flyWithCE - TaskMan

TaskMan

Application TaskMan extends the functionality of the Bendix/King GPS and moving map equipment. Some GPS receives do not have the capability to download flight plans. The only way to input tasks is by manual input, which is slow if you have multiple flight plans with number of custom waypoints. With this pilots can not use the desktop programs to prepare the flight plans and then transfer them to the GPS receiver.

With TaskMan pilots can use prep repaired flight plans that are stored in internal memory of the mobile device. Pilot or navigator first select and than track the selected flight plan on the mobile device. TaskMan can also transmit the flight plan information together with other GPS data to the moving map instrument, which than displays the flight plan as a map overlay. This enables pilot to easily navigate over waypoints listed in flight plan.

TaskMan page index

Main TaskMan features

Available platforms

TaskMan in action

Additional information

Useful links

Main TaskMan features

1. Store several flight plans mobile computer

flight plan list

flight plan tracking

Several flight plans can be stored in the internal memory of the mobile computer. Flight plan data format can be adopted and can include following information:

	- task name
	- task length (calculated)
	- waypoint name
	- waypoint short name
	- waypoint position
	- distance between waypoints (calculated)
	- course between waypoints (calculated)

2. Select and track flight plans

All flight plans are listed on one screen. After one is selected, program switches to tracking mode where distance and course to the next waypoint displayed. When pilot approaches the waypoint to the predefined distance (user selectable), program advanced to the next waypoint listed in the flight plan. Pilot (or navigator) can also decide and advance manually to the next or previous waypoint in the flight plan.

3. GPS input/output

TaskMan uses the standard ARNAV input from Bendix/King KLN GPS receiver. Program extracts the GPS position, which is than used for tracking task. Flight plan transmitted from the GPS is than replaced with the flight plan selected in TaskMan.

4. Select and track flight plans on moving map

The complete transmitted flight plan will be than displayed on the Bendix/King KMD moving map instrument as a map overlay, together with the information about the next active waypoint. This waypoint will change when the TaskMan will advance to the next waypoint (automatically or manually).

5. Additional features

Additional features can be included in the program on the request from the customer. TaskMan functionality can be also extended to the desktop computer, where flight plan management and transformation program can be prepared.

Available platforms and compatible equipment

TaskMan can run on Pocket PC devices with Microsoft Mobile operating system (also known as Windows CE) or on standard Windows based devices (Windows 9X or newer). From the first experience dedicated buggerized Pocket PC is better choice than notebook computer. With small size (and weight), with no moving parts and better screen visibility, it is better choice for the airplane cockpit.

TaskMan will work with any GPS receiver, that outputs GPS signal in ARNAV or NMEA standard format. The output signal (to the moving map device) is in ARNAV standard format. Other formats can be included on request.

The TaskMan program has been successfully tested with GPS receiver Bendix/King KLN94 and moving map display Bendix/King KMD550. It will work with any equipment that supports ARNAV communication interface (can be also adopted to other communication interfaces like NMEA).

KLN94

KMD550

TaskMan in action

TaskMan is in use since year 2003 by successful Slovenian helicopter company FlyCom. Their main occupation is scanning power lines with the thermal camera. To minimize flight time they prepare appropriate flight plan for each power line on the desktop computer. They are than transferred as single file to the Pocket PC device.

During the flight the camera operator chooses correct flight plan, which is than displayed on moving map instrument. Pilot than follows the displayed flight plan. TaskMan is automatically tracking flight plan and switching from one waypoint to another. When one flight plan is completed, camera operator chooses flight plan for next power line.

FlyCom helicopter

Eurocopter EC 120 B

Additional information

If you need additional information or you would like to test the program, please write to:

Useful links

Bendix/King home page

Bendix/King KLN94 GPS web page

Bendix/King KMD550 color multi-functional display web page

FlyCom web page