New software release is
a free upgrade, over 130 improvements
Developing improvements and upgrades to their existing product
line is keeping the R&D people at Chelton Flight Systems almost
as busy as they were prior to certification. Hence, the new
software for their EFIS units, Version 5. 0A, includes a list of
over 130 changes. Of those, 35 will be conspicuous to pilots
familiar with existing systems.
Some of the features added to the new version include enhanced
VNAV functions, flight planning using Victor airways and Jet
routes, colorized airspace on the moving map display which shows
Restricted or Prohibited airspace as red, MOA’s and Warning
areas as yellow, Class B as blue, and Class C and D as green.
For pilots using King KX-155A, KX-165A, or the Garmin/UPSAT
SL-30, the EFIS can now be used to auto tune all Com, ILS, and VOR
frequencies. The number of user waypoints has been increased to
500, allowing for the development of grids for search and rescue or
special-mission operations. Range for the moving map has been
doubled to 400 nautical miles, a Mach meter has been added, and
there is now a Fast/Slow indicator when connected to a compatible
angle-of-attack computer. Chelton has also added an altitude
capture predictor to indicate where the target altitude will be
reached.
Also included are an enhanced display of obstructions and an
expanded fuel flow display options. Transparency has been added to
TAWS cautions and warning colors on the moving map make terrain
contours visible to aid an evasive avoidance maneuver.
Says Chelton President Gordon Pratt : “This is a
reflection of our commitment to expand on the technology of
Highway-in-the-Sky (HITS) and synthetic vision, making the EFIS
even more useful and user friendly. Total fleet time now exceeds
10,000 hours and we are responding to our consumers requests and
challenging ourselves with ways to improve a product that is
already revolutionary.”
Chelton’s
Electronic Flight Information System, or EFIS, includes one to four
display units. The Primary Flight Display features 3-D perspective
terrain modeling anywhere in the world, with real time GPS/WAAS
positioning, and HITS predictive flight director guidance from
takeoff to touchdown. Chelton’s auto pilot interface can
guide the aircraft from through DP’s and STAR’s, arc
approaches, procedure turns, and even complex holding pattern
entries with no pilot interaction. Complete approaches can be flown
without ever touching the controls. The integral master caution
voice warning system provides a wide range of alarm and alert
information that appears on the screen if any undesirable
conditions arise along the flight path.
A moving map display on the secondary display screen provides
situational awareness with integration of terrain, weather, and
traffic all on a single screen. The system provides Class A, B, and
C TAWS to meet the FAA mandate and is also RVSM-capable.
Chelton’s EFIS was the first functioning example of HITS
technology to receive FAA approval. Refinements to the system have
kept them at the point position in technological advancements.