The HMEC 26-2 is the optimized successor to the HMEC 26 pilot's headset from Sennheiser. It features improved wearing comfort, optimum protection against handling noise and a higher sound pressure level. The headband has been lengthened overall, and the end pieces have been designed with a different angle to ensure that the headset sits even more comfortably with a more evenly distributed contact pressure. The new wider and softer cushions are securely held to the headband with a special fastener. Visit www.sennheiser.com.

Aspen Avionics announced that Connected Panel technology will be integrated into the new Pilatus PC-12 NG Connected flight deck system. The PC-12 features Honeywell Primus Apex avionics enhanced with a suite of mobile apps to streamline operational activities. Aspen's Connected For Pilatus platform enables wireless communication between the apps and the certified avionics installed in the flight deck. A new Connected Gateway box, the CG100P, has been developed in association with Pilatus, Honeywell and Jeppesen. The CG100P installation approval is covered under the Pilatus PC-12 NG Type Certificate and doesn't require an Aspen display. Initial deliveries of the Connected Enabled PC-12 NG aircraft, along with the new and updated apps, are expected this summer. Visit www.pilatus-aircraft.com, www.connectedpanel.com and www.aspenavionics.com.

To facilitate pilot information for students and instructors, the US Aviation Academy launched a new iPad app that contains a full aviation resource library. It includes safety briefs and safety advisor publications from AOPA's Air Safety Institute, as well as FAA handbooks such as the Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge and Risk Management handbook. FAA PTS Practical Test Standards for Private, Commercial and Instrument Pilots are in the app along with the complete and current FAR AIM. The app's e-kneeboard function provides seamless sectionals and allows for the overlay of weather, traffic and approach plates. Visit www.usaviationacademy.com.

The Sporty's Sweepstakes airplane for 2014 is an all-new Van's RV-12. Sporty's RV-12 is part of Van's Signature Series that includes the first 12 aircraft manufactured and features deluxe upholstery with memory foam seats, an autopilot, a custom paint scheme, plus Dick Van Grunsven's signature on the side. "The RV-12 is a breakthrough airplane, and it will change the way many think about LSAs," says Sporty's President Michael Wolf. "The airplane can carry two 210-pound passengers, 20 gallons of fuel and 50 pounds of baggage. Another remarkable feature of the RV-12 is that its Rotax 912ULS engine delivers a 135 mph top speed on just five gallons per hour." All Sporty's Pilot Shop customers are automatically entered to win the airplane every time they place an order between May 11, 2013, and May 9, 2014. Visit www.sportys.com sweepstakes.

Douglas King, Museum of Flight President, and Dale Klapmeier, CEO of Cirrus Aircraft, announced that AirSpace Minnesota and the Museum Of Flight in Seattle have joined forces to create the first Museum of Flight Aviation Learning Center (ALC) outside of the museum. In addition, Klapmeier also announced that Cirrus will donate an SR22 airplane for the AirSpace Minnesota ALC. "We are delighted to help bring more STEM education and career resources to the region where our company is based." Visit www.airspacemn.org, www.museumofflight.org and www.cirrusaircraft.com.

Autopilot manufacturer Century Flight Systems announced they've received Supplemental Type Certificates from the FAA for the installation of their Century 4000 Autopilot in Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee Cruiser, PA-28-150, PA-28-160 and PA-28-180 Cherokee aircraft, and the PA-32-301, -301T, PA-32R-301 and 301T Saratoga aircraft. Century Flight Systems also recently announced the award of Century 4000 Autopilot STCs for most variants of the Cessna 182 Skylane aircraft and the Cessna 421B and 421C Golden Eagle. Expected shortly are the STCs for the Beech Bonanza models. Visit www.centuryflight.com.

Piper Aircraft Inc. has selected Aspen Avionics' Evolution Backup Display system for its Piper Archer and Seminole line of aircraft. The Evolution Backup Display is a fully digital independent flight display system designed to replace mechanical backup instruments used in Part 23 glass panel installations. Previously announced was the approval for delivery of the Piper Seneca V-series aircraft with the Evolution Backup Display onboard. Initial fleet customers for the new, all- glass panel configured Piper Archers include the Florida Institute of Technology, with an order for eight Piper Archer TX training aircraft and CAE Oxford Aviation Academy, taking delivery of 22 single-engine Archers in 2013. Visit www.piper.com and www.aspenavionics.com.

These maneuvers manuals for high- and low-wing aircraft cover flight maneuvers required for Private, Sport, Commercial and Flight Instructor certification, and are great learning and teaching aids for instructors and students. Each maneuver is depicted in detail according to type of aircraft, states the objective of the task, and lists the practical test standards required. Both books are fully illustrated with fold-out pages that show each maneuver complete on a one-page spread, so readers absorb all the visual and textual information at once. The 64-page softcover books are spiral-bound. Both titles are also available as e-books. Contact: www.asa2fly.com.

The new wristwatch from Breitling features a built-in personal locator beacon. The high-tech Emergency II is equipped with a dual frequency transmitter compliant with the specifications of the Cospas-Sarsat international satellite alert system, serving both to issue alerts and to guide search-and-rescue missions. Additional microelectronic features include a rechargeable battery and an integrated antenna system. Contact: www.breitling.com.

Flying Eyes sunglasses are now available in three standard magnifi­cation strengths, with two different bifocal height choices. The higher bifocal segment height may make it easier to view the entire instrument panel, as well as charts or iPad, on your lap without needing to drastically move your head up and down. Normal height bifocals are also available. The glasses are non-polarized, which is important when using them in the cockpit with LCD screens. The Flying Eyes' strap system is designed to be worn comfortably with a headset, with a strap that's soft and flat, minimizing any pressure. Contact: www.flyingeyes.biz.

Flight Guide Solo for the iPad and iPad Mini has all airport data on one page so that it requires less heads-down time to be viewed. It features nearly 5,000 airport diagrams that are more detailed than FAA diagrams, and all taxiway identifiers are clearly depicted. Field businesses, such as FBOs and restaurants, are indicated, and airport data, including frequencies, fuel prices and NOTAMs, are updated daily via Flight Guide's On-The-Fly Auto Update feature. Contact: www.flightguide.com.