June 2009 Readback

The Transition’s’€ˆFirst Flight!

readback The Transition's First Flight!
The Terrafugia Transition proof-of-concept roadable aircraft successfully completed its first flight at Plattsburgh International Airport in Plattsburgh, N.Y., on March 5. The Transition took off from runway 17; after 37 seconds, it landed and taxied to a full stop. Six additional flights demonstrated the vehicle's aerodynamics and smooth handling characteristics. "This flight is a symbol of a new freedom in aviation. It's what enthusiasts have been striving for since 1918," said Terrafugia CEO Carl Dietrich. Visit www.terrafugia.com.

Goodyear Aviation Celebrates 100 Years
The first tire built for aviation use, the Goodyear Wing Aeroplane Tire, was introduced in 1909 and was designed to be lightweight, puncture-resistant and easy to remove. In 2009, Goodyear is still providing innovative products for the skies as it celebrates the 100th anniversary of Goodyear Aviation. The company recently introduced the first aluminum-core bead for aviation tires, resulting in a significant weight savings. The first production tire with this innovation, H37.5x12.0R19, will be fitted on the Gulfstream G650. Visit www.goodyearaviation.com.

Introducing The Tecnam P2008
Tecnam is out with a new bird, the Tecnam P2008. The high-winger has metal wings and stabilator and a carbon-fiber fuselage and vertical stabilizer. Other highlights include a semi-tapered wing with Frise-type ailerons for high roll rate, large doors, excellent visibility, an exceptionally quiet cabin and a near-elliptical wing. Visit www.tecnamaircraft.com.

readbackCabin Cool For The Diamond DA40
Premier Aircraft Sales, the authorized Diamond Regional Distribution Center for the southeastern United States, has received an FAA STC for installation of a fully integrated vapor-cycle air-conditioning system for all Lycoming-powered Diamond DA40-series aircraft. The 10,000 BTU DA40 Cabin Cool system, capable of cooling cabin air to 55 degrees F, features an engine-driven compressor, an electronic control panel, a cabin air-distribution system and an electric fan for ground operations. Priced at $27,500 installed, the typical retrofit requires two weeks in the shop. Visit www.diamondaircraft.com and www.flypas.com.


Cessna SkyCatcher
Fast on the heels of the second crash of its C-162 SkyCatcher LSA prototype, Cessna Aircraft released a statement reaffirming its commitment to the program. The company's design team had modified the vertical tail after the first incident, caused by a nonrecoverable spin during testing. Cessna described the second crash on March 19 as also spin-related. The test pilot fired the BRS airframe parachute and was unhurt. "We test all our aircraft well beyond the limits of what is expected in normal operation," said CEO Jack Pelton, who reassured waiting customers that Cessna was moving forward with the program. Visit www.cessna.com.

readbackEuroFox Rebranded
Aeropro CZ has announced that its EuroFox airplanes have new names for 2009. The rebranding of these S-LSA was prompted by the desire to provide separate model designations for the company's taildraggers and tricycle-gear planes, as well as to reflect the considerable changes in the aircraft models since Aeropro began producing light aircraft in 1990. For the U.S. market, Aeropro's tricycle-gear planes are now designated the Aerotrek A240, and the taildraggers are now the Aerotrek A220. Visit www.fly-aerotrek.com.

Power Flow Celebrates 10 Years

It has been 10 years since the first Power Flow Tuned Exhaust system was shipped from Daytona Beach, Fla. The company has since shipped another 3,500 units. Since the first systems began going out to Cessna 172 owners in 1999, the list of STCs has increased to include 10 other designs. The Beech Bonanza A36 will be the next aircraft to see an improvement in power and fuel economy. To celebrate its anniversary, Power Flow is offering a 5% discount on all orders submitted before August 31, 2009. Visit www.powerflowsystems.com.

readbackAviat Husky Fitted With P.K. Floats
P.K. Floats has completed the certification process for a new amphibious float design that can be used on all 180 hp and 200 hp Husky airplanes. The aluminum floats weigh 409 pounds, but only add 295 pounds after the landing gear is removed. P.K. Floats has completed flight testing and applied for a gross weight increase that will boost the Husky from its current 2,200 pounds to 2,400 pounds. Visit www.aviataircraft.com or www.pkfloats.com.


