The Top Headlines From AVweb's Expanded, Illustrated News Coverage At
AVweb's
NewsWire.
A NEW
GENERATION OF HEADSET...
Move over, James Bond, we've got you covered with the latest set of
gadgets that are especially designed with the technically savvy aviator
in mind. While noise-canceling headsets are nothing new, a Maryland
company is promising huge improvements with its next generation of
communications technology. Ellicott City-based TechnoSys Inc. will use
fiber optics in the headsets and, it claims, improve communication in
airplane cockpits. More...
...HIGH-TECH
WEATHER BRIEFINGS...
While DUATS pioneered online weather services, it's hard to keep up with
all the new computer-based products coming out these days. For example,
PDA users can now get graphical weather products right in the "Palm" of
their hands. TurboWx --
available as a Palm OS Web Clipping and a browser-based PDA and
SmartPhone application -- is a server-based subscription service that
delivers commonly available free, non-copyrighted weather information,
available on the Internet, into a presentation specifically designed for
these devices. More...
...REACH
OUT AND WEIGH SOMEONE
Cellphone technology is also helping out with one of the least-favorite
preflight chores. Smartsoft, a Norwegian
software company, just released its new aviation weight & balance
software, Flight WTK 1.0 (Flight Wireless Tool Kit). The software
enables pilots to perform weight and balance on their mobile phone even
as the aircraft is being loaded. The company hopes the versatility to
change calculations on the ramp will be a big plus for pilots. Very
handy on those trips to Oshkosh, where everything seems worthy of
buying. More...
EXPERIENCED
PILOTS' FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY?...
AOPA's Air Safety Foundation (ASF) just released a report on spins
and stall accidents, and while some of the results aren't surprising, it
challenges some pretty well-entrenched perceptions of one of the most
deadly types of in-flight mishaps. The ASF reports stall and spins have
a fatality rate of about 28 percent, and account for about 10 percent of
all GA accidents. "Fatal stall/spin accidents most often begin at or
below traffic pattern altitude (generally 1,000 feet above ground
level), well below the altitude necessary to recover from even a
one-turn spin," the report reads. More...
...FLIGHT
EXPERIENCE IS EXAMINED...
What might be surprising to some is that the thickness of the logbook
and number of endorsements held by a pilot do not always equate to
stall/spin immunity. "A common misconception is that student pilots are
most likely to suffer fatal stall/spin type accidents," said ASF
Executive Director Bruce Landsberg. More...
...AND
AIRCRAFT ARE SCRUTINIZED
Because aircraft design is the primary factor in how an aircraft will
behave in a stall or spin, the report went on to list some of the
aircraft that show up more often in the stats. For example, the ASF
claims Piper Tomahawks were involved in roughly double the number of
stall/spin accidents per 100 aircraft as the Cessna 150/152 or the Beech
77, but again, the data needs qualification. More...
RUTAN'S
SPACESHIPONE FLIES
If you've read our recent
coverage on Burt Rutan's White Knight/SpaceShipOne combo, you'll know
that the fertile minds at Scaled Composites were working overtime on
this dynamic duo. Now, the top contender for the X-prize competition has
taken flight and moved one step closer to winning the $10 million prize
money. Last Thursday, the first free flight of SpaceShipOne
took place over the desert testing area near Mojave, Calif. The space
ship was carried to its release altitude of 47,000 feet via the White
Knight carrier craft, then allowed to glide under a pilot’s
control to a smooth landing. More...
SMALL
PLANE, BIG OCEAN
Crossing the Atlantic Ocean is a challenge for any light aircraft, but
for something weighing in at less than some passengers, it's nothing
short of astonishing. A model aircraft called The Spirit of Butt's Farm
conquered the Pond last weekend,
departing Cape Spear, Newfoundland, on Saturday, landing on the west
coast of Ireland Monday morning, and setting a world distance record.
More...
CFIS
STILL IN DEMAND?
While the aviation industry continues to recover, some unemployed CFIs
may wonder when things will turn around for them. Perhaps they should be
checking in with the folks at Daniel
Webster College. The Nashua, N.H.-based institution recently began
training 13 new flight instructors in preparation for the arrival of the
incoming 2007 graduating class. Doug Joyce, director of flight
operations for Daniel Webster, says the college is acting on hiring
plans set in motion about three years ago. To date, the school has 50
instructors on staff. Other organizations, including some specialized
Part 61/141 flight schools, are hiring instructors on a limited basis.
More...
THE
WRIGHT STUFF AT NBAA
Aside from the Countdown To Kitty Hawk's massive touring pavilion and
marketing machine, there are other great opportunities for aviation
enthusiasts to learn about the Wright Brothers' work toward that
historic day in 1903. Wright expert Darrell Collins will be at this
year's NBAA 56th Annual Meeting & Convention, to be held October 7 - 9.
