From the owner of aware as posted on Avcom
}}What is the AWARE™ from Airbox?
AWARE is a low cost moving map GPS with an airspace warning feature, updates for which can be downloaded at no cost to the user for the life of the product. It offers the pilot key basic information on the safe conduct of their flight, i.e. their position and warnings of controlled airspace and other en-route hazards.
The AWARE costs just R 2,090 for the basic 4.3 inch version. Even if the user doesn’t renew old charts,(South African charts are not updated too often) they can update the airspace warnings free of charge meaning infringement-free flight is possible at all times.
Secondly AWARE has been designed with simplicity and ease of use in an attempt to reduce pilot workload in the cockpit; often the cause of airspace infringements. Complex routines, too many features and an unfriendly user interface are the hallmark of many a GPS by contrast Airbox has abandoned much of what scares many potential GPS users from using the technology with the Aware system.
AWARE gives VFR pilots a very basic approach to moving map GPS in the cockpit allowing them more time to concentrate on what is going on around them.
What does the AWARE do?
Firstly, AWARE shows your current position on the South African 1:500,000 scale chart. For the more adventurous pilot, other charts are and can be purchased online from the website. Showing your position on a digital version of a chart you are familiar with brings added situational awareness that a generic vector map simply can not.
The second key safety feature is a really clear audible and visual warning if there is a risk of airspace infringement. AWARE will highlight airspace in red and displays an information box alerting the user to the type of airspace, its height restrictions at which the airspace is controlled and the distance to the airspace. The AWARE intelligently prioritises and filters airspace warnings so only airspace actually affecting a pilot’s journey are displayed.
The AWARE also has some other simple features, which improve safety, but, surprisingly, are often missing from more expensive GPS units for example the aircraft’s relative position is always displayed on screen (e.g. 10NM East of Lanseria). This enables the pilot to report their position accurately and quickly to air traffic controllers.
Who buys AWARE?
The AWARE appeals to any pilot or navigator who wants a simple navigation system to do what they need for VFR flying, but isn’t unnecessarily expensive. Many AWARE users have the device as a back-up to a GPS they currently use.
The AWARE customer base ranges from para-gliders, and small flex-wing pilots and larger fix and rotary wing users.
What is the AWARE Plus?
The AWARE Plus is an AWARE GPS with added navigation functionality; again the route planning process has been simplified by Airbox, with users simply pressing on the map to create routes and add/delete waypoints. The AWARE plus gives important en-route information such as distance, time, track, bearing, altitude and groundspeed.
Users can either buy an AWARE Plus from our distributor Century Avionics or choose to upgrade a standard AWARE at a later date.
Users of the AWARE Plus can also purchase Fastplan, which is Airbox’s flight planning software for the PC. The software allows for much more complex route making, the checking of NOTAMS and weather, route profiling, flightpack generator and a weight & balance calculator. Routes can then be uploaded to the Aware Plus device at the press of a button. Fastplan also allows users to view flown flights, file flight-plans (Europe only at present) and many other more exciting features.
The AWARE range
Alongside the Aware and Aware Plus 4.3 inch devices, Airbox has introduced the Aware 5 and Aware 5 Plus. These systems work identically to the Aware and Aware Plus units but have an added advantage a larger 5 inch screen giving 32 % more viewable screen. The unit’s battery life has also been extended to 2.2 hours as opposed the 4.3 inch devices 1.2 hour battery life.
What’s in the box?
In the box, is everything you need to go flying with AWARE:
The AWARE GPS device
A home charger
A 12/24v charger for the aircraft
A suction-mounting bracket
A USB cable to connect the device to a computer for updates
A manual
Why did Airbox make the AWARE?
The AWARE was originally the result of a collaboration between Airbox Aerospace and NATS (National Air Traffic Services), the UK’s (South Africa CAA) in an attempt to reduce airspace infringements within the GA community and improve safety for pilots across the country.
AWARE has now been credited with a major part in airspace infringements success (32% drop in airspace infringements in its first year of sale) following six years on increases.
Key points about AWARE.
Bright, large, 4.3 inch screen with built-in rechargeable battery
Ready to go from R 2,050
Entire South Africa 1:500,000 coverage
Airspace updates are free for the life of the unit.
Simple to use
More information on Airbox’ other systems can be found at
www.airboxaero.com/za or
www.centuryavionics.co.za/brands.php
Who are Airbox?
Airbox Aerospace was founded in 2008 by three entrepreneurs, united by their love of flying and a desire to create better navigation equipment. Their principle is that the easier they make the navigation, the more confidence their pilots feel and the more they will fly. This approach to navigation has seen the company win numerous awards for innovation. Additionally Airbox’ contribution to flight safety has been officially recognised by organisations including several ICAO authorities and pilot associations such as IAOPA.
Airbox produce a number of navigation systems AWARE, Clarity and Foresight, each tailored to a different segment of the market; they also produce companion Flight Planning software to go with them.
Airbox’ key market is general aviation sports, but they also supply the emergency services and work closely with the military and other professional pilots.}}
Regards
ps here is the link
http://www.avcom.co.za/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=79294
