Abstract: An example avionic data communication method includes determining one or more available communication channels within a plurality of communication channel types, selecting one of the plurality of available communication channels using a channel controller, the channel controller configured to determine the quality of service of the available communication channels and to select one of the plurality of available communication channels having a cost threshold value that is not less than the cost threshold value of another channel type within the plurality of available channel types. The method further includes communicating data between an aircraft and a ground-based system using the selected one of the plurality of available channel types.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a vehicle is provided that includes at least one sensor, a certified processor, a database, a computer network, and a user portal. The at least one sensor is operable to generate data indicative of a critical condition of the vehicle. The certified processor in communication with the computer network and is operable to receive, process and store the data generated by the at least one sensor. The database is in communication with the computer network and is operable to selectively download and store a replica of the data stored on the certified processor via the computer network. The user portal is in communication with the computer network and is operable to enable a user to download, via the computer network, selected portions of the data stored on the certified processor or selected portions of the replica data stored on the database.

Abstract: An example avionic data communication method includes determining one or more available communication channels within a plurality of communication channel types, selecting one of the plurality of available communication channels using a channel controller, the channel controller configured to determine the quality of service of the available communication channels and to select one of the plurality of available communication channels having a cost threshold value that is not less than the cost threshold value of another channel type within the plurality of available channel types. The method further includes communicating data between an aircraft and a ground-based system using the selected one of the plurality of available channel types.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a vehicle is provided that includes at least one sensor, a certified processor, a database, a computer network, and a user portal. The at least one sensor is operable to generate data indicative of a critical condition of the vehicle. The certified processor in communication with the computer network and is operable to receive, process and store the data generated by the at least one sensor. The database is in communication with the computer network and is operable to selectively download and store a replica of the data stored on the certified processor via the computer network. The user portal is in communication with the computer network and is operable to enable a user to download, via the computer network, selected portions of the data stored on the certified processor or selected portions of the replica data stored on the database.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for updating a sensor disposed within a mobile unit. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a remote server and at least one sensor, which remote server and sensor are located in the mobile unit and are in communications with one another through a first wireless network, and wherein the sensor has a first functionality; b) receiving an update signal transmitted from a base server to the remote server over a second wireless network; c) transmitting the received update signal from the remote server to the sensor over the first wireless network; and d) reconfiguring the sensor from the first functionality to a second functionality based upon the transmitted update signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating aircraft data are provided. In this regard, a representative system includes a data reduction system operative to: receive aircraft data; store a first set of the aircraft data; analyze a next set of the aircraft data; and store the next set of the aircraft data if the next set of aircraft data differs from the first set of the aircraft data.

Abstract: A method of aircraft maintenance involves storing part information relating to an aircraft part on the aircraft part. The part information is wirelessly transmitting from the aircraft part to a receiver. A note of a change relating to the aircraft part is made. The part information with the note of the change relating to the aircraft part is electronically stored at a location remote from the aircraft part.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for updating a sensor disposed within a mobile unit. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a remote server and at least one sensor, which remote server and sensor are located in the mobile unit and are in communications with one another through a first wireless network, and wherein the sensor has a first functionality; b) receiving an update signal transmitted from a base server to the remote server over a second wireless network; c) transmitting the received update signal from the remote server to the sensor over the first wireless network; and d) reconfiguring the sensor from the first functionality to a second functionality based upon the transmitted update signal.

Abstract: An example method of communicating with an aircraft includes receiving a text message with an aircraft avionics box and initiating an operation with the aircraft avionics box based on the text message.

Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating aircraft data are provided. In this regard, a representative system includes a data reduction system operative to: receive aircraft data; store a first set of the aircraft data; analyze a next set of the aircraft data; and store the next set of the aircraft data if the next set of aircraft data differs from the first set of the aircraft data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for defining information provided by aircraft are provided. An exemplary method, involving an aircraft that is operative to provide information in a first report format, includes: communicating information corresponding to a second report format definition to the aircraft, wherein the information corresponding to the second report format definition is received at the aircraft via wireless communication; and receiving, from the aircraft, information complying with the second report format definition.

Abstract: Electronic circuitry is disclosed for interfacing with a plurality of two-position switches to determine if each switch is opened, closed or faulty to some extent. Each switch is connectable in series with a pull-up resistor and between two different voltage values. The switch provides an output voltage at the connection of one terminal of the switch with the pull-up resistor. This switch voltage is presented to both an inverting input of a first comparator and a non-inverting input of a second comparator. The non-inverting input of the first comparator has a reference voltage of a certain value applied thereto, while the inverting input of the second comparator has a reference voltage of a certain value also applied thereto, the reference voltage values being different so as to define a "window" or "dead band" region of voltage. The switch output voltage is compared to the reference voltages on the two comparators. If the switch is closed, the comparator outputs will assume certain states.