January/February 2013

Transcription

1 January/February 2013 AirWays News We are committed to helping our customers get to their destinations by providing the tools, information, services and support needed for streamlined, efficient flight operations. AirWays is published bi-monthly by Rockwell Collins for its Ascend flight information solutions customers and can be viewed online at Dynamic graphical flight tracking & integrated passenger reporting now available in Flight Manager online application Earlier this month at the NBAA Schedulers and Dispatchers Conference, Rockwell Collins introduced the latest enhancements to the Ascend Flight Manager online application, Those enhancements include dynamic graphical flight tracking and an electronic Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) reporting tool for Part 91 operators. These enhancements help accomplish our mission to streamline flight operations systems, said Steve Timm, vice president and general manager of Flight Information Solutions for Rockwell Collins. The new flight tracking feature provides operators with the situational awareness they need to more efficiently and effectively manage their fleet. The flight tracker utilizes a Google Maps platform to provide Rockwell Collins data link subscribers with a worldwide view of their aircraft s position in flight, as well as the flight path of completed and upcoming flights. The dynamic page allows users to overlay satellite and U.S. radar data to see where an aircraft is in relation to adverse weather. Users can also click on the aircraft icon to send data link messages instantly to flight crews. The flight tracking tool is accessible through the web and can be projected onto an overhead LCD display to provide an operational view for flight departments. The new Flight Manager APIS tool integrates all necessary information for trips coming in and out of the United States, including flight plan, crew and passenger information, and allows Part 91 operators to easily create and submit the report. The prepopulated format saves time and reduces potential for error by avoiding redundant data entry and management of multiple passenger/crew databases. AirWays enewsletter January/February 2013 Page 1

2 The latest Flight Manger enhancements continue to build on Rockwell Collins ability to seamlessly connect schedule and dispatch capability with flight planning and other flight services, to create an end-to-end solution that lowers the total cost of ownership and enhances efficiency for any-sized flight department. For more information regarding these enhancements and the full range of Ascend flight information solutions, contact us at or , and let us help you put the Power of Ascend to work for your flight department. EU ETS continues - Despite United States President Barack Obama signing the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) Prohibition Act of 2011 into law and a Stop the Clock proposal from the European Commission, EU ETS remains in effect. The U.S. law directs the Secretary of Transportation to prohibit U.S. aircraft operators from EU ETS participation if he determines it is in the best interest of the public. There is no indication if or when the Secretary might make such a determination. The EU Stop the Clock proposal does not eliminate or stop EU ETS from being enforced. If anything, it makes understanding the requirements more difficult. The general principle is that flights from outside the EU into the EU, and vice versa, may be exempt from EU ETS. However, this exemption does not apply to certain countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) and their territories, or related countries. While the EU proposal will certainly benefit many operators in terms of carbon allowance purchases, it requires thorough understanding to maintain compliance. For more information on this topic, contact Rockwell Collins Compliance Manger, Rick Snider, at or resnider@rockwellcollins.com. FAA change allows pilots to update FMS databases - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has added a new section to FAR 43.3, allowing all pilots to make updates to aeronautical databases under certain provisions. Prior to this change, only pilots of aircraft operated under FAR Part 91 were allowed to perform these updates. Under FAR 43 these updates were considered a maintenance function for aircraft used for Air Charter (FAR Part 135) or Airline (FAR Part 121 and 129), which required a licensed airframe mechanic. The change removes that limitation, as long as the update can be initiated from the cockpit, and no tools or disassembly are required. Now all operators with the Rockwell Collins Aircraft Information Manager (AIM) can update critical avionics data as soon as it is delivered to the aircraft. With AIM, all avionics updates are delivered in just a few minutes to the aircraft using wireless technology. With a few button presses on the Control Display Unit (CDU), pilots can now perform these updates. The AIM web portal can also be configured to automatically send a text message or to the pilot and maintenance crew informing them that an update is available for installation. The AIM web portal also displays the status of the updates, providing maintenance crews with the ability to actively monitor their aircraft s database status. Status messages include: Updates are ready to be transferred to the aircraft Updates are in the transfer process Updates are ready to be installed on the aircraft Update was installed on the aircraft Data corruption error messages AirWays enewsletter January/February 2013 Page 2

