ElectronicFlight Solutions
training products by
Sun Flight Publishing, Inc.
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Oshkosh, July 29 - Autopilot Systems
ElectronicFlight
Complete Learning™ Methodology Represents Breakthrough in Autopilot
Training
Oshkosh,
Wisconsin. July 29, 2002 - The opening of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
2002 represents exactly three years to the week of the JFK, Jr tragedy.
"It is well acknowledged that the JFK, Jr crash in 1999 may
have been prevented had he received adequate training in the use
of the Bendix/King KFC 150 autopilot in his Piper Saratoga. However,
the FAA does not mandate any form of training for advanced avionics
systems in order to earn a rating." explains Howard Reisman,
Founder and CEO of ElectronicFlight Solutions, Inc. The autopilot,
in its basic mode of operation, is a wing leveler. According to
the NTSB's final report of the JFK, Jr accident, at the time of
the crash, the autopilot was not engaged. Christopher Andersen,
author of the book The Day John Died, writes: "In fact, the
autopilot could have flown the entire route from New Jersey but
apparently no one told him about this feature of the Piper Saratoga
or how to use it."
In referring to the Kennedy tragedy, Jim Cook, former Aircraft Electronics
Association Chairman and President of Palm Beach Avionics, stated
"It is a fact that our airplanes naturally want to fly by design
and the failure usually occurs in the mind of the pilot in command.
Just a little bit of insight into the systems of his aircraft could
have saved his life and the two young women with him". According
to Bob Lee, ElectronicFlight's Director of Marketing, "The
CompleteLearning™ Autopilot Module addresses
a total void in autopilot education. We are currently in development
and anticipate releasing this module to our CompleteLearning™
Avionics Partners later this year."
CompleteLearning™ Autopilot Module Highlights
The autopilot module details the general theory of both position and rate-based autopilot systems available for general aviation aircraft. The training explains the methods employed by different autopilot manufacturers for sensing, computing and driving the aircraft. Basic stability and feedback systems are explained as well as the various systems driving the autopilot. Navigation and trim system operation are explained in detail with the use of moving graphics and concept demonstrations.
ElectronicFlight Solutions deploys computer-generated animation and highly interactive exercises to implant mental models (pictures) of autopilot capabilities into the working knowledge of a pilot, thus providing the tools to formulate an integrated operational strategy. All aspects of autopilot operation are covered in great detail to allow the capabilities of an autopilot system to integrate into the decision making process. After successfully navigating the entire autopilot module, the operation and familiarity of an autopilot should become second nature when it counts the most-under high-workload situations. We plan to offer both a generic and product specific modules focusing first on the S-TEC 55/X and Bendix/King KFC 150/200/225 systems.
At the very core of the autopilot module is ElectronicFlight's powerful CompleteLearning™ methodology. Embracing conceptual learning instead of rote memorization, CompleteLearning™ implants mental models of the particular system into the student's permanent memory. Requisite knowledge is then reinforced with targeted interactive KnowledgeCheck™ exercises and quizzes embedded throughout the self-paced training program.
An integral
part of the ElectronicFlight CompleteLearning™ package is the
ElectronicFlight ContinuousLearning™ KEFS Airpark,
www.ElectronicFlight.com. At KEFS Airpark, pilots and flight instructors
receive product updates and service bulletins, interact with others
operating similar technology, and continuously enhance their skill
and knowledge by staying abreast of the latest developments in the
field of high tech avionics and cockpit automation.
ElectronicFlight Solutions, Inc. is a new breed of training organization
that offers the ElectronicFlight CompleteLearning™
Library of Avionics/Cockpit Automation training products and services
to general aviation and corporate pilots. Working in conjunction
with AEA-member avionics shops, certified flight instructors, flight
schools and aviation colleges on a national basis, ElectronicFlight
Solutions provides quality education on Autopilot, GPS Navigation,
Traffic, Terrain and Weather Awareness technologies from leading
manufacturers including Honeywell-Bendix/King, Garmin, Goodrich,
Collins, S-TEC, Sandel, Avidyne, UPSAT, Ryan and others.
EAA AirVenture
Oshkosh 2002 attendees may take a test flight of the CompleteLearning™
Autopilot Module at the ElectronicFlight Solutions booth #2056 in
Hangar B. There will be a drawing each day of EAA AirVenture for
a free CompleteLearning™ module (a $295 value).
For further information visit KEFS - the ElectronicFlight Solutions
Airpark and home of the CompleteLearning™ Academy
at www.ElectronicFlight.com or call (505) 265-4055.