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For tens of thousands of light aircraft, a graphical weather avoidance system is not available either because of structural or economic constraints. A Datalink system that transmits weather radar graphical data to a display in the aircraft offers a good solution. Many current proposals are however either quite costly to implement either on the ground, in the aircraft or both. We present here the results of experiments conducted to develop a system that uses the audio channel of a receiver commonly installed in the aircraft as well as ground stations already part of the National Airways System. The experiments cover the channel requirements, tradeoffs between image resolution and bandwidth, and the effects of noise.

The number of accidents in the takeoff phase, especially in general aviation, is significant. Many pilots do not recognize deficits in acceleration until too late in the takeoff roll. This paper presents a proposal for a simple instrument to alert a pilot to shortfalls in takeoff acceleration. The system presents this speed on an LCD bargraph arranged around the circumference of the airspeed indicator. Additionally, the system can annunciate critical points along the runway so that the pilot can make a decision to reject the takeoff while sufficient distance remains. The system requires only a wheel sensor and optionally sensors for air temperature and pressure altitude. Other system components include a small processor unit, the airspeed display and a small keyboard display unit to enter aircraft weight and runway length. The unit is appropriate to all classes of airplanes.

In flight weather mapping remains an area out of the reach of many operators of single and light twin engine aircraft. Those systems that exist tend to be heavy, costly or both. Data link systems that transmit the data from ground based weather sensors to the aircraft are in work, but require dedicated ground based transmitters and special receivers in the aircraft. This paper will propose a simple method of transmitting ground based weather radar data to the aircraft. The system sends image data over the existing voice channel of VOR navigation stations. These transmitters already installed and require only the addition of inexpensive equipment. The aircraft needs only a processor and display unit that could cost less than $1000.