March 2015 Readback

Sporty’s is acquiring Cessna 172s and equipping them with basic flight instruments along with significant interior and exterior enhancements.

Sporty's Launches Cessna 172LITE Project

Sporty's is acquiring Cessna 172s and equipping them with basic flight instruments along with significant interior and exterior enhancements. The only avionics are a communications radio and a transponder. The 172LITE will be used at the Sporty's Academy flight school and rented for $99 per hour. The Cessna 172LITE teaches the student the fundamentals of airmanship and engine management with only the needed instruments to monitor airspeed, altitude, engine health and simple communications. The 172LITE will boast new paint, newly upholstered seats, and the cabin's sidewalls, headliner and floor covering are replaced. Each airframe system is checked and components overhauled or replaced. "The result is an aircraft that looks new to the client. Due to the low acquisition cost, we can offer it for just $99, lowering the cost of admission in a Part 23 certified aircraft capable of flying with two real-sized adults," says Sporty's founder Hal Shevers. "With only essential instrumentation, the student will learn fundamental airmanship. After mastering those necessary skills, the student can then advance to more expensive aircraft to complete their training, but it is simply all the airplane a pilot needs all the way through the Recreational Certificate." The future of the 172LITE program includes adding a second aircraft to Sporty's flight school and sharing resources, best practices and information with other flight schools interested in assembling their own basic trainer. Visit www.sportys.com/172LITE.

Mooney Granted CAAC Type Certificate

Mooney International is set to deliver the first M20TN Acclaim Type S aircraft with a Chinese National Registration, ("B") number, to its owner in China. Mooney officially received the Validation of Type Certificate (VTC) issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) on Dec. 9, 2014, and this will allow Mooney International to directly export aircraft to China, making it easier for Chinese customers to own and operate a new Mooney. "CAAC's approval of the M20TN Acclaim and M20R Ovation models is excellent news for Mooney International and prospective customers in China," said Mooney CEO Jerry Chen. "The Acclaim and Ovation are perfect for the emerging Chinese personal aircraft market as they deliver turboprop speed with piston engine efficiency and cost." Mooney International sales representatives provide local service in China for the Acclaim Type S and the Ovation3, and are located in Beijing led by Vice President of Sales Peter Claeys. Visit www.mooney.com.

Wipaire Seaplane Rating Scholarship

In celebration of 55 years of continuous float production, Wipaire announced the Ben Wiplinger Memorial Seaplane Rating Scholarship to be awarded in July at EAA Airventure 2015 in Oshkosh, Wis. "As a longtime and active member of the seaplane community, we continually invest in people and products to better serve the industry," said Chuck Wiplinger, President of Wipaire. "It only seems natural for us to share the incredible world of seaplane flying with the next generation of seaplane pilots and enthusiasts." Ben Wiplinger, founder of Wipline, Inc., began his aviation career by building a Pietenpol Air Camper. He worked as a machinist, auto body technician and aircraft mechanic before later serving in the Army Air Forces as a mechanic. Wiplinger purchased his first seaplane in 1951 and established Wipline, Inc., in 1960. Many of the features he incorporated in the first set of Wipline floats remain standard today. Wiplinger passed away in 1992, leaving the company now known as Wipaire to his son, Bob, who continues to serve as the CEO. The scholarship is valued at $1,500 and will be paid directly to the winner's designated flight school. Applicants must hold a sport-pilot license or higher. The application form may be downloaded at www.wipaire.com/scholarship and entries must be received by June 30, 2015.

Youngest TBM 900 Owner

Daher-Socata delivered a TBM 900 to Phillip Bozek, making him the youngest owner of this aircraft model. Having learned to fly three years ago, the 28-year-old Bozek runs his family's lighting business, Conserva Electric Supply, and is also involved in real estate investment. To date, he has logged 1,500 flight hours. "Speed was the main reason that attracted me to the TBM 900, along with its designed-in cost/performance ratio," Bozek explained. Visit www.tbm.aero and www.daher.com.

