Yes.  STAR was built with the pilot in mind. The data input follows a logical sequence that should be intuitive to any pilot or dispatcher. In the case of the weight & balance systems, the system dynamically calculates all loadings and C.G. locations as the users input their variables such as fuel weight, number of passengers, or cargo containers. This allows the user to see real-time whether the aircraft is within acceptable limits and to alter weight placement if necessary.

STAR requires minimal training of no more than two hours to understand the system.

Yes, the web system is compatable with all common web browsers.  Additionally, the "Star for iPad" app is available for Apple iPad tablets in the App Store.  A user account must be setup in order for the web service and iPad app to work.  Support for other tablet operating systems will be available in the future.

STAR runs on standard off-the-shelf PCs for flight operations personnel using common web browsers.  The tablet app "Star for iPad" runs on Apple iPads and is located in the App Store.  A user account must be setup in order for the web service and iPad app to work.

The "Star for iPad" app is downloaded from the App Store.  A user account must be setup in order for the web service and iPad app to work.

No. We rely on dedicated hardware providers and can refer accordingly.

STAR increases operational revenue by maximizing payload and provides data for quick turn around. It can increase time between overhauls (TBO), reduce fuel costs through more fuel-efficient center of gravity loading procedures in some aircrafts, shorten the time required to perform manual data input, and decrease the risk of increased penalties.

Exact calculations of runway analysis performance data gives maximum performance limits without conservative adjustments for atmospheric conditions and MEL/CDL items.

 

Computerized weight & balance combined with runway analysis performance ensures that all limits are in compliance. The computerized STAR system ensures accurate takeoff speeds and power settings to eliminate human error.

Any changes in passengers, cargo, fuel, or atmospheric conditions can be quickly entered, with calculations returned instantly so that crews have exact data. This feature eliminates both the potential rushing of manual calculations and the temptation to make assumptions that the numbers are approximated with sufficient accuracy.

Flight crews are removed from having to manually calculate performance data or corrections, freeing more time to concentrate on other aspects of pre-flight procedures.

Non-standard engine failure turn departure procedures are displayed, when applicable, requiring the user to physically view the procedure before receiving the final performance data. This ensures that the crew is aware of any non-standard procedures for their flight.

The system maintains each aircraft's Operational Empty Weight (OEW) and checks each time for updates to the system. Correct Operational Empty Weights are always being used.

Airport data is automatically updated for each revision cycle immediately. Crews can be assured that they are using the most up-to-date information.

STAR ensures regulatory compliance in weight & balance and runway analysis performance data calculations.

STAR removes human error in determining if all weight & balance limitations are met. A recent cargo airline survey determined that 80 percent of all manual weight & balance manifests were incorrect by exceeding a loading limitation.

STAR offers standardization of weight & balance and runway analysis across multiple fleet types. The STAR system ensures correct takeoff speeds, thrust settings, flap settings, and stabilizer settings for the exact aircraft configuration and atmospheric conditions.

Manual flight crew calculations are removed and replaced with accurate computer calculations.

The STAR system quickly calculates all weight & balance and runway analysis performance data, thus reducing possible flight crew departure delays.

The system is easy-to-use and intuitive by nature, meaning that everyone involved in pre-flight planning can obtain accurate weight & balance and runway analysis performance data.

STAR integrates runway analysis with weight & balance in a methodoligy sequence similar to a dispatcher's thought process.  Aircraft takeoff and landing runway analysis performance maximum weight calculations for the departure, arrival, and alternate stations are all on one easy-to-use screen.  This reduces manpower workload.

It provides an automatic method of calculating the data for non-standard situations and inoperative equipment compared to today’s method where the dispatcher manually calculates the data for non-standard situations involving potential human errror.

It helps eliminate paper updates, reducing unintentional overlooks of updates and decreasing the required time to update manuals. The STAR system automatically updates the data through an internet connection.

Instantly accessing runway analysis and weight & balance data through a simple online method.

Pilots no longer have to graph the final zero fuel and takeoff center of gravity to ensure the aircraft is loaded within limits. With STAR, data on all variables is computer-calculated using exact atmospheric conditions, aircraft inoperative systems, aircraft icing, etc. This removes the possibility of human calculation error and reduces the time involved for calculation, freeing up time for the pilot to accomplish checklists, discuss departure procedures, and perform other pre-departure actions.

STAR ensures that correct, up-to-date operating empty weight data is always being used.

It eliminates the problems of transposing numbers from tables and manuals to the weight & balance manifest. With STAR, the system completes these tasks automatically and then electronically stores the manifests for mandatory archiving, retrieval of historical data, and data trending analysis.

Airport characteristics are updated every 28 days. If a customer has new information on a specific location before a revision is issued then we will update our database as required. 

We monitor NOTAMs and issue analyses based on long-term NOTAMs in revisions. Short-term NOTAMs can be easily created by the customer using our systems. 

Obstacles, slope, elevation, and runway lengths (including TORA, TODA, ASDA, LDA). 

Hundreds of intersection lengths are already in our database. Customers can contact us to create new intersection analyses or build it themselves through the NOTAM function. 

Yes. 

We have an extremely diverse client base, from small 6 seat passenger charter and corporate operations to large wide body jumbo jet passenger and cargo operations. 

Yes. As changes are made to the aircraft, we will update the OEW for each configuration accordingly.

We use multiple checks and balances to assure matching dates and revision numbers throughout the updates.

The weight and Center of Gravity (CG) units are combined into one number. The weight is rounded to the nearest 100 or 10 pounds with the CG units being the last three digits.Therefore, only one column of numbers needs to be totaled instead of two separate columns. This significantly reduces human error in calculations.

We follow the 28-day ICAO standard AIRAC cycle for runway analysis manual updates. That schedule is as follows: