April 2008 Readback

"The additional 200 pounds of useful load makes it possible to consider a wide range of additional mission profiles," said Aviat President Stu Horn. "With the options for straight or tundra tires, skis or floats and little more than a clearing for landings, the Husky is probably the most versatile aircraft currently in production." Additional info is at www.aviataircraft.com.

Thielert Expands
Thielert Aircraft Engines, a provider of kerosene piston aircraft engines, increased its service network to 250 service centers, including 25 sales partners. The company has 31 new partners in the States, doubling the number of U.S. service centers, and has also contracted seven new international sales partners. "With a total of 250 service centers, we can now offer customers one of the largest networks in general aviation," says Thielert Director of Sales & Services Jasper M. Wolffson. "Now that we've ensured local service to a great extent, we'll further reduce the response times of our technical support and also speed up spare parts deliveries by setting up warehouses and expanding production capacities." Visit www.centurion-engines.com.

Elite Simshow
Elite Simulations Solutions launched Elite Simshow, a call-in talk show that will take place every Thursday at 8 p.m. EST. Using Skype, callers can ask questions and exchange ideas with Elite Director of Marketing Stephen Gatlin and his guests. A podcast recording of the program will be available online the following Friday. To join in, download Skype free at www.skype.com and add "elitesimcast" to your contact list. Go to www.flyelite.com for more details.

First Kodiak Delivery
Quest Aircraft announced the first customer delivery of the Kodiak, which went to Spirit Air on January 25. "We chose the Kodiak because of its robustness, reliability and versatility," remarked JoAnn Wolters from Spirit Air. "We're looking forward to putting it to work in the Alaska wilderness, Idaho backcountry and on commuter and small package runs." The Kodiak, which received FAA certification in May 2007, is a STOL performer with a high useful load and the ability to take off in less than 700 feet with a 6,750-pound full gross takeoff weight and a 3,325-pound useful load. For more information, visit www.questaircraft.com.

Delta Connection Academy
On January 4, Steven Harden became the first flight-school student pilot nationwide to complete the 141 FAA/Industry Training Standards (FITS) program designed to increase aviation safety and improve pilot skills in technically advanced aircraft. "I've had both traditional and FITS training, and without a doubt, the FITS is a much better, more realistic approach to flight training," said Harden. More information about the new FITS program, which focuses on real-world, scenario-based training, can be accessed at www.deltaconnectionacademy.com.

Robinson Breaks Records
In 2007, Robinson Helicopter manufactured 823 new helicopters, the most civil helicopters ever produced in a single year by one company. Of those, 664 were Robinson R44s, breaking the record for production of a single helicopter model in one year. The company's current production rate is 18 new aircraft per week. View www.robinsonheli.com.

RAM Aircraft
RAM Aircraft, an aircraft-engine-overhaul facility in Waco, Texas, received Designated Alteration Station (DAS) status from the FAA. This certification allows RAM to achieve an efficient system of certifying STCs that are continuously developed at RAM. More information is available at www.ramaircraft.com.

Cessna
Cessna delivered its 8,000th Independence-produced single-engine piston to the U.S. Civil Air Patrol (CAP), a volunteer force that flies primarily in search-and-rescue missions. "The significance of this milestone delivery is to mark the successful partnership between Cessna, the Civil Air Patrol and our friends at Yingling Aviation who incorporated special modifications to the Garmin avionics required for the CAP mission," said Cessna Senior VP Sales & Marketing Roger Whyte.

Cessna also announced the United States reassembly facilities for its new LSA, the SkyCatcher. Following production in China, SkyCatchers will be test-flown, disassembled and shipped to Eagle Aviation in West Columbia, S.C., Yingling Aviation in Wichita, Kans., and Southwest Platinum Aviation in North Las Vegas, Nev. Preliminary design parameters for the aircraft, which will feature a Garmin G300 avionics system, include a maximum gross weight of 1,320 pounds, a service ceiling of 15,500 feet, a useful load of 490 pounds and 24 gallons of usable fuel. It will cruise at speeds up to 118 knots and will have a maximum range of 470 nm. Track the progress at www.cessna.com.

