September 2013 Readback
Cessna Aircraft’s Discover Flying Challenge sends six aviation students for a summer-long excursion across the United States.
Cessna 2013 Discover Flying Challenge
Cessna Aircraft's Discover Flying Challenge sends six aviation students for a summer-long excursion across the United States. This year, Cessna has partnered with five not-for-profit organizations to bring awareness to their charitable efforts: American Red Cross, Experimental Aircraft Association Young Eagles, Special Olympics, United Way and Veterans Airlift Command. The community partners' logos are displayed on the program's six Cessna 172 Skyhawk aircraft, and pilots plan to attend community partner events such as Special Olympics summer games and EAA Young Eagles rallies. The six pilot interns will use social media to share their experiences with flight and philanthropy throughout the summer. The charity with the most social engagement will receive a $25,000 donation from Cessna. The pilots' progress can be followed through SocialFlight, a website with a mobile app the provides detailed pilot itineraries and mapped appearances. Visit www.socialflight.com. and www.cessnadfc.com.
SimCom & Eclipse
SimCom Training Centers and Eclipse Aerospace announced a new Avio IFMS-equipped full-motion Eclipse twin-engine jet simulator ready for training at SimCom's Orlando, Fla., training center. The Eclipse Jet simulator is an FAA-certified Level D full-motion device. As such, there's no need to operate an actual aircraft in order to complete all training requirements for the issuance of a single-pilot Eclipse Jet type rating or for completion of any recurrent course. In-aircraft instruction following a type rating is also offered for those individuals who require mentor training. SimCom's Eclipse Jet training is approved by all major insurance underwriters. "We are very proud of our training partnership with Eclipse Aerospace," states Eric Hinson, SimCom's President. "With this Level D approved simulator, Eclipse Jet customers will now enjoy a high-fidelity training experience using a simulator with avionics identical to those in their actual jets. The combination of our experienced instructors and this newly qualified simulator will allow Eclipse Jet operators to maximize the benefits of training. The result will be better prepared and more proficient Eclipse Jet pilots." Visit www.eclipse.aero. and www.simulator.com.
High School Students At Glasair
Eight high school students who won a GAMA/Build A Plane-sponsored aircraft-design contest received an all-expense paid trip to the Glasair Aviation factory. There, they'll spend two weeks building a pair of Sportsman aircraft in Glasair's Two Weeks to Taxi program. Glasair technicians will head up the two teams and guide them through the entire construction process. In two weeks, both aircraft will be taxied and should be ready for flight, pending a final FAA inspection. The aircraft are expected to log the necessary hours in time to be flown to AirVenture in Oshkosh. Visit www.glasairaviation.com.
4,000th Model 36 Bonanza
Beechcraft held a special ceremony to deliver the 4,000th Model 36 Beechcraft Bonanza: a G36 owned by Segall Group of Baltimore, Md. The Bonanza is the longest continuously produced aircraft in history, and more than 18,000 Model 35, 33 and 36 units have been delivered since 1947. During the ceremony at the company's Customer Delivery Center in Wichita, Beechcraft CEO Bill Boisture presented the Bonanza G36 featuring a commemorative N4000L tail number to retail brokerage firm Segall Group. The firm will use the aircraft to conduct site visits and client meetings while developing shopping centers and brokering real-estate deals in the mid-Atlantic region for national retail and restaurant companies. Visit www.beechcraft.com.
Blackhawk STC For 208A Caravan Engine Upgrade
Jim Allmon, President of Blackhawk Modifications, announced that Blackhawk has received STC certification for the PT6A-42A upgrade on the Cessna 208A Caravan. The upgrade will provide the same operational advantages for owners of the 208A Caravan as for the 208B Grand Caravan. "We are very excited to now be able to offer the XP42A Upgrade Package to the entire Caravan fleet," says Allmon. "With a number of new 208A Caravan engine upgrade orders already signed and numerous strong inquiries from other potential customers, we definitely have a winner!" The XP42A Upgrade Package includes a factory-new Pratt & Whitney PT6A-42A engine rated at 850 shp. In addition, the package utilizes a new wide-chord 100-inch-diameter Hartzell four-blade propeller; new composite cowling and high efficiency inlet duct; new 40% larger oil cooler; new Blackhawk Hawkeye DigiLog engine gauges and new exhaust stacks, not to mention a TBO of 5,000 hours to qualified operators. Visit www.blackhawk.aero.
