No, the SkyPath service is a software only solution, which runs on the pilot iPads and uses the native Apple iPad sensors, connectivity and GPS reception to function. It can be deployed as a native app (downloaded to the iPad) or as an integrated layer in an EFB/ EFF app.
SkyPath can operate without a connection during the flight, by downloading the turbulence and PIREP information on the ground and before the departure. Skypath records all information gathered during flight and uploads it after landing to its servers.However, for the most accurate results, a connection will provide real-time turbulence reports, up to the minute.
SkyPath is SOC2 type 2 compliant and does not hold any personal information. The data is both anonymized and hashed and is only used to create the real-time turbulence and PIREPs map layer.
We are using sophisticated algorithms to filter noise and provide the most accurate turbulence reports at all times. The system knows how to distinguish between turbulence signals and pilot tapping or aircraft noise. In addition, the SkyPath system senses when the iPad is mounted safely in the cradle, so when the pilots pick up the iPad from it for a couple of minutes, the system pauses to record and automatically starts again when the iPad is mounted back in the cradle.
Yes, since different aircraft sizes experience turbulence in the air in different severity scales, the SkyPath system is normalizing the reports by aircraft type, and presents the information already normalized and calculated to the pilots and the dispatch teams intuitively so they do not need to think about that or make any adjustments.