The all-new second generation Stratus turns your iPad into the ultimate pilot tool, delivering subscription-free weather, ADS-B traffic, GPS position and attitude information – all from a wireless receiver that fits in your pocket. But more capability doesn’t mean you have to compromise. Stratus still features more than eight hours of battery life, easy one-button operation and seamless integration with the industry leading ForeFlight Mobile application.

Second Generation Stratus Features:

Dual-band ADS-B traffic
Stratus includes a dual band (978 MHz and 1090 MHz) ADS-B receiver and displays traffic information right on the ForeFlight Mobile Maps page. See relative altitude, climb/descent rate and projected track. Note: ADS-B traffic is limited unless your aircraft has ADS-B Out installed in the panel. Read more about how ForeFlight Mobile will display traffic.

Built-in AHRS
The new Stratus includes a complete Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS) for supplemental attitude information in the cockpit. It aligns itself automatically, so you can just turn it on and fly. Download the free Stratus Horizon app from the Apple App Store and view a backup attitude indicator, GPS groundspeed and altitude on your iPhone or iPad. Note: AHRS data provided by Stratus should be used for supplemental purposes only. Stratus is not certified for IFR operations.

Subscription-free in-flight weather
Just like the original Stratus, you can view in-flight weather on your iPad, including NEXRAD radar, METARs, TAFs, TFRs, AIRMETs, SIGMETs, NOTAMs and more. And there are no subscription fees – ever.

WAAS GPS unlocks track up and terrain
With the built-in WAAS GPS receiver, Stratus allows you to view moving maps, track up displays and high resolution terrain maps in ForeFlight Mobile. The smart GPS locks on fast and typically provides 1 meter accuracy.

8-hour battery means no wires
Even with all these features, Stratus remains totally wireless. With its 8-hour battery life, you can fly all day without bringing along a charging cable. Just turn on Stratus and go flying.

Built for ForeFlight
Stratus is the only ADS-B receiver that works with ForeFlight Mobile, aviation’s most popular app. That’s because Stratus was designed from the ground up to integrate with the app, so you can view complete status information right from the moving map page. Stratus simply works the right way.

Smaller, higher performance case
Even though the new Stratus has more capability, it features a smaller case size, better GPS performance and better ADS-B reception. It’s also more heat-resistant, with a built-in fan.

Designed, tested and built in the USA
Stratus is built by pilots like you, so we know that quality is more than just a tagline. Stratus is engineered, tested and manufactured in the United States, ensuring you receive the best-made, most reliable ADS-B receiver on the market.

Stratus Horizon App
Add the new Stratus Horizon app for a complete backup solution. This free iOS app displays real-time attitude heading reference system (AHRS) data, including pitch, roll, groundspeed, GPS altitude and vertical speed. It’s the perfect complement to ForeFlight—display backup attitude on your iPhone while you view weather and traffic on your iPad.

Notes:
WiFi connection allows multiple iPads and/or iPhones to connect to Stratus simultaneously. ADS-B coverage varies by location and altitude and does not work on the ground in most locations. Coverage is not available outside the United States.

Please view the ADS-B Coverage Map before purchasing Stratus.

Requires the ForeFlight Mobile app, version 5.0 or better. iPad 2 or newer is recommended for best performance.

Comes with charging cable and 110V wall plug; charging cable works with all 2.1 amp cigarette lighter plugs as well. Also includes dash mount, carrying bag and pilot’s guide.

Physical Dimensions: 2.6″ w x 6″ d x 1.25″ h – weighs 9.7 oz.

Stratus Shipping Date Information:

Stratus second generation is now available for order. Please see anticipated shipping dates below.

• Orders placed before 10:00 AM central time on 4/12/13 will begin shipping during the week of 5/6/13.
• Orders placed after 10:00 AM central time on 4/12/13 and before noon on 4/23/13 will ship during the week of 5/13/13.
• Orders placed after noon central time on 4/23/13 and before noon Central time on 5/7/13 will ship during the week of 5/20/13.
• Orders placed after noon central time on 5/7/13 and before noon central time on 5/13/13 will ship during the week of 5/27/13.
• Orders placed after noon central time on 5/13/13 will ship during the week of 6/3/13.

Simple. Smart. Subscription Free.