Dual Electronics & GRT Avionics
Dual Electronics announced that their XGPS170 GPS + ADS-B Receiver integrates with panel-mounted EFIS systems from GRT Avionics, providing ADS-B weather (FIS-B) and traffic (TIS-B) data to Horizon HX, Horizon HXr and Sport SX systems via USB. The integration allows pilots to see weather and traffic information displayed on their primary navigation screens, while the XGPS170 can simultaneously wirelessly deliver the same data to two Apple or Android tablets, creating safety-enhancing redundancy. "Being able to connect the XGPS170 directly to the panel is a definite advantage to the pilot. The value of seeing critical weather and traffic information on the primary instruments is obvious, but the added reliability and simplicity of a wired connection gives additional peace of mind," said Greg Lukins, VP, Business Development, Dual Electronics. Visit www.dualav.com and www.grtavionics.com.
Canada Certifies Robinson R66 Turbine
Transport Canada has issued its type certificate for the Robinson R66. To date, 20 countries have certified the R66, including the U.S., Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Russia and South Africa, and there are close to 400 R66 helicopters operating worldwide. Visit www.robinsonheli.com.
Plane & Pilot published the incorrect print ad for Eagle Jet International in the July 2013 issue on page 72. Please see the correct print ad with updated pricing and payment details on page 9 of this (September 2013) issue.
PRODUCT PREVIEWS
Sortie Sunglasses
Sortie, the newest addition to Serengeti's selection of aviator sunglasses, has all of the design cues familiar to aviator eyewear in place, including: navigator shape, double bridge, narrow temples and bayonet earpieces. The frame, however, has been freshened with a slightly more angular profile for a modern look. To achieve a new level of performance while retaining all of the requisite design cues, Serengeti consulted with retired F16 fighter pilot, Major Dan Rooney. Sortie is fitted with Ultra-Light glass lenses made with borosilicate optical glass that's chemically tempered for scratch and impact resistance. These lenses incorporate two technologies to optimize common interactions with light, reducing eye strain and improving visual acuity through photochromic and spectral control. Constructed with lightweight durable titanium, Sortie's frame has a natural springiness that ensures a precise comfortable fit for most head sizes. Contact: www.serengeti-eyewear.com.
Perfect Your Takeoffs & Landings
This newly combined edition by Ron Fowler shows pilots how to develop total awareness for the situation, the airplane and the self---and to convert that awareness into perfect takeoffs and landings. The detailed steps in this book ensure pilots have the knowledge they need to go beyond rote-learned reactions and develop excellent flying skills. Each chapter defines a specific takeoff or landing situation and the set of characteristics unique to it. It's written with an easy, conversational approach to teaching and speaks to all pilots who thrive on the personal challenge of striving for excellence. The softcover book is 248 pages and is also available as an eBook. Contact: www.asa2fly.com.
Your Flights As Art
Sporty's can now create a custom framed print showing the track map of all IFR flights you made in a time period up to one year. Using data from Flight Aware, this print shows all IFR flights, including departure and destination airport identifiers and the actual route flown. Also included is a custom-engraved plaque with the pilot's name, N-number and dates. The high-resolution print measures 26 inches high by 29 inches wide when framed. A typical print will take about one week to produce. Contact: www.sportys.com.
Survival Gear
For land emergencies, the Land/Shark provides a waterproof one-person emergency shelter large enough to provide full- body coverage, even over heavy outerwear. It's a large fully enclosed shelter, not just a blanket. Slitting the side seams turns it into a versatile tarp or emergency shelter. The bright- orange color makes an excellent emergency signal, readily visible from the air. In the water, the Land/Shark completely encloses the survivor with a life vest on, up and over the head, and without impairing any other functions. The aluminized material is radar reflective for search aircraft and high-speed vessels moving at night. Contact: www.landshark-online.com.
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