Safety device for seaplane pilots introduced
By General Aviation News Staff · July 19, 2024
Holy Micro!, maker of the FAA-approved SkyVoice Alert 500, has introduced the SkyVoice Glassy Guide 400, an FAA-approved device designed to enhance the safety and precision of glassy water takeoffs and landings.
The new device addresses one of the most challenging aspects of seaplane piloting: Judging altitude over featureless, glassy water, according to inventor Frank Kunnumpurath.
For floatplane and seaplane pilots, the consequences of misjudging altitude over glassy water can be catastrophic, he noted. Glassy water landings are considered the most dangerous maneuver for seaplane pilots, posing significant challenges even for experienced aviators.
The lack of surface features makes it difficult to judge the plane’s height above the water, leading to potential accidents such as stalling from too high or slamming into the water too fast.
Traditionally, seaplane pilots have relied on primitive methods such as throwing sticks and stones into the water to create small ripples and floating markers to gauge their height. However, these techniques are far from foolproof and can be cumbersome during critical moments of takeoff and landing, according to company officials.
The SkyVoice Glassy Guide 400 is a height announcement and reminder system, providing altitude information from 1 foot to 400 feet.
It ensures a smooth and safe water landing with height announcements at 400 feet, 300 feet, 200 feet, 100 feet, 70 feet, 50 feet, 20 feet, 10 feet, 5 feet, 2 feet, and 1 foot, company officials said.
“During takeoff, the SkyVoice Glassy Guide 400 continues to deliver height announcements up to 400 feet, ensuring a positive rate of climb and minimizing the risk of inadvertently descending or turning back into the water,” company officials said.
The SkyVoice Glassy Guide 400 mounted on a Cessna plate.
Amphibious pilots can also utilize the four reminders option from 100 feet to 400 feet to “check gear” after takeoff from land, adding another layer of safety, officials added.
The SkyVoice Glassy Guide 400 is available now for both certified and experimental aircraft. Price: $1,650.
For more information: HolyMicro.comAcknowledgment: The original press release was published on GENERAL AVIATION NEWS. You can view the full release here.