AD Aerospace to install cockpit monitoring for TUI AG

Published 1 November 2006

Small cameras survey the approach the cockpit while the flight crew watches securely from the cabin; AD Aerospace an innovator in airline camera surveillance

Ever since 9/11 securing aircraft flight decks has been a major focus for security planners and a lucrative business for companies with a reliable solution to the problem. As every traveler knows, cockpits doors are now locked during flights, and most contain a small, bulletproof window so that the pilot or navigator can observe behavior in the cabin without threatening the control of the aircraft. Some, however, would like a bit more surveillance, and Warrington, England-based AD Aerospace would like to provide it. This week the company announced it had signed a deal with TUI AG, a tourism company with its own aircraft, to install flight deck entry video surveillance systems (FDEVSS) for forward fit on 10 B737 NG aircraft the firm has on order from Boeing.

The FDEVSS system — sold under the brand name FlightVu — employs a series of cameras covering the approach to the flight deck and the forward galley areas. The images are then transmitted to the crew’s multifunctional displays, where the flight crew can view them without having to leave their seats. Although this is not part of the system being installed for TUI AG, AD Aerospace also sells an enhanced FlightVu Witness package that permanently stores the video footage for prosecution of disruptive passengers and other liability risks. There is even a CargoVu product for monitoring the hold, and a SmokeVu system that uses high sensitivity monochrome video cameras enhanced by infrared illuminators to detect fire.

FlightVu cockpit door monitoring systems have been, or are being installed, on aircraft for Air Seychelles, bmi, Thomsonfly, Air Asia, Corsair, easyJet, Hainan, Germania, Hapagfly, TUIfly Nordic, My Travel, and others.

-read more in this company news release