Icarus Instruments has introduced VAS, Voice Alert System, which warns pilots of a slow loss of cabin pressurization. VAS provides redundancy by verbally annunciating the need for supplemental oxygen through the pilot’s headset.
The pilot sets the alert threshold to any altitude between 7,000 and 15,000 feet, normally slightly above the normal maximum cabin altitude. Should the cabin reach this altitude, a “Don Oxygen Mask” message is heard well before hypoxia can impair the pilot.
VAS has an internal, solid state pressure sensor, which continuously measures the cabin altitude. Pressing a button on VAS annunciates the current cabin altitude as a backup to the panel ECS instruments.
VAS installs in-line with any active noise reduction headset using the standard six-pin plug. To ensure reliable ATC communication, VAS internally connects the headset directly to the audio panel, bypassing all of its active electronics until a VAS message is needed. Powered from the aircraft, VAS does not use batteries.
An optional installation kit allows the Master Warning and Master Caution lights to be connected to VAS. Should either of these lights illuminate, a “Check Master Warning” or “Check Master Caution” alert will be heard.
Icarus Instruments has been providing altitude warning products for 28 years. Its new VAS is the first device to provide voice alerts for pressurization failures.
The VAS device is priced at $395 and the optional install kit for the Master Warning/Caution lights is $49. VAS is available through the company’s website.
For more information or to purchase, visit www.donmask.com.
Leave a Reply