VoiceFlight Systems of Troy N.Y., has received FAA certification for its VFS101 pilot speech recognition system.
The VFS101, the first speech recognition product to be awarded a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) by the FAA, uses patented technology to provide accurate speech recognition and nearly instantaneous response. Voice entry of complex flight plans is accomplished 10 times faster than is possible with conventional GPS entry knob, company officials said. The system does not require any prior training or adaptation for specific pilot voices.
“The VFS101 uses aviation specific recognition technology to address the challenging conditions found in the aircraft cockpit,” said Scott Merritt, company founder. “It is this technology that allows the VFS101 to meet the rigorous performance requirements of FAA certification.”
The VFS101 enables rapid entry of flight plan waypoints directly into the aircraft’s GPS navigation system. Victor airways are automatically expanded to the correct sequence of waypoints. Voice commands can be used to edit flight plans, correct errors, and accommodate routing changes.
For routine flight operations, the VFS101 provides “hands-free” entry of Direct-To waypoint destinations. For safety, an audio read-back of the intended waypoint is presented for confirmation before the new destination is activated.
The VFS101 system does not alter or interfere with manual operation of the GPS units in any way, company officials note. If the pilot experiences difficulties while utilizing the VFS101, conventional manual operations are readily available.
For more information: VoiceFlight.com.
