http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/index.html en-us Copyright 2008 AVweb. All rights Reserved. editor@avweb.com webmaster@iproduction.com 1000Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:39:25 CST 1000Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:39:25 CST IPS - www.iproduction.com Leading with: Should it be called that or something else? Big plusses, says Paul Bertorelli in his show-closing installment of the AVweb Insider blog, include the Inescapable Dave Hirschman, Joe Shepherd's Electra, and a lot more going on than you might have expected — not the least of which were the babes in the Dominican Republic booth. http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/AVwebInsiderBlog_AOPASummit2009_201492-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS In this video, veteran Reno Racer Thom Richard tells what it's like to wail around the pylons at Reno in a Formula 1 race aircraft. It's powered by a 100hp O-200, but Invictus — which was on display at AOPA Summit in Tampa this week — is still capable of nearly 250 MPH. It's hot, high-G work, but it's also six minutes of one of the biggest shots of adrenaline in aviation.This video is brought to you by WxWorx XM WX Satellite Weather and Bose Corporation http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/exclusivevids/AOPASummit2009_ExclusiveVideo_ThomRichard_RenoAirRaces_201488-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS So what if new aircraft sales are in the tank? You can still fix up an older airframe to near new standards. Two companies at AOPA Summit were offering such upgrades, and a third, Premier Aircraft, is offering a premium upgrade to new Diamond DA40s that can include air conditioning, plus a second alternator and comfy upgraded leather seats. Nexair Avionics saw an opportunity in Avidyne's sophisticated Release 9 EFIS and is selling legacy Saratogas with this big glass upgrade. Sierra Industries is taking a similar tack, but they're using Garmin's G500 in their Super Centurion upgrade. This video offers a quick glimpse at products from all three companies.This video is brought to you by Lightspeed Aviation and Ultra Electronics. http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/exclusivevids/AOPASummit2009_ExclusiveVideo_NexairSierraPremier_ModsUpgrades_201487-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS Josh Cawthra of Seattle, Washington recently spent some time on assignment in Anchorage. A man after our own heart, Josh spent his days off scouting Lake Hood and other natural wonders for photo opportunities — and came across this Cessna "enjoying the lovely fall morning" in a secluded spot on the lake. http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/potw/PictureOfTheWeek_201485-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS Aspen is now shipping its new EFD 1000 companion MFD to the popular PFD. AVweb's Paul Bertorelli got a checkout with Aspen's Scott Smith prior to the AOPA Summit.This video is brought to you by Ultra Electronics and Lightspeed Aviation. http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/exclusivevids/AOPASummit2009_ExclusiveVideo_AspenEFD1000_201480-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS Piper Aircraft has shuffled the front office after the resignation of former president John Becker. Current CEO Kevin Gould will assume the presidency and that, along with some promotions from the ranks, seem to be in line with the new owners' plan. "The expansion of Kevin's responsibilities and the augmentation of his management team directly reflect the strategic investments we're making in Piper's future," said Stephen W. Berger, Piper's Chairman and Managing Partner of Imprimis. "Kevin has an exciting and aggressive vision for the company.... We will deliver the breakthrough Piper Jet to the market and dramatically expand Piper's global market presence, especially in Asia. Kevin's team has the experience and commitment to deliver on this vision and help solidify a durable global leadership position for Piper. We are prepared to support that vision with substantial new capital." http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/PiperNamesNewPresident_201470-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS Lockheed 12 owner Joe Shepherd got the rarest of opportunities: His fully restored airplane was used in the film Amelia, now playing in cinemas across the country. Shepherd tells what it was like to play a small but important part in a major film.This video is brought to you by Bose Corporation and WxWorx XM WX Satellite Weather. http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/exclusivevids/AOPASummit2009_ExclusiveVideo_AmeliaLockheedOwner_JoeShepherd_201469-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS The general aviation industry, which each year contributes an average of $150 billion to the economy, lost 19,000 jobs over the past year and among the industry's biggest coming challenges is the implementation of NextGen -- financial incentives may help, says GAMA. The organization Thursday told a House Subcommittee on Aviation that steps necessary for putting NextGen in place "will be imperative in helping realize long-term safety, capacity, economic and environmental benefits," GAMA said. But user confidence is key, meaning, in the words of GAMA vice president of operations Jens Hennig, that "equipage will only take place when users are confident about the potential for benefits." Until then, GAMA supports financial incentives for operators. Meanwhile, the industry is pushing ahead with investments in NextGen avionics like Required Navigation Performance, data communications, and ADS-B. Those pieces of the puzzle not only help develop NextGen, but also stimulate economic growth and employment. There are potential