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.