“Stratus is not only a terrific product, but it’s one for which I’d give a very strong ‘buy’ recommendation to our readers.” –Flying Magazine

You want in-flight weather for your iPad, but you don’t want a cockpit full of wires and an expensive monthly subscription. That’s why the team of pilots at Sporty’s, ForeFlight, and Appareo collaborated to design Stratus, a portable receiver that wirelessly streams NEXRAD radar, text weather, TFRs and GPS position to ForeFlight – all without a monthly subscription. Simply place Stratus on your glare shield, connect via WiFi and go flying. There are no wires, no subscriptions and no hassles.

Stratus is a 2012 Flying Magazine Editor’s Choice Award Winner! See what they had to say here.

Pilot-friendly features:

• Subscription-free weather in the cockpit – NEXRAD radar, METARs, TAFs, PIREPs, TFRs, and more are continuously updated via ADS-B. The money you save on monthly subscriptions could pay for Stratus in less than a year.
• Built-in WAAS GPS – turns ForeFlight Mobile into a moving map navigator, including sectional and IFR en route charts, even optional geo-referenced approach plates.
• 978 MHz Traffic – Stratus now delivers traffic info to ForeFlight Mobile for increased situational awareness.
• Totally portable design — with an internal GPS, ADS-B antenna and 8-hour battery, there are zero wires, and the non-slip case can be placed out of the way.
• Seamless integration with ForeFlight Mobile – designed from the ground up to work with aviation’s most popular app, Stratus simply works the right way. ForeFlight shows complete status information right in the app.
• Incredibly easy to use – with just one button and virtually no setup, you can take Stratus on every flight. It’s perfect for renters, flying clubs and corporate flight departments.

WiFi connection allows multiple iPads to connect to Stratus. ADS-B coverage varies by location and altitude; click here for coverage map. Coverage not available outside US.

AHRS data provided by Stratus should be used for supplemental purposes only. Stratus is not certified for IFR operations.

Comes with charging cable and 110V wall plug. Optional remote ADS-B antenna also available. Measures 4.25”w x 5.75”d x 1”h. Weighs 8 oz. Made in USA.

The current Stratus firmware version is 2.3.

Requires ForeFlight Mobile app. Works with all iPads, but iPad 2 or 3 is recommended for best performance.

Download the Stratus info sheet.

General FAQs

Weather FAQs

Traffic FAQs

Battery FAQs

Stratus Horizon (AHRS) App FAQs

General Information FAQs

How does the second generation Stratus compare to the first generation?

Both the first and second generation Stratus are capable ADS-B weather receivers. The second generation Stratus adds a second (1090 MHz) radio for receiving more air-to-air traffic, adds an AHRS to support additional app displays and gives the pilot the ability to remote the GPS antenna to provide for additional mounting options.

When will I receive my Stratus unit?

Stratus second generation is now available for pre-order. Orders placed before 10:00AM Central time on 4/12/13 will ship the week of 4/29. Due to fantastic initial response, our initial Stratus production run has been exhausted. As a result, orders placed after 10:00AM Central time on 4/12/13 will ship the week of 5/15.

Does Appareo have a trade-in policy for the first generation Stratus?

No, Appareo is not offering a trade-in policy for first generation Stratus. Please note, though,  that a soon-to-be released, free firmware update will upgrade the first-generation Stratus to include the ability to display 978 traffic on ForeFlight Mobile. This upgrade will be bundled with the next release of ForeFlight Mobile.  Appareo remains committed and will continue to support the first generation Stratus.

What are the dimensions of the second generation Stratus?

Stratus measures 2.6 inches wide,  6 inches deep, and 1.25 high and weighs 9.7 oz.

What apps does Stratus work with?

Stratus works exclusively with ForeFlight Mobile and Stratus Horizon.

How does Stratus communicate with my iOS device?

Stratus connects to your iOS device via a WiFi network.

Which iPads are compatible with Stratus?

The second generation Stratus will work with the iPad 2, third generation iPad, and the iPad mini. Due to app compatibility issues, the second generation Stratus will not work with the first generation iPad.

Which iPhones are compatible with Stratus?

We strongly recommend an iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5 or the third or fourth generation iPod touch.

Can more than one iOS device connect to Stratus?