Garmin AOA FAA-Approved

Garmin's Angle of Attack (AOA) system is now shipping and approved by the FAA for installation in a wide variety of general aviation aircraft. The entire system is comprised of the GI 260 AOA indicator, GAP 26 angle-of-attack probe and GSU 25 air data computer, which combine to display AOA and audible alerts throughout critical phases of flight. The new Angle Of Attack system supports the FAA's recent initiative to broaden adoption of AOA displays to improve safety within general aviation. An adjustable pitot mounting mast is provided, which may conveniently be attached to a new or existing inspection panel. Visit www.garmin.com.

Final Conforming Vision SF50 Jet Takes Flight

Cirrus Aircraft announced the successful maiden flight of the third and final conforming flight test aircraft, "C-Two" (C2), in their Vision SF50 personal jet program. The initial flight of C2 marks the latest significant milestone for the Vision jet program, as C2 now joins C0 and C1 in FAA flight testing and certification activities. C2's first flight took place on December 20 from Duluth International Airport (KDLH). Upon completion of the scheduled 20-minute flight, Director of Engineering Flight Test, Mike Stevens, reported, "Though this first flight was planned to be brief, C2 flew as predicted, and initial handling qualities were confirmed. More important, today's flight is a reflection on the dedication and determination of the Vision jet development team. Thanks to each and every one of our team members in Duluth, we are moving forward into 2015 on schedule." All three aircraft combined have logged more than 250 flight hours over 177 flights. The next aircraft set to join the Vision SF50 jet program will be the first production aircraft, known as "P-One" (P1). P1 is scheduled to roll off the production line in the second half of 2015. Visit www.cirrusaircraft.com.


PRODUCT PREVIEWS

Bob Hoover DVD

Robert A. "Bob" Hoover, age 92, is considered by many to be our greatest living aviator and has influenced generations of pilots with his precision flying and gentlemanly demeanor. Nicknamed "The Pilot's Pilot" by his peers, Hoover is largely unknown outside aviation circles despite his staggering accomplishments. In Flying the Feathered Edge, director Kim Furst captures every nuance of Hoover's amazing life story by skillfully interweaving vintage still images, rare historic footage and exclusive testimonials from other flight legends, past and present, bringing this legend's incredible life and story into the limelight. Contact: www.thebobhooverproject.com.

Battery-Free Watches From Sporty's Wright Bros. Collection

The Citizen Eco-Drive Field Chronograph and the Citizen Eco-Drive Avion never need batteries. Citizen Eco-Drive technology harnesses the power of light and converts it into energy, which is stored in a rechargeable Li-Ion cell. The Citizen Eco-Drive Field Chronograph has a stainless-steel case, a scratch-resistant mineral glass crystal and a black dial with silver-tone luminous hands and white markers. The Citizen Eco-Drive Avion is vintage-inspired and reminiscent of transatlantic flights from the 1950s. With a black leather strap with contrast stitching and buckle clasp, the watch face features oversized luminous numbers and a date function. Contact: www.sportys.com.

Guide To Composites

A Comprehensive Guide to Composites: Processes & Procedures from the Professionals gives tips and techniques used by pros to fabricate advanced composite parts. Author Kevin Fochtman's more than 30 years of industry experience provides valuable insight on safety, shop and equipment needs, engineering materials, lay-up, fabrication and quality control. Not only will readers understand the basic skills required by today's composite industry, they'll also gain foundational knowledge to pursue higher education goals in material science, composite engineering, and composite research and development. The hardcover book is 144 pages, and is also available in PDF and ePub formats, as well as an eBundle. Contact: www.asa2fly.com.

Fuel Stop Tool

The Fuel Stop is a simple tool that snaps onto a standard straw fuel gauge and prevents the gauge from ever slipping into the tank. It also becomes handy when it's necessary to set the gauge on the wing, as it will stay put and not roll off to disappear into the grass or onto the pavement. The Fuel Stop can be kept separately in your pilot bag to quickly snap onto a gauge that comes with a rental aircraft or kept permanently installed in your own aircraft for regular use. It's shaped like a set of red pilot wings, which makes it easy to find the gauge in your pilot bag or aircraft seat pocket. Contact: www.aircraftspruce.com.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

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

Subscribe to our newsletter