March 2008 Readback

"This is a significant day, as it brings together two top aircraft design and production companies to offer the global general aviation community the widest range of propeller aircraft, along with world-class product support, all under the Cessna brand," said Cessna CEO Jack Pelton. "I would like to thank the 400-plus Columbia employees for their continued hard work and dedication during the bankruptcy process. We look forward to welcoming them to the Cessna family. We plan to make significant investments in Bend, in people and operations, to bolster customer satisfaction and business profitability." To learn more, visit www.cessna.com.

Elite Technology
Florida Flight Training ordered an Elite iGate G502 Advanced ATD to supplement its flight-training with Cessna, Piper, Mooney and Robinson R22 aircraft. Students can train on advanced avionics, including HSIs, RMIs, flight directors and GPS units. The instructor's station has print and record capabilities, as well as failure modes and weather modeling. Learn more at www.flyelite.com.

More Scholarships
Flight Training Services International (FTSI) has made a donation of $125,000 to the nonprofit organization, Careers in Aviation. The funds will be used toward annual scholarships for students to complete their aviation education. "Our company has deep roots in aviation, and we look forward to helping further the industry that we all know is in great need of assistance," said FTSI CEO Shawn Raker. Scholarship applications are available at www.careersinaviation.org.

ICAS Bids Red Barons A Sad Farewell
Four hundred exhibitors and 1,500 attendees were at the International Convention of Air Shows (ICAS) meeting in December 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada, where more than $40,000 was raised for scholarships and other programs. Sean Tucker, Jimmy Driskell, Jimmy Franklin and Danny Clisham were inducted into the Air Show Hall of Fame; Kent Pietsch received the Art Scholl Memorial Award; and both the Blue Angels and Rob Reider were given the Sword of Excellence Award. Respects were also given to the recently retired Red Baron Stearman Squadron. Visit www.icashq.org and www.icasfoundation.org.

SR20-G3
Cirrus has announced the 2008 SR20 Generation Three. "For 10 years, the SR20 has won a loyal following of satisfied pilots," said Cirrus CEO Alan Klapmeier. "And now, this airplane will satisfy the needs of a whole new generation of pilots." The new model has a reengineered, larger wing that's designed with a new carbon-fiber spar to reduce aircraft weight and improve strength-to-weight ratio. Get all the details at www.cirrusdesign.com.

New DA40 Props
Hartzell Propeller received an STC permitting the installation on Diamond DA40 aircraft of two new propellers: a 76-inch, two-blade ASC-II composite-blended airfoil design and a 74-inch, two-blade aluminum-blended airfoil design. In addition to the new propellers, the STC also permits the use of Hartzell's new S-1 series propeller governor. The aluminum propeller kit prices at $7,495, and the ASC-II composite propeller kit lists for $11,295. For more information, go to www.diamondaircraft.com and www.hartzellprop.com.

Legend Cub On Skis
American Legend's Legend Cub can now be fitted with Trick Air skis. "Our model 1500 is well-suited to the Legend Cub," stated Trick Air President Rick Discher. "Its wheel penetration design allows ease of installation without lifting the airplane. It skirts the wheel and is shaped like a wing to reduce drag." View www.legend.aero and www.trickair.com.

Tempest
Tim Henderson, President of Aero Accessories, and others involved in the manufacture of the Tempest brand of general aviation products and Precision Airmotive have reached a tentative agreement to acquire Precision's MSA line of carburetors and spare parts. Immediate plans for the product line are to continue to produce the carburetors and parts as Precision has in the past. The long-term strategy will be to integrate the product line into engineering and R&D programs. Visit www.tempestplus.com.

China Builds
Cessna Aircraft announced a partnership with Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC) to manufacture the new Model 162 SkyCatcher LSA. Cessna will design the aircraft, handle ASTM-compliance work, and provide on-site personnel to oversee the manufacturing process. SAC will be responsible for assembling the aircraft. The first flight of the prototype SkyCatcher is set for the first half of 2008, and deliveries are expected to begin in the second half of 2009. Cessna expects to produce up to 700 a year at full-rate production. Visit www.cessna.com.

Liberty Aerospace and Anyang Angel Aero Science and Technology Development announced the construction of a new factory at the Anyang Airport in Henan to manufacture 600 Liberty XL2 aircraft for use in China. This number is expected to increase to 800 in anticipation of the opening of the air space in 2010. Learn more at www.libertyaircraft.com.

