Putting Safety First in the Sky

About this technology

Overview

The Personal Cabin Pressure Altitude Monitor and Warning System is a hand-held, personal safety device to warn pilots of potentially dangerous or deteriorating cabin pressure altitude conditions before hypoxia becomes a threat. The device benefits both pressurized and non-pressurized aircraft operations. Kennedy awarded a patent license to Kelly Manufacturing Company to commercialize the system as the PCM 1000. It is a potentially life-saving device with simultaneous audio, vibratory, and visual warnings that alert the user to possible hypoxia-causing conditions. In addition, a lighted digital display provides a text message of the warning and the condition causing the alarm. The Altitude Alert Function allows the user to program in a target altitude and a tolerance window to fit the flight situation. Applications beyond the aviation and aerospace industries include scuba diving, skydiving, mountain climbing, meteorology, altitude chambers, and underwater habitats.