PlaneSmart! Offers SR20
PlaneSmart! Aviation added the Cirrus SR20-G2 to a new rental and training program that will offer customized options for pilots. "This program provides customers with professionally managed top-line airplanes that are rarely found in the typical FBO," said PlaneSmart! President Jeffery A. Cullen. "Learning to fly in one of the most advanced aircraft on the market adds value for customers and better prepares them for the future of aviation." Sign up at www.planesmart.com.

New Awards From Sporty's
Sporty's chairman Hal Shevers announced four new awards, called the Sporty's Recreational Pilot Certificate for AEA Member Technicians. Each is worth $5,000 and is to be used by AEA member technicians to achieve a recreational pilot's license. "The new awards not only encourage more people to fly," said AEA VP of Member Programs Mike Adamson, "but they also benefit the technician, the shop and ultimately their customers." Go to www.aea.net for application information.

Product Previews

Easy-To-Use Cordless Tug
The Mini-Tug Plus from Sporty's is a heavy-duty electric tug that's quiet, cordless and extremely easy to use. It moves most piston-single and twin-engine aircraft with ease, even up inclines. The tug's castering rear wheel makes maneuvering the tug simple, while dual 16-inch drive wheels provide plenty of traction. A manual winch gently pulls the aircraft onto the loading ramp against a stop for a secure hold. A nosewheel stop bar is included, which allows the Mini-Tug Plus to be used on aircraft with wheel pants. For more information, contact Sporty's at (800) SPORTYS or www.sportys.com.

Keep Your Engine Warm
AeroTherm Deuce makes it easy to keep your airplane's engine warm in cold climates. Rather than blast extreme heat into the engine compartment, the AeroTherm evenly and consistently heats all parts of the engine with two 800-watt heating elements (instead of propane). The Deuce can be kept plugged in all winter to keep the engine warm or can be used as a traditional preheater. If used as a preheater, the engine will be warm enough to start in about 45 minutes. Or, it will heat completely (including oil) in two hours at zero degrees F outside temperature. Weighing just 11 pounds, the AeroTherm Deuce comes with two hoses, a nylon suspension band that allows the unit to hang from the prop of your aircraft, a carrying case and four sponges to seal the engine intakes. For more, contact Sporty's at (800) SPORTYS or www.sportys.com.

Cockpit Organizer
The SnakeClip aviation cradle holds a variety of personal electronic items, such as cell phones, PDAs and MP3 players. The portable device attaches and detaches in seconds, and can be transferred between planes and automobiles for maximum utility. There's no installation necessary, just clamp the SnakeClip onto a suitable surface. A padded adjustable arm expands to hold items up to 2.5 inches wide and has a quick-release button for easy device removal. For more information, contact Hindsight Products at (423) 282-1267 or www.hindsightproductions.org.

A Superior Antenna
The AAA-TSR-01A is an active antenna that operates with all new WSI InFlight--capable receivers. The antenna receives SIRIUS Satellite Radio broadcasts to enable the WSI weather service. It was designed specifically to suppress interference from ground-based signals. Its design allows for optimum performance while the aircraft is turning. The tear-drop shape was selected to fit within the same footprint as previous WSI products. This helps ensure that existing customers can easily transition to the AV-300 with minimal expense. For more, contact Aircraft Spruce at (877) 4SPRUCE or www.aircraftspruce.com.

Concorde Batteries
Concorde Battery Corporation has received FAA approval under Technical Standard Order C173 for its RG-121 Series and RG-122 Series emergency batteries for lighting, standby, avionics, FADEC and backup power. RG-121 Series and RG-122 Series are maintenance free in that they never require replenishment of water or electrolytes. Available with or without internal heaters, all of these batteries are self-regulating on charge, taking only the current required to maintain a full charge. RG Series Emergency Batteries protect and extend the life of other avionics without a dedicated charger. For more information, contact Concorde Battery at (626) 813-1234 or www.concordebattery.com.

The Chart Doctor
Sporty's Chart Doctor, a feature available at www.sportys.com/chartdoctor, allows pilots to insert a route for any U.S. or Canadian destination to find out which charts they'll need for the trip. Once you've selected the parameters for the trip, the Chart Doctor will choose the necessary charts. You decide which of the suggested charts to buy, and the selected charts are placed into your shopping cart. In addition to necessary charts, the Chart Doctor provides total trip distance and a visual depiction of the flight path on Yahoo! Maps. For more, contact Sporty's at (800) SPORTYS or www.sportys.com.