Collins will appear at the event's venue in the Orlando/Orange County
Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., and give a special presentation
during the opening general session on October 7. More...
|
RYAN ANNOUNCES NEW
MULTI-HAZARD DISPLAY (MHD)! This high-resolution full-color 3ATI
Multi-Hazard Display is designed to give pilots what they need most:
easy-to-read, easy-to-interpret real time information on the most
immediate flight hazard. By isolating hazard information onto a
dedicated display, pilots don't have to wade through the clutter of
information on an MFD to find the information they need immediately. To
learn more go online at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/ryan |
BIG
AIRPORTS, BIG PROBLEMS
There's nothing like an airport expansion to foster debate, and the
controversial $6.6 billion expansion of Chicago's O'Hare International
Airport is getting some additional heat from U.S. Sen. Peter Fitzgerald,
who's questioning United Air Lines' ability to pay for its share. The
senator accused United of planning to use proposed federal legislation
allowing deferment of pension contributions as a way to pay off its
share of bonds for the airport project. More...
GOT
DATALINK?
Our sister publication, Aviation Consumer, is
preparing an evaluation of aircraft datalink systems. If you have one
and would like to talk about it, contact the editor at avconsumer@comcast.net.
More...
ON
THE FLY...
A helicopter owned by an Indian oil company crashed with 29
aboard...
A study indicates the growth in aviation could speed up global
warming...
The FAA plans an AC on certification and operation of
amateur-builts...
American Eurocopter breaks ground on a new U.S. facility this
morning...
Occupants survived crash of Cessna 175 into B.C. policeman's house.
More...
|
AEROSHELL FLIGHT
JACKET PRODUCTS SHINE AIR FORCE ONE TO A SPARKLE AeroShell
Flight Jacket line of aviation appearance care products contributed to
the Centennial of Flight by completely refurbishing the original Boeing
707 Air Force One first flown by President Eisenhower. Seattle's Museum
of Flight was to repaint the aircraft, but with AeroShell Flight Jacket
products the aircraft was brought back to its original beauty without
new paint, saving the museum over $50,000. See what Flight Jacket
products can do for your aircraft. Buy the entire line at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/shell |
_____________________________
AVweb's AVscoop Award...
Congratulations and an AVweb hat go out to Thomas Jennings, this
week's AVscoop winner. Submit news tips via email to
newstips@avweb.com.
Rules and information are at
http://www.avweb.com/contact/newstips.html.
_______________________________________
New Articles and Features on AVweb
__________
BIZAV
BIZAV, August 14, 2003
AVweb's expanded coverage of business/corporate aviation continues with
news from EAA's AirVenture at Oshkosh, questions about the costs of
corporate flying, milestones in small jet development and more.
|
GETTING THE MOST
OUT OF THE AIRCRAFT IN YOUR CLUB? TimeSync's ScheduleMaster
online aircraft scheduling service offers advanced features like standby
scheduling and notification of cancellations. ScheduleMaster helps your
club improve aircraft utilization and will make your members happy. Add
AccountMaster, an integrated billing system that works with Peachtree
and QuickBooks. SPECIAL: One month NO-COST trial or NO-COST set-up. For
a NO-COST online demonstration go to http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/timesy |
*** PREVIOUS RESULTS ***
We received over 90 pictures last week. Congratulations to this week's
winner, Col. Mike Horner, of Garland, Texas. His winning photo, titled
"9-11 Flyby" was taken over Lancaster, Texas on September 11 2002 as
Col. Horner was riding in the back seat of a Vultee BT-15. Along with
other members of the DFW Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, he
participated in a tribute to those who lost their lives in the tragic
attacks of 9-11. Great picture, Col. Horner! Your AVweb hat is on
the way.
To check out the winning picture, or to enter next week's contest, go to
http://www.avweb.com/potw.
*** PREVIOUS RESULTS ***
We received over 200 responses to our question last week on the overall
AirVenture experience. The results were quite mixed with 27 percent of
our respondents enjoying every aspect of the event, while 18 percent
felt the food prices seemed higher than ever. Nearly one-third (29
percent) indicated AirVenture's commercialism is getting way out of
hand, while 2 percent didn't enjoy the event at all.
To check out the complete results, go to http://www.avweb.com/qotw.
*** THIS WEEK'S QUESTION ***
This week, we would like to know your thoughts on following
noise-abatement procedures. Our thanks to Jim Lawliss for suggesting
this week's topic. Please go to http://www.avweb.com/qotw to
respond.
Have an idea for a new QOTW? Send your suggestions to qotw@avweb.com. Note, this address is
ONLY for suggested QOTW questions, and NOT for QOTW answers.
|
Sponsor News and Special Offers
NO-COST access to AVweb and AVflash is provided by
the support of our fine sponsors. We appreciate your patronage.
|
______________
SHOPