April 10, 2008

By The AVweb Editorial Staff

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Quotes reprinted with permission: Professional Pilot, 2007 Headset Preference Survey, 12/07; Aviation Consumer, 8/07. » Try out the Headset X™ and other Bose Corporation products at booth SNF-009 at Sun 'n Fun NBAA Announces Hot Destination for 2009 back to top  NBAA Unveils New Annual Event For Light Airplane Operators The usual conception of business aviation may be that it is all about big corporations with flight departments, but in fact, NBAA President Ed Bolen said Wednesday at Sun 'n Fun, fully 60 percent of NBAA's 8,000 members operate just a single airplane to help advance their business. "We've been talking to those members about how we can better serve their needs," he said, and from those conversations arose the concept of the Light Airplane Conference & Exhibition, a new three-day annual event that will be held in San Diego, Calif., starting next March. The show will feature forums and workshops about safety for the single pilot, regulatory issues, taxes, and more, that will focus on business owners and other operators of light jets, turboprops, and piston airplanes. "We are confident that the Light Airplane Conference & Exhibition will be well received by our light airplane operators, who will now benefit from a show filled with exhibits and educational information sessions focused on their unique interests, and a static display that showcases their aircraft," Bolen said. The show will be held at the San Diego Convention Center, with room for up to 1,000 exhibitors. A static display for up to 50 aircraft will be located at the nearby San Diego International Airport. Next year's show is set for March 12, 13, and 14. "Perhaps the best part about this show," Bolen said, "is that light airplane operators are going to help guide our planning for it. Throughout the rest of Sun 'n Fun, and in the months to come, NBAA wants to hear from the light aircraft operators in our industry about how to make the event as valuable an experience as possible." To submit suggestions and ideas, Bolen provided a toll-free phone number 1-800-928-4283 (1-800-9-AVIATE), and an email address, ideas@nbaa.org. Discover the Thrill You are here when you discover that the thrill of hanging 10 has nothing on hanging around Cloud 9. In a brand-new Cessna Skyhawk, you too will discover life in a brand-new way, whether you're learning to fly or fulfilling the lifelong dream of owning a new Cessna. Call 1 (316) 517-6056, or visit CessnaYouAreHere.com. » Be there with Cessna Single-Engine at booths SNF-001-005 at Sun 'n Fun Comp Air 9 Ready for Oshkosh, CA11 on the Slate back to top  Comp Air Adds Two New Designs Comp Air, a manufacturer of composite aircraft kits based in Merritt Island, Fla., has added two new designs to its lineup. The Comp Air 9 is a high-wing, fixed-gear six-place turboprop. "We saw an empty spot in the market that this aircraft would fit," Comp Air spokesman Bill Fedorko told AVweb at Sun 'n Fun on Wednesday. "It will haul a lot of weight, it's easy to fly, fuel-efficient and low-maintenance, a good family aircraft." The other new design is the Comp Air 11, a slightly smaller version of the Comp Air 12, but with the same turbine engine, which Fedorko said will drive it at speeds up to 360 knots. It will be a low-wing airplane with retractable gear. The first copies of both aircraft are now under construction. The Comp Air 9 should be ready to fly to EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh this summer, and the Comp Air 11 should be flying by next January, Fedorko said. The company has delivered about 200 airplanes from its build center that are now being flown by customers, according to Fedorko. Avidyne Introduces FMS900w Flight Management System Avidyne's new Entegra FMS900w WAAS-enabled GPS/NAV/COM Flight Management System (FMS) is designed to reduce single-pilot IFR workload. The FMS900w provides fully-redundant, state-of-the-VHF and TSO C146b Gamma 3-compliant turbine-class FMS capability for all general aviation aircraft. Utilizing a fully-modular architecture, the FMS900w is an enhancement to Avidyne's Entegra Integrated Flight Deck platform and designed specifically to take advantage of Entegra's large-format displays and Byteflight peer-to-peer databus architecture. Click here for more information. Sign up to be an Avidyne Insider. » See Avidyne technologies in action at booths D-069-070 and N-028 at Sun 'n Fun Glass Cockpit, New Cabin for TBM 850 back to top  Socata Upgrades The TBM 850 For 2008 Socata has added a series of enhancements to its TBM 850 for the 2008 model, the company said this week at Sun 'n Fun. Upgrades include an integrated all-glass three-display flight deck based on the Garmin G1000 system, a digitally controlled cabin temperature system with two-zone control, and a new "European-style" cabin design by Catherineau. The seat cushions and backrests have been re-designed to maximize comfort. An extra inch of cabin height, plus the new seats, make it easier for the pilot to access the cockpit. The company also redesigned the logo and the paint scheme for the airplane. "Sun 'n Fun traditionally heralds the start-up of a year's aviation gatherings, and it is the best venue to introduce