October 2008 Readback

The PiperJet Takes Flight

readbackOn July 30, 2008, the PiperJet made its first flight from Piper's headquarters in Vero Beach, Fla. "Today marks the beginning of a new era for Piper Aircraft as the company literally takes flight into a whole new realm of performance, luxury and capability," asserted Piper President and CEO James K. Bass.

Powered by a Williams FJ44-3AP that's rated at 3,000 pounds of thrust, the PiperJet flew for one hour, reaching a maximum altitude of 10,000 feet and a speed of 160 KTAS. The six-seat VLJ---with an option for either a seventh seat or lavatory---will offer Garmin glass avionics, a luxurious interior and an estimated range of 1,300 nm and full-fuel payload of 800 pounds. Deliveries are anticipated to begin in 2011; the PiperJet will come with a $2.199 million price tag. Learn more at www.piper.com.

readbackLooking Forward
Expedition Aircraft has announced that it will make Forward Vision's infrared system, the EVS-100, available on all of its newly certified aircraft models. The self-contained system is ready to mount, designed to be upgradeable and operates in all conditions. A long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) sensor is sunlight safe and features greyscale to discern detail.

readbackComp Air, the first kitplane manufacturer to integrate the EVS-100 into its aircraft, will also make the EVS-100 available on its new models (Comp Air 9, 11 and 12). Preexisting models are also all available with the EVS-100. Visit www.forward-vision.net, www.expeditionaircraft.com and www.compairinc.com.

readbackAvidyne SVS & EVS
Avidyne has enhanced its Entegra product line with a Synthetic Vision System (SVS) and Enhanced Vision System (EVS). The Entegra SVS depicts 3D terrain, obstacles, traffic and Highway-in-the-Sky (HITS) boxes on the PFD. The Entegra EVS uses a Forward Vision EVS-100 infrared camera that enables pilots to see up to 10 times farther in marginal VFR conditions and through most atmospheric obscurations. For more, visit www.avidyne.com.

readbackA New Engine From Rolls-Royce
Mooney has announced that it has entered into a joint engineering project with Rolls-Royce to explore the use of the new RR500 turbine engine as an alternative fuel (Jet A) powerplant to complement the current Mooney product line.

"The RR500 turbine introduced this week by Rolls-Royce represents the next step in our exploration of alternative fuel power for personal aircraft," explained Dennis Ferguson, Mooney's CEO. "The rugged Mooney airframe is uniquely suited to accept the power of the Rolls-Royce engine, and we're very excited about working with Rolls-Royce to examine the possibility of bringing a Jet-A powered Mooney turboprop to the market in the future." Log on to www.mooney.com and www.rolls-royce.com.


Expedition Gets Canadian Certification
The Expedition E350, manufactured by Found Aircraft Canada, has been granted type certification by Transport Canada. The type certification includes day and night VFR and IFR for the tricycle-gear E350 and the E350 with Aerocet 3400 and 3500L floats installed.

The conventional-gear Expedition E350XC is currently in the final flight-testing stages; it's expected to be certified by Transport Canada by the end of the year. FAA certification for the E350 and E350XC are expected in the near future. [For more about the E350, see "For Town & Country" from P&P August 2008.] Visit www.expeditionaircraft.com.

SVT On Mooneys
Garmin's Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT) has been approved for installation in Mooney Acclaims and Ovations by the FAA. Beginning in August, Mooney will begin installing the SVT-equipped G1000 avionics packages in production aircraft. Mooney is also working on a package and pricing structure for aircraft owners who wish to upgrade their existing planes. Visit www.mooney.com.

Pedal To The Metal
Seven months after introducing the CTLS upgrade to its CT line of composite LSA, German-based Flight Design debuted its MC (for Metal Concept) LSA at EAA AirVenture 2008. The high-wing aircraft incorporates aluminum skin construction in its design. A steel-cage framework protects occupants. Also notable is the spacious 51.6-inch-wide cabin---one foot wider than a Cessna 172's cabin.

As with all Flight Design LSA, the MC will come standard with an all-airplane emergency parachute system. A $7,000 deposit will lock the as-yet-unannounced price against any potential currency fluctuations. Visit www.flightdesign.com.

