18 July 2024
Dynon is launching an Emergency Glide function for its SkyView HDX flightdeck amid a raft of upgrades to its avionics for Experimental (Permit) and Certified aircraft at Oshkosh.
“Dynon introduces a potentially life-saving feature in its upcoming SkyView HDX Software version 17.1 and an upcoming software version for Advanced Flight Systems AF-5000/6000 series avionics,” said a statement from the US company.
“The new Emergency Glide feature is designed to help reduce workload in a situation where pilots are easily overwhelmed.” It will initially be available to Experimental aircraft.
Emergency Glide is activated when a pilot presses and holds the nearest (NRST) button. This immediately engages the autopilot at a pre-programmed best-glide speed.
Simultaneously, SkyView HDX will locate the nearest airport within gliding distance, considering both wind and terrain. If the system finds a suitable airport, SkyView HDX will command the autopilot to navigate the aircraft to the airport immediately.
At the same time, the airport identifier is loaded into the Com radio, making all available Com radio frequencies for that airport available at the touch of a button using Dynon’s airport-centric user interface.
As the aircraft arrives at the airport, the autopilot initiates a banked turn to circle the airport while alerting the pilot to take control of the aircraft.
“At Dynon, we are committed to enhancing pilot safety with innovative features. The new Emergency Glide feature simplifies critical decisions and actions during emergency, providing pilots with the tools they need to focus on flying the aircraft to a safe landing.” said Michael Schofield, Director of Marketing for Dynon.
The big news for Certified aircraft is a significant expansion of Dynon’s Approved Model List (AML) for its Dynon Certified SkyView HDX system, making it available to a wider range of aircraft, including most piston twin-engine models.
Highlights:
“This expansion represents a major milestone for Dynon and the general aviation community,” said Schofield.
“By bringing our SkyView HDX system to most piston twin-engine aircraft, we’re offering owners of these planes the same advanced capabilities that tens of thousands of single-engine aircraft owners have been enjoying for over twenty years.”
Dynon emphasises that prices for SkyView HDX systems and related products are the same as the existing Experimental and Certified pricing. For type-certificated aircraft owners Dynon charges an STC permission fee of $2678 for single engine aircraft and $5000 for twins.