|
This issue of AVweb's AVflash is brought to you by …
OREGON AERO’S
PORTABLE UNIVERSAL SOFTSEAT™ CUSHION TAKES AWAY THE PAIN!
Word is spreading rapidly about the dramatic reduction in pain
that pilots and others are experiencing with Oregon Aero's Portable
Universal SoftSeat™ Cushions. Testimonials have been overwhelmingly
positive on the model designed for aerobatic and commercial aircraft and
for the standard model made for all other aircraft and for other seating
applications. No matter how long you sit, the cushion design shifts you
into a sitting position that reduces fatigue and eliminates pain. Visit
us at Oshkosh (Building C 3137) to "rump test" the SoftSeat™ and to
see other products that eliminate pain, reduce noise and improve impact
protection. Check out all of Oregon Aero's products online at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/oregon |
The Top Headlines From AVweb's Expanded, Illustrated News Coverage At AVweb's
NewsWire.
AIRVENTURE:
IT ONLY GETS BETTER...
So far at AirVenture 2003, we've seen something of everything: breezy
sunshine, pouring rain, blue skies, gray overcasts, lightning, and
threats of hail. But the crowds here continue to grow undaunted.
Showplanes keep streaming into the field, and aviation fans with their
families, backpacks, and cameras swarm the grounds. Yesterday, a couple
of Harriers were added to the list of aircraft to fill Aeroshell Square;
the two jets are scheduled to arrive this morning to join a diverse
group of unique aircraft already in place. With the weekend still ahead,
the camping areas bursting at the seams, and the celebration of flight
in full swing, this year's show promises to be one that won't soon be
forgotten.
...MORE
STREAMING VIDEO
Enjoy the latest
installment along with installments #1,
#2
and #3
of AVweb/AirsideTV’s free streaming video coverage of
AirVenture 2003. Thanks to our AirVenture partner AirsideTV, AVweb readers
will enjoy this exciting video supplement to our in-depth Oshkosh
coverage including an up-close view of the Boeing 307 Stratoliner, which
is bound to Virginia for the Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum Stephen
F. Udvar-Hazy Center. We’ll also give you a peek at the Orbis DC-10
flying eye-care hospital and P-51 Mustangs showing off for the
AirVenture crowd. Of course, this is just a sample of our unique
extended-play video coverage, where pay-per-view subscribers get a
front-row seat to the flight display plus exclusive interior tours of
the larger aircraft.
|
AEROSANCE –
PowerLink™ FADEC APPLICATIONS GROW With STCs for a number
of Beech Bonanza and Baron models now in hand, Aerosance, another
Teledyne Technologies company, is highlighting the latest developments
with their revolutionary PowerLink™ FADEC digital engine control
system. A number of FADEC-equipped aircraft are on hand at the Teledyne
Continental Pavilion, adjacent to Exhibit Hangar C, this week at
AirVenture 2003 in Oshkosh. Technical experts from Continental and
Aerosance are ready to answer questions on how to bring your aircraft
into the FADEC generation. http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/tcm/fadec |
FAA
HEAD MARION BLAKEY TELLS ALL...
It could be another year before the final rule on Light Sport
Aircraft/Sport Pilot is complete, FAA Administrator Marion Blakey told a
forum at EAA AirVenture yesterday, and the crowd grumbled in dismay.
Blakey had drawn a standing ovation when she said she has signed off on
the rule for the FAA, but when she added that implementation still may
be a year away, the disappointment was both publicly expressed and
privately shared among the attendees. The rule now must be scrutinized
by the Department of Transportation and the Office of Management and
Budget. Blakey said she's being conservative in her timeline estimate
and it's possible the process will take six months or less -- but she
doesn't want to raise any false hopes. More...
...TFR'S
ARE NOT GOING AWAY, BUT YOUR CERTIFICATE MIGHT...
Blakey also told the crowd that: TFRs are here to stay (so let's learn
how not to bust them), the age-60 rule isn't going anywhere, there's
nothing the FAA can do to change the fate of Meigs Field, and a new
certificate (sporting an FAA logo hologram and other safety
features) will be issued to all airmen as they achieve new ratings.
Blakey reminded the crowd that the TSA and the Secret Service play a
major role in creating security-related restrictions and the FAA is
trying to get the word out to pilots as soon as possible when new
restrictions are implemented. She said they've even used local media to
broadcast warnings of new TFRs. Blakey said she welcomes suggestions on
how to improve the notice process. "We're very game to do so," she said.
Blakey also confirmed that more pop-up TFRs are likely as the 2004
election race swings into high gear. More...
...AND
THE AGE-60 RULE IS LIKELY STAYING.
