alone has made this the most exciting and satisfying product with which I have been involved."

"It is gratifying to leverage WSI's superior aviation weather information into a state of the art in flight system. WSI can now reach aviators in every phase of flight - from pre-flight to touchdown," said Arlo Gambell, Director of Aviation Services for WSI. "I am sure that the level of operational safety will be increased and owners will get more use out of their aircraft," he added.

The WSI InFlight AV200 system integrates with many popular multi- functional displays, most Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs) as well as other display devices. A current list of compatible displays is available on the WSI website at www.wsi.com/solutions/aviation/inflight/displays.asp

How Much... and When?

The WSI InFlight AV200 system supports Multi-Functional Displays, portable displays and Electronic Flight Bags and is available from WSI authorized avionics dealers.

MSRP for the system is $4,995, plus installation. WSI also offers the WSI InFlight AV100, a non-certified, 'carry on-carry-off' system that supports Electronic Flight Bags and Pocket PCs.

MSRP for the AV100 system is $3,495, plus installation. Data service subscriptions for both systems start at $49.95 per month.

FMI: www.wsi.com