Techbytes Nov/Dec10
AC-U-KWIK.com Enhancements
AC-U-KWIK announces the development of three enhanced functions to its website, a pilot source for pre-flight information. Acukwik.com now offers an enhanced NOTAM section where aviation professionals can view NOTAMs at a particular airport directly on the website; a new comments section is now available; and acukwik.com now features a new tool called the KWIK bar, a reference bar that allows users to quickly complete one of five tasks: access the weather section at any ICAO, access NOTAMs section at any ICAO, calculate trip distance, and see recently viewed airports for FBOs; www.acukwik.com.
Common-Use Bag Drop
ARINC ExpressDrop enables a single airline agent to check the baggage of passengers on multiple airlines in a single queue, even without code-sharing. It can expedite baggage checking and reduce operating costs whether deployed inside the terminal or off-site; www.arinc.com.
De-icing Website
Kilfrost.com has been redesigned and features an e-commerce section where general aviators can buy Kilfrost products in pack sizes including 2.5 and 5 gallon containers, 30 and 55 gallon drums, and 250 gallon IBC totes. The website also features a news section with advisory articles and company updates; www.kilfrost.com.
iFBO iPhone Application
Signature Flight Support Corporation has launched iFBO, a new iPhone application to provide its customers with handheld access to key flight planning and service information. Earlier this year, Signature launched the mobile version of its website leading to a dramatic increase in the use of handheld devices accessing the Signature website. The free iFBO app can be downloaded from Apple’s iTunes store for the iPhone and iPad; www.signatureflight.com.
iPad Mount
Flight Display Systems introduces the industry’s first iPad Arm Mount upgrade for business aircraft. The removable arm mount is a drop-in replacement for existing Flight Display Systems products that have been installed on Gulfstream, Falcon, Hawker, Challenger, Pilatus, and Citation aircraft; www.flightdisplay.com.
Microsoft Tag
HMSHost Retail has worked with Tag to create a sales campaign for its Simply Books and Authors Bookstores in 21 airports across the U.S. Microsoft Tag is a new kind of customizable 2D barcode that can be displayed anywhere and connects almost anything in the real world to information, entertainment, and interactive experiences on mobile phones; tag.microsoft.com.
Online Information Access
Aircraft Technical Publishers (ATP) announces the ATP Navigator online service, combining NavigatorV desktop software with the Internet for maintenance information access, distribution, compliance tracking, and reporting. The ATP Navigator online service is delivered to the Web using the Software as a Service (SaaS) model; www.atp.com.
Real-Time Verification
Real-Time Technology Group announces a contract extension with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The company’s patent-pending Real-Time Verification (RTV) provides the technology platform that drives the Secure Worker Access Consortium (SWAC), a comprehensive highly secure information-sharing program that helps to ensure that workers who access critical facilities or key infrastructures are known, safe, and threat-free; www.realtimetg.com.
Scheduling Software
AircraftScheduler.com, a web-based aircraft scheduling solution from CharterMatrix, has been launched for use by Part 91 flight departments to schedule private aircraft. The website offers a scheduling platform with secure services including features such as aircraft profiles, color calendar, user levels, trip sheets, and passenger tracking; www.aircraftscheduler.com.Skypaq eLog Finnair is the first major aviation company to upgrade its technical and maintenance logbook process to an approved electronic, paperless eLog solution, custom built and integrated by Irish company Skypaq; www.skypaq.com.
Software Solutions
Air-Transport IT Services, Inc. announces it will provide a full complement of operational and passenger processing software tools at the Lynden Pindling Int’l Airport. The new software solutions will include an Airport Operational Database (AODB), Resource Management System (RMS), and Flight Information Display System (FIDS). These systems will be delivered to the airport in a three-phased process as part of the airport’s development project; www.AirIT.com.
Text Alert Program
San Diego Int’l Airport launches a text alert program to provide quick, up-to-the-minute updates for travelers and residents via their mobile phones; www.san.org.
