June 2012 Readback
The Redbird Skyport fleet has expanded with the addition of a new, customized Piper PA-44 Seminole delivered at Sun ‘n Fun.
Redbird Skyport Adds Seminole
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The Redbird Skyport fleet has expanded with the addition of a new, customized Piper PA-44 Seminole delivered at Sun 'n Fun. The twin-engine trainer will be used as part of a new experiment to test a simulator-centric multi-engine training curriculum developed by Skyport's ProFlight Academy. The new Seminole is outfitted with a Garmin G500 glass-panel suite that includes a three-axis aircraft position monitor, as well as aerodynamic state and systems-condition recording equipment. It also will be equipped with an in-cockpit video recording system that will allow Skyport to monitor student performance as they progress through the new training curriculum. "When we were looking for a multi-engine airplane to use in our flight-training experiments, the Seminole was our first choice," said Roger Sharp, General Manager of Flight Operations for Redbird Skyport. "The Piper Seminole has become the industry standard for multi-engine training for good reason." Visit www.redbirdskyport.com.
Dynon & Rotax
Dynon Avionics announced SkyView support for the new Rotax 912iS engine via a new SV-EMS-221 module. The SV-EMS-221 receives many engine parameters from the 912iS engine computer via its new dual-channel CAN bus interface. Engine parameters available include RPM, manifold pressure, oil pressure, oil temperature, coolant temperature, EGT for all four cylinders, ECU voltage and engine hours. All the other normal SkyView SV-engine functions are still available using the SV-EMS-221, such as fuel level, trim position, battery voltage and contacts. A 912iS-specific engine sensor kit that includes the engine wiring harness, a Kavlico fuel pressure sensor and an amps shunt will also be made available. Visit www.dynonavionics.com.
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Searey Celebrates 20 Years
Searey is celebrating its 20th anniversary in aviation this year. The company began in November 1992, introduced its LSX model in January 2009, and is now anticipating the certification to become a significant manufacturer in the LSA market exactly 20 years from the date of the first flight of the Searey. "This is a huge milestone and a very exciting time for both our company and the LSA community to be able to announce the certification of the Searey LSA during our 20th anniversary celebration," said President Kerry Richter. Visit www.searey.com.
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L-3 Avionics
L-3 Avionics announced the release of its updated and enhanced GH-3900 Electronic Standby Instrument System (ESIS). Designed to Level A software and hardware standards, the GH-3900 ESIS is capable of satisfying airworthiness requirements for almost any transport-category fixed- or rotary-wing aircraft. "The trend toward more versatile PFD and MFD layouts that can be adjusted to meet a variety of missions is increasing in all flight operations categories. We believe all standby systems should have that same level of utility," said Larry Riddle, vice president of business development for L-3 Avionics Systems. "Our next-generation GH-3900 features a virtually unlimited number of configuration options and can interface with a wide range of onboard equipment, creating a high degree of parity between the primary and standby instruments." Visit www.L-3avionics.com.
Sensenich Prop At 80% Off
ensenich Propeller will be celebrating 80 years in business at the EAA AirVenture 2012 by giving one of its next 80 customers an 80% discount on his or her new prop. To be eligible, a private customer must be one of the first 80 to buy and pay for a Sensenich prop between the close of Sun 'n Fun and the opening of Oshkosh. Any new or rebuilt Sensenich prop purchased from the factory---wood, metal, or composite---is eligible. The winner will be drawn at Sensenich's Press conference at AirVenture, but the winner need not be present to win. Visit www.sensenich.com.
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Showstopping Video
Nflightcam has partnered with National Aerobatic Champion Rob Holland to bring the ultimate air show experience to Holland's fans by capturing footage from never-before-seen angles. The Nflightcam+, a high-definition five-ounce camera with built-in GPS and aviation audio recording, will fly with Holland during every practice and performance. Visit www.nflightcam.com and www.ultimateairshows.com.
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LSA Over Everest
Slovene pilot Matevž Lenarcic, who's flying around the world in his modified Pipistrel Virus SW 914 Turbo with an Intercooler unit, made a successful flight over the world's tallest mountain, Mt. Everest. On March 29, Lenarcic flew by the Nepal side of the Mt. Everest summit at an altitude of 29,344 feet, which is higher than the peak of the mountain. The temperature was relatively high, "only" -27°C, north-westerly wind of 40 knots and, from time to time, some turbulence. Lenarcic's trip around the world takes him over all seven continents, 120 national parks and three oceans. Visit www.worldgreenflight.com and www.pipistrel.si.
BrightLine Flex System
BrightLine Bags announced its new modular flight-bag system called "The Flex System," which contains five different-sized interchangeable modules, along with four interchangeable external pockets. A pilot can create a customized bag that's the exact size and has the exact functionality he or she wants, according to the needs of their next flight. "We developed this new Flex System because of one powerful notion," said Ross Bishop. "A basic truth in aviation is that every pilot flies different types of missions in different types of conditions, and therefore has constantly changing flight-gear needs on an almost daily basis. We designed this system of modules and pockets to allow every pilot to once-and-for-all have a bag that actually works to control and organize their flight gear, no matter the nature of their next flight." Visit www.brightlinebags.com.