bottlenecks. http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/gama_nextgen_operator_incentives_adsb_aviation_201468-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS Two Northwest Airlines pilots have had their certificates revoked after they say they forgot to land in Minneapolis because they were using their laptops. Now Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) wants a federal law against laptops and "other personal electronic devices" in the cockpit. Is that really necessary?Plus: Last week, we asked AVweb readers if the Northwest pilots deserved to have their tickets revoked; click through to see what our audience had to say on the matter. http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/qotw/QuestionOfTheWeek_CockpitLaptopBan_201464-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS Please bear with us; our regularly scheduled "POTW" feature will be a day or two late this week as we bring you daily coverage of the AOPA Summit in Tampa, Florida. In the meantime, feel free to send us your photos. http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/potw/PictureOfTheWeek_201459-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS Cessna moves ever closer to opening the spigot on LSA production. The company arrived at AOPA Summit with a confirming version of the 162 Skycatcher, and AVweb took a spin.This video is brought to you by Lightspeed Aviation and Ultra Electronics. http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/exclusivevids/AOPASummit2009_ExclusiveVideo_CessnaSkycatcher_201458-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS It burns 10 gallons an hour of auto gas and can do 150 knots. But is there a market for a Rotax-powered twin in the U.S.? AVweb's Jeff Van West takes a closer look at Tecnam's unique piston twin.This video is brought to you by WxWorx XM WX Satellite Weather and Bose Corporation http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/exclusivevids/AOPASummit2009_ExclusiveVideo_TecnamRotaxTwin_201457-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS Aviation Consumer would like to know. We're most interested in hearing about successful long-term aircraft partnerships. What works for you? How have you sustained group ownership? And what effect has the current economic downturn had? Contact the editorial staff directly at avconsumer@comcast.net and we'll respond with our questions. (The results will appear in a future issue of Aviation Consumer. For subscription information, click here.) http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/AviationConsumer_AircraftPartnershipSurvey_201411-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS The FAA has tightened up its treatment of pilots convicted of alcohol-related driving offenses. In the latest issue (PDF) of the Federal Air Surgeon's Medical Bulletin, AMEs are advised that first-time DUI and DWI offenders don't necessarily escape the agency's scrutiny as they have in the past. As noted by Aero Legal ServicesUnder the new rules, anyone whose blood-alcohol content was measured at higher than .15 percent or who refused to provide a sample will automatically have their case referred by the AME to FAA headquarters. The FAA medics will then insist that the pilot applicant undergo a substance abuse assessment. Previously, on first offenses, AMEs had to review court records and make the call on whether the applicant had a problem. It's been suggested the tougher rules might tempt offenders to lie about it on their medical but that will likely make things worse. http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/FAA_Tightens_DUI_Rules_201448-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS Small general aviation airports around the country have raked in $1.1 billion in federal "earmarks" since 2001, USA Today reported this week. The earmarks are funds requested by lawmakers to support specific projects. USA Today says corporate jets, private pilots, and cargo operators like UPS and FedEx have benefited at the expense of taxpayers and the traveling public. NBAA, EAA, and AOPA were quick to respond. "Unfortunately, the vital contributions provided by community airports, and the millions of people who rely on them, were completely missing from your coverage," NBAA President Ed Bolen wrote to the newspaper. EAA's Earl Lawrence, vice president of industry and regulatory affairs, also weighed in: "The continuing inference that the only airports that are worthy of support are those with commercial service is similar to saying the only roads worth maintaining are those used by passenger buses," he wrote. AOPA President Craig Fuller responded: "USA Today has done its readers a disservice by failing to present all the facts ... regarding aviation funding." Like most big companies, USA Today's parent company Gannett Co. Inc. has a corporate flight department, which includes a Falcon 2000 and fractional shares in other aircraft. AVweb has contacted Gannett to inquire about its use of general aviation airports and facilities and is expecting a response later today. http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/USATodaySaysSmallAirportsGetBigMoney_201445-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS Although customers may not notice much besides lower prices and newer aircraft, there are some who are mourning the demise of Midwest Airlines as it was previously structured. Republic Airlines bought the carrier in July and on Monday the last "legacy flight" of a Midwest Boeing 717, with an original Midwest crew, landed at Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport. Midwest charged more for its flights than its competitors on the notion that passengers would pay for a superior level of service and wider seats. Its flight crews were also paid more than typical regional crews and both practices came to an end with the Monday flight. It's probably not a coincidence that Sunday marked the beginning of Southwest