Elite Simulation Solutions announced the opening of the first international Elite Simulation Training and Safety Management Centers in Orlando, Fla., and Dubendorf, Switzerland. Elite training centers are multifaceted Aviation Resource Learning Centers or, as described by CEO John Dixon, "a mental gymnasium for pilots that will foster a culture of safety, proficiency and confidence in the flying community. Since flying aircraft are exercises in risk management, learning and staying proficient is crucial for managing aviation safety. Our goal is to provide an atmosphere and the resources that will contribute to the safety, proficiency and confidence of all pilots." The Centers feature FAA approved training devices that range from simple, complex, twin piston and twin turbine airplanes to helicopters of twin turbine, single turbine and piston design. The Center also has classrooms, conference rooms, a resource library and testing facility. Visit www.ELITESimCenters.com.

Quicksilver Aeronautics reached an important milestone with the receipt of an airworthiness certificate for its first-ever Special Light-Sport Aircraft. Now that Quicksilver has earned FAA acceptance to produce their Sport S2SE model as a fully built LSA, the company will begin using three manufacturing locations in the United States, a method allowed under the ASTM Industry Consensus Standards program and FAA regulations. Aside from the Temecula, Calif., factory, other manufacturing facilities have been established in Reserve, La., at the St. John airport led by longtime dealer Gene "Bever" Borne and in Rochester, Minn., under the direction of former sales manager, Todd Ellefson. Visit www.quicksilveraircraft.com.

Cessna Aircraft received European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification for the Citation M2 jet, paving the way for deliveries to begin immediately. "We have had significant interest from European customers for the Citation M2 due to its size, speed and range," said Chris Hearne, vice president, Jets. "This aircraft can easily handle nonstop legs throughout the region, such as Paris to Athens or Zürich to Moscow." The Citation M2 design was driven by customer and pilot feedback. First flight of the Citation M2 prototype occurred in March 2012, and the first production unit flew in August 2013. The aircraft received FAA certification in December 2013, and 23 have been delivered through the first quarter of 2014. Visit www.cessna.com.

More than 250 planes traveled to Valdez, Ala., for the 11th annual Valdez Fly In, and a crowd in excess of 2,500 was on hand to witness the festivities. Frank Knapp of Palmer defended his title in the Alternate Bush class with the best overall score for the STOL event---a takeoff of 41 feet and a landing of 35 feet, for a combined score of 76 feet. Josh Pepperd impressed the crowd with a 37-foot takeoff for the shortest of the event in the new SQ12 to take second place. The Bush Class was a family affair as Bobby Breeden won his third straight contest with a 61-foot takeoff and a 55- foot landing for a combined score of 116 feet. His dad Bob was just behind with a score of 119 feet. Paul Claus took third with a score of 167 feet. Competition results and links to videos can be found at www.valdezflyin.com. Planning is already underway for the 12th Annual Fly In on May 8-10, 2015. For more information, email Joe Prax at jprax@alaska.net.

Trig Avionics, which makes transponders, has become a NextGen GA Fund Partner. This fund provides customers with access to a comprehensive loan scheme. This is specifically designed to help GA aircraft owners pay for their ADS-B equipment and related installation costs. User-friendly financing packages are available to customers via an online application process. Typically, loans in excess of $10,000 are available to help pilots manage the costs of becoming ADS-B capable. The NextGen GA Fund has been created in direct response to the Department of Transportation's drive to encourage the flying community to equip for ADS-B Out. Visit www.trig-avionics.com and www.nextgenfund.com.

Banyan Air Service at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) was voted #1 among the top five U.S. FBOs in the Southeast in the 2014 Pilots' Choice Awards survey by FltPlan, the largest flight planning service in North America. Banyan also placed #6 among the Top 50 U.S. FBOs and #8 in the Top 25 "Star FBOs." The Star FBO category was created by FltPlan, using airport arrival data to generate a ranking that takes into account the traffic at an airport and the amount of competition on the field. "The Banyan team is dedicated to providing exceptional service and the results of this survey indicate how pilots perceive we are doing that," said Andrea Bahr, Banyan's customer support manager. Visit www.fltplan.com and www.banyanair.com.

Garmin celebrated its 10th anniversary of delivering the G1000 Integrated Flight Deck (IFD) to customers. The first announcement of the revolutionary G1000 IFD was in March 2003, when Cessna announced the selection of G1000 for the Citation Mustang, which was in development at the time. Additional announcements by a variety of aircraft manufacturers followed, and the first customer deliveries of the G1000 IFD began in June 2004, by both Cessna and Diamond Aircraft, in their single-engine product lines. "In many ways, the 10-year period seems to have flown by," said Carl Wolf, vice president of aviation sales and marketing. "We are very proud to celebrate this terrific milestone and are sincerely thankful to our aircraft manufacturing partners, as well as the aircraft owners, for selecting G1000 and being an important part of the Garmin family. To date, the G1000 IFD has been certified in 49 aircraft models, which represent 19 different aircraft manufacturers." Visit www.garmin.com.

Breitling's new Avenger Blackbird has a 48mm case that features a slimmer and ever more ergonomic profile, extended by inward curving lugs. Wrist comfort is enhanced by the light feel of the titanium and a military-style fabric strap. The ultra-resistant carbon-based treatment eliminates any bothersome glare in the heat of action. The oversized hands and hour-markers ensure optimal legibility in all circumstances, including in the dark, thanks to the luminescent coating that stands out clearly against the black background. Contact: www.breitling.com.

The latest edition of the Instrument Procedures Handbook (FAA-H-8083-16) is now available from ASA in print and eBook formats. This handbook supersedes the previous edition (FAA-H-8261-1A), which was last updated in 2007. Designed as a technical reference for all pilots who operate under IFR in the national airspace system, the handbook provides detailed coverage of instrument charts and procedures including IFR takeoff, departure, en route, arrival, approach and landing. New content explores controlled flight into terrain, head-up display, and synthetic and enhanced vision systems. Contact: www.asa2fly.com.

Expanding the brand's Fixed Gear collection, which includes the Albatross and Mustang models, the C-130 for Scheyden Precision Eyewear showcases a larger lens and titanium construction. These combine to create a stylish aviator aesthetic that suits a variety of face types while providing maximum optical clarity and comfort. The C-130 features a hand-welded titanium frame front and spring-loaded hinges for complete comfort, even when worn with a hat, headphones or headset. Strategically placed acetate serves the dual purpose of providing an attractive look and eliminating incoming side light. Contact: www.scheyden.com.

Sporty's new handcrafted cherry iPhone case has a classic look of wood and is hand-sanded for a smooth and solid feel. Your case can be custom engraved with your own text or aviation logo. Smooth, rubberized sides protect against scratches. The case fits iPhone 5 and 5S models. Contact: www.sportys.com.