Jeppesen Mobile FliteDeck VFR adds audio warnings

A new feature of Jeppesen’s Mobile FliteDeck VFR electronic flight bag gives pilots aural airspace and waypoint warnings through Sennheiser’s S1 Digital headset.

Version 2.1 of the iPad app, due out in early May, connects to headsets via Bluetooth for the alerts, Jeppesen announced April 23 at the Sun ‘n Fun International Fly-In and Expo in Lakeland, Florida. Jeppesen touted the technology’s ability to enhance pilot workflow and reduce “head down” time while using the app.

“The introduction of automatic audio warnings with Mobile FliteDeck VFR adds a new layer of situational awareness that reduces reliance on graphical visual warnings on screen,” said Tim Huegel, director, Jeppesen Aviation Portfolio Management, in a media release. “Paired with Sennheiser headset technology, this new sound warning capability will help private pilots remain ‘head up’ while flying, especially in critical airspace and while monitoring waypoints.”

The audio warnings expand on visual airspace warnings added to the VFR app in 2014. The new feature uses “ping” style sounds and the word “airspace” to alert pilots of current airspace details when they are flying in and near controlled airspace, according to Jeppesen. If the pilot has defined route waypoints, similar audio and visual waypoint alerts are available. Pilots may choose which audio alerts they receive.

While the app is designed to work with the Sennheiser S1 Digital headset, Jeppesen’s Reggie Arsenault explained that it also will work with some other headsets. Jeppesen said that the Sennheiser headsets will guarantee information prioritization, which distinguishes important inputs such as radio communication from unimportant input such as music, and accurate audio operation.

Additional features announced at the show include automatic flight time logging. The automatic logbook uses details from GPS input, pilot routing, and other sources to populate the logbook; those fields may be overwritten by the pilot. Jeppesen Mobile FliteDeck VFR is available for a $49 annual subscription or as a free 30-day trial.

Jeppesen also announced at Sun ‘n Fun that Kings Avionics Inc. now offers Jeppesen NavData and charting information in bundled hardware and data service options for general aviation. Kings Avionics supplies avionics systems from manufacturers including Aspen Avionics, Avidyne, Garmin, and others; pilots may now research hardware options and data packages in one location. Bundled services include NavData, JeppView charting, Jeppesen obstacle, terrain and cultural information, and eCharts for multifunction displays.