Internet of Things and Aviation

By Eric Morris | Published: December 28, 2017

The Internet of Things (IoT) is around us right now. It’s defined as the interconnection of all devices to the internet and to each other. Smart TVs, smart refrigerators, and smart air conditioning are all part of the internetworking. What could this have to do with aviation? Aircraft dispatchers know that the aviation industry is always updating.

The Internet of Things will change the way that aircraft dispatchers, engineers, and even passengers interact with the aircraft.

Here are five examples of the Internet of Things as they relate to aviation:

  1. Wi-Fi on airplanes is the most basic step towards a “smart” plane. Wi-Fi on planes is now more common than ever, and in most cases, it’s free. Aircraft dispatchers remember when electronic devices had to be shut off incase of the risk that they would interfere with communication between the aircraft dispatcher and the captain. Gone are the days where captains had to ask that all electronic devices be shut off.

 

  1. Flight status updates. Though the ability to track flight status through text message is no longer a new concept, it is forever changing and getting far more advanced. Airports are becoming location-based service providers based on the Wi-Fi setting of passengers. Passenger flow and behavior is being studied at London City Airport, Miami International, and Helsinki Airport right now.

 

  1. Improved aircraft maintenance and overall safety. The way airlines conduct their daily business is beginning to change behind the scenes. Everyone from aircraft dispatchers to aircraft engineers will be relaying on an interconnected communication between departments and the aircraft themselves.

 

  1. Virtual reality is coming in hot. Recently, Qantas began working with Sony to introduce VR headsets as part of the entertainment package on their aircraft.

 

  1. Smart planes will diagnose themselves. Software companies, like Microsoft, are creating hardware and software that will allow planes to diagnose themselves already. A connection between aircraft dispatchers and the planes themselves will mean more efficient flight plans and repairs.

These innovations are already on their way!

This entry was posted in Becoming an Aircraft Dispatcher. Bookmark the permalink.

  • Contact Us

    • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

  • Testimonials

    “As a graduate of the aircraft dispatcher program at the Sheffield School of Aeronautics…My training was intense and thorough and furnished me with the requisite skills for performing my current job as a Flight Dispatch Supervisor.” N.S. Sidebar NS
    “If you want to be the best, first you need to be trained by the best!” P. Hill P.Hill – DHL
    “I entered my profession, with more knowledge and information than dispatchers who have been practicing their craft for more than ten years. Not only has Sheffield provided a top notch education, but they have also instilled in me the confidence to succeed.” A.Z. Sidebar AZ
    Good afternoon Eric, I wanted to reach out to let you know that training at (airline) is in full swing and I couldn’t be happier that I chose Sheffield. My classmates, while very smart, definitely had subpar training and that has been very evident. I have waited to write a full scale review of the […] Attending Sheffield School benefits airline new hires in preparation for airline training
    “Eric Morris is one of the most if not the most knowledgeable and experienced authorities on Aircraft Dispatching in the United States. He strives constantly to make the industry better.” DH sidebar DH
    “After receiving my certificate, I joined a class of 4 experienced dispatchers for Part 121 initial training. Without experience, my preparation at Sheffield enabled me to become active at the same time after the initial training.” PR PR
    “I am a month into my new job at a airline coming out of reorganization, and am helping the training department by referencing the excellent and up to date course book provided to all Sheffield grads.” RW RW
    “I wanted to tell you I got the job offer from Expressjet, and start next month! I think a couple others from class were hired as well. It just shows the Sheffield reputation when I see graduates from other schools complaining that they can’t get an interview – I wasn’t even back home to Minneapolis […] Dan Gustafson
    “My experience at Sheffield and my exposure to other aircraft dispatchers that did not go to Sheffield has resulted in an awareness of the superior depth and quality of the training provided by the Sheffield instructors.” CD Sidebar CD
    “I am so glad they are like this because it made me a better dispatcher and I really appreciate their high standards. I would highly recommend Sheffield to anyone who is willing to study hard and is serious about obtaining a Dispatcher Certificate.” MC MC
    “Going to Sheffield prepared me for the real world challenges of Aircraft Dispatching. I certainly believe that the method Sheffield used is one not only for success in a real world career, but also one that prepares students to correctly dispatch aircraft.” T.Z. Sidebar TZ
    “I am a graduate of the Sheffield’s Dispatcher Program. I have been a Captain-Part 121 Airline, Certified Flight/Grnd Instructor, and FAA Designated Check Airman and Sim Instructor (Part 121). From my experience I would rate Sheffield School as outstanding in their field.” PT PT
    “Their reputation of excellence amongst the industry is second to none. Sheffield School of Aeronautics should be seen as the standard of how it can be done and how it should be done. I was hired at a major airline with no dispatch experience.” A.Z. Sidebar AZ
    “While touring my company’s dispatch department before I had my license our OCC manager pointed out that 7 of the 10 dispatchers on shift had come from Sheffield. The overall consensus was that Sheffield grads were able to hit the ground running as they were better prepared.” K.O. Sidebar K.O.
    “Sheffield School of Aeronautics is a highly recognized and respected organization throughout the airline industry. They only produce the highest quality of graduate…” P.W. Sidebar PW
  • See More Testimonials »

  • Online Catalog

    Sheffield Flight Dispatch Training Catalog

  • View Our Online Catalog »

  • Connect