
SPX Improving the safety of high performance single pilot aircraft operations
SPIFRSingle Pilot IFR Flying • Is poised to increase • Is bringing new travel options to GA • Is presenting new challenges to the NAS
Most Common Causes of Single Pilot Accidents in High Performance Aircraft “Typically, about three quarters of all GA accidents are eventually attributed to pilot-related causes” .. AOPA NALL Report 2003, 2002, 2001 • Falling Behind the Airplane • Saturation • Distraction • Confusion • Aeronautical Decision Making • Exceeding Skills of the Pilot • Exceeding Aircraft Capabilities
Threat and Error findings from Line Operations Safety Audits (LOSA) of 4,800 flights Two-Pilot, Professional Crews Errors and Undesired Aircraft States 75% of flights had 1 or more errors 35% of flights had a mismanaged error 32% of flights had an undesired aircraft state (UAS) % of Errors per Phase of Flight Pre-departure/taxi 26% Take-off 20% Cruise 6% Descent/approach/landing 42% Taxi in 6% Source: Robert L. Helmreich, Ph.D. FRAes The University of Texas Human Factors Research Project
Standard Solutions • Add a professional pilot as SIC • Mentor Pilots • Rigorous, perpetual training • Extremely high experience requirements
SPX Process • Real-time voice/data connection to ground station • SPX performs as “Remote Co-Pilot” in a standardized CRM role • Interacts and monitors during critical phases of flight • Full-time dedicated connection during T/O and landing • Handles flight support tasks (ATIS, Checklists) • Performs pre-flight and enroute flight planning • Assist in the event of en-route emergency
SPX Benefits • Increased Safety for SPIFR Operations • Reduced Stress on NAS • Improved Utility for Owners/Operators • Data source for NGATS
SPX Hardware • Dual Channel Satcom On Aircraft • Voice – intercom communication and monitoring of ATC • Data –real-time transmission of flight data, aircraft configuration, and avionics settings during critical phases of flight • Connected approximately 20 minutes per flight and on-demand enroute ASPX, LLC - Confidential
SPX Personnel • Professional, experienced, trained • Creates a professional, standardized, CRM approach to the flight • Serves in a pilot not flying/copilot role. • Assists in “Pilot Monitoring” role to lighten workload and keep the PIC ahead of the airplane • Assists in flight planning, enroute planning, and exceptional situations
SPX Providers • Manufacturers • Recurring revenues, upgrade paths • Operational oversight • FOQA feedback • Training Organizations • Full training loop • Existing staff and facilities • Operators • Enhanced safety and efficiency • Complete operational control • ASPX • Licenses IP to Providers • Monitors Compliance and Standards (Insurability) • R&D, New Technologies, Sets Standards
SPX Future Enhancements • Level 1 • Passive assistance • Use currently approved systems • Level 2 • Active assistance – flight plan uploads • Level 3 • Active control in case of pilot incapacity • Autopilot, FADEC, Parachute, UAV
SPX Improving the safety of high performance single pilot aircraft operations