A new device has come onto the market which fills a small niche area for Private Pilots in the UK.
This new device, quite unlike anything else currently available, provides a low cost moving map display using a 4.3″ backlit sunlight readable screen and contains the latest UK ICAO 1:500,000 chart.
In essence the devices primary function is to warn when the pilot is approaching, and then about to enter, restricted airspace. The user interface is incredibly easy and you are given information that is 5 mins ahead of you in the direction of your intended track. The Aware device comes with the ICAO 1:500,000 scale UK chart preloaded on the supplied SD card, with more charts available on Airbox web site. For those pilots who prefer them, the 1:250,000 scale charts are available to download for a fee. How cool is that!
We flew down to Goodwood recently and during the flight we tested the Aware system. It is so simple to use. Open box, then charge for 6 hours. Then when ready to use, we turned it on in the aeroplane, within a few minutes the system was booted and we could see that the plane was at Cranfield airport.
After departure, the first alert was for the Luton Zone. We flew under it, then given enough warning to tell us about Benson MATZ. Farnborough Rader (W) gave us MATZ penetration, but to stay clear of their ATZ. After this, we saw that Solent Control was on our right, but we were well clear of them, and the strong winds would not drift us anywhere near their airspace. In the past, I had burst Southampton Zone on the way to Old Sarum. I was able to call the Airport duty manager to tell them of the bust. A few days later, I spoke to NATS at London Heathrow who helped me learn from my error so that I did not make the mistake again. I was so impressed with the guys at NATS. They understood that I was a baby pilot and helped me. I wished I had this system back then.
Flight planning and situation awareness is naturally important. Having the aware system is no way any substitute for not flying as we are all taught to, under VFR, dead reckoning etc, however, having it really adds another dimension to safe flying. I would refer to the Aware, every now and then to check I was clear of the various controlled Zones I was flying close ot or when I saw a alert, it backed-up my own plan to call for Matz penetration as and when I planned to for both Benson and Odiham. It was nice to fly near Lasham, where I started my flight training.
I would give it 9.5 out of 10. I have added the extra battery pack to enhance the units own battery life. The price is also very attractive. If you can budget for it – I would suggest everyone has one. Happy landings people…and enjoy the summer flying season.
Alerts include:
Controlled Airspace (Control Zones, Control Areas and Airways)
Aerodrome Traffic Zones
Danger Areas and Prohibited Areas
Restricted Airspace (Temporary) – e.g. air shows and Red Arrows displays
Transponder Mandatory Zones
MATZ
ATZ
GVS
PSL
HIRTA
The Aware was conceived by NATS and Airbox to help pilots avoid unknowingly flying into controlled airspace. Airspace busts are an increasing problem worldwide and normally result either from the pilot not knowing where the aircraft is or from a lack of knowledge about changes to airspace restrictions.