Stephen Pope

<p>Rockwell Collins has upgraded the operating software for the Airshow Network news and information service. The new network protocol, Version P4, improves Airshow Network’s overall connectivity and works over the AirCell onboard telephone network. The upgraded software, available now, provides more reliable connections and faster data transfers when downloading news, sports, weather and financial services information over an existing satcom or MagnaStar connection, Collins claimed. Flight testing of the P4 software showed a near doubling of Airshow’s single-call success rate and faster download speeds. With the new release, users can also begin connecting to Airshow using an AirCell connection, either a cell call over the continental U.S. or Iridium link when flying in other parts of the world.<br>Rockwell Collins HGS-4000 OK’d for Single-engine Cat III Approaches<br>Horizon Air has gained approval to fly single-engine Cat III approaches using the Rockwell Collins Flight Dynamics HGS-4000 head-up display in what is thought to be the first such operational approval issued by the FAA. The Rockwell Collins equipment is being added to the Seattle-based airline’s entire fleet of Bombardier Q400s. Steve Bush, Horizon Air technical pilot, said that the Cat III approval will allow flight crews to consider additional airports as alternates and carry more fuel and payload. In normal operation, the HGS-4000 reduces the Q400’s landing minimums from 1,200 feet RVR to 600 feet RVR. The HUD also enables takeoffs in weather conditions as low as 300 feet RVR. By December Horizon’s fleet of 62 airplanes will be equipped with the Flight Dynamics HUD.</p>
