October 2011 Readback
This year, Rotax Aircraft is celebrating 40,000 912/914 four-stroke engines and the 15th anniversary of the 914 line.
Rotax Celebrates!
This year, Rotax Aircraft is celebrating 40,000 912/914 four-stroke engines and the 15th anniversary of the 914 line. More than 24 million hours have been logged to date on Rotax 912/914-equipped planes. Ongoing improvements of the company's engine design allowed for TBO of the 912 family to increase to 2,000 hours in 2009, followed by an increase for the 914 in 2010. "By building upon the experience of more than seven million Rotax engines produced for all BRP products," the company stated, "we strive to provide the highest possible reliability at low total operating costs." At EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis., Rotax supported the Young Eagles program by donating a 2012 BRP Ski-Doo MX800 E-TEC at the annual fundraiser event. With an eye on the future, all aircraft engines currently produced by Rotax are approved for use with Ethanol E10 fuel and lead-free Mogas. Research shows that more than 80% of LSA manufacturers worldwide are using two- or four-stroke Rotax engines. Visit www.rotax-aircraft-engines.com.
60,000th Stormscope
L-3 Avionics Systems has produced its 60,000th Stormscope Weather Mapping System, used for severe-weather detection in light aircraft. The company donated the system to the Gathering of Eagles fundraising auction at AirVenture. "This milestone is a testament to the advantages pilots receive with a Stormscope system on board, even when used in combination with datalink or radar information," said Larry Riddle, vice president of business development for L-3 Avionics Systems. Visit www.as.l-3com.com.
UAS Degree
Embry-Riddle's Daytona Beach campus is launching a BS in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Science degree program this fall. The program is open to U.S. citizens who have a basic background in math and physics, and will focus on the operations aspect of UAS, preparing students for such roles as pilot, observer, sensor operator or operations administrator. A pilot track is offered for students who are interested in flight operations from the pilot's perspective, and a nonpilot track is for those seeking a career as a sensor operator or a support position. Professor Ted Beneigh, Professor of Aeronautical Science and Program Coordinator of the new degree, said, "Embry-Riddle stands ready to provide educated, well-qualified personnel to this new and important field that promises to revolutionize aviation." Visit www.embryriddle.edu.
Fly A Spitfire
Boultbee Flight Academy has launched a new Spitfire Academy, based at London Oxford Airport. Students will experience prewar training, starting in a Tiger Moth and a Harvard, and then moving on to a fully restored two-seat Mark IX Vickers Supermarine Spitfire. Visit www.boultbeeflightacademy.co.uk.
Logbook App For Android
NC Software's free Logbook Pro app is now available for Android devices. It keeps track of a pilot's flight logbook, including certificates, ratings, medicals, flight reviews, ground training, flights, currencies and more. Advanced analysis, extensive reporting and customization tools provide a complete picture of flight logs. It synchronizes with Logbook Pro PC edition. Visit www.logbookpro.com.
SVT In R9
Avidyne v9.3 software upgrade for the Entegra Release 9 Integrated Flight Deck (R9) system features Synthetic Vision Technology and support for three-screen R9 installations and onboard weather radar. "Customers will find our SVT second to none in terms of innovative features that are easy to use and that dramatically enhance situational awareness," said Avidyne CEO Dan Schwinn. "Forward Looking Terrain Alerting and an adjustable Field of View are great examples of how Avidyne has designed a synthetic vision system that is truly compelling." The v9.3 upgrade is expected to receive final FAA certification later this year. Visit www.avidyn.com.
Redbird Skyport
John and Martha King announced that they'll partner with Redbird Flight Simulations to provide simulator-centric flight training with Cessna's scenario-based training curriculum. This will take place at Redbird's ProFlight Academy flight school and development laboratory. ProFlight Academy will be housed in the new Redbird Skyport at the San Marcos, Texas, airport. "The ProFlight Academy development laboratory will be a Cessna Pilot Center, and will utilize a simulator-centric flight-training curriculum that integrates knowledge and flight training, together with affordable, full-motion, visual flight simulation," Martha King commented. "We fully expect the output of the development laboratory to revolutionize the flight-training industry." Visit www.kingschool.com and www.redbirdflightsimulations.com.
Win Roy Clark's Airplane
Wings of Hope is holding a raffle for country music legend Roy Clark's Piper Tri-Pacer to help children with major health issues get to life-saving treatment. "We are grateful for Roy's generosity to the people we serve, and will put to good use the proceeds from this once-in-a-lifetime chance to own a piece of Americana and gift of flight," says Doug Clements, Wings of Hope president. The plane will be raffled with a full scholarship for a private pilot license and a Lightspeed Zulu headset. Only 2,000 tickets are being sold at $50 each. Get yours at www.wingsofhoperaffle.org.
Electric 172 Taxi Tests
Beyond Aviation, formerly Bye Energy, began initial taxi tests on its electric Cessna 172 at Centennial Airport in Englewood, Colo. Their goal is to develop a practical, cost-effective conversion to environmentally friendly electric propulsion systems as a replacement for internal combustion engines on aircraft requiring 150 to 200 hp. The company will be announcing the electric aircraft's first flight date soon. Visit www.byeenergy.com.