PEA Graduates First Class For Middle East Airlines
Phoenix East Aviation (PEA) has graduated the first group of new airline dispatchers for Middle East Airlines Air Liban (MEA). The intense six-week training course took place in Beirut, Lebanon, at the MEA facility and was conducted in accordance with curriculum provided by PEA, developed to meet ICAO and Lebanese aviation authority requirements. Visit www.pea.com and www.mea.com.lb.

readbackCessna 400 Corvalis TT Gains EASA Type Certification
Cessna Aircraft Company has gained full type certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for the 400 Corvalis TT. "This is a significant milestone for Cessna, opening a market that has been clamoring for a new high-performance aircraft like the 400 Corvalis TT," said John Doman, vice president, worldwide propeller aircraft sales. Visit www.cessna.com.

Strength & Security
HydroSwing has introduced its new LiD (light industrial door) product line. Available in sizes up to 20x16 feet, the LiD delivers unequaled power, strength and security in a compact, economical package. It can replace weaker, more cumbersome roller-, shutter- and slider-access doors on existing buildings, and reduce building and heating costs by requiring significantly less building height on newer buildings. Contact: HydroSwing Hydraulic Doors & Walls, (866) 60-HYDRO, www.hydroswing.com.

readbackNew Cirrus Checklists
Qref has released 14 new titles covering the entire line of certified Cirrus aircraft and avionics. The new series covers procedures for both the Avidyne Entegra and Garmin Perspective systems. Also, there are checklists addressing every aspect of flight (plus a comprehensive emergencies/abnormals section). Contact: Qref, (877) 660-QREF, www.qref.com.

readbackResolution x 300
The UltraTAWS expansion pack increases the resolution of Anywhere Map terrain rendering while also improving the map's update speed. UltraTAWS features over 300 times the resolution of any previous Anywhere Map version. Terrain rendering is accomplished in a resolution of 90 meters, resulting in dramatically improved resolution of fine terrain details. The upgrade comes on a DVD ROM and can be added to Anywhere Map PRO systems for Microsoft Windows XP/Vista. Contact: Control Vision, (800) 292-1160, www.anywheremap.com.


Time Check!
Aircraft Spruce's wall clock comes with a black frame. The U.S.-made quartz movement comes with a lifetime guarantee. The imprint size is approximately 4.5 inches in diameter. An attractive presentation box is included. Contact: Aircraft Spruce, (877) 477-7823, www.aircraftspruce.com.

readbackIncrease Safety, Reduce Costs
The Educated Owner Video Series is the first series dedicated to helping pilots increase safety and reduce the costs associated with aircraft ownership. Approach Aviation has reedited the series to DVD format, providing direct navigation for viewers to jump directly to key chapters and topics. (Approach Aviation is currently running a special on the entire series for $109.95 with free shipping.) Contact: Approach Aviation, (877) 564-4457, www.approachaviation.com.

readbackOrganize Your Cockpit
Having all the necessary tools at your fingertips is the foundation of a smooth flight. Sporty's Pilot's Pouch has pockets for your chart , transceiver and smaller items. Fasten the pouch to your aircraft interior or use the sewn-in Velcro for portability. Contact: Sporty's, (800) SPORTYS, www.sportys.com.

readbackExtend Landing & Taxi Light Life
The Lightsaver prolongs landing and taxi light life by allowing the filament to draw the rated current with no change in typical light output performance. By reducing the stress induced by inrush current, the filament life increases up to 10 times. The Lightsaver is available for use with 12- and 24-volt taxi and landing lights. Contact: Aircraft Spruce, (877) 477-7823, www.aircraftspruce.com.

readbackNight Operations
ASA's new AirClassics LED Flightlight is durable, compact and bright. It has white and green bulbs, making it effective for preflight, night flying and chart reading. The four-inch design is constructed of black aluminum-alloy casing. The flashlight includes a six-inch lanyard and a durable nylon holster. Contact: ASA, (800) ASA-2FLY, www.asa2fly.com.

In Memoriam: Sparky Imeson
On March 19, the aviation community lost mountain-flying instructor, lecturer and author Sparky Imeson. He had departed Bozeman, Mont., on a one-hour flight in his Cessna 180 to Helena, Mont., on March 17. A radar track of his flight ended about 18 miles north of Bozeman. Imeson's Mountain Flying Bible, one of his many books, is regarded as one of the most authoritative books on the topic.

None

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get the latest Plane & Pilot Magazine stories delivered directly to your inbox

Subscribe to our newsletter