San Diego, Rockwell Collins announced the addition of a new ‘Briefcase’ feature to its Ascend™ Flight Manager Mobile app for the iPad®. The Briefcase module makes all trip documents accessible to business jet operators electronically, eliminating the need for pilots to carry schedules, navigational charts and other forms, onboard in paper form.The company also made enhancements to its Flight Operating System (FOS®) Mobile application − which provides direct access to scheduling and dispatch information. These enhancements provide a seamless way for pilots to report concerns that may arise during flight operations, such as issues associated with ground handling, concierge services or safety-related items, into their FOS database. FOS Mobile is available for iPhone®, BlackBerry® and Android devices, or as a module on the Flight Manager Mobile iPad app.
The announcements were made at the National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA) 23rd Annual Schedulers & Dispatchers conference in San Diego.
“With the addition of the Briefcase module, Ascend Flight Manager Mobile is the only flight operations application to integrate schedule and dispatch software tools, trip documents, weather and airport directory information onto a smart mobile device,” said Steve Timm, vice president and general manager, Flight Information Solutions for Rockwell Collins. “Going paperless results in much greater pilot work efficiency.”
The enhanced Ascend Flight Manager Mobile app is available as an annual subscription. Current and new regional and international trip support customers can download the app from the Apple iTunes store and contact Rockwell Collins’ Client Support Center to receive a free 30-day evaluation.
The full range of Ascend flight information solutions includes:
- FOS schedule and dispatch software
- Regional and international trip support
- Fuel pricing and service information
- Aircraft Information Manager (AIM) wireless content updates, including FMS databases
- Flight Watch dedicated meteorologist services
- Personalized expert services such as ground handling and compliance assistance
Ascend is scalable to the size and needs of an individual flight department. Operators can select the tools and services that fit their fleets’ respective mission profile.
European Flight Planning Features of the Ascend™ Flight Manager SystemThe enhancements give European operators the ability to select pre-approved Eurocontrol routes and create routes to submit for Eurocontrol validation. Rockwell Collins is also providing a message management service which monitors and alerts flight departments about any Eurocontrol message related to their flights.
“When it comes to trip support services, Europe is a growing market segment, but is also one of the most dense and complex airspaces in the world,” explained Steve Timm, vice president and general manager, Flight Information Solutions for Rockwell Collins. “The enhancements we’re rolling out today make it easier for flight departments to navigate the European airspace efficiently, while staying compliant – which ultimately helps operators save time and money.”
In 2011, Rockwell Collins announced the opening of a Berlin, Germany-based office to provide Ascend Regional Trip Support (RTS) for European business aircraft operators.
Source: Rockwell Collins