Abstract: Access to a controlled space aboard a transport vehicle is controlled by sensing a biometric characteristic associated with a person requesting access to the controlled space. The biometric characteristic is evaluated, both aboard the vehicle and distinctly from the vehicle, and two determinations are made, based on the biometric characteristic, whether the person is authorized to access the controlled space. In the event that both determinations indicate that the person is authorized to access the controlled space, the person's request for access is approved; otherwise the request for access is denied.

Abstract: A flight recorder system with remote wireless access, for use aboard an aircraft, includes at least one microphone for monitoring sounds within a cockpit of the aircraft and producing digital audio data. The digital audio data is indexed relative to aircraft position and time and is stored. A download command is initiated and prompts stored data to be read and transmitted to a ground-based facility for evaluation. A video camera may be provided for acquiring and recording images within the cockpit.

Abstract: A system for monitoring an aircraft receives navigation signals and deriving a position vector therefrom and also asserts an alert signal in the event that the altitude of the aircraft above ground level is less than a predetermined value. The system samples the position vector at a selected sample rate and outputs a succession of samples of the position vector, the sample rate depending on whether the alert signal has been asserted. Data packets that contain respective samples of the position vector are transmitted to a ground-based receiving station. The ground-based receiving station may calculate secondary data.

Abstract: A system for monitoring an aircraft receives navigation signals and deriving a position vector therefrom and also receives an input representative of altitude of the aircraft above ground level. The system samples the position vector at a selected sample rate and outputs a succession of samples of the position vector, the sample rate depending on whether the altitude of the aircraft above ground level is less than a predetermined value. Data packets that contain respective samples of the position vector are transmitted to a ground-based receiving station. The ground-based receiving station may calculate secondary data.

Abstract: A system for monitoring an aircraft receives navigation signals and deriving a position vector therefrom and also receives an input representative of altitude of the aircraft above ground level. The system samples the position vector at a selected sample rate and outputs a succession of samples of the position vector, the sample rate depending on whether the altitude of the aircraft above ground level is less than a predetermined value. Data packets that contain respective samples of the position vector are transmitted to a ground-based receiving station. The ground-based receiving station may calculate secondary data.

Abstract: A system for monitoring an aircraft receives navigation signals and deriving a position vector therefrom and also asserts an alert signal in the event that the altitude of the aircraft above ground level is less than a predetermined value. The system samples the position vector at a selected sample rate and outputs a succession of samples of the position vector, the sample rate depending on whether the alert signal has been asserted. Data packets that contain respective samples of the position vector are transmitted to a ground-based receiving station. The ground-based receiving station may calculate secondary data.