Jeppesen has been formally approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to issue Form I-20 documentation for training students, the first step required for obtaining a student visa for non-U.S. residents interested in participating in Jeppesen's FAA dispatcher- certification training program.

For corporate flight departments, airline operation centers and other aviation professionals that require essential FAA dispatcher-certification training, this student- visa designation helps to simplify the often complex visa acquisition process. Previously, Jeppesen training participants were limited to apply for a business visa, a process that frequently results in a denial of the application. Visit www.jeppesen.com.

Lancair announced that, in conjunction with National Aircraft Finance Company (NAFCO), they're now able to offer financing for their Evolution Turboprop kit. The Evolution kits, as well as new Pratt and Whitney engines, are eligible for 70% financing under the program. A minimum of 30% down will be required on two-year loans, with 15-year amortization at 8%. When the Evolution is completed and the Airworthiness Certificate is issued, the loans may be converted to a 12-year fixed 5.8% loan. Visit www.lancair.com and www.airloans.com.

US Aviation Services has upgraded to "green" technology, utilizing renewable energy in the form of solar panels on top of two large maintenance buildings. On sunny days, the panels will produce 14 kW of electrical energy, or about half of the daily requirements of the hangars. Visit www.usaviation.aero.

After a four-week trial and a short period of deliberation, a jury in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York found that Cirrus Design's SR20 aircraft didn't cause the 2006 fatal accident that claimed the lives of New York Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle and certified flight instructor Tyler Stanger. "Our hearts are with the Lidle and Stanger families who are still grieving," said Bill King, Cirrus' Vice President of Business Administration. "We're gratified that the jury reached a decision that confirmed what the National Transportation Safety Board found, and what we have always believed: The SR20 did not cause this accident." Visit www.cirrusaircraft.com.

Piper Aircraft has approved the appointment of four new service centers for the Southern California region. The joint announcement was made in conjunction with Cutter Piper Sales, the authorized dealer for Piper Aircraft for Southern California and Hawaii. The following companies have been designated Piper Aircraft Authorized Service Centers: Jet Source at McClellan-Palomar Airport in Carlsbad, Calif.; American Aircraft Maintenance at John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, Calif.; Mather Aviation at Van Nuys Airport in Van Nuys, Calif.; Loyd's Aircraft Maintenance at Meadows Field Airport in Bakersfield, Calif. Visit www.cutterpiper.com.

WingX Pro7 is a comprehensive moving-map solution that recently added ADS-B in-flight weather. WingX Pro7 is unique in that it has a split-screen view, and can overlay terrain on the VFR sectional and IFR en route charts. Available for $.99 for the app and $99.99/year plus chart-georeferencing subscription. Visit www.hiltonsoftware.com.

The latest version of the Anywhere Map Quadra includes bug fixes and many new features, such as portrait/landscape options for Anywhere Map and Pocket Plates, smooth updating of sectional charts and the ability to set your own priorities in routing. Owners of existing Quadra devices are automatically included in the improvements at no charge. Upgrades are included as part of normal customer updates. Visit www.anywheremap.com.

Hawker Beechcraft has formed an alliance with Group Lotus, a strategic collaboration that will see the two manufacturers working together on a number of initiatives. "Lotus is a perfect partner for Hawker Beechcraft as we both share a long-standing tradition of providing products with ground-breaking design, technical innovation and exceptional quality and performance," said Shawn Vick, Hawker Beechcraft executive vice president. "This strategic alliance represents an exciting and progressive step forward in both the aviation and motoring markets, allowing our engineers to share knowledge and expertise that will benefit both parties." Hawker Beechcraft will be accompanying the Lotus Renault GP at a number of F1 Grand Prix in the coming season to showcase its range of aircraft to key markets in private aviation. Visit www.hawkerbeechcraft.com and www.grouplotus.com.

Tri-Motor Heritage Foundation has awarded the contract to build its new museum facility to Janotta & Herner Inc., an employee-owned company based in Monroeville, Ohio. This new 36,000-square-foot facility will be located at the Erie-Ottawa Regional Airport in Port Clinton, Ohio. Construction will begin in June 2011, and is slated for completion by the end of the year. Funding for the museum project was received through a private grant from the George V. Woodling Jr. Foundation. Visit www.trimotorheritagefoundation.org.

The new GX NXT, to be debuted by Remos Aircraft at Oshkosh EAA AirVenture, features Dynon Avionics' SkyView System and a new, streamlined panel design that offers more leg room and increased visibility over the nose of the aircraft. The company is already taking orders for the NXT and will continue to sell the popular GX Aviator II. Both models feature easy folding wings and the ability to fly with the doors off. GX NXT owners can opt for a second SkyView in their panel, and can also integrate a Garmin 696 and Dynon autopilot as options. Visit www.remos.com.

Airguide Publications is offering new data plans for its Flight Guide iEFB featuring Seattle Avionics ChartData geo-referenced instrument approaches and Flight Guide's nearly 5,000 airport diagrams, as geo-referenced by Seattle Avionics. "With the recent release of our Flight Guide FLY-Wi WAAS GPS, we are now able to offer a reliable way to depict aircraft position on IAPs and our Flight Guide diagrams for a fraction of the cost of traditional avionics systems", said Brenda Garcia, Publisher, Airguide Publications. Flight Guide iEFB is available for free through the Apple App Store, and monthly data can be purchased through the Flight Guide iEFB app itself. Annual data plans are purchased through www.flightguide.com.

ASA's new E6-B is enhanced with color for quick identification of key elements and easier readability. For example, weight and volume are depicted in red, distance and time in blue. The flight aid is based on ASA's original slide-rule-style flight computer, and is identical in size and made with the same aluminum construction. A vinyl case and instruction booklet both are included. Contact: www.asa2fly.com.

In the cockpit, space is scarce. Originally developed for pilots, the Knee Dock is a light and comfortable holder for the Apple iPad that features a split base to keep your leg cool, even on long flights. A strap and buckle allow for quick adjustments with one hand, while the retaining clips keep your iPad secure. Contact: www.kneedock.com.

Strap Sack, a new tiedown-strap-storage system, holds the excess strapping within a bag, neatly storing your tiedowns. It's made with nylon, and installs to any existing tiedown, becoming part of the strap. The system features a parachute cord drawstring, with a cord lock. Contact: www.tie-down-storage.com.

MountMe: Freedom is an all-in-one mounting device for the iPad that allows multiple viewing options in the cockpit. A pilot can stabilize an iPad to his or her leg, place it on the yoke or place it against the window. The Freedom is also a protective case that keeps the iPad safe. It's available in a variety of colors, including blue, white, metallic gray and red. Contact: www.mount-me.com.

Wicks Aircraft Supply's new line covers for pitot tubes and nacelle plug streamers are made of heavy canvas and a ­­florescent plastic that's light reflective for high visibility. Each product features a prominent "Remove Before Flight" label that can easily be seen day or night. Contact: www.wicksaircraft.com.