Helmet-style cockpit vision system aims to change how pilots see
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PHOENIX, Arizona – Dror Yahav, a former commercial pilot and now CEO of Universal Avionics, said he often flies approaches in low-visibility conditions where runways are not visible until late in the landing sequence. Now he’s helping bring to market a cockpit vision system for commercial aircraft.
AerSale developed the system, called AerAware, in partnership with Universal Avionics and received Federal Aviation Administration certification for the Boeing 737 Next Generation.
The system uses a nose-mounted advanced vision camera and a wearable head display that transmits flight data and images into the pilot’s field of view.
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The AerAware headset is specifically designed to assist pilots during takeoff and landing. (Amalia Roy)
Yahav said the system reflects his experience with low-visibility night approaches.
“You look up and look outside and there’s nothing; it’s pitch black or foggy,” he said.
The system combines sensor data and imagery to support situational awareness during takeoff and landing, he said.
Pilots can also view flight information through the AerAware headset. (Amalia Roy)
AerAware departs from traditional head-up displays and instead equips both pilots with a dual wearable system that transmits the same information to each cockpit seat.
Yahav said the concept was inspired by military helmet-mounted displays used on aircraft such as the F-35 Lightning II.
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The FAA has approved AerAware for: Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft.
Regulators continue to focus on runway safety, and FAA data shows 1,636 runway incursions in fiscal 2025, compared to 1,758 in 2024 and 1,760 in 2023. Pilot deviations accounted for 62% of violations from 2021 to 2025.
AerSale has partnered with Universal Avionics to bring AerAware to commercial aircraft. (AerSale)
The installation process takes about two to three days per aircraft, followed by pilot training under an approved program, Yahav said.
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He said interest from airlines has increased as the focus continues on runway incursions and low visibility operations.
Jacqueline Carlon, AerSale’s senior vice president of marketing and communications, said airlines evaluating the system are focusing on certification, installation disruption and integration into existing operations.
“It requires approximately two to three days of installation per aircraft and then an approved training program,” he said.
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Carlon said safety and operational efficiency are driving interest when evaluating airlines Upgrades for Boeing 737 fleets.