A/C For LSA
Corbi Air has teamed with Air Management Technology to bring a lightweight air-conditioning solution to the LSA market. Their 20-pound modular package includes all-electric driven compressors, a compact evaporator and an efficient condenser/compressor assembly, all powered by a 28VDC, 70 amp engine-driven alternator. Their system features an A/C mode and fan mode for air recirculation. Visit www.corbiari.com.
Socata Centennial
Daher-Socata commemorated 100 years of continuous aircraft production at EAA AirVenture. Stéphane Mayer, newly appointed President and CEO, symbolically stopped the centennial countdown clock, representing the opening of a new century for a company that started its aircraft manufacturing activities as Aeroplanes Morane-Saulnier in 1911. Visit www.tbm850.com.
Kestrel Selects Honeywell
Kestrel Aircraft announced the selection of the Honeywell TPE331-14GR engine to power their composite single-engine turboprop airplane. "Customers want lower maintenance costs, fewer lifecycle-limited parts and better fuel efficiency when they select an aircraft engine," said Rob Wilson, president of Honeywell Business and General Aviation. "Honeywell's TPE331 is uniquely situated to deliver these benefits and more, that will help make the Kestrel a success in the market." Visit www.kestrel.aero.
Cessna IFR Course
Cessna Aircraft, with King Schools, has developed a new instrument pilot course as the next element of its Cessna Flight Training System. The web-based instrument training course and updated learning management system, the Cessna Course Tracking Application, will be available through Cessna Pilot Centers. Cessna expects to expand the flight-training system to include a commercial pilot course. Every aspect of training is tracked, and training materials can be accessed from any location with an Internet connection. The course comes with additional materials, including a folding kneeboard and view-limiting device. Visit www.cessna.com.
PRODUCT PREVIEWS
Zulu.2
The next-generation headset from Lightspeed Aviation, the Zulu.2, features improvements in the areas of quietness, comfort and clarity. The premium headset offers full-function Bluetooth compatibility for phone and music devices, and the design features plush ear seals and reduced side pressure. Contact: www.lightspeedaviation.com.
Small PLB
The ResQLink from ACR Communications measures just 3.9 inches and weighs only 4.6 ounces. The unit uses three levels of signal technology---GPS positioning, a 406 MHz signal, and 121.5 MHz honing capability---to relay emergency position data to the Cospas-Sarsat worldwide network of rescue satellites. Two built-in tests allow users to verify that their ResQLink is functioning and ready for use. Contact: www.acrelectronics.com.
Airplane Tug
The battery-powered AircraftCaddy 4K Jr. from the Lindbergh Aircraft Tug Company is designed for one person to safely and easily push and pull an airplane in and out of a hangar. It features smooth acceleration and braking systems that eliminate rough starting/stopping of gas-powered clutching systems. Contact: www.lindbergh.com/aircraft-tug.
Link Up
The Clarify Aloft Link is geared toward the demands of connecting cell phones and media devices to the aviation headset wirelessly. Via Bluetooth technology, pilots can link two devices simultaneously, instead of having to choose between devices. Based on pilot-set preferences, priority muting allows music to automatically fade for incoming cell phone calls or for radio transmissions. Contact: www.clarityaloft.com.
CFI Lesson Plans
This new book from ASA is the follow-up text and companion to Train Like You Fly, and the latest title written by Arlynn McMahon, 2009 National Flight Instructor of the Year. Lesson Plans To Train Like You Fly presents lesson plans for flight instructors in the form of "maneuver briefings." Illustrations throughout let instructors know exactly what to draw and what to say to teach every flight maneuver covered in the private and commercial training programs. Each maneuver briefing concludes with a fill-in-the-blanks template to be used for the student's airplane and location. The book also includes templates, checklists and student assignments to help determine the student's readiness to act as pilot in command. Contact: www.asa2fly.com.
Protect Your Pitot
Sporty's Pitot Glove wraps securely with a Velcro strap around angled pitot tubes to keep insects out and protect your aircraft's pitot tube. Its durable construction will withstand bad weather conditions, including wind and freezing temperatures. A bright-red "Remove Before Flight" streamer provides high visibility. Contact: www.sportys.com.
Altura Headset
If you don't need a premium headset, the less-expensive Alura is for you. The sturdy yet comfortable headset features smart ANR activation, which automatically stops and starts the ANR electronics to save battery power, dual ANR microphones, and 47 dB active noise reduction. Its large gel ear seals are great for pilots who wear eyeglasses or sunglasses. Contact: www.aluraheadsets.com.
Pilot Watch
The Swiss-made Torgoen T26105 features a stainless-steel case, back and buckle and an Italian-leather strap. It's water-resistant for 330 feet, and has been tested under conditions including temperature variation, dust, humidity and vibration. TropicAero.com stocks a wide variety of Torgoen Swiss watches in addition to the T26. Contact: www.tropicaero.com.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Get the latest Plane & Pilot Magazine stories delivered directly to your inbox