SkyView Avionics Get a Safety Makeover

In a recent software update, Dynon announced that they will be adding an Emergency Glide feature to their avionics. This is compatible with the SkyView HDX software.

The SkyView HDX is Dynon’s flagship avionics system. It has 7, 10, and 12-inch touch-screen panel options and utilizes the same components as previous SkyView designs, making it easy to switch out for the later model.

The addition of the Emergency Glide tech is a part of Dynon’s version 17.1, which was released on August 20. Another main upgrade in this version is with their SV-COM-PANEL Com Radio Control Panel. It features a new, high-contrast OLED display for improved pilot visibility.

“The new Emergency Glide feature,” explains Dynon’s Marketing Director Michael Schofield, “simplifies critical decisions and actions during an emergency, providing pilots with the tools they need to focus on flying the aircraft to a safe landing.”

The feature automatically activates when a pilot holds the NRST button. It will use pre-programmed information to engage autopilot and set the plane up at best-glide speed. This will fly the aircraft to the nearest suitable airport, taking possible glide distance, winds, and terrain into consideration. The airport is then loaded into the COM radio airport slot.

If no airfield is found, however, the system will pop up a notification and exit Emergency Glide.

Assuming a suitable destination is located, the system will begin a 20-degree bank left turn and circle the airfield. This, along with a pop-up on the display, notify the pilot that it’s time to take over.

Emergency Glide does not by any means guarantee a safe landing. Autopilot does not, and may never, have the same situational awareness or decision-making capabilities pilots do. However, as all pilots have likely figured out, every emergency is both stressful and complex. Depending on the situation, having this kind of tech installed can provide a useful backup.