Yes. In fact, every iOS device running ForeFlight Mobile and/or the Stratus Horizon app  in the cockpit can simultaneously be connected to Stratus and see the same weather unfold.

Does Stratus provide GPS location information?

Yes, Stratus includes a GPS/WAAS receiver and will provide GPS information to ForeFlight Mobile. Since Stratus is battery operated and can operate for up to 8 hours, Stratus will keep a constant GPS signal and make that available to ForeFlight Mobile.

I just received my Stratus and am able to successfully connect my iPad to its wireless network. Why am I able unable to connect Stratus to ForeFlight Mobile?

Versions of ForeFlight Mobile earlier than 5.1 are not compatible with the second generation Stratus. Update ForeFlight Mobile via the App Store on your iOS device and reattempt to connect your Stratus to ForeFlight Mobile.

What type of ADS-B signal is represented by the ADS-B LED of Stratus?

The ADS-B LED will light up when signal has been received in the past three seconds from an ADS-B tower. The ADS-B LED is not activated by air-to-air ADS-B traffic.

Where should I place Stratus in my aircraft?

A snap-in mount is included with Stratus.  A suction cup mount is also available for purchase from your Stratus retailer.

If using the snap-in mount to place Stratus in your aircraft, the mount should be placed on the glareshield as close as practical to the pilot and copilot seats to help prevent overheating as it will be easier for Stratus to draw the cool air from the cabin through its fan. The LEDs and Stratus logo should face the back of the aircraft. If Stratus is facing the wrong direction, AHRS data will be incorrect and the chance of overheating will be significantly increased as the fan draws cool air from the front of the device and vents the air through the back.

Stratus contains both internal ADS-B and GPS antennas, allowing for no wire operation.  External ADS-B and GPS antennas may be purchased from your retailer; however, allowing for Stratus to be placed in areas of the aircraft that may have poor ADS-B and/or GPS reception.

If you are using Stratus with the Stratus Horizon AHRS app, mount Stratus so that it is perpendicular to the back of the aircraft and parallel to the aircraft’s centerline (the roll axis), as shown in the figure below.  If using the suction cup mount, Stratus may still be placed parallel to the window as long as the device is facing the right direction (Stratus logo and LEDs facing the back of the aircraft) and parallel to the aircraft’s centerline.

Do I need an external ADS-B antenna?

Most pilots will not require an external ADS-B antenna and can thus operate completely wire-free. Stratus includes a specially tuned, high-performance internal antenna that will get good reception in many aircraft. Some aircraft; however, may require an external antenna due to signal attenuation caused by the aircraft. If you find you need an external antenna, you may purchase from the Appareo’s Stratus accessory page.

Do I need an external GPS antenna?

The external GPS antenna is an optional accessory for your second generation Stratus. Stratus contains an internal GPS antenna that will be sufficient for many pilots. The external GPS antenna; however, provides any more options for placing Stratus in your aircraft and resolves reception issues caused by heated windshields. You may purchase an external GPS antenna.

Does Stratus provide GPS location information?

Yes. Stratus includes a GPS/WAAS receiver and will provide GPS information to ForeFlight Mobile. Since Stratus is battery operated and can operate for up to 8 hours, Stratus will keep a constant GPS signal and make that available to ForeFlight Mobile.

Does Stratus provide GPS information for applications other than ForeFlight Mobile and Stratus Horizon?

No, Stratus can only provide GPS signals to these apps.

Does Stratus work outside of the United States?

No, Stratus does not work in any country other than the United States. Stratus receives its data from ground-based ADS-B towers broadcasting on UAT (978). This service is not available outside of the United States.

I just received my Stratus and am able to successfully connect my iPad to its wireless network. Why am I able unable to connect Stratus to ForeFlight Mobile?

Versions earlier than 5.1 of ForeFlight Mobile do not support the second generation Stratus. If your iPad is running an older version of ForeFlight Mobile, update the app and try again to connect to Stratus.

Can I dim the Stratus LEDs for flying at night?

Yes, you may dim or brighten the LEDs using the LED Brightness slider on the Stratus status page within the ForeFlight Mobile app.

How do I register my Stratus?

When you purchase Stratus from Appareo or Sporty’s, the unit will automatically be registered. No further action is required to register your unit.

