Able's printers take to the air: as always, safety is at the forefront of air travel and obtaining accurate information on such things as weight, loadplanning and fuel calculations from the cockpit is vital. With this task specifically in mind, aviation software has developed a computer system which eliminates the risk of human error in such calculations and provides printed documentation for crucial recording purposes. Previously, weight and balance calculations were obtained either by the pilot manually before each flight or bought as a service at each airport from a ramp agent, also using manual calculation methods. The ACIS (air cockpit information system) from aviation software is fully computerized and extremely reliable, as it does not suffer from 'human factors' such as stress and pressure. Cost savings can also be achieved by eliminating the need for ramp agents who charge anything up to f30 departure and, as many aircraft make up to 14 flights per day, 340 days a year, the savings made can be significant. Located in the cockpit, the ACIS is based around a PSION handheld computer and panel mounted printer from able systems. All data and software is downloaded and stored in a PC system, which handles all the information about the aircraft's flights etc. Once the aircraft is loaded the ACIS computer provides printed documentation giving such information as load data, weight, balance and seating instructions. An accurate printout of the readings is required before every flight, both for record and immediate use by the crew, so it is imperative that the printer used is both reliable and robust. The Ap42 impact printer from able systems was chosen because it is a sophisticated, yet rugged, printer, which matches the harsh environment of the cockpit. Housed in a metal case the Ap42 offers exceptional print speeds of 96 characters per second (equivalent to 2.3 lines per second) across 42 columns and has MCBF (mean cycles between failure) of 1.5 million lines, offering up to three times more reliability than other standard units. It is this combination of reliability, high speed and print quality which is so important, particularly when the aircraft has a quick turnaround time at an airport and it is imperative that the printer works fast and without error. Space is also limited in the cockpit so the compact DIN size of just 137mm wide by 91mm high by 131mm deep of able systems' Ap42 makes it ideal. For ease of changing the paper roll or ink ribbon the printer door easily opens and a paper low sensor helps ensure that the paper does not run-out at a crucial time. Another important feature is that the specially designed front door locks behind the panel chassis, ensuring that it cannot open accidentally even when inverted. " We chose the ap42 because we needed a robust work horse as a printer, and quite simply this printer gives just that," commented Peter Ohlsson, Aviation Software's Managing Director. The Air Cockpit Information System is currently in use in commuter airlines, on both scheduled and charter traffic and by Norwegian offshore helicopter operators in the North Sea.