Blakey pretty much ended the hope of some airline pilots of staying in
the cockpit beyond the age of 60, at least in the near future. "I think
that's where it's [the retirement age] going to be for a while," she
said. Blakey said there is no evidence the current mandatory retirement
age is inappropriate and, since there are now thousands of furloughed
and laid-off pilots, it would be a tough political sell to change it. "I
just don't see any momentum," she said. And while she offered sympathy,
she said she couldn't do much to help those trying to get Meigs Field in
Chicago reopened. "My heart absolutely sank," she said of her reaction
to Mayor Richard Daley's surprise destruction of the Meigs runway on
March 31. More...
|
FLIGHT SCHOOLS &
FBOs, HAVING TROUBLE KEEPING PILOT DATA UNDER CONTROL?
TimeSync's AccountMaster integrates our ScheduleMaster online aircraft
scheduling system with both of the major accounting packages (Peachtree
and QuickBooks). In addition to billing and owner statements, you can
print BFR and medical reminders on customer statements, as well as
control scheduling privileges when they are expired. Powerful reports
let you know who's flying the aircraft and enable sensible billing
policies. OSHKOSH SPECIAL: One month COMPLIMENTARY or A NO-CHARGE
set-up. For an online demonstration go to http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/brochures/timesy |
HI-TECH
FOR GA: SYNTHETIC VISION...
AVweb has flown with Chelton's Electronic Flight Information
System and seen the future (of aircraft navigation, anyway) and it is
nifty ... and pricey. Chelton
has recently been granted a technical standard order (TSO) for its
synthetic vision. "It's a new way to fly," said Randy Shimon, the head
of sales for Chelton and demonstration pilot for AVweb's
demonstration flight yesterday(click
through for streaming video). The system integrates radar and GPS
signals with a remarkably accurate geographical database to give pilots
a virtual depiction of nearly everything they would see if they ever
bother to look out the window again. You'll still have to look outside
for other aircraft ... and elsewhere to fill the $75,750 system cost
(plus 150 hours for in$tallation). "Some people say they can't believe
how expensive it is and some people can't believe how cheap it is,"
Shimon said. Of course, PCFlightSystems showed us a
portable non-certified product loaded with PCAvionics MountainScope software
that together offer remarkably similar features for roughly $73,000
less. More...
...CERTIFIED
IN COCKPIT WEATHER...
Another player in the datalink field, WSI, announced that it has obtained FAA
certification for its Inflight AV200. The WSI system uses geosynchronous
satellites to continuously broadcast weather data to the cockpit. Cost
of the certified system is $4,995, plus a monthly charge. WSI says its
weather will eventually be displayable on various kinds of screens, with
UPSAT's MX20 multi-function display being the leading contender.
More...
...NON-CERTIFIED
AIRCRAFT DATALINK...
The world of aircraft datalink continues to lurch forward although no
clear leader in the field has emerged. At last year's AirVenture, a
company called WXWorx appeared,
proposing to provide weather data via XMSatellite's wide-area satellite
broadcast system. This offering appears to be maturing as WxWorx was
demonstrating a portable, non-certified XM data receiver that will
receive and display a range of proprietary weather products on
electronic flight bags or tablet-type computers. More...
...ADS-B
OFFERS COCKPIT WEATHER, TRAFFIC.
Imagine getting real-time traffic and weather information in the cockpit
for about $6,000 and no monthly fee. That's the promise of the Universal
Access Transceiver and its attendant systems being developed by UPS
Aviation Technologies (UPSAT). The radio uplinks weather and radar
traffic information from FAA-financed (hence free to pilots) ground
stations, and displays the data on an existing cockpit display. The
system uses cellular technology on a protected frequency range that
provides plenty of bandwidth, said UPSAT spokesman Doug Helton, at
AirVenture this week. "It's a bundled set of benefits," he said.
More...
|
TURBOWX –
NEXRAD & AVIATION WEATHER FOR YOUR WIRELESS PDA OR SMARTPHONE
TurboWx is a subscription based wireless service for the
delivery of NexRad and aviation weather to your wireless PDA or
SmartPhone. TurboWx is available for Palm OS or Pocket PC PDA's.
METAR's, TAF's, PIREPS, FA's, FD's, National Weather Service zone and
forecast discussions, graphic forecasts and 5 different views of NexRad
and NexRad composite radar images. TurboWx uniquely allows you to center
your graphic or text request over any public airport or VOR in the
United States. Try TurboWx free for 30 days. See the TurboWx website at
http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/turbowx |
DIAMOND
DIESEL GOES GREAT GUNS
Was it really only early this year that Diamond announced certification
approval for its DA-40TDI diesel-powered Star? Yes, it was, but the
company says it has experienced unusually strong demand for this
aircraft in Europe. Thus far, 25 of the diesel-powered Stars have been
sold in Europe and the orders continue to pour in. The DA-40-TDI is
powered by the Thielert Centurion 1.7 (formerly the TAE 125) diesel, an
engine that debuted here at OSH several years ago. The attraction for
European customers is obvious: Jet-A is less expensive than gasoline in
Europe and more widely available. More...