3 For air charter and airline operations, the FAA does not require any change to the operator s Operation Specifications, but does require: The pilot be provided with a written procedure to perform the updates The pilot must receive training to perform the procedure The update must be recorded including the name, date, and update performed For more information on AIM contact your Rockwell Collins avionics dealer, Rockwell Collins Regional Sales Manager, or call Business jet travelers can now take full advantage of Apple itunes library with Skybox - Rockwell Collins' new Skybox brings the full Apple experience to life on business jets. With one terabyte of onboard storage capacity, Skybox is the first airworthy solution to securely stream digital rights management (DRM) Hollywoodprotected content both to cabin displays, and to Apple devices brought on board. Skybox gives each passenger the ability to play any content stored in the system s library on up to 10 Apple ios devices. Passengers can also stream movies, photos or business documents from their devices to cabin displays. Rockwell Collins Skybox has passed all the environmental, electrical and structural compliant requirements required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and is available now through Rockwell Collins authorized dealers. New fuel features available in FOS - Rockwell Collins acquisition of CTA-FOS in 2011 added a broader solution for the business aviation community, furthering our company s mission, which is to provide exceptional service, along with a one-stop solution to our customers. The task of arranging for fuel is part of every flight; tackling it alone is not always easy. By becoming an Ascend Fuel customer, you never travel alone. Rockwell Collins offers a global agent network made up of 40 experienced individuals in over 100 locations worldwide, setting us apart from the other service providers. For decades we have cultivated global supplier sources. Leveraging volume buying power to negotiate prices for domestic and international fuel allows worldwide fuel availability and competitive pricing. Ascend Fuel offers an array of online tools for quick and easy fuel pricing, and do-it-yourself fuel ordering. To make things easier for you, recently we introduced some new Fuel features in FOS, including automatic importing of current fuel prices, and a singleclick fuel ordering capability. Our dedicated team is also available 24/7 to assist with your request. For more information on fuel quotes, arrangements, or fuel shortages, contact the Ascend Fuel Department at or AscendFuel@RockwellCollins.com. Ascend FOS Users Conference scheduled for June 9-13 Rockwell Collins invites you to the 2013 Ascend FOS Users Conference Sunday, June 9 Thursday, June 13, 2013, at The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center ( in The Woodlands, Texas. Join us at this beautiful resort for four full days of learning, networking and fun. We ll provide you with FOS tips and techniques, a review of Crystal Reports and the report library, a preview of new features, and an overview of our Ascend flight information solutions. We ll also provide answers to your FOS questions, a forum to present your needs, and opportunities to network with other users. The cost for this conference is $2,500, which includes lodging for four nights (Sunday-Wednesday), breakfast, lunch and snacks Monday Thursday, a welcome reception, a team-building event, and program materials. Travel is not included. Register early to save: $2,250 - Register between January 22 and February 28 $2,400 - Register between March 1 and April 30 $2,500 - Register after April 30 AirWays enewsletter January/February 2013 Page 3

4 A special introductory training for new users will be held Sunday, June 9, from 9:00am 2:00pm. The session will cover FOS Mobile, third-party interfaces, legality and training, and Part 91 and 135 topics. The cost for the Introduction to FOS session on Sunday is $375 in addition to full conference registration, and includes lodging for Saturday night, snacks and lunch during the session. The first early registration deadline is February 28, Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis, on Rockwell Collins' receipt of signed registration form. Payment is required at time of registration. For more information, contact AscendFOSSupport@RockwellCollins.com or Employee Spotlight: Ryan Alliss, Aviation Meteorologist, Regional Trip Support (RTS) What are your responsibilities? I am a meteorologist, specializing in flight planning and weather in the domestic airspace. My typical day consists of running flight plans, issuing weather briefings, supporting online self-service clients, flight following, and working with clients that have delays via the Domestic Flight Watch (DFW) program. How long have you been with Rockwell Collins? 1 year, 9 months. How did you get where you are today? A Cedar Rapids native, I graduated from Iowa State University (ISU) in Ames, Iowa, with a Bachelor s degree in meteorology in December of During my tenure at ISU, I interned with the National Weather Service in Des Moines, and with on-air meteorologists at KCRG TV-9. I moved to Houston in April 2011 and began my career at Rockwell Collins soon after. What are your interests or hobbies? Since middle school I have been a big fan of ice hockey. That being said, I m very excited to see the NHL season come back, go Wild! I play hockey in a local league with a few coworkers here in Houston. I also enjoy catching up with friends old and new here in town and from Iowa via Skype/XBOX, playing flight simulator, and storm chasing during the spring/summer. I have seen about 15 tornadoes including an EF-4 monster in southern Minnesota back in What s your favorite part of your job? It s always satisfying issuing a tough forecast to a pilot, especially verbally, and looking back and seeing that I nailed it, and then afterwards receiving positive feedback. Nothing is sweeter than getting a tough forecast right and knowing the client had the best information available for their flight and was satisfied with my personal forecast. If you could tell our customers one thing, what would that be? Even under the most intense weather conditions, when airport delays are reaching historical levels, we are doing our best to get you off the ground as soon as possible. Contrary to popular belief, we cannot control the weather, although some of us wish we could. AirWays enewsletter January/February 2013 Page 4

