Abstract: Flight data and information update files such as electronic charts used by aircraft cockpit devices are automatically installed by a secure, wireless delivery system. A service provider downloads file updates through the Internet to servers at airport locations, within wireless transmission range of aircraft on the ground. A secure wireless link and router transmits the file updates from the server directly to a router on board the aircraft which routes the files to cockpit devices onboard the aircraft. Authentication procedures are used to assure that the cockpit device is authorized to receive the update. The servers are also connected to airport kiosks, where pilots may download the updates onto a media storage device, such as a flash memory card that can be used by the pilots to manually install the updates in the cockpit devices.

Abstract: Flight data and information update files such as electronic charts used by aircraft cockpit devices are automatically installed by a secure, wireless delivery system. A service provider downloads file updates through the Internet to servers at airport locations, within wireless transmission range of aircraft on the ground. A secure wireless link and router transmits the file updates from the server directly to a router on board the aircraft which routes the files to cockpit devices onboard the aircraft. Authentication procedures are used to assure that the cockpit device is authorized to receive the update. The servers are also connected to airport kiosks, where pilots may download the updates onto a media storage device, such as a flash memory card that can be used by the pilots to manually install the updates in the cockpit devices.