They Combine Forces To Help Pilots See The Light

If there was one idea at NBAA 2006 that might be termed the "Next Big Thing," it would seem to be electronic systems allowing pilots to see what can't be seen with the naked eye.

Chelton Flight Systems and Kollsman, Inc. will collaborate on a new series of products combining Chelton's Synthetic Vision Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) with Kollsman's General Aviation Vision System (GAViS).

Together, the two systems will offer pilots an integration of enhanced vision systems (EVS) with synthetic vision system (SVS) to make an approach and landing possible under low IFR visibility and/or night conditions.

"We designed the Chelton EFIS to combine all instruments in one scan, and make it safer for a pilot to make rapid informed decisions under difficult flight conditions. The integration of an actual forward-looking infrared camera, such as GAViS, will blend in the real world and enhance the image," said Chelton's president, Gordon Platt.

Randy Moore, Executive VP at Kollsman, responded, "The GAViS has been developed to improve situational awareness by extending the pilot's forward vision at night and some low visibility conditions." He added engineering HUD (head up display) integration would now be easier.

Kollsman engineer Daniel Wolin demonstrated the system using the company's Cessna 340. He says it was very successful, even in the confined space of the twin. The trick is ensure installation in smaller cockpits is viable. Wolin said NBAA is the ideal venue to apply the precise engineering calculations needed to determine complex installation parameters.

His advanced technique?

1. Sit in the cockpit of a small business jet
2. Place hand above head 
3. Feel how much room there is

The company hopes to have a certificated system ready sometime next year. Estimated cost is $92,500.

FMI: www.kollsman.com