5 UK Passenger Duty slated to apply to business aviation - The United Kingdom (UK) has confirmed a previously announced plan to apply the UK Passenger Duty to business aviation flights beginning on April 1, Final details are not yet available, but business operators should expect to report the necessary information and pay the duty on an annual or semi-annual basis. The duty is to be assessed on departing passengers. We expect a passenger departing the UK for the United States on a business jet to be assessed a duty of 268 (GBP). Rockwell Collins will continue to monitor developments regarding the US Passenger Duty and will notify customers as needed. For more information on this topic, contact Rockwell Collins Compliance Manger, Rick Snider, at or resnider@rockwellcollins.com. Stay current with the latest version of FOS to take advantage of new features If you aren t running the latest version of FOS, you might be missing out on the newest features that have been added to make your flight department leaner, simpler, smoother, and more effective. Recent enhancements to FOS include: Integrated graphical weather with flight plan overlay Integrated trip quote tool Tracking of non flight-related expenses Maintenance page added to Aircraft Type Data to disseminate maintenance items to same type aircraft Enhanced support including leg services - catering, hotels and ground transportation Additional enhancements further the integration between FOS and Rockwell Collins Ascend Flight Manager online application, Rockwell Collins is the only company that seamlessly connects schedule and dispatch capability with flight planning and other flight services to create an end-to-end solution that lowers the total cost of ownership and enhances efficiency for flight departments of any size. Contact AscendFOSSupport@RockwellCollins.com if you need assistance upgrading your version of FOS. Rockwell Collins HGS Flight app for ipad now available - Think you can fly with a Head-up Guidance System (HGS )? Rockwell Collins HGS Flight app for the ipad is now available in the Apple itunes App Store. The app goes beyond standard head-up display symbology like flight path vector, speed and altitude, and lets users simulate flights using real-life advanced features that enable more precise flying. The video game-style app offers a career mode to build HGS skill and a challenge mode where users can define settings such as visibility and wind if they already are experts. Download the free app at and experience the eyes-up, out-the-window flying and precision, increased situational awareness, and efficiency that HGS brings to flying FOS training schedule announced Is your flight department taking advantage of all the features offered in FOS? If not, you should consider attending a 3-day Ascend FOS training course. New in 2013, Rockwell Collins is hosting sessions on the East and West Coasts, in addition to our Houston facility. Training sessions will include an overview of the full Ascend flight information solutions suite, FOS for mobile devices, new FOS features, an overview of FOS, working lunches, and a group dinner. Training is tailored for different user levels, and includes FOS Basics, Intermediate Part 91 with IT topics, Intermediate Part 135, and combined Intermediate Part 91 and Part 135 sessions. AirWays enewsletter January/February 2013 Page 5

6 Upcoming sessions include: April 16-18, Sterling, Virginia FOS Intermediate Combined, Parts 91 & 135 August 6-8, Tustin, California FOS Intermediate Combined, Parts 91 & 135 September 10-12, Houston, Texas FOS Intermediate Part 91 and IT Topics November 12-14, Houston, Texas FOS Intermediate Part 135 For more information, contact or Airshow for ipad - Rockwell Collins' market-leading Airshow 3D moving map is available for the Apple ipad. Now, every user in a business jet cabin can enjoy Airshow s capabilities, plus experience new innovative features, including an interactive panorama view. Existing Rockwell Collins Airshow 4000 or Venue HD cabin management system users will be able to take advantage of the new app through a system upgrade. Downlod the free app at Come visit Rockwell Collins: March 4-7, 2013 International Operators Conference, San Diego, CA April 16-18, 2013 Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition, Booth #P417, Shanghai Hongqiao Airport May European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition, Booth #523, Geneva, Switzerland Connect with Rockwell Collins Social media tools help our employees and our customers stay informed and connected. Here are four ways for you to get the latest news from Rockwell Collins: Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Watch us on YouTube Give us your feedback AirWays is published by Rockwell Collins Flight Information Solutions Marketing. To provide feedback send an to AscendSales@rockwellcollins.com. Copyright Rockwell Collins All rights reserved. AirWays enewsletter January/February 2013 Page 6