Mango Aviation Partners Ltd, (MAP) has chosen AD Aerospace’s CabinVu-123 Cockpit Door Monitoring System for Sama, the new low fares airline for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to provide security on their fleet of B737 aircraft and is the launch customer for this system. The system helps security by providing the pilots with a clear and unrestricted view of the area outside the cockpit door and in the surrounding galley areas thus increasing their situational awareness.
AD Aerospace of Manchester, UK and Aircraft Engineering & Installation Services Inc. (AEI) of Orlando, Florida, USA are providing the video security system and installation design respectively. The system has various improvements including a reduction in the number of LRU’s (line replaceable units) producing a lower weight and lower cost also aided the relocation of various units to ease installation and maintenance.
"Passenger safety and that of our crew is a top priority for Sama and something that we take extremely seriously" said Frank Meijer, Head of Aircraft Procurement for MAP, and Chief Engineer, Sama. "The CabinVu-123 cockpit door monitoring system helps our pilots by increasing their security and that of the entire aircraft along with the other safety and security procedures we have in place."
Having a clear view of the area outside the cockpit means that the pilots can visually identify anyone requesting entry and take appropriate action should an incident arise. This is in line with recommendations from ICAO Annex 13.2.3b.
"AD Aerospace is extremely proud to have been selected by a new and exciting airline such as Sama to provide Cockpit Door Monitoring for its B737 fleet," said Mike Horne, Managing Director, AD Aerospace. "We are sure that the CabinVu-123 system will be beneficial to Sama’s pilots and aid them in providing high levels of safety and security for their passengers and crew."
Security measures are being progressively improved and increased throughout the airline industry in recognition of the potential risks arising from terrorism and air rage. Although intrusion resistant cockpit doors have made pilots and the airlines safer, it has also isolated pilots leaving them unaware of what is happening in the cabin. This is where Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) comes into use.
The FlightVu CDMS consists of two or three CCTV cameras linked to a LCD monitor or monitors strategically mounted in the cockpit pedestal. The system provides the flight deck crew with clear, forward viewing, real-time video of the area outside the cockpit door. The CCTV cameras are flush mounted, in low-profile color coordinated housings, to the aircraft interior outside the secure cabin door and in the galley area. Infra Red Illuminators are integrated within the camera housing to allow the area to be viewed even with the cabin lights extinguished and to counteract back lighting effects.
FlightVu cockpit door monitoring systems have been or are being installed on aircraft for, Air Asia, Air Seychelles, bmi, Britannia, BWIA, Corsair, easyJet, FlyJet, Germania, Hapag Lloyd, Britannia Nordic and MyTravel amongst others.