How will my Stratus receive firmware updates?

Stratus firmware updates will be available within ForeFlight Mobile. Updates to ForeFlight Mobile will be available via the App Store.

I looked on your coverage map and noticed that ADS-B is not available in all of the areas I fly. Do you know when it will be available in specific areas of the country?

The FAA expects to have full coverage in the United States by early 2014. Information regarding the location of future ADS-B stations is not shared with Appareo, however.

Does Stratus work in helicopters?

Yes, Stratus would be usable in a helicopter, provided there adequate ADS-B coverage in the area you are flying to mitigate potential signal blockage due to flying at low altitudes.

Weather FAQs

What weather products are available?

Stratus receives and transmits to ForeFlight Mobile CONUS NEXRAD, regional high-resolution NEXRAD, METARs, TAFs, TFRs, AIRMETs, SIGMETs, NOTAMs, pilot reports, and winds/temperature aloft. Each product is nicely integrated with ForeFlight Mobile’s Airports and Maps features.

Does Stratus replace XM Weather?

No, the products provided by Stratus and the ADS-B network differ. XM Weather offers a wider array of products and more coverage. Many pilots will find adequate ADS-B coverage within the areas they fly most frequently. Refer to the Stratus Coverage Map to determine if there is coverage for your region.

Are there any subscription fees associated with ADS-B weather?

No; however, Stratus does require a current ForeFlight Mobile subscription. ForeFlight Mobile Pro subscribers will enjoy improved position accuracy when using Stratus as a GPS source.

Traffic FAQs

Can I get traffic information from Stratus?

Yes, the first generation Stratus receives traffic on the 978 MHz (UAT) frequency and the second generation receives it on both the 978 MHz and 1090 MHz (ES) frequencies.

The traffic you see on ForeFlight Mobile is only ADS-B traffic. ADS-B traffic only includes the air-to-air traffic received directly from another aircraft and traffic rebroadcast to your aircraft from an ADS-B ground tower.  Air-to-air traffic reports are only reported from ADS-B Out equipped aircraft; few aircraft are currently ADS-B Out equipped. You will only receive ADS-B traffic from a ground tower if two things are true: 1) your aircraft, or another one nearby you, is ADS-B equipped, and 2) you are in communication with an ADS-B ground tower.

Remember, ADS-B traffic, even at its best, is not a complete picture of nearby traffic and is not a substitute for looking out the window when fulfilling your responsibility to see and avoid.

Battery FAQs

Is Stratus battery powered?

Yes, Stratus includes a battery that will provide continuous power for up to 8 hours, which contributes to making Stratus operation wire-free for most pilots. You can charge Stratus using the include wall charger or using an accessory like one of the several commercially available 12V DC power adapters.

Which part of the second generation Stratus’s USB port do I plug the battery charger into?

The USB port of Stratus contains two parts. Insert the charging cable into the larger, left part of the port, which is marked with the battery symbol. The smaller, right part of the port is not used right now and allows for future functionality of Stratus.

How long will it take to fully charge the battery of my Stratus?

If the second generation Stratus’ battery is fully depleted it will take about 5.5 hours to recharge to 100%.

May I charge Stratus from a laptop?

No, laptops generally only supply up to 0.5 Amps of power per the USB 2.0 standard. Stratus, like an iPad,  requires a 2.1 Amp power source for it to properly charge.

May I use a USB cable other than that one that was included with Stratus to charge the device?

No, the included 3 foot USB cable is designed to enable optimal charging speed. Many other 3 foot USB cables will not be able to deliver as much power resulting in longer charge time. Similarly, a longer cable is not able to supply as much power as a shorter one and will also result in longer charge times.

Will Stratus’s battery charge if it is both plugged-in and operating in an aircraft?

Yes, Stratus will still charge its battery when running but only if it is plugged into a high-capacity 2.1 Amp charging source and only if the battery temperature is between 0 and 35 C.  If it is plugged in but the battery is too hot or too cold then Stratus may continue to operate but the battery will no longer charge to protect it from damage.

Does Stratus have any features that prevent the battery from being damaged by extreme temperatures?