Quest Aircraft & Northrop Grumman
Quest Aircraft and Northrop Grumman have signed an agreement to develop the Air Claw, a special-mission demonstrator aircraft based on the Kodiak airframe. Northrop Grumman will serve as the U.S. Federal dealer for the KODIAK, as well as their preferred special-mission aircraft integrator. "Quest is very excited to more actively pursue the special- mission aircraft market," said Steve Zinda, Quest's Director of Sales and Marketing. "We see a lot of market potential in the government and military sector for the Air Claw, and are confident the aircraft will be well received." Visit www.questaircraft.com.
PRODUCT PREVIEWS
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Fold-Up Bike
One challenge of flying a small plane can be transportation at the airstrip. While visiting remote locations is certainly one of the perks of being a pilot, it's also nice to explore the surrounding areas and travel to nearby towns without always having to go on foot. SwissBike X90, the new high-performance mountain bike from Montague Corporation, is a rugged full-size bike that folds, without tools, to a compact 36x28x12 inches. In addition to the SwissBike X90, Montague offers complete lines of folding pavement and mountain bikes. Contact: www.montaguebikes.com.
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Flight Instructor Refresher
The new online Flight Instructor Refresher Course from King Schools follows the latest guidance from the FAA, recently released as revision "G" of FAA Advisory Circular 61-83, which specifies more up-to-date topics for flight instructors and puts emphasis on effectively teaching risk management. Users have the option for King Schools to handle all of their instructor's certificate renewal paperwork, making it unnecessary for them to visit their local FSDO to renew their certificate. The program will run on the iPad and on all Windows and Mac web browsers. Contact: www.kingschools.com.
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Outback Pilot Hat
"Roger's Hat" from Lost Squadron is an Aussie-style Outback Hat made of 100% heavy cotton canvas. On the front is the camo Spitfire design, and on the back are the Lost Squadron stripes and a roundel mark. It's a great hat for air shows, providing better sun protection, and for those who don't like wearing ball caps. When it's windy on the ramp, use the locking draw cord, and when it's hot outside, the brass eyelets will help keep you cool. Contact: www.lostsquadron.com.
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Video Your Flight
The Nflightcam Plus is an easy-to-use video camera that offers full 1080p HD video and allows you to share your passion for flight with others, from your landing at a unique airport, a cross-country adventure or an aerobatic flight. It's also great for flight training: Students can quickly review a flight lesson, including all cockpit audio and ATC transmissions, during a post-flight briefing with their instructor. The NFlightcam comes with a tough aluminum case, which is waterproof to one meter, and weighs less than six ounces. The camera lens can be rotated to mount the camera at any angle, and dual lasers as well as an iPhone app allow for precise alignment. The camera comes with software to edit and share your video with friends. Contact: www.sportys.com.
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Learn From Barry Schiff
With more than four hours of instruction, Barry Schiff's three-disk DVD series Proficient Flying, explains more of the "how" and "why" rather than just the "what." With each topic, ranging from takeoff techniques and weight-and-balance to pitot-static pitfalls and engine operating hints, Schiff presents information at an intuitive level, often taking the viewer along in the cockpit to demonstrate concepts. Proficient Flying has something for everyone, whether you're a student just starting up, or an accomplished aviator thinking about getting that seaplane rating or just wanting to refine your slip technique. In addition to the full DVD set, 18 individual subject segments are available for download. Contact: www.asa2fly.com/profly.
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Fly The Icon In Hawaii
The new Microsoft Flight PC game features the Icon A5 over a backdrop of the Big Island of Hawaii. The starter pack is available to download for free, and Microsoft also has announced pricing for additional downloadable content, including the rest of the Hawaiian Islands and four other aircraft besides the A5. No special hardware is required to play the game. Contact: www.iconaircraft.com and www.microsoftflight.com.
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Letters From My Son
Rooted in Texas, the adventures of Early Willson Junior immerse the reader in life during the depression, the beginnings of World War II and society goings-on. A journey takes a simple boy from Texas to the big city of New York to rub elbows with Dorothy Lamour and Cab Calloway, on to the historic field from which Howard Hughes and Amelia Earhart soared into record books, and finally across the ocean to "give his all" in World War II with Britain's Royal Air Force. Contact: www.safegoodspub.com.
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New GCA Headsets
The new Gulf Coast Avionics ANR II headset includes features such as cell phone and music input, dual volume controls with stereo and mono selection, reversible mic boom and battery status indicator. The headset weighs 14 ounces and comes with a three-year factory warranty. The new product line also includes a secondary level noise-cancelling headset along with a lineup of ultra-light headsets, including a model designed specifically for helicopter use and models designed for children. Contact: www.gca.aero.

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