Frequently Asked Questions
When will my Aero Glass kit arrive?
We are finalizing product hardware now, therefore, shipping is estimated to begin in Q3 2017.
How is your system so precise?
Our smart glasses have an additional, custom-made camera mounted on the temple, which monitors a markerboard overhead. Aero Glass tracks your head movements based on the angle of said markers, then computes the objects in your view based on the head-tracking data and the attitude and position of the plane.
What is the glasses’ field of view?
According to ODG, “the R-7 Glasses boast a 30-degree Field-of-View. Think of this as a transparent 65-inch TV floating in air – or the experience of sitting in the middle row of a movie theater.”
Will there be other glasses supported in the future?
Yes, we are planning to support other Android-based smart glasses as well, as long as they prove to be a good fit for Aero Glass, in terms of computing power, imaging quality and so on. We have our sight set on the ODG R-9, but we are open to the future prodigies of the smart glasses market as well.
What avionics do you integrate with, if any? Do I need a special Aero Glass kit if my plane is equipped with said avionics?
We’re working with Avidyne to integrate with their IFD550 glass cockpit. Hopefully we’ll be able to launch this integration soon, and also others later.
Why don’t you integrate with ForeFlight/Garmin/other avionics?
Unfortunately, most companies in the market are not open to integration with third party applications. Our plans are definitely to integrate with them when the possibility arises.
Where does the data come from?
In the US, we use data from the FAA’s Coded Instrument Flight Procedures Database. Outside the US we have basic data including Airports, Runways, Navaids and Waypoints from non-certified sources, but lack global coverage for procedures and airspaces.
When are you going to get FAA approved? Why can’t I use Aero Glass as the primary means of navigation?
No portable electronic device can be used as a primary source of navigation information; only panel mounted, TSO certified devices can be used as navigation sources. This applies equally to any portable, hand-held device. Aero Glass is for enhanced situational awareness use only. Please reference AC91-78 and AIM Chapter 1 for more information regarding removal of paper aeronautical charts from the cockpit and restrictions for use of hand-held devices for navigation.
Please note that Aero Glass does not check or validate the chart and database information we receive from the FAA, nor do we guarantee that any device used will not interfere with equipment or systems required for flight. Thus, it is the PIC’s responsibility to verify all available information before flight and determine suitability of device being used, including completeness and accuracy of data presented.
Are the glasses FAA certified?
No. We believe it’s not necessary. Our solution is not designed as a primary source of navigation. Moreover, there are many devices in the cockpit which assist navigation and improve the user flying experience without FAA certification. Since it’s a handheld device and doesn’t modify the aircraft, no certification is necessary. See http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim/aim0101.html#aim0101.html.1 (search for ‘hand-held’ in the document)
section 1-1-18. b.(c).(3)
(3) While the use of a hand-held GPS for VFR operations is not limited by regulation, modification of the aircraft, such as installing a panel- or yoke-mounted holder, is governed by 14 CFR Part 43. Consult with your mechanic to ensure compliance with the regulation, and a safe installation.
What if I wear prescription lenses?
ODG R-7 users who require vision correction, especially for near-sightedness, can order custom lenses as instructed at the ODG website.
Why does Aero Glass cost so much?
The components we need to create the Aero Glass experience are high-end very precise components. Most probably your aircraft never needed a heading or attitude position of 0.1° – but for Aero Glass to work properly, now you do. Unfortunately these devices are still quite expensive items in themselves.