Yes, Stratus will turn itself off if the battery temperature reaches -20 C (- 4 F) or + 65 C (+ 149 F). It is designed to+ be operated between 0 C and 35 C.

Does Stratus’s battery have a finite life?

Yes, Stratus contains a Lithium-ion battery. If stored and operated in its published temperate range its battery should last a long time and be capable of being fully discharged about 300 times before requiring service.

Can I damage Stratus’s battery if I store or operate it outside of its rated ranges?

Yes, operating and storing a lithium-ion battery when it is too hot will cause permanent damage and void Stratus’s warranty. A fully charged lithium-ion battery stored at 60 C for three months can permanently lose as much as 40% of its capacity. Do not to leave Stratus in a hot aircraft or automobile when it’s not in use.

Stratus Horizon App (AHRS) FAQs

What is Stratus Horizon?

Stratus Horizon is an app that works in conjunction with Stratus. Stratus Horizon shows the real-time AHRS (attitude, heading, and reference system) data of your aircraft, as measured by your Stratus device.

When will the Stratus horizon app be available?

Stratus Horizon will be available shortly. The anticipated release date will coincide with the initial shipping date of the second generation Stratus – near the end of April, 2013.

Where do I get the Stratus Horizon app?

Stratus Horizon may be downloaded for free from App Store. Type “Stratus Horizon” in the App Store search field to download. Stratus Horizon works on the same iOS devices as ForeFlight Mobile.

How does Stratus Horizon get its AHRS data?

Stratus Horizon derives ground speed, tracking, altitude, and vertical speed from the GPS signal it receives from Stratus. The aircraft’s attitude (roll and pitch)  is derived from Stratus’s accelerometers and gyroscopes.

Weather FAQs

Traffic FAQs

Battery FAQs

General Information

What apps does Stratus work with?

Stratus works exclusively with ForeFlight Mobile.

How does Stratus communicate with my iOS device?

Stratus connects to your iOS device via a WiFi network.

Which iPads are compatible with Stratus?

Due to the amount of data processing required to display ADS-B weather, we strongly recommend using an iPad 2 or a third-generation iPad  with Stratus. Stratus is also compatible with the iPad mini.

Which iPhones are compatible with Stratus?
We strongly recommend an iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5 or the third or fourth generation iPod touch.

Can more than one iOS device connect to Stratus?

Yes. In fact, every iOS device running ForeFlight Mobile in the cockpit can simultaneously be connected to Stratus and see the same weather unfold.

Do I need an external ADS-B antenna?

Most pilots will not require an external ADS-B antenna and can thus operate completely wire-free. Stratus includes a specially tuned, high-performance internal antenna that will get good reception in many aircraft. Some aircraft; however, may require an external antenna due to signal attenuation caused by the aircraft. If you find you need an external ADS-B antenna, you may purchase one from the Stratus accessory page. Please note that external GPS antennas are compatible with second generation Stratus only.

Does Stratus provide GPS location information?

Yes. Stratus includes a GPS/WAAS receiver and will provide GPS information to ForeFlight Mobile. Since Stratus is battery operated and can operate for up to 8 hours, Stratus will keep a constant GPS signal and make that available to ForeFlight Mobile.

Does Stratus provide GPS information for applications other than ForeFlight Mobile?

No, Stratus will not provide GPS information to other applications.

Does Stratus work outside of the United States?

No, Stratus does not work in any country other than the United States. Stratus receives its data from ground-based ADS-B towers broadcasting on UAT (978). This service is not available outside of the United States.

I just received my Stratus and am able to successfully connect my iPad to its wireless network. Why am I able unable to connect Stratus to ForeFlight Mobile?

Versions earlier than 4.5 of ForeFlight Mobile do not support the first generation Stratus. If your iPad is running an older version of ForeFlight Mobile, update the app and try again to connect to Stratus.

Can I dim the Stratus LEDs for flying at night?

Yes, you may dim or brighten the LEDs using the LED Brightness slider on the Stratus status page within the ForeFlight Mobile app.

How do I register my Stratus?

When you purchase Stratus from Appareo or Sporty’s, the unit will automatically be registered. No further action is required to register your unit.

How will my Stratus receive firmware updates?

Stratus firmware updates will be available within ForeFlight Mobile. Updates to ForeFlight Mobile will be available via the App Store.