our new 2008 TBM 850 to the general public," said Nicolas Chabbert, the president of EADS Socata North America. The new version of the 850 sells for about $3 million. The company said it delivered 46 of the airplanes last year and has 60 on order. Inflight. Every Flight. XM WX Satellite Weather has quickly become the leading way to fly for pilots across the country. With flexible display solutions from aviation's biggest names and the accuracy-assured data of WxWorx onboard, datalink weather from XM WX has been embraced by pilots and the industry alike. It's simply the best way to soar with confidence — inflight and every flight. Click here to learn more about XM WX Satellite Weather. » See why XM WX Satellite Weather is the official weather provider of Sun 'n Fun when you visit WxWorx at booths C-024-025 and N-036 at the show Dominican Republic at SnF (Yes, You Read It Right) back to top  No User Fees -- In Dominican Republic The user fee issue is an internal issue in the U.S. aviation community, but that doesn't mean other countries aren't listening. The Dominican Republic sent a 19-member government delegation to Sun 'n Fun to bring the news that all six of the smaller GA-oriented airports and at least one international airport (Santiago) have banned parking, landing and all other fees for aircraft under 30,000 lbs. with a capacity of 12 passengers or fewer. "Tourism is very important to us," the country's Secretary of State Jose Thomas Garcia told reporters at a Sun 'n Fun news conference. The thrust behind the country's remarkable PR exercise at the show is to offer tourists who fly themselves an alternative to other countries in the region that have already captured a thriving GA clientele. And according to the government officials, it's modern, well-equipped flight destination. In 2007, the Dominican Republic regained its FAA Category One rating for air carriers and infrastructure after 14 years in the doghouse. The revival of the air transportation system came from new pavement, new air traffic control facilities and proper oversight of air carriers. The side benefit for GA is lots of new pavement, new terminals and FBOs and even new airports. Zulu Time ... From Lightspeed The new Zulu headset looks different because it is different. Made with magnesium, stainless steel, and four types of composite plastics, it's extremely durable and yet weighs just over 13 ounces. Rather than concentrating purely on cutting decibels, Lightspeed engineers looked at how pilots perceive noise at different frequencies. You get broader noise attenuation over the entire audible range. Zulu has more total noise cancellation than any headset on the market. Click here for a dealer near you. » Try Lightspeed's Zulu and compare it to other premium brands at booth D-053 at Sun 'n Fun Phenom 100 and 300 Update back to top  Embraer Provides An Update On Its Jet Programs There are now four Phenom 100s flying in the Embraer flight-test program, CEO Frederico Fleury Curado said at Sun 'n Fun on Wednesday, and the jet is on track for certification and first deliveries by the end of this year. Also, the first Phenom 300 is under construction in Brazil. The fuselage and wing have been mated together, and final assembly is near completion. First flight for the 300 is expected later this year. Curado confirmed that the company has over 700 orders for the two aircraft, from 44 countries. He also talked about the company's two new jets, which were recently announced as definite programs. The mid-size jet is scheduled for deliveries in 2012, and the mid-light jet for 2013. Both will be powered by the latest generation of the Honeywell HTF7000 turbofan engine. Final names and prices for the two new clean-sheet designs will be announced at EBACE in Geneva this May, Curado said. The new jets will require a two-pilot crew, he said, but will have a high degree of commonality. The company hopes that one type rating will apply to both aircraft. Aircraft Spruce Is a Proud Sponsor of the 34th Annual Sun 'n Fun Fly-In Join Aircraft Spruce in Lakeland, Florida at Sun 'n Fun (Hangar B, Booths 4-9) April 8-13th, 2008, 9am to 5pm. Sun 'n Fun brings together those from all around the world and from all segments of the aviation community. Take advantage of some of your favorite products on sale, complimentary ground shipping (does not apply to hazardous or oversize products), and Aircraft Spruce's helpful staff to answer questions. Call Aircraft Spruce at 1 (877) 4-SPRUCE or visit online. » Ask about Aircraft Spruce's show specials at booths B-004-009 at Sun 'n Fun New on AVweb back to top  Columns | Features | What's New | Calendar | Brainteasers The Savvy Aviator #56: Before You Yank That Jug ... Your aircraft is undergoing its annual inspection, and your IA tells you that a cylinder has weak compression and has to come off. Here are some things to consider before you tell him to go ahead. Click here for the full story. Got Cylinders? Tell Us About Your Service History Our sister publication, Aviation Consumer, is conducting a survey on aircraft engine cylinder products. If you've done an overhaul during the past several years, the magazine's editors would like to hear from you on how the cylinders have performed. Just click on this link to take the survey. The results