Techbytes Aug11

Social ‘Check-in’ at DFW

DFW International Airport launches a new program integrating the ‘Foursquare’ and ‘Facebook Places’ location-based mobile applications with the airport’s concessions offerings.  Customers who check-in via social networking at any of DFW’s five passenger terminals will have access to concessions deals and discounts. The program is one of the first of its kind in the airport industry. A recent DFW survey shows that 84 percent of a airport passengers use smartphones, and 36% of smartphone users are utilizing location-based social networking apps to ‘check-in’ at certain locations; www.dfwairport.com.

Flight Planning App

Aviation headset manufacturer Sennheiser announces it has partnered with iFlightPlanner.com to develop a flight planning application specifically designed for use on the Apple iPad and iPad 2. iFlightPlanner for iPad enables pilots to seamlessly download flights planned using the iFlightPlanner.com Flight Wizard into an iPad for use in the cockpit. This approach provides pilots the ability to plan flights from their home desktop, laptop, or any web browser and download flight information into an iPad. Once downloaded, pilots may view flight details, including navigation logs, VFR and IFR charts, as well as approach plates while in flight and without a data connection. iFlightPlanner for iPad will also feature a gateway into news, information and other communications provided by Sennheiser; www.iflightplanner.com.

Web-enabled Rewards

National Air Transportation Association's (NATA) Safety 1st launches 18 new online safety and health training modules. The modules were developed using the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) standards and regulations and are specifically designed to train employees at aviation businesses. NATA's 18 modules include back safety, bloodborne pathogens, cold stress, ergonomics, fall protection, fire extinguishers, forklift safety, hazard communication, hearing conservation, heat stress, ladder safety, lockout tagout, machine guarding, office safety, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection. Companies can buy only those modules applicable to their job. Each module averages 30 to 45 minutes in length and all 18 modules can be completed in approximately 10 hours; http://nata.aero/plst/osha_curriculum.html.