I looked on your coverage map and noticed that ADS-B is not available in all of the areas I fly. Do you know when it will be available in specific areas of the country?

The FAA expects to have full coverage in the United States by early 2014. Information regarding the location of future ADS-B stations is not shared with Appareo, however.

Does Stratus work in helicopters?

Yes, Stratus would be usable in a helicopter, provided there adequate ADS-B coverage in the area you are flying to mitigate potential signal blockage due to flying at low altitudes.

Weather

What weather products are available?

Stratus receives and transmits to ForeFlight Mobile CONUS NEXRAD, regional high-resolution NEXRAD, METARs, TAFs, TFRs, AIRMETs, SIGMETs, NOTAMs, pilot reports, and winds/temperature aloft. Each product is nicely integrated with ForeFlight Mobile’s Airports and Maps features.

Does Stratus replace XM Weather?

No. The products provided by Stratus and the ADS-B network differ. XM Weather offers a wider array of products and more coverage. This table will help you compare and contrast ADS-B and XM and help you decide which in-flight product is right for you. Many pilots will find adequate ADS-B coverage within the areas they fly most frequently. Refer to the Stratus Coverage Map to determine if there is coverage for your region.

Are there any subscription fees associated with ADS-B weather?

No. However, Stratus does require a current ForeFlight Mobile subscription, which you can purchase here. ForeFlight Mobile Pro subscribers will enjoy improved position accuracy when using Stratus as a GPS source.

Traffic

Can I get traffic information from Stratus?

Yes, the first generation Stratus receives traffic on the 978 MHz (UAT) frequency.

The traffic you see on ForeFlight Mobile is only ADS-B traffic. ADS-B traffic only includes the air-to-air traffic received directly from another aircraft and traffic rebroadcast to your aircraft from an ADS-B ground tower.  Air-to-air traffic reports are only reported from ADS-B Out equipped aircraft; few aircraft are currently ADS-B Out equipped. You will only receive ADS-B traffic from a ground tower if two things are true: 1) your aircraft, or another one nearby you, is ADS-B equipped, and 2) you are in communication with an ADS-B ground tower.

Remember, ADS-B traffic, even at its best, is not a complete picture of nearby traffic and is not a substitute for looking out the window when fulfilling your responsibility to see and avoid.

Why is my Stratus not displaying traffic information?

Make sure that you are running ForeFlight Mobile version 5.1 or newer. Next, connect to your first generation Stratus and check on the Stratus Status page to ensure that the device is running firmware version 2.3 or higher. Firmware upgrades are done from the Stratus Status page by tapping on the firmware version. Finally, ensure the Traffic layer is turned on in ForeFlight.

Battery

Is Stratus battery powered?

Yes, Stratus includes a battery that will provide continuous power for up to 8 hours, which contributes to making Stratus operation wire-free for most pilots. You can charge Stratus using the included wall charger or using an accessory like one of the several commercially available 12V DC power adapters.

May I charge Stratus from a laptop?

No, laptops generally only supply up to 0.5 Amps of power per the USB 2.0 standard. Stratus, like an iPad,  requires a 2.1 Amp power source for it to properly charge.

May I use a USB cable other than that one that was included with Stratus to charge the device?

No, the included 3 foot USB cable is designed to enable optimal charging speed. Many other 3 foot USB cables will not be able to deliver as much power resulting in longer charge time. Similarly, a longer cable is not able to supply as much power as a shorter one and will also result in longer charge times.

Will Stratus’s battery charge if it is both plugged-in and operating in an aircraft?

Yes, Stratus will still charge its battery when running but only if it is plugged into a high-capacity 2.1 Amp charging source and only if the battery temperature is between 0 and 35 C.  If it is plugged in but the battery is too hot or too cold then Stratus may continue to operate but the battery will no longer charge to protect it from damage.

Does Stratus have any features that prevent the battery from being damaged by extreme temperatures?

Yes, Stratus will turn itself off if the battery temperature reaches -20 C (- 4 F) or + 65 C (+ 149 F). It is designed to+ be operated between 0 C and 35 C.

Does Stratus’s battery have a finite life?

Yes, Stratus contains a Lithium-ion battery. If stored and operated in its published temperate range its battery should last a long time and be capable of being fully discharged about 300 times before requiring service.

