Tired of having your smartphone or tablet run out of battery during long flights? Stop in at Booth No. C11948 where Dallas-based Aviation Modification Leaders (AML) is showcasing its new line of wireless personal electronic device (PED) chargers for the aviation market.

Scheduled to be available in first quarter 2014 for STC/PMA forward fit or retrofit on the Bombardier Global series, AML’s wireless PED chargers use the Leggett & Platt (L&P) Automotive Group’s Helios inductive wireless charging (IWC) technology. According to AML president and CEO Mark Lange, L&P’s Helios technology recognizes the device to be charged, adjusts the charge level and rate and adapts for an optimum charging power transfer rate.

“The IWC product talks to the PED and will shut off the charging circuit once the phone is at full charge,” Lange said. “This will prevent overcharging the PED battery.”

Initially the AML-L&P PED chargers will natively work with all smartphones except those running Apple’s iOS. Tablets and Apple iOS smartphones must currently use an AML-designed charging sleeve, although Lange says his company is working with Apple on enabling use of the Helios IWC technology.

The AML-L&P devices comply with Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) Qi standards used by more than 140 global PED manufacturers and use standard 28V DC input voltage. Initially the STC will allow cabin installation only, such as embedded horizontally within a conference table or vertically in a side rail. Lange says the company plans to expand the product line, offering a “cupholder” version for phones and a pocket sleeve for tablets in the near future. AML is discussing cockpit installation with the FAA for versions released in the more distant future.

“We haven’t broached the conversation about wireless charging in the cockpit yet. We’ve been pursuing certification as a cabin solution only,” said Lange. “But with some of the smaller Part 23 airplanes, such as the Cirrus, the cockpit is the cabin. So that’s likely where we’re going to start the [cockpit] conversation.”

Lange says he’s actively searching for customers interested in obtaining STCs for the AML-L&P chargers on their aircraft. He’s already been approached by customers who want to install the technology on a Boeing Business Jet, Diamond airplanes and the Pilatus PC-12.