Patent ID: 8423009

Claim:
A method of automatically delivering electronic file updates used in cockpit devices onboard aircraft, comprising: storing electronic file updates at a central location under control of a software update service provider, said central location at a site different from a software update distribution site and the file updates including navigational charts, NavData files, weather, notices to airmen (NOTAMs), or combinations thereof; downloading the electronic file updates to each of a plurality of said distribution sites; storing the electronic file updates at the distribution sites; providing information at the distribution sites that identifies the cockpit devices on-board aircraft in landing areas respectively associated with the distribution sites, said information provided to said central location to verify a subscription for update service for a respective device, and verifying that a cockpit device is authorized to receive installation of a file update; reading the stored file updates and determining whether a version of a stored file update is later than a version of a file update previously installed in one of the cockpit devices; transferring the read file updates to the cockpit devices using a wireless network over a secure communications link following verification of said subscription, maintaining an electronic record of the read file updates, and periodically transmitting the electronic record to the central location; detecting when an aircraft comes within a predetermined distance of a ground-based wireless transmitter connected to a network in communication with a server comprised by the distribution site and establishing the secure communications link between the aircraft and the server, the detection including receiving a radio signal on-board the aircraft that originates from the wireless transmitter; and, detecting the aircraft, establishing the secure communications link, verifying the subscription, reading the stored file, and transferring the read file updates being performed without human intervention.