Mobile device application-based aircraft data storage and communication system

A gateway for use in an aircraft to provide aircraft parameter information updates during operation in a first mode, comprising:

• a parameter information port configured to receive aircraft parameter information from systems on the aircraft;
• a power control output port;
• a transceiver port;
• and
• a processing system coupled to the parameter information port, the power control output port and the transceiver port, wherein the processing system is configured to operate to:
• receive at the transceiver port a remote wake request initiated by a user of a remote communication device;
• provide power on control signals to the power control output port in response to the received remote wake request, wherein the power on control signals are configured to cause at least portions of the systems on the aircraft to power on in response to the received remote wake request by causing a first power supply to be coupled to the at least portions of the systems on the aircraft through a first power supply bus;
• receive at the parameter information port aircraft parameter information from the powered on portions of the systems of the aircraft;
• and
• provide the received aircraft parameter information to the transceiver port for transmission from the aircraft, optionally to the user of the remote communication device.

A method for operating an aircraft in a first mode to provide updated aircraft parameter information to a remote user, comprising:

• receiving at the aircraft an information update request initiated by a user of a remote communication device;
• powering on at least portions of the aircraft, optionally including at least portions of avionics of the aircraft, in response to the received information update request;
• receiving aircraft parameter information from the powered on at least portions of the aircraft;
• and
• transmitting the received aircraft parameter information from the aircraft, optionally to the user of the remote communication device.