June 22, 2009 - For Immediate Release
AirBrief
Debuts with Electronic Charts for the Kindle
Atlanta, Georgia -
The newest generation of cockpit gadget was not designed for
pilots at all. But that doesn't mean that it doesn't fill a
surprising niche. Amazon's new Kindle DX ebook reader with
its 9.7 inch screen turns out to be an ideal medium for
instrument approach charts and Airport Facility Directories.
Gold Seal, a Georgia-based
publisher of pilot training multimedia products, quickly
recognized the opportunity and began development of a
service that delivers aeronautical charts and FAA
publications to the Kindle DX. The company began prototyping
the service in May, 2009, using the Kindle 2 ebook reader.
"We've began investigating this idea when the original
Kindle appeared a couple of years ago," said Gold Seal's
technology chief, Paul Kiefert. "When the DX was announced
we immediately put development into high gear. It's screen
is basically the same size as a paper approach plate and
they look razor sharp."
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Using a technology called "e-ink" the Kindle ebook readers
display text and graphics with a high degree of clarity.
Unlike conventional computer screens, the display is easily
readable in even the brightest sunlight. And because of its
compact size and weight, the Kindle DX is easily handled in
the cockpit. The
AirBrief service downloads FAA data from the National
Charting Office and formats it specifically for the Kindle
DX. Users load instrument approach charts and Airport
Facility Directories from the company's website and copy
them to the Kindle using a USB cable. AirBrief will also
include an automated file manager. It resides on the user's
computer and automatically polls the AirBrief website. When
new charts are found they are automatically downloaded and
transferred to the Kindle. This means that pilots can keep
their Kindle updated with current charts all the time and
with minimal effort.
Additionally, AirBrief
contains an on-demand service where realtime airport and
weather data can be transmitted directly to the Kindle via
its built-in Whispernet cellular network function. Plans for
support of VFR trip kits are also being considered. |
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