Can I damage Stratus’s battery if I store or operate it outside of its rated ranges?

Yes, operating and storing a lithium-ion battery when it is too hot will cause permanent damage and void Stratus’s warranty. A fully charged lithium-ion battery stored at 60 C for three months can permanently lose as much as 40% of its capacity. Do not to leave Stratus in a hot aircraft or automobile when it’s not in use.

Appareo's terrain database in use by ForeFlight Mobile.

As part of the ongoing development of its award-winning Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) system called ALERTS, Appareo has developed a worldwide terrain database of remarkable quality and fidelity. This three arc-second database is not only of higher resolution than the data used in most Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems (TAWS), it has also benefitted from Appareo’s proprietary algorithms that address the ‘voids’ found in most commercially available data sets.

Appareo started with terrain data produced by NASA during its Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) endeavors in the early 2000s. Building upon that data, the company invested several man-years of effort in identifying and rectifying voids, whereas other providers have simply consumed and passed on that incomplete information to their customers. The voids, which include critical terrain features such as mountain peaks, exist for a variety of technical reasons, but need to be corrected in order to have truly actionable data. Here are some before and after screenshots of the terrain database.

The images on the left show examples of unmodified terrain. The images on the right show the same terrain after Appareo’s void-filling algorithms have been applied.

Each area in the pictures above is a 1 degree by 1 degree square with 1200 data points. That is, the size of the voids is massive. Highlighting the magnitude of the voids is important. If the terrain database you fly with is not void filled, you are not getting the whole picture.

In addition to our use of the data in ALERTS, the “void filled” terrain database has also found a home in the very popular ForeFlight Mobile iPad application for pilots.

The above images show Appareo’s terrain data being utilized by ForeFlight Mobile.

For more information on Appareo’s terrain database solution, or to discuss licensing it for your product, please email sales@appareo.com

Shuttle Radar Topography Mission data courtesy NASA/JPL-Caltech

GAMA represents over 80 of the world’s leading manufacturers of fixed-wing general aviation airplanes, engines, avionics, and components. In addition to building nearly all of the general aviation airplanes flying worldwide today, GAMA member companies also operate fleets of airplanes, fixed-based operations, pilot / technician training centers, and maintenance facilities worldwide.

Headquartered in Washington, DC, with an additional office in Brussels, Belgium, GAMA represents the interests of its members to government agencies throughout the world. These interests include legislation, safety regulations and standards, market access, development of aviation infrastructure, and aviation security.

GAMA also engages with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) process on behalf of its members and works with national and international industry groups to promote the interests of general aviation worldwide.

Through its public information and education programs, GAMA promotes better understanding of general aviation and the important role it plays in economic growth and in serving the transportation needs of communities, companies and individuals worldwide.

AEA membership also includes instruments facilities, manufacturers of avionics equipment, instrument manufacturers, airframe manufacturers, test equipment manufacturers, major distributors, and educational institutions.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Aircraft Electronics Association is to be a worldwide, self-sustaining organization committed to enhancing the profitability of its members by…

• providing effective leadership to its members,
• facilitating the communications between members and with their various constituent groups,
• encouraging members to establish quality processes,
• furthering the education of its members and their various constituent groups,
• influencing the applicable legislative and regulatory processes.

www.aea.net

FARGO, ND ––

ALERTS – Aircraft Logging and Event Recording for Training and Safety ­– is Appareo’s turnkey Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) and Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA) solution designed for light and legacy aircraft. ALERTS includes flight data capture hardware and a full suite of software analysis tools making a comprehensive FDM program possible for any aircraft operator.

The Web Analyzer component of ALERTS has received the majority of the upgrades and improvements, which will allow safety analysts to further refine their customized event triggers and more quickly and efficiently sort and report on the large volumes of data generated by their busy operations.

Apareo’s Flight Analysis and Transfer Utility software have also been updated, giving operators additional insight for the visual analysis of their flights and increased visibility into the status of data transfer.

Many of the ALERTS enhancements were directly influenced by customer comments and requests gathered at Appareo’s annual ALERTS Customer Conference held each spring at Heli-Expo. This direct input is critical to Appareo’s ALERTS strategy.

