How This Single Device Can Save Thousands Of Lives!

[@davidallyn1818]

My dad (private pilot >1000 hrs) taught me instrument flying first, because I wasn't big enough to see over the dash of the Piper Cherokee we always flew. So my first understanding of how to fly was by watching my Attitude Indicator, VSI, Turn Indicator, Altimeter, etc... As I got older he taught me to navigate using VOR & DME. We got to a point where he could take off and get us on our first leg, then I could fly (while he played cribbage with his work buddies) until we were on our last leg near the pattern (btw, he did all the radio work and was ready to take controls at all times). Later, when I was able to see over the dash, my dad would always have to remind me "...eyes outside..." , because my go-to was my instruments. Unfortunately I never became a pilot, but one day when I take flight lessons again, I'm pretty confident that I could fly VRF or Instrument equally.

[@Group-Five-Industries]

Very cool.

[@ICARUSDevices]

Thanks!

[@ICARUSDevices]

Thank you for the review Devin!

[@smoshGaming]

This is a $15 strip of PDLC smart film taped to a 3d printed plastic head mount. Then you boost the 7.2v DC battery to a 120v AC circuit to power the film and make it clear. Add a 555 timer to have it turn on and off randomly and you have this entire setup for

[@smoshGaming]

@@ICARUSDevices you live with fear and that’s why no one will remember your name

[@joephysics5469]

I used foggles in my flight training 30 years ago. They accomplish the same thing without the slow transition into IMC conditions. They saved lives decades ago.

[@ICARUSDevices]

One of the biggest biases that prevents innovation is the "I did it this way, so everyone should".

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

My CFI wanted me to see the difference from using instruments and trusting my own senses the first time we went up. He got us up, I put the visor down on my helmet and he leaned over and placed a piece of cardboard over the panel and then told me to correct based on my senses. So I can't see out the windows and can't see the panel. So I concentrated like crazy and could feel the plane and I slowly corrected. After a few minutes he asked me what orientation the plane was in. I said we're level and climbing slowly. He removed the panel cover and I lifted the visor and we were left wing down and descending! I could not believe how wrong I was. I would have bet money I was right. That actually scared me. As soon as my vision was restored my brain kicked in and then I was feeling what I was seeing. Then we did it with the visor down and watching the panel. Even then I remember telling him we're level, the instruments HAVE to be wrong! Lifted the visor and sure enough, as soon as my eyes saw the outside world, I knew I was wrong. He did it to show how your brain will trick you. You MUST overcome that trust in your senses and trust what your gauges are telling you!

[@ICARUSDevices]

Good on your CFI! That experience is what we strive to bring to all pilots.

[@janmcfarren7842]

Most students aren’t going to be able to afford purchasing that device for themselves. I do think that a flight school would benefit from its use where the program could share the cost across multiple students and instructors

[@ICARUSDevices]

Exactly, we market it to flight schools as a tool to help you give your students the best instruction.

[@henryvinson1]

interesting technology.

[@ICARUSDevices]

Thanks!

[@camflip3881]

Nice review. Cost has to matter relative to safety... otherwise we all would train in big, beautiful twin-engine helicopters with FADECs and 3-axis autopilots. Would that be the safest way to train? Of course, but then no one could afford to train to be a helicopter pilot.

[@ICARUSDevices]

Is $1,250 distributed among many pilots really that much cost? If it was a $1,250 simulator set up would you have the same opinion?

[@dg7943]

this thing is not worth more then 150 USD

[@ICARUSDevices]

Well luckily a fish's opinion isn't relevant in the matter.

[@Bob-cd5pp]

So lame hood works fine.

[@qtr7]

Waste of money

[@ICARUSDevices]

Ah yes a student pilot making bold claims on something he has never tried.