A team of researchers at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has received funding for a project to assess the performance of pilots when they land small airplanes at small airports using an approach normally employed at airports with longer runways. The results could help shed light on the feasibility of letting small aircraft use GPS-aided approaches for small airports. In the project, funded by the Federal Aviation Administration and sponsored by the MITRE Corporation, instrument-rated pilots from central Florida will conduct approaches and landings using a Level 6 Cessna flight simulator that can replicate low-visibility conditions. The research, led by Dr. Michael Wiggins, professor of aeronautical science, will take place at Embry-Riddle's campus in Daytona Beach, Fla., beginning next summer. Pilots for the project will be recruited beginning in the spring of 2013. Visit www.embryriddle.edu.

Bahamas Civil Aviation announced that effective February 1, 2013, the installation of 406 MHz emergency locator transmitters (ELTs) won't be mandatory for all general aviation aircraft flying to and within the islands of the Bahamas. This exemption, made under the provision of The Civil Aviation Regulations 2001, section 2 and the Bahamas Safety Air Regulations 2001, applies to all Bahamas commercial operators, general aviation aircraft flying in or over the Bahamas, balloons, gliders and lighter than air. Contact Greg Rolle at grolle@bahamas.com for additional information.

Where2 Interactive launched SocialFlight 2.0, an enhanced version of their free app that provides pilots with an interactive map of aviation events and the ability to share those events with friends. SocialFlight now makes it possible for pilots to network with other pilots who share common interests or aircraft, chat, share photos and organize attendance at local events. This new release of SocialFlight also coincides with membership surpassing 10,000 users and the database reaching over 3,000 aviation events in 2012. SocialFlight also includes tools for organizations such as aircraft owner's groups. Organizations can provide their members with an interactive view of their own events right from the organization's website. Visit www.socialflight.com.

Quest Aircraft announced the sale of 12 Kodiaks to Blue Eagle Aviation Investment Management Corp. of Beijing, China. Deliveries will continue through 2015. The agreement also calls for options for additional Kodiaks. "This is a significant milestone for Quest," said Steve Zinda, Director of Sales and Marketing. "China and the entire Asia-Pacific Rim offer strong market potential for the Kodiak, as the multi-mission capability and efficiency of the aircraft are well-suited to this region." Blue Eagle Aviation was named an authorized Kodiak dealer in July as part of Quest's growth strategy to partner with premier local organizations. Work on receiving certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China is expected by the end of the year. Visit www.questaircraft.com.

Cessna Aircraft has entered into a joint venture contract with China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Company (CAIGA) in accordance with their previously announced strategic agreement to conduct final assembly of Cessna Caravan turboprop aircraft in China for the Chinese market. The joint venture contract also contemplates the possibility of designing and assembling new models of utility turboprop aircraft in the future. Formation of the joint venture company remains subject to various government approvals and customary conditions. Cessna's Wichita, Kans., operations will provide components and parts manufacturing and sub-assemblies for the Caravan aircraft to be sold by the joint venture. Joint venture operations in Shijiazhuang will be designed to conduct final assembly, paint, testing, interior installation, customization, flight testing and delivery of the Cessna Caravan to in-country customers. Visit www.cessna.com.

Windblade, the exclusive distributor for the Inogen Aviator, announced the release of the Inogen Aviator G2-1050, an in-flight oxygen concentrator for use in general aviation aircraft. The G2-1050 replaces heavy oxygen bottles and provides an unlimited supply of oxygen without the need to ever refill an O2 bottle. It provides an additional 17% oxygen output over the current system, concentrating oxygen from ambient air for a single user up to 17,999 feet by stripping nitrogen and storing the O2 for on-demand use. The G2-1050 meets FAA guidelines for supplemental oxygen and is also approved for use during all phases of a flight. Visit www.inogenaviator.com.

Survival Products had another aircraft emergency rescue using model No. 1400-3, a four-man inflatable life raft that weighs 12 pounds. In January 2012, a father/daughter team were flying their Cirrus SR22 from Miami to Haiti when they were forced to make an emergency landing in the Bahamas. From the wing of their plane, they deployed the SPI raft, which inflates in 10 seconds. They were picked up by a U.S. Coast Guard rescue helicopter. Visit www.survivalproductsinc.com.

BrightLine Bags' new modular flight bag system, The Flex System, starts with the basic modular-design concept of the BrightLine Bags flight bag and creates an entire system that contains five different-sized interchangeable modules, a front and rear end cap, and a collection of four interchangeable external pockets. A pilot can create a customized bag that's the exact size and has the exact functionality needed for their specific flight. Contact: www.brightlinebags.com.

Amuse your passengers with humorous placards that lighten the mood and are designed to look just like their real counterparts. Placards include a Panic Button; one that reads, "No Smoking: If you must smoke, please step outside" and one that reads, "Intentional Straight and Level Flight Prohibited." Each placard is engraved and includes an adhesive back. Contact: www.sportys.com.

The Spirit of Lindy, by Kermit Weeks, is the story of Charles Lindbergh's famous flight from New York to Paris to win the Orteig Prize in 1927 and emphasizes going beyond oneself. The story takes place at the Fantasy of Flight and features airplane-based characters, including Geoffrey D. H., an enthusiastic DeHavilland 4 mail plane with a grand idea, and Lindy, based on Lindbergh's plane, Spirit of St. Louis. The story takes place at Fantasy of Flight, where familiar characters from Weeks' first book, All Of Life Is A School, work together to help Geoffrey pursue his dream and learn a valuable life lesson in the process. Contact: www.fantasyoflight.com.

Now available in 3D Blu-ray, Top Gun is the story of an elite group of pilots competing to be the best in their class and earn the title of "top gun" that captured the imagination of a generation. The film stars Tom Cruise as Maverick and Kelly McGillis as his civilian instructor, and also stars Val Kilmer, Anthony Edwards and Meg Ryan. The Blu-ray 3D disc presents the film with pristine high-definition picture and sparkling sound in spectacular 3D for the ultimate home-viewing experience. Contact: www.amazon.com.