Airlines' service to MKE. http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/MidwestAirlines_717_Milwaukee_201443-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS >>> AVWEB FUEL FINDERCURRENT PRICE FOR 100LL: $4.52 (up 1¢ from last week)CURRENT PRICE FOR JET A: $4.19 (no change from last week)Fuel prices provided weekly by AirNav, based on prices from the past 2 weeks. Changes are relative to last week's prices. /TEXT_ONLY-->AVweb's "FBO of the Week" ribbon goes to the FBO at Beatrice Municipal Airport (KBIE) in Beatrice, Nebraska.AVweb reader R. L. Saathoff told us how the crew at BIE took care of business on a recent visit:The airport manager and staff are willing to help in any situation. While traveling to see my father who was hospitalized, I needed transportation. They provided a crew car for my entire stay and had my aircraft ready for me when I returned.Keep those nominations coming. For complete contest rules, click here.AVweb is actively seeking out the best FBOs in the country and another one, submitted by you, will be spotlighted here next Monday! http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/fbo/FBOOfTheWeek_BeatriceMunicipalAirport_Nebraska_201442-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS Overheard in IFR Magazine's "On the Air"Airliner:"Approach, what's our sequence?"Approach:"Calling for the sequence, I missed your callsign — but if I find out what it is, you're last."Courtesy of the Top Twenty Actual Transmissions Heard in the O'HareTracon, from IntentionallyLeftBlank, the newsletter of O'Hare's National Air Traffic Controllers Association. http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/shortfinal/ShortFinal_AviationHumor_201441-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS Click for more photosAlthough Garmin debuted the premium priced GPSMap 696 only a year ago, it's rolling out yet another new portable navigator model line this week at AOPA Summit in Tampa, Florida. The new product line is called aera, and although its features and capabilities are similar to the popular GPSMap 396/496 series, the aera line will have something entirely new: a touchscreen interface. Gone are the page, enter, and rocker keys, replaced by what Garmin calls an intuitive touchscreen operating system. As with previous portables, the aera products will have a full range of navigation capability, plus XM WX weather, XM audio, Garmin's SafeTaxi ground awareness feature, and the AOPA Airport Directory. The new navigators will be dual purpose as well, with ground navigation capability provided as a standard feature. http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/GarminAera_NewTouchscreenPortableGPS_201440-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS At AOPA Summit this week in Tampa, Florida, Garmin will roll out it's new touchscreen-based aera line of navigators. AVweb's Paul Bertorelli spent the last week wringing out a sample. Here's his video report. http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/exclusivevids/ExclusiveVideo_GarminAera_AOPASummit_Debut_201439-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS Anyone who has ever flown a long cross-country in an airplane knows that the cabin turns into a disorganized mess of charts, water bottles, headsets and snack sacks. Paul Bertorelli and Kitplanes editor Marc Cook have the video footage to prove it — and they'd like to hear your best theories on why the cockpit gets so messy on a long flight. Head over to the AVweb Insider to watch their video blog and share your thoughts in the comments section. http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/AVwebInsiderBlog_MessyCockpit_CrossCountryFlight_201438-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS For the first time in its eight-year history, the 2010 annual meeting of Cirrus aircraft owners will not be held at the company's headquarters in Duluth, Minn. Cirrus Owners and Pilots Association President Curtis Sanford announced to members that they will meet in Dayton, Ohio June 17-20. "We have had seven very successful Migrations in Duluth, and will be back," Sanford said. No reason was given for the change of venue (other than a change of scenery) but Sanford said the move has the support of Cirrus, which plans to exhibit in Dayton. http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/CirrusOwnersMigrateToDayton_201436-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS The Coast Guard Sunday called off the search for survivors of a midair collision between a Guard C-130 and a Marine AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter off San Clemente Island on the southern California coast. There were seven people on the Herc and two in the helicopter when they collided late Thursday in what witnesses reported was a ball of fire. "After an exhaustive effort with the intent to rescue, our hope has dimmed in finding any survivors," Petty Officer First Class Allyson Conroy, a spokeswoman for the Coast Guard in San Diego told the New York Times. "We are now concentrating on recovering anything out of the water, or anyone out of the water." Debris has been found but no bodies. http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Little_Hope_For_Survivors_In_Midair_201435-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS Those poor sods over at Delta who landed their B767 (with 193 aboard) on (active) taxiway M at ATL after being cleared to land on runway 27R in the pre-dawn of October 19 sure had one thing going for them, says AVweb's Glenn Pew — what the pilots at Northwest were about to do on October 21 to trump them. In the latest installment of our AVweb Insider blog, Glenn looks at the two high-profile mistakes that have commanded headlines for the last couple of weeks. http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/AVwebInsiderBlog_NorthwestFlight188_DeltaFlight60_201433-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS