US Patent 9284045 Connected cockpit system and method

Techniques are described to simplify operation and maintenance of an aircraft by configuring an avionics unit to wirelessly communicate and receive avionics related data in a seamless fashion. In embodiments, an aircraft is equipped with a regulatory-certified avionics device configured to be installed in the aircraft. The system includes a memory card reader and associated memory card. The memory card includes a wireless transceiver to facilitate communication between the avionics unit and a mobile device (e.g., a tablet computer or smart phone employing a suitable application, a portable avionic device, etc.).