New Lycoming Engines

Lycoming has launched a series of iE2 engines that offer integrated electrical power generation, advanced sensor technology and electronic knock detection. The iE2 has the ability to adaptively control the
engine on an individual cylinder basis and optimize performance under any operating condition. The first iE2 engine model planned for FAA certification will be the 350 hp, twin-turbocharged TEO-540-A1A in 2009.
Lycoming has also introduced the IO-233-LSA engine, an ASTM-conformed gasoline engine rated at 100 hp to 116 hp for light-sport aircraft. New engine design features include throttle body fuel injection with an optimized air-induction system and electric-spark ignition within a proven powerplant. The engine is approved for 2,400-hour TBO intervals and is currently undergoing final performance and endurance testing. For more info, visit www.lycoming.com.

readbackAV8OR Series
Honeywell has launched its new Bendix/King AV8OR Series of portable avionics for GA pilots. Three new systems in the series include the AV8OR Handheld MFD and two portable, synthetic-vision-equipped cockpit information systems, the AV8OR Horizon 3D and the AV8OR Vision 3D. The AV8OR Handheld, priced at $749, has a high-resolution, 4.3-inch, diagonal touch screen and offers innovative features like Smart Profile, which provides a vertical profile view of the flight path relative to terrain, airspace and obstacles. Visit www.bendixking.com.

readbackSave Time, Make Your Plane Shine
You don't need to spend hours slaving over your airplane to get it clean. With aerosol Wax As-U-Dry from Eagle One, just spray the product on and leave it wet, then dry with a chamois or towel. The result is a high-gloss shine with no hazing, streaking or white residue. The push-button convenience and consistent coverage provided by Wax As-U-Dry make the once tedious cleaning process a snap. Each additional use adds a protective layer of wax to the finish. This unique formula utilizes a blend of water-reactive polymers with real carnauba wax for a lasting shine. It's safe for all painted surfaces, as well as windows and trim. The 18-ounce can is available at most auto supply chains. For more information, contact Eagle One at (800) 682-6994.


readbackVirtual Test Prep Ground School Updated
ASA's new ground school course is the first to be offered in widescreen format, available in both standard definition DVD and high-definition Blu-ray Disc. The updated Private Pilot Virtual Test Prep includes more than 10 hours of all-new video footage and features compelling in-flight demonstrations, 3D animated graphics and instructor discussions. The software comes with all the FAA test questions, answers and explanations for true-to-form test practice. Results can then be used to receive an endorsement from ASA to take the FAA Knowledge Exam. A bonus DVD includes two hours of interviews with some of aviation's leading educators. For more, contact ASA at (800) ASA-2FLY.

Proactively Visualize Global Weather
WSI Corporation, a weather decision support provider, has released an updated version of Pilotbrief Online. The new Interactive Map displays a global, pole-to-pole, high-resolution, digital elevation model with weather, hazard and route overlays. The map also features intuitive graphical briefing modes that walk users through the process of choosing a route and obtaining a weather briefing. This is one in a series of proactive management solutions offered by WSI that transform weather information into safer and more efficient flight and airport operations. For more, contact WSI Corporation at (800) USA-2FLY.

readbackWingX For BlackBerry Smartphones
Hilton Software has just released a BlackBerry-compatible version of its flagship product, WingX, an aviation tool that provides pilots, air taxi operators and fleet operators with flexibility in preflight, in-flight and postflight operations. Building on a Windows Mobile product line, the latest release blends WingX Technology (the basis for Jeppesen Mobile) readbackwith the ubiquitous BlackBerry, enhancing aviation safety and operational efficiency. Pilots will have access to a comprehensive Airport/Facility Directory and every NACO approach chart and airport diagram in the United States, all while flying at altitude and out of cell phone coverage. In addition to color-coded METARs and TAFs, pilots will be able to view NEXRAD and other weather images in real-time. For more, contact Hilton Software at (866) 42-WINGX.

readbackNo Batteries Necessary
PMA8000B-MP3, an audio control panel, is PS Engineering's newest player. It incorporates all the capabilities of the PMA8000B, but adds an internal 1 GB MP3 player. With this device, you won't have to worry about bringing and hooking up your iPod or dealing with a dead battery. Additionally, having a built-in MP3 player eliminates cable clutter, freeing up valuable flying space. Files are easily uploaded from a portable USB thumb drive; once it's connected to the audio panel by the supplied USB cable, simply press the "Function" and "Transfer" keys, and the audio panel takes care of the rest. The PMA8000B-MP3 is a slide-in replacement, making it a very simple upgrade installation. For more, contact PS Engineering at (800) 427-2376.

readbackA CFI's Dream Bag
Flying with multiple students and in various aircraft on a daily basis, flight instructors need to keep all the tools of their trade organized. To meet the demands facing front-line flight instructors, Sporty's convened a panel of 28 flight instructors and put them to work designing their ideal flight bag. The result is Sporty's new CFI Flight Gear Bag. Exclusive features include two padded external pockets to keep a transceiver and GPS within easy reach. The transceiver pocket incorporates Sporty's patented split flap to accommodate the antenna. Dual quick-access chart pockets have enough room for local flights, and a large, wide-mouth center compartment is perfectly sized for a headset. A front organizer section holds the crucial miscellaneous items a CFI needs at hand, such as business cards, flashlight and fuel tester. Learn more by contacting Sporty's at (800) SPORTYS.

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