DreamFlyer
The DreamFlyer, a personal flight simulator by Canada-based FMS Flight Motion Simulators, was the recipient of the Consumer Electronics Show 2008 Innovations Honor Award in the Electronic Gaming category.

"Designing a highly advanced flight motion simulator at a reasonable price opens up a whole new market for flight-simulator enthusiasts, gamers and pilots," remarked FMS Flight Motion Simulators CEO Rahul Lakhote. Purchase yours at www.mydreamflyer.com.

IFR Training
All pilots must practice instrument procedures as part of their training curriculum. This is usually accomplished by wearing a view-limiting device to restrict vision to the instrument panel, which prevents pilots from looking outside the cockpit for visual references to attitude and location. ASA's Hoodwink automatically springs open when it's removed from its pouch and packs away for storage with a simple twist. It's lightweight, yet durable enough to withstand the rigors of daily use. The compact (4x4-inch) slim pouch is small enough to fit in a shirt pocket or in almost any flight bag compartment. The device can be used with or without headsets. One size fits all, and pilots will love its comfortable, unobtrusive functionality. For more information, contact ASA at (800) 272-2359 or www.asa2fly.com.

Speed Clean
Plastic surfaces are found everywhere: kitchens, autos, watercraft, watches, airplanes!the list goes on. A safe way to clean any plastic surface, Speed Clean leaves a unique "velvety smooth," anti-static finish that makes a surface even easier to clean the next time around. Just spray it on, let it work and gently wipe with a soft cloth (stay away from scratch-inducing paper towels). Cleaned surfaces remain free of static and dust for weeks. The nonaerosol bottle is suitable for carrying in an airplane. For more, contact Dan's RC Stuff at (818) 700-6912 or www.speedclean.us.

Stop Engine Corrosion
All engines develop moisture between flights. The Tanis Engine Dehydrator reduces damaging moisture by keeping a closed loop of ever-drier air circulating. If you don't fly weekly, the humidity level in your crankcase could be as high as 98%. When run continuously, the Dehydrator can reduce the humidity to less than 10%. An LCD screen displays humidity and temperature for easy monitoring. The dehydrator runs on 110 V and weighs only 13 pounds when full. For more, contact Sporty's at (800) SPORTYS or www.sportys.com.

The Symbol Of The Perfect Flight
Josten's, a provider of products, programs and services that celebrate important moments and accomplishments, offers rings for those who know the compulsion to fly. The Pilot's Ring Collection features many options for customization, including special add-ons designed to symbolize a pilot's unique achievement in the aviation field. Whether you're a helicopter pilot or a private pilot, you can design a ring to your tastes and achievements. To learn more, contact Josten's at (800) 433-5671 or www.pilotrings.com.

Stay Warm, Look Good
Now a classic aviator-style flight jacket is available in water buffalo leather, a unique material renowned for its durability, warmth and great looks. Sporty's rugged Safari Jacket is crafted from nearly eight pounds of water buffalo leather that has a "battle-scarred" look and a velvety soft feel. Modeled on the famous Navy G-2 jacket from WWII, the Safari Jacket is ideal for even the coldest days. The jacket features a high-quality cotton lining, a heavy brass zipper with leather pull tab, wool cuffs and waistband, side-entry handwarmer pockets, an inside snap pocket and top-entry zip pockets. For more information on the Safari line of products, contact Sporty's at (800) SPORTYS or www.sportys.com.

Weather Skills
Ice Is NOT Nice, a two-part training CD produced by Chesapeake Aviation Training, is a critical tool for any IFR pilot. Part 1 consists of nine modules with more than 100 slides (2 hours and 36 minutes); it describes the underlying factors behind structural icing and the weather products that can be used to deal with icing. Part 2, available in July, applies knowledge from Part 1 in a scenario-based method. Purchase each part individually or as a pair. For more, contact Chesapeake Aviation Training at (803) 802-2591 or http://chesavtraining.com.

Magnetic Vacuum Pump Wrench
Tempest recently released a vacuum pump wrench to complement its line of "mechanic friendly" specialty tools. The AA716 wrench includes a magnet that holds the washer in place, making the installation of the vacuum pump nuts much easier. Vacuum pump installation can be difficult because of its location and restrictions from other engine accessories. The reasonably priced wrench will reduce installation time and therefore labor costs. For more information about Tempest products, please call (800) 822-3200 or www.tempestplus.com.