Brings "Black Box" Recorder Tech To SR20s, SR22s

Alakai Technologies Corporation told ANN Thursday the Federal Aviation Administration has issued a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for installation of the company's Engine Trend Monitoring System (ETMS) on Cirrus SR20 and SR22 aircraft.

The certification also applies to Alakai's Digital Flight Data Recording System (DFDS) software which, when combined with the ETMS, effectively provides Cirrus piston-engine aircraft with a "black box" recorder, currently not required on aircraft with fewer than 10 seats.

"We are pleased with the efficiency of the FAA certification process and look forward to the additional safety and security measures that the highly affordable Engine Trend Monitoring System technology will now provide to Cirrus owners and operators," said Brian Morrison, president of Alakai Technologies.

Alakai states the automated, predictive system monitors piston engine performance in real time, significantly improving safety and reliability while reducing engine maintenance costs. For Cirrus operators, this improves the efficiency of engine operation and maintenance, transitioning required recordkeeping from a time-consuming, manual procedure to a real-time, in-flight automated, electronic record. The system enhances accuracy and consistency from flight to flight, and from pilot to pilot. 

"Cirrus is committed to the safety of pilots and passengers in our aircraft. This new system will allow Cirrus owners and operators, especially Part 135 operators, to focus on flying rather than manually documenting engine performance while in the air," said Cirrus Co-founder and Vice Chairman, Dale Klapmeier. "We look forward to the hassle-free advantages this system brings to Cirrus owners and operators, as well as to the safety benefits of having an on-board flight data recorder."

Alakai Technologies developed the Engine Trend Monitoring System in response to SATSair's need to automate its FAA-approved manual engine trend monitoring system. SATSair, based in Greenville SC, currently flies 26 Cirrus SR22 airplanes and over 1500 passengers per month in point-to-point, air cab operations under Federal Aviation Part 135 air taxi regulations in the southeast USA, and was the first fleet air cab operation to embrace the SR22.

SATSair has placed orders for 26 Alakai systems, with an option for an additional 100 systems.

"SATSair is proud to have worked closely with Alakai in bringing this important safety innovation to General Aviation," said Steve Hanvey, President and CEO of SATSair. "This new system enhances the safety and performance of all our aircraft by automating the trend monitoring process, as well as providing us with a flight data recorder. Trend monitoring is fundamental to the successful operation of our air cab fleet."

Alakai tells ANN additional benefits of the Engine Trend Monitoring System include:

• Real-time trend and exceedance analysis with trend forecasting graphs (web-accessible) to identify engine and performance problems before they occur
• Improves long-term engine performance, fuel economy, and safety
• Reduces operating costs, warranty costs and potentially reduces insurance premiums
• Provides a simultaneous "always-on" flight data recording capability (DFDS) to assist with flight records and accident investigations
• Provides automated flight visualization or 'track' files for training and playback purposes

The DFDS software performs the same function as flight data recorders that are mandatory on larger transport aircraft and have proven to be a great help to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in determining the cause of aircraft incidents. Alakai's ETMS/DFDS installations are expected to provide enhanced safety and potentially lower insurance rates for Cirrus owners who equip their aircraft with this latest technology.

FMI: www.alakai1.com/etms.htm