BRS
AND DIESEL FOR OMF
BRS, maker of ballistic recovery
chutes for aircraft, said this week its new system for Light Sport
airplanes is ready to go, and available for sale. Also, BRS President
Mark Thomas said OMF Aircraft
will include a BRS chute as standard equipment on its new four-place
Symphony 4, which is expected to be on the market by the end of next
year. OMF also will offer the chute as a $16,000 option on its two-place
Symphony 160. The Thielert Centurion 1.7 powered Symphony will weigh in
at $7,000 more than the standard 160, but offers higher efficiency, a
constant-speed prop, FADEC-facilitated flight, plus push-of-a-button
run-ups ... and the option to fly if 100LL goes away. More...
|
FLIGHT TRAINING REBATE
FROM OMF Earn a new FAA rating, fly one of general aviation's
most exciting new aircraft and save money, all at the same time, with
OMF Aircraft's new Flight Training Rebate. OMF and its distributors are
offering a $2,000 rebate to anyone who purchases a Symphony 160 between
July 28 and August 15, 2003, and a new FAA rating in their Symphony 160
within two years. To learn more about OMF's flight training rebate, stop
by OMF's AirVenture outdoor display next to the entrance to Building D,
or call 1-866-OMF-1600, or visit http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/omf |
MAULE
GOES JET-A, TOO, AND ADDS LSA
Maule appears equally bullish
on selling diesels, and it will be marketing in the U.S. This week at
OSH, Maule debuted an M-9 fitted with SMA's SR 305-230 aerodiesel, which
was first certified in Europe a while ago and is now poised to make
inroads in the U.S. Like the Diamond, the Maule diesel's appeal is
theoretically long range and lower operating costs. With 85 gallons of
Jet-A aboard, the diesel M-9 appears to deliver on the range claims.
Maule says it will fly more than 1,000 miles on a single top off.
Another surprise on the show line was a new sport aircraft from Maule, a
light taildragger powered by a Rotax 912S. More...
TWO
NEW PORTABLE GPSS FROM LOWRANCE
Since the introduction of the Garmin 196 last year, the aviation
portable GPS market has been quiet. Lowrance tossed a rock into the calm
waters at AirVenture this week, displaying the new AirMap 500 and AirMap
1000 portables. The 500 has a three-inch diagonal screen with 240 X 180
pixel density, while the AirMap 1000 sports a five-inch diagonal 320 X
320 pixel screen. We got a look at both in Lowrance's booth and we're
impressed with the screen sharpness. The 500 is already shipping at a
suggested retail price of $499 while the AirMap 1000 is expected to be
available in September for $799 retail. (Lower prices are available on
both from discount sources.) More...
|
WHAT IS THE WEATHER
LIKE TODAY AT OSHKOSH? WSI, the Trusted Leader in Aviation
Weather, is publishing a free website of WSI aviation weather for the
region surrounding Oshkosh leading up to and during AirVenture 2003. The
site offers surface prognostics, satellite imagery and WSI's industry
leading NOWrad® Radar Summary. If you are attending AirVenture
visit WSI at Booth 3090-91 for up-to-the-minute weather conditions for
the show, or go online where the site will be available through the
event and for a short time thereafter at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/wsi |
GARMIN
GPS UPGRADES
Although Garmin rolled out no new
portable GPS this year, it did announce upgrades for its popular panel
mount equipment, the GNS 400 and 500 line of navigators. WAAS upgrades
for the GNS400/500 series will be available for under $1,500 by the end
of 2004, says Garmin. If you'd like to add terrain detail and hazard
alerting to the 400/500 series products from Garmin, you can do so for
$500, and the upgrade is planned for the end of 2003. For serious
terrain avoidance, you may want Class-B TAWS, which will be available as
an upgrade to 500 series navigators only, by the end of this year. Price
is set at $6,495. More...
ULTRALIGHTS
AT OSHKOSH
Tucked down in the south corner of AirVenture, ultralights are as strong
as ever. The little grass runway sees lots of activity, and the pattern
is filled with nearly a dozen at a time. Ultralights of all kinds are
here -- powered parachutes, powered hang gliders, open-cockpit planes,
and fully enclosed planes. There is even a helicopter that gets in under
the maximum 254 lbs. to qualify as an ultralight. This area is also
where the whirlybirds reside -- everything from gyroplanes to a
miniaturized kit-version of the MASH helicopters to Jet Rangers and
Robinson R44s. Many ultralight manufacturers are exploring how to grow
their designs into the new Sport-Pilot rules. More...
|
EXCITING NEW
PRODUCTS FROM ASA! 2004 Pilot Test-Preps and Maintenance
Test-Guides are now available, and a NEW Commercial version of the
Virtual Test-Prep DVD Ground School Series joins the already popular
Private and Instrument courses. ASA offers a complete line of aviation
products for pilots and maintenance technicians from textbooks and
checkride essentials, to the Flight Timer and On Top PC simulator.
