The ForeFlight iOS-based mobile application now offers GPS location information and altitude – meaning the information can be delivered to the cockpit and cabin using wi-fi, rather than a separate GPS system that would necessitate the installation of extra hardware and antennas. ForeFlight partnered with Gogo Business Aviation to deliver the upgrade. It uses an onboard Gogo Avance or ATG 4000/5000 system.
“Our goal with this initiative was to simplify the overall on-aircraft systems configuration and reduce the number of onboard systems that passengers and crew are required to interact with and use on a regular basis,” said Lisa Peterson, senior vice president of marketing and digital (IoT) for Gogo Business Aviation. “It not only makes operating the aircraft more efficient, it saves a significant amount of time and money for the owner or operator because the aircraft doesn’t have to be taken out of service for installation of new antennas or equipment, which GPS systems require.”
Installed on passenger devices, the ForeFlight iOS mobile application can use flight location information – specifically longitude, latitude and altitude – sent to the onboard Gogo system from the aircraft’s FMS, which is then made available via the cabin wi-fi network.
“With this new capability, ForeFlight customers can get position data directly from the Gogo system, which provides additional insight for passengers and crew about the aircraft’s location,” said Tyson Weihs, CEO of ForeFlight.
