Works with GNS 430/530 Navigation Units

VoiceFlight has introduced the VFS101 module, which allows pilots to tell their Garmin GNS 430 and GNS 530 units where they want to go, eliminating the need to input waypoint and route information by hand.

By activating the VFS101 through a yoke-mounted switch, the pilot spells out the acronyms for waypoints, intersection, and Victor Airways using the phonetic alphabet. The unit uses speech recognition technology to interpret the acronym and enter it into the navigation unit. VoiceFlight says a pilot can input a typical IFR flight plan in a fraction of the time necessary for manual input of all the data.

Once the data is in the system, the new flight plan is displayed on the navigation unit screen. VoiceFlight says the system allows pilots to continue to scan other instruments and traffic while activating a new flight plan, reducing cockpit work load and increasing safety.

VoiceFlight says the system does not require re-programming to recognize multiple pilots' voices. The system also supports "direct to" commands allowing the pilot to select a single waypoint as a destination rather than following a more complicated route.

The VFS101 meets the safety requirements of FAA certification. Pilots are given the opportunity to review and confirm all entries before they are used for active navigation of the aircraft. Manual control of the GPS units is always available should any difficulties be encountered with the VFS101. The VFS101 is the first, and thus far the only, speech-recognition system to receive certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The initial Supplemental Type Certificate supports installation on all models of Cessna 182 aircraft equipped with single or dual Garmin GNS 530 and GNS 430 GPS navigation units. Additional aircraft models and equipment configurations are under development and expected shortly. Retail pricing for VFS101 system is anticipated to be $2,995.

FMI: www.voiceflight.com