Dave Carroll, YouTube's favorite musical advocate for the proper treatment of luggage (famous for his YouTube video "United Breaks Guitars") may have a new gripe -- again, with United. Last week, Carroll arrived at Denver International from Regina, Saskatchewan on a United Express flight operated by Skywest Airlines. He was told his luggage was delayed in its arrival. He was also told he would need to be on hand when it arrived. It turned up three days later. Thanks to Carroll's celebrity -- the YouTube buzz that eventually hit the 24-hour news networks -- Carroll now regularly has speaking engagements in which he discusses the importance of customer relations ... which explains why he was in Denver. It also means we know what happened to his bags. And that trip may be a song in itself. http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/united_breaks_guitars_luggage_dave_carroll_201431-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS "We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 41,928 airplanes in the U.S. registry," says the FAA in its move to prevent control wheels from coming loose of their control wheel shafts on certain Piper aircraft. Affected models are certain Piper PA-28, PA-32, PA-34 and PA-44 series aircraft -- all to be inspected at an estimated cost per aircraft of $40 (that's $1.67 million for the whole flock). The FAA has received two reports of control wheel shafts that were incorrectly assembled at Piper -- one that led to separation of the right wheel from the shaft and another that was discovered during a ground inspection. The agency has no way of knowing how many aircraft are affected, but has estimated the necessary repair/replacement cost to involve 16 hours of labor and a total cost of about $1430 per airplane. http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/piper_FAA_AD_airworthiness_directive_control_wheel_yoke_201430-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS Although it seems unlikely that there were any survivors among the nine people missing in the collision of a Coast Guard C-130 and a Marine Corps AH-1 Super Cobra helicopter Thursday, the search continued through Friday. "We will continue to search as long as there is a chance of survivors," Coast Guard Rear Adm. Joseph Castillo told reporters Friday. The tragedy may have just been pure bad luck. The Coast Guard crew was looking for a boater reported missing and the helicopter was one of a formation of four headed for night exercises at San Clemente Island. At about 7:10 p.m., another pilot in the area reported seeing a fireball. http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Search_On_For_Collision_Survivors_201428-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS SportairUSA, distributor for Sting S3 and Sirius aircraft, announced Friday its new "certified pre-owned" light sport aircraft (LSA) program, offering used aircraft with a warranty, plus transition training. The company says the new program provides benefits for both sides of the buyer/seller coin. The seller, says SportairUSA, gets market exposure with SportairUSA standing behind the sale. Sellers also get free hangar space and, separately, deferred costs for maintenance and repairs until the aircraft is sold. Buyers get some assurance in that SportairUSA is putting its name behind the product in so far as the company will inspect the aircraft and make any necessary repairs with OEM parts. The aforementioned warranty is a "six month, 50 hour warranty." And then there's the training. http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/certified_preowned_light_sport_aircraft_sportairusa_201427-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS Two years ago, when The Fair Treatment for Experienced Pilots Act extended federal age standards for pilots of large commercial aircraft from 60 to 65, it also mandated that the GAO report within 24 months on the effect the change had on aviation safety. There appears to be little to report. The GAO collected FAA accident and incident data, plus NTSB accident data, from December 2007 (when the act went live) through September 2009. They then pored over it for a month. The result: "We believe the evidence obtained provides a reasonable basis for our findings and conclusions" ... "that no accidents or incidents resulted from the health conditions of pilots 60 years or older." The results address what the FAA in 1960 established what came to be known as the age-60 rule, based on the belief "that certain important physiological and psychological functions progressively deteriorated with age," according to the GAO. The results of the GAO's study (PDF) say that's not so. There is one "but" ... . http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/gao_safety_report_age_65_pilots_201426-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS The $300 billion program that is the nation's coming fleet of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters has military towns across the country vying for the economic boon of base modernization and infrastructure that will arrive wherever squadrons nest. The U.S. Air Force is considering sites in Vermont, Utah, Florida, Idaho and South Carolina for operating bases; and Florida, Idaho, New Mexico and Arizona for training, according to Reuters. But the selection process now moves to formal environmental impact analysis and the communities' opportunities to provide input. First-round decisions already have senators seeking to cement favor or reconsideration for their states. An Air Force spokesman told Reuters Thursday that it's too early to determine how much money might be spent to prepare sites to accommodate the aircraft. http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/f35_jsf_base_economic_town_selection_201425-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS