Patent ID: 8364328

Claim:
An avionics system having an augmented cockpit display system through a portable handheld device that is not physically connected to any cockpit systems in an aircraft, the portable handheld device comprising: data entry components configured for actuation by a user on board the aircraft to enter commands that control the cockpit display system, and a transceiver that establishes: 1) a first wireless data link with an off-board provider located remotely configured to receive flight-related information; and 2) a second wireless data link with one or more on-board flight systems configured for wirelessly: a) transferring the flight-related information to the one or more on-board flight systems; and b) transferring the commands entered by the user to the cockpit display system; wherein the portable handheld device is configured to be used as a control device while the second wireless data link is established, wherein the data entry components are configured for actuation by the user so as to manipulate information presented on the cockpit display system in a manner that synchronizes what is displayed on the cockpit display system with what is displayed on the portable handheld device.