MINUTES

Airborne Internet Forum

 January 22, 2003

 Jim Meer of Microflight Inc. opened meeting

 OBJECTIVES:

• Common interest in airborne internet standards
• Determine the level of consensus for the value an AIRBORNE INTERNET collaborative
• Identify resources to contribute to standards for AIRBORNE INTERNET
• Identify consensus for a next meeting to address the organizational issues of a collaborative effort both technical and business

AIRBORNE INTERNET

            Applications

            Transport

            Protocols, communication

            Radio frequency

Standards

            Industry adopted

            Certification guidelines

Pete McHugh — gave some background on his draw to SATS and intrigue of exploration into AIRBORNE INTERNET

 Logistics:  (Paul Masson)

Briefings:

Jack Sheehan:  gave an NCAM Overview

• Our purpose to support technology development
• Facilitate SATS work
• Fund SATS work: technology work in cooperation w/Stakeholders
• NCAM’S charter to foster research and technology as an enabling organization
• Briefly explained JSRDA and stated its availability on website:  http://sats.nasa.gov

Pete McHugh:  gave a SATS Overview 

SATS is a safe travel alternative, freeing people and products from transportation system delays, by creating access to more communities in less time.

• Flight validation of enabling airborne technologies
• System impact analysis
• Technology infusion/transfer

Four operating capabilities:

1. High volume operations in non-radar airspace and at non-tower airports
2. Lower landing Minimums at minimally equipped landing facilities
3. Increase single-pilot crew safety and mission reliability – Airborne Internet application
4. Enroute procedures and systems for Integrated fleet operations

Paul Masson: Request SATSLabs’ to give their input on how and use of AIRBORNE INTERNET

Keith McCrea: spoke briefly on VA SATSLab

 --Cultural adaptation to new system      

--Coverage of system

--Don’t be constrained by certification rules

--How tight automation of control

--Communication & data transport

--Choose Capstone comm systems-->focus on demo-->brings new issues

--ATC involvement in transition

--Use current system (Capstone) for Demo-->need internet system beyond demos—standards issues

--Define “airborne internet” (i.e. internet protocols)

--Standards for cert in accepted data formats

--Business issues

Jon Paris:  Challenge taking tech we take for granted to day and take it to an airplane and incorporate it--(make ubiquitous).  To enable widespread equipage, there must be a clear and reasonable pathway to certification.

Ralph Yost:  Network aircraft as we do computers

--Reliable connection to Network

 Accomplishment summary (AIRBORNE INTERNET BENEFITS)

Data transfer & application available to comm & GA—go to website:  www.airborne.internet.net

Chris Wargo: of Computer Networks & Software, Inc. (CNS)

AIRBORNE INTERNET WAS CONCEIVED AS AN ENABLING TECHNOLOGY  FOR THE AIR/GROUND AND AIR/AIR EXCHANGE OF DIGITAL DATE FOR THE SATS PROGRAM

AIRBORNE INTERNET IS A SET OF COMMUNICATION SERVICES AND PROTOCOLS THAT SUPPORT CONSOLIDATED ONE WAY AND TWO-WAY DATE EXCHANGE REQUIREMENTS OF DIVERSE APPLICATIONS

Ed Tirona: of Dynamic Systems, Integration (DSI)

SATS-Net & GAAINS (General Aviation Aircraft Information Network Server)

Dave Gracey: — Integrated MultiTechnology See-And-Avoid System (SAAS)

SEE & AVOID FOR MANNED AIRCRAFT

Jim Meer introduce varied tech into our “sights” for AIRBORNE INTERNET

PAUL MASSON — LOGISTICS:

ORGANIZATIONAL ISSUES

            How to form ?

            What form of contract ?

            Multiple vehicles to organize around for AIRBORNE INTERNET

            Expressions of interest to  participate in collaborative manner

            Need to learn about:

            >Terms existing

                        Business vehicle-NCAM JSRDA

            >Business structure

Processes--Timing

                        Current vehicle – SATS

Outbreak overview:

            Ralph, Pete & Jim will be leaders for another meeting and disseminating info from this meeting

            Defining “scoping” of airborne internet as reflection common interests. . .

            Defining objectives of system – should be able to do with the “system”

            Develop list of "desirements"—end-user "desirements" (desire + requirements)

            Differentiates in terms of criticality

Process leading through accreditation to market

Define a priorities list

            Create the communication pipe to innovation grow

Trade-off  priority

  -Function and features driven

  -Size of pipe driver

NEXT STEPS:

• Issues list
• Summary minutes
• Attendance list
• Letters of interest
• Next meeting –

PLANNING GROUP: 

• Coordinator—Jim Meer

Ralph Yost, Pete McHugh, Dave Gracey, Mark Kregel, Randy Schmidt, Dennis Wilt, Prasad Nair

Jon Paris, Mark Long, Chris Wargo