With the new year comes new aviation products and innovative technology. Whether you’re in need of an upgrade, looking to treat yourself in the new year, or just want to know what’s up-and-coming in the aircraft industry, there are many new and exciting aviation advancements to keep an eye on.
Below are five of the leading aviation technologies to watch out for in the new year.
5 Aviation Advances to Look for in 2020
ADS-B
The with start of the new decade came new aircraft compliance requirements. Under the new Next Generation Air Traffic Control System, or NextGen, all aircraft must support Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B).
This new system will make flying safer and more efficient by providing key weather, traffic, and other flight-information services. Aircraft were meant to be upgraded by January 1, 2020, but there’s still time! Learn more about ADS-B to make sure you are properly equipped so you can continue to fly freely.
Electric Planes
Just like with the rise of electric cars, we are now seeing more advances in electric flight. These new advancements could help pilots save on fuel, reduce emissions, and help the environment.
Some of the more popular electric aircraft include the Kitty Hawk models, the Lilium Jet, and the ACCEL. These fantastic vehicles are making air travel faster, quieter, and safer for the environment. They use a variety of methods to power the vehicle, like lithium batteries in the Kitty Hawk Flyer and Heaviside, or a combination of solar panels and batteries.
Though electronic flight has not been commercially widespread or publicly accessible, the developers of these aircraft are hopeful for the future of flight. These advances in electric aircraft technology show promise that flying will soon become more accessible to provide the joy and convenience of flying to everyone, while also finding new ways to create safer and more environmentally friendly travel.
Self-Flying Aircraft
Although modern planes could be considered self-driving as they are able to autonomously complete a flight route, these planes cannot independently make the decision to change the route. With true self-flying, these aircraft (ideally) have no need for a pilot. In terms of entirely autonomous flight, innovators like Boeing and AirBus have been developing safe, fully-autonomous aircraft and have seen huge success in the past year.
For smaller aircraft, researchers in Germany at the Technical University of Munich are working on full-automated landing technology without the need for vision-assisted navigation. This landing system would allow pilots in PAV’s to easily and safely land without the need of a pilot or ground-based systems.
Garmin’s Autonomí
Garmin’s new autoland system is a first in general aviation. Combined with Emergency Descent Mode (EDM) and Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP), these three tools make up the new Autonomí system — essentially a digital parachute for the pilot and passengers.
If a pilot were to become incapacitated or disoriented, this system has the ability to take over automatically or when activated. It can then stabilize the plane and even land it if necessary. The system will work anywhere in the world except a few places in China, Russia, and Central Africa where there isn’t enough data available for the system to make landing decisions.
Upgrades Within Your Reach
While some upgrades are just a dream, there are opportunities to update your own aircraft without putting it out of commission for months on end. New paint and updated interior touches can make your aircraft look and feel brand new and keep you flying high.
If you’re looking for something a little more exciting, an engine overhaul can give your plane some extra kick and keep it running smoothly while staying up-to-date with the latest mechanical features.
If you’re looking for an even bigger upgrade, there are new planes coming out this year, such as the Cessna Denali — a single engine turboprop aircraft that made its first appearance at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015. With a completely new design that is not derived from any existing aircraft, you can stand out in the sky with a new aircraft that includes the most modern features available. Another anticipated new aircraft release is the sleek Epic E1000, a single-engine, six-seat, turboprop light aircraft that aims to be the fastest single-engine civil aircraft at its time of introduction.
Don’t Get Grounded – Get an Upgrade!
If you are one of the many pilots in need of an upgrade to meet the new NextGen requirements, or if you are looking to implement something new for your aircraft or even desire an entirely new plane, we can help.
We offer aircraft loans and tailor our financing and refinancing options with fixed rates and terms that fit all of your flynancing needs. We lend up to 90% on many single-engine aircraft of our aircraft valuation or purchase price (whichever is less) so you can find the perfect fit for your budget.
We also offer coverage for a variety of aviation needs through our US Aircraft Insurance subsidiary. We work with the leading aviation insurance companies to find you the right coverage at a competitive rate to ensure you’re protected no matter what happens during flight.
Contact us today to speak to one of our representatives or apply online for pre-approval – speed guaranteed!