SkyVoice Glassy Guide 400 RADAR Altimeter Improves Water Airplane Safety
Navigating the calm but misleading glassy waters presents a unique challenge for seaplane pilots. The absence of surface features in such conditions makes it difficult, even for seasoned pilots, to accurately judge their altitude above the water. This can lead to potentially dangerous situations during takeoff and landing, with the risk of either stalling the aircraft from too high an altitude or slamming into the water at unsafe speeds. Recognizing these challenges, HolyMicro! LLC has developed the SkyVoice Glassy Guide 400 RADAR Altimeter specifically designed to enhance the safety and precision of glassy water operations for seaplanes.
Glassy water, while visually stunning, poses significant risks to seaplane pilots. The mirror-like surface lacks the visual cues that are typically used to determine altitude during landing and takeoff. For pilots, this can create an illusion that they are either higher or lower than they actually are, leading to dangerous misjudgments. Without clear reference points, even experienced pilots can struggle to determine when they’ve reached the critical altitude for smooth landing or safe takeoff, potentially resulting in accidents or hard landings.
The SkyVoice Glassy Guide 400 is an FAA-approved seaplane aviation device to reduce these risks. It provides height announcements and reminders from 1 ft. to 400 ft. The four reminders from 400 ft. to 100 ft. can be used for specific checks at varying height intervals.
These intervals can include: 400 gear check, 300 checklist, 200 flaps, and 100 speed as well as many other options. Following the 100 ft. announcement, the pilot will hear height announcements at 70, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, 1 to help ensure an efficient, smooth and safe water landing. The tool helps prevent the pilot from accidentally descending, turning, or contacting the water. Pilots often stall the plane from too high or slam into the water too low.
When taking off, the height announcements can improve the safety of water takeoffs. As these announcements occur up to 400 ft., the pilot can ensure a positive and confident rate of climb.
For pilots who need a flexible solution, the SkyVoice Glassy Guide 400 also comes in a Quick Install/Portable version. This portable variant is per-loaded with HolyMicro’s reliable, self-contained embedded software, making it easy to install.
The rechargeable battery powered Quick Install Kit comes with standard action camera attachments and Bluetooth audio. This kit allows for a temporary connection to the SkyVoice Glassy Guide 400 at any location under the wing or the tail to see which location provides the best result while avoiding turbulence and aerodynamic drag.
After deciding on the best location for installation, the pilot can remove the unit from the action camera and proceed with the permanent wired installation as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
The SkyVoice Glassy Guide 400 enclosure is made of high quality aircraft aluminum, and it comes in four different colors: red, black, silver, and blue. It comes in an insulated carrying case with a detachable handle to make it easy to hook it to a backpack or flight bag.