will appear in a future issue of Aviation Consumer. For subscription information, click here. AVweb's Newstips Address ... Our best stories start with you. If you've heard something 200,000 pilots might want to know about, tell us. Submit news tips via email to newstips@avweb.com. You're a part of our team ... often, the best part. Piper Matrix — Piper Compelling Click here for more information on the new Matrix, Piper's next generation of cabin-class sophistication. Compellingly priced at $757,000. » Discover the Matrix and other Piper Aircraft at booths MD-018C and MD-019B at Sun 'n Fun AVweb Media: Kitplanes Reports from SnF back to top  Exclusive Video from Sun 'n Fun 2008: Kitplanes Magazine Previews Advanced Flight Systems' New EFIS Deck Original, Exclusive Videos from AVweb | Reader-Submitted & Viral Videos AVweb's sister publication, Kitplanes magazine, interviews Advanced Flight Systems president Robert Hickman to learn about his company's latest EFIS, engine monitor, and angle-of-attack systems available for experimental aircraft. Don't see a video screen? Try disabling ad blockers and refreshing this page. If that doesn't work, click here to download the video directly. This video brought to you by WxWorx XM WX Satellite Weather and Bose Corporation. (Video by AVweb's Glenn Pew and Kitplanes editor-in-chief Marc Cook.) Piper Owners & Pilots — Gain Knowledge, Have Fun Join the fastest-growing and best association for Piper Flyers — the Piper Flyer Association (PFA), since 2004 providing same-day parts locating, faster answers to technical questions, an informative monthly magazine, online forums, national and regional events, an annual gathering, seminars, member discounts, and more for only $40 yearly. The PFA is located in the Blue Hangar on the Waupaca Municipal Airport (PCZ) in Waupaca, Wisconsin, 35 nm NW of Oshkosh. For more information, visit PiperFlyer.org. "Live" from Sun 'n Fun 2008 — Exclusive Audio back to top  GPS in Your Pocket: Control Vision Is Hard at Work Making the Dream a Reality (Recorded Live at Sun 'n Fun 2008) File Size 10.6 MB / Running Time 11:38 Podcast Index | How to Listen | Subscribe Via RSS Control Vision is well known for its extensive and flexible line of PDA-based GPS navigators. Although these products are flexible, buyers have asked for solutions that require fewer wires and individual components. This week at Sun 'n Fun, Control Vision responded with a new product based on HP's diminutive iPaq Travel Companion. At $695, it combines both turn-by-turn ground navigation and a rich moving map for aviation use in a single package, with Bluetooth capability to reduce the wiring clutter. In this podcast, Control Vision's Jay Humbard gives AVweb the details. Click here to listen. (10.6 MB, 11:38) This podcast brought to you by Bose Corporation and WxWorx XM WX Satellite Weather. Cessna's Next-Gen Airplane Is Still on Track, But It'll Be a While (Recorded Live at Sun 'n Fun 2008) File Size 15.7 MB / Running Time 17:11 Podcast Index | How to Listen | Subscribe Via RSS Cessna's VP of sales and marketing, Roger Whyte, told AVWeb this week that even though it's focusing much of its attention on the recently acquired Columbia composite line, Cessna is still on track to build the so-called next-generation single. It will occupy a narrow niche between the 182/206 and the 350 and 400 from Columbia. Whyte also updated us on the Skycatcher project, which is soon to begin production in China. Click here to listen. (15.7 MB, 17:11) This podcast brought to you by Bose Corporation and WxWorx XM WX Satellite Weather. Grab You Bag and Let's Go — More SnF Photos! back to top  AVweb's Sun 'n Fun 2008 Galleries: The Show Is Underway! gallery ONE | gallery TWO CLICK FOR LARGE IMAGES EACH IMAGE WILL OPEN IN A NEW WINDOW John Kaminskas in the DC-3 Taxiing Out for DC-3 Flight RVs in the Homebuilt Lot Ah, the Crowds! Julie Clark Leza Lockwood Air Cam Gary Ward Kingsford Elementary Students Touring C-54 Skymaster GoBOSH Display GoBOSH Instrument Panel Kolb Firefly Kolb Mark III Extra B&B Aircraft Parts Dave LoPresti (LoPresti Speed Pants?) N2 Turbines - Free Turbine Design (100 shp) B-25 Panchito Radial Engines Limited - Engine Tables! Red Thunder During DC-3 Flight Vintage Parking Slowly Filling Up gallery ONE | gallery TWO Names Behind the News back to top  Meet the AVwebFlash Team AVwebFlash is a weekly summary of the latest news, articles, products, features, and events featured on AVweb, the internet's aviation magazine and news service. The AVwebFlash team is: Publisher Timothy Cole Editorial Director, Aviation Publications Paul Bertorelli Editor-in-Chief Russ Niles Contributing Editors Mary Grady Glenn Pew Features Editor Kevin Lane-Cummings Click here to send a letter to the editor. (Please let us know if your letter is not intended for publication.) Comments or questions about the news should be sent here. Have a product or service to advertise on AVweb? A question on marketing? Send it to AVweb's sales team. If you're having trouble reading this newsletter in its HTML-rich format (or if you'd prefer a lighter, simpler format for your PDA or handheld device), there's also a text-only version of AVwebFlash. For complete instructions on making the switch, click here. Aviate. Navigate. Communicate.