NFC reader for automatic start detection

The NFC reader we developed offers the possibility of completely automating the registration of launches at Vereinsflieger.de. Not only are the takeoff and landing times as well as the takeoff and landing locations recorded, as before, but also the name of the pilot, the aircraft’s license plate number and the seating position in the two-seater.

The pilot logs in with an NFC tag before take-off. If another pilot then wants to fly the plane, he logs in and the last pilot is replaced by the current one. With the help of pressure sensors from AMSYS, the dynamic pressure is recorded and the device can recognize when the aircraft has taken off. The license plate, seat position and NFC ID are sent to the server via GPRS either directly after the scan or after the start is recognized. If the transmission via GPRS is not successful, the same information will be sent to the server via SMS. The server can assign the pilot’s name to the NFC ID and first enters the information into a local database. The takeoff and landing time, as well as the takeoff and landing location, are recorded from the OGN and also entered into the database. The entries are transferred from the server to the Vereinsflieger.de start list.

Installing the device is very easy. In addition to the 12V power supply, it is necessary to connect the static pressure and dynamic pressure. In addition, a device, e.g. the radio, can be connected to the NFC reader so that it cannot be switched on until the NFC tag has been recognized. This ensures that the pilots also use the system, which is particularly useful for club use. The small circuit board required to read the NFC tag can be hidden somewhere in the cockpit. If the installation location is marked with the typical NFC symbol, operation is child’s play.

If the NFC tag is recognized correctly, the pilot is informed by an acoustic signal. If an additional optical signal is required, an LED can be connected.

The settings and the import of updates are carried out conveniently via WLAN.

Advantages over other systems:

  • no ongoing subscription costs, only hardware costs
  • Extremely low operating costs, depending on the telephone provider
  • Reliable relief for the flight controller

The system will be tested in the coming season and then offered here in our shop.