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Technology
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NCAR targets turbulent flights
A new system using the nation’s network of Nexrad ground-based radars to gather and disseminate information to pilots in flight is being developed by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colo. The system, currently being tested by United Airlines, allows pilots to reroute flights to avoid turbulence.
The system calculates turbulence severity 100 miles ahead of a particular plane and 40 miles to either side with the pilot receiving information every five minutes to make real-time decisions based on the changing information. The software filters out such things as flying insects and birds that can distort the data. NCAR hopes the system will increase passenger safety and comfort, and reduce unnecessary delays and costly diversions.
Currently, airline and private pilots follow Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommendations, which means they often go farther out of the way than necessary to avoid thunderstorms, consequently burning more fuel and adding travel time. The new system not only forecasts turbulence caused by jet streams as does current technology, but also forecasts turbulence caused by thunderstorms, which NCAR estimates accounts for two-thirds of reported encounters. NCAR says that by pinpointing turbulence locations, airline pilots, dispatchers, and air traffic controllers can all work to fly more efficient routes around it.
United Airlines has been testing the new system for the past year and has reported that early results are “all positive.” The FAA is funding the development of the system, which NCAR plans to officially roll out across the United States by 2011. The system must yet demonstrate concretely that it meets FAA requirements to gain its approval.
Travelers can help keep themselves safe during turbulence by following FAA regulations to stay seated with seatbelts securely fastened: when the plane leaves the gate and as it climbs after take-off; during landing and taxi; and whenever the seatbelt sign is illuminated during flight.
Sources: Rocky Mountain News, Federal Aviation Administration
Singapore Airlines new Airbus 380 to have PC in every seat
When the world’s first Airbus 380 takes off from Singapore to Sydney on October 25, Singapore Airlines will become the first carrier to offer a PC in every seat. With today’s business travelers' needs in mind, the seatback PCs offer a comprehensive suite of office tools including spreadsheet, presentation and word processing, as well as a wide selection of movies, TV programs, interactive games and audio CD library available on KrisWorld, Singapore Airlines’ in-flight entertainment system.
Passengers can access and save documents and files on a USB Memory Key by plugging it into the USB port. And to ensure privacy, all data stored temporarily will be cleared at the end of every flight. Internet access is not available on these PCs.
Other features include: Live Text News, a news service which is updated hourly via satellite; Culture Quest, an interactive learning application that provides cross-cultural tips for the destination of choice; and other business-friendly applications such as Executive Book Summaries.
Sources: Singapore Airlines, ABCNews.com
