“Pibot” Can Fly Anything Say Researchers
Korean researchers say their humanoid “pibot” is an autonomous flight system that doesn’t require significant flight deck modifications. The team at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) say the robot is installed in a regular seat and uses servo activated human-like appendages to manipulate controls like a flesh-and-blood pilot. Its two cameras mounted like human eyes scan the instruments and interpret their information with artificial intelligence. “Pibot is a humanoid robot that can fly an [airplane] just like a human pilot by manipulating all the single controls in the cockpit, which is designed for humans,” said David Shim, an associate professor of electrical engineering at KAIST. It also has prodigious memory and is able to store the full library of Jeppesen charts and the operating specs and manuals of virtually any aircraft.
Canada ADS-B Mandate Starts
Canada’s initial ADS-B mandate took effect in August. Canada’s ADS-B Out signals go to both ground stations and satellites and therefore must have transmitters that can send signals up and down. The U.S. ground-based system requires only belly-mounted antennas on aircraft and those won’t cut it up north. The mandate affects only Canadian Class A airspace (IFR-only above 18,000 feet), but in May of 2024 the mandate will apply to Class B airspace, which is controlled airspace above 12,500 feet. Nav Canada has also pledged to delay implementation in other controlled airspace until at least 2028 to allow time for equipage and consultation with the general aviation sector.
Delta Saves Wheels Up
Delta Airlines saved charter/fractional ownership company Wheels Up with a last minute buyout that prevented almost certain bankruptcy. The company, an audacious startup that had risen to prominence in the on-demand sector never did make money and had restructured to try and deal with the deficit. Delta was already the biggest shareholder at 20 percent and with its $500 million injection it ended up with 95 percent of Wheels Up. Flights on Wheels Up already earn points in Delta loyalty programs and the charter’s customers are a rich source of clients for Delta’s first class offerings. “The partnership will create new opportunities for Wheels Up to drive strategic, operational, and financial improvements for its customers in the months and years ahead,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian.
Wisk, Archer Team Up
Two of the leading players in the emerging advanced air mobility sector have set aside their legal differences and pledged to work together in creating the new industry. Wisk Aero sued Archer Aviation, accusing it of stealing trade secrets and infringing on its patents. But rather than going to court, the two companies are heading to the drawing board together and look forward to the growth and development of the AAM [advanced air mobility] industry. Wisk will become the exclusive provider of autonomy technology for future Archer eVTOL designs.
Runway Incursion Prevention Funds Allocated
The FAA says the number of runway incursions is actually down from five years ago but it’s still spending hundreds of millions of dollars to help prevent them. The agency challenged a New York Times report that suggested increasing threats of a major accident but at the same time announced $120 million for improvements at eight airports aimed at curtailing incursions. Boston Logan got the biggest share with $44.9 million to “simplify the airfield layout” and patch some taxiways. Ted Stevens in Anchorage got $39.8 million for lighting and taxiway improvements.
NOTAMs
Vertical VX4 eVTOL damaged in test flight … FAA extends New York slot waivers to ease controller shortage … Boeing has delayed its crewed Starliner launch … Aspen and Trio team up on affordable autopilots … Crew miscommunication caused United sudden descent … Minimizing contrails costs extra fuel … An MD-90 will be the first testbed for NASA Trussed Wing Demonstrator … Spot claims 9400 lives saved over 15 years with its satellite communicator … Find breaking news in general aviation at AVweb.com.
