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Satcom Direct (SD), the business aviation connectivity provider, and ForeFlight, creator of the widely-used flight planning and electronic flight bag app for Apple iPad and iPhone, announced on Oct. 10, 2017, a new integrated data solution for joint Satcom Direct Router (SDR) and ForeFlight Performance customers.
Customers can now use the SDR as a GPS data source to accurately depict aircraft “ownship” position on ForeFlight’s dynamic moving map display without the need for additional GPS hardware. With GPS location, ground speed, and indicated altitude information, passengers and crew flying with their iPad or iPhone can track the flight’s progress on the map. They can also see real-time information like time to destination, distance to destination, and local time of arrival.
When connected to the SDR’s WiFi internet, ForeFlight customers can also receive and display high-resolution radar, icing, turbulence, winds aloft, and over a dozen other graphical weather layers. With access to all the latest weather, pilots can quickly and accurately change flight plans while in the air.
“Pilots rely on accurate, timely delivery of essential information to maintain secure operations. Integrating these solutions provides pilots with a clear, unimpeded view of their real-time situation,” said Jim Jensen, SD chairman and founder. “ForeFlight and SD are committed to improving the aviator’s professional experience, and we anticipate this development will be welcomed by business aviation pilots around the world.”
“We are excited to work with Satcom Direct, and we look forward to future features that unlock more value from on-board connectivity,” said Tyson Weihs, ForeFlight’s co-founder and chief executive officer.
The SDR is a business aviation connectivity platform that allows customers to connect to on-board systems; make and receive calls, text and email; connect to the internet; and stream data on the ground or in the air, anywhere in the world.
The router automatically senses and selects the best connection available, either satellite network or 3G cellular, and it uses cutting-edge technology to compress and cache data, ensuring the most efficient and cost effective transmission of information.
ForeFlight gives pilots everything they need to plan, file, and fly the safest, most efficient route–including up-to-the-minute weather, airport and FBO information; advanced terrain and obstacle visualization; and automatic safety alerts.
The current SDR integration is available to ForeFlight customers on Performance Plus and Business Performance plans.