“We greatly value our ALERTS customers and the meaningful feedback they provide to us,” said Tony Grindberg, Appareo’s Aviation Business Unit Manager. “We feel that our commitment to continuing the advancement of the ALERTS system is key to honoring that relationship and ensuring that we provide the best lightweight FDM system on the market.”

About Appareo Systems, LLC

Appareo Systems is a recognized leader in the custom development and manufacture of innovative, high-tech aviation and agricultural solutions. Appareo Systems is based in Fargo, ND.

For more information contact:

John Pedersen
Marketing Communications Lead
(701) 356-2200 Ext. 297
jpedersen@appareo.com

FARGO, ND (11/1/12) — Appareo Systems, LLC is pleased to announce that Tony Grindberg has joined their Business Development team as Aviation Business Unit Manager. His responsibilities will include managing and growing the aviation side of Appareo’s business.

Grindberg has more than 20 years of business development and aviation experience. Most recently he launched the NDSU Research & Technology Park, Inc. as a start-up entity. During his tenure at the research park, he led private investment totaling over $70 million dollars which created a technology environment producing nearly 900 jobs.

Grindberg is the recipient of the 1994 Guardian of Small Business award and the 2007 North Dakota State Chamber Business Partnership award. He is an elected member of the North Dakota State Senate and has served as a board member on numerous community and national organizations including the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce.

“We’re very pleased that Tony has joined our team,” said Appareo chairman and CEO Barry Batcheller. “His business development experience and strategic vision will be a considerable asset to us as we move forward in our aerospace endeavors.”

Grindberg is a native of Mapleton, ND and holds business and aviation degrees from Minnesota State University Moorhead and the North Dakota State College of Science. Grindberg has also earned certificates from the University of Oklahoma and the Eliot School of International Affairs at George Washington University and has held his private pilot’s license for more than 20 years.

About Appareo Systems, LLC

Appareo Systems is a recognized leader in the custom development and manufacture of innovative, high-tech aviation and agricultural solutions. Appareo Systems is based in Fargo, ND.

For more information contact:

John Pedersen
Marketing Communications Lead
(701) 356-2200 Ext. 297
jpedersen@appareo.com

Simple. Smart. Subscription Free.

“Stratus is not only a terrific product, but it’s one for which I’d give a very strong ‘buy’ recommendation to our readers.” –Flying Magazine

You want in-flight weather for your iPad, but you don’t want a cockpit full of wires and an expensive monthly subscription. That’s why the team of pilots at Sporty’s, ForeFlight, and Appareo collaborated to design Stratus, a portable receiver that wirelessly streams NEXRAD radar, text weather, TFRs and GPS position to ForeFlight – all without a monthly subscription. Simply place Stratus on your glare shield, connect via WiFi and go flying. There are no wires, no subscriptions and no hassles.

Pilot-friendly features:

• Subscription-free weather in the cockpit–NEXRAD radar, METARs, TAFs, PIREPs, TFRs, and more are continuously updated via ADS-B. The money you save on monthly subscriptions could pay for Stratus in less than a year.
• Built-in WAAS GPS–turns ForeFlight into a moving map navigator, including sectional and IFR en route charts, even optional geo-referenced approach plates.
• Totally portable design—with an internal GPS, ADS-B antenna and 8-hour battery, there are zero wires, and the non-slip case can be placed out of the way.
• Seamless integration with ForeFlight Mobile–designed from the ground up to work with aviation’s most popular app, Stratus simply works the right way. ForeFlight shows complete status information right in the app.
• Incredibly easy to use–with just one button and virtually no setup, you can take Stratus on every flight. It’s perfect for renters, flying clubs and corporate flight departments.

WiFi connection allows multiple iPads to connect to Stratus. ADS-B coverage varies by location and altitude; click here for coverage map. Coverage not available outside US.

Comes with charging cable and 110V wall plug. Optional remote ADS-B antenna also available. Measures 4.25”w x 5.75”d x 1”h. Weighs 8 oz. Made in USA.

The current Stratus firmware version is 2.2.

Requires ForeFlight Mobile app. Works with all iPads, but iPad 2 or 3 is recommended for best performance. Works with iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5 and the third and fourth generation iPod touch.

Download the Stratus info sheet.