Safe Flight Tests AoA Indicator Aboard Viking Twin Otter

Safe Flight, a widely acknowledged leader in angle of attack (AoA) systems for fixed-wing aircraft, announced its digital AoA instrument is undergoing flight testing aboard a Viking Air Series 400 Twin Otter. “We're confident Safe Flight's AoA digital system will be a significant operational benefit to the Viking Series 400 Twin Otter, providing crew with confidence to fly the aircraft to the limits of its ability in challenging environments,” said Robert Mauracher, Viking Air's executive v-p of sales and marketing.

Safe Flight's digital AoA is FAA TSO'd and has three main components: a heated, wing-mounted lift transducer; a signal-processing computer; and an indexer, which is mounted in the cockpit to provide the airplane's crew with head-up AoA guidance. The system provides ARINC-standard outputs to drive low-speed awareness and AoA indication on the airplane's Honeywell Apex primary flight displays.

Safe Flight (Booth N1727) said its AoA system allows for slower landing approach speeds, a characteristic for which the Twin Otter series is known, and enhanced AoA awareness during in-flight maneuvers. The system also can be used to display best-angle-of-climb pitch attitudes. All factors affecting angle of attack are considered in the system, according to Safe Flight, including flap and landing gear position, wind gusts, ground effect and weight distribution.

“Working with companies like Safe Flight to enhance the operational capabilities of the Series 400 Twin Otter while improving safety is always a win-win,” Mauracher added.