Don’t miss out, see ASA at AirVenture Booth 2076, or online at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/asadirect |
HISTORY
REPEATS ITSELF
This year's centennial celebration of the Wright brothers' first flight
is fueling an interest in a wide variety of events in aviation history.
EAA's AirVenture Museum is
hosting a special exhibit on Charles Lindbergh, featuring rarely seen
historical documents and photos. One highlight is a display of the
actual Mercator chart that Lindbergh carried from New York to Paris,
showing the great-circle route and magnetic courses he plotted. Over at
the Vintage Aircraft field, the Aviation Foundation of America is
displaying a few of the two dozen antique airplanes that will fly in
September's National Air
Tour, a recreation of the tours that introduced aviation to the
public during the 1920s and '30s. A pair of Sikorsky flying boats, a
Ford Tri-motor, and many more, each one pampered and unique, sit ready
to fly. More...
ON
THE FLY...
AVweb invites you to browse the grounds of OSH in our freshly expanded
AirVenture '03 Image Galleries...
|
Sponsor News and Special Offers
FREE access to AVweb and AVflash is provided by the
support of our fine sponsors. We appreciate your patronage.
|
______________
SHOPPING DEALS LIGHTSPEED 20XL
HEADSETS GET A MAKEOVER! The 20XL is back, and better than ever!
The 20XL/2 brings back the popular model with a new, even smaller,
battery box and the Aux Audio 3G input, at a new LOWER price of just
$395. Get MORE LightSPEED for LESS. See all LightSPEED's models at
AirVenture Booth 2023-24 or go online to http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/litspeed
SUBSCRIBE TO FLIGHT
EXPLORER AVWEB EDITION 4.02 FOR JUST $9.95 A MONTH! The latest
edition of this real-time flight tracking display of all IFR aircraft
in-flight includes enhanced tracking of individual flights, surface
overlays, terrain and elevation maps, and full screen mode for a larger
picture on your PC. To subscribe at the AVweb member rate of just $9.95
a month go to http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/fe
SUBSCRIBE
TO IFR MAGAZINE NOW AND SAVE IFR is the magazine for the
accomplished pilot. Each issue is loaded with insightful articles to
help you get the most from the system, your aircraft, and your know-how.
Order today for guaranteed savings for as long as you subscribe! If you
fly the gauges, add IFR to your ground support team now at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/belvoir/ifrmag
PILOT'S
AUDIO UPDATE Cassette tapes such as "Are You Ready for an
Emergency", "Managing Your Fuel Supply", "Getting the Most Out of ATC",
and more will help you be a better pilot. Don't miss out. Order your
Pilot’s Audio Update selections today online at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/avconsumer/paut
SHOW YOUR PRIDE AND
ELITE STATUS WITH FIRST FLIGHT COMMEMORATIVE ITEMS Shop for
First Flight Centennial collectibles and apparel online, by entering
promotional code "AVWEB" for a 10% discount on everything. While there
enter the Getaway of the Century sweepstakes. The lucky winner will be a
part of the Kitty Hawk activities on December 17. Other prizes include
commemorative watches and more. For complete details stop by AirVenture
booth #3088-89, or order merchandise, enter the sweepstakes, and secure
VIP events seating at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/100g
SUPPORT
THOSE WHO BRING YOU FREE AVFLASHES! Stop by and tell AVweb
sponsors how much you appreciate their support of your FREE AVflash
issues. AVweb will be in AirVenture booth 4144-45. For a list you can
print out and take with you go to http://www.avweb.com/shopping/sponsors.html
_____________________________________
We Welcome Your Feedback!
AVflash is a twice-weekly summary of the latest aviation news,
articles, products, features and events featured on AVweb, the
Internet's Aviation Magazine and News Service.
http://www.avweb.com
Letters to the editor intended for publication in AVmail should be
sent to mailto:editor@avweb.com.com.
Have a comment or question? Send
it to mailto:newsteam@avweb.com.
Today's issue written by the AVweb Newsteam:
Have a product or service to advertise on AVweb? A question on
marketing? Send it to AVweb's sales team: mailto:sales@avweb.com.
Let's all be careful out there, okay?
AVflash is now available in optional easier-to-read graphic format,
which includes some photos and illustrations. If you prefer, you can
continue to receive AVflash in text-only format. Simply follow these instructions
and AVflash will continue to arrive as it always has, in text format.
Want to subscribe or unsubscribe? Review/update your AVweb Account?
Forgot your password? No problem! Simply go to our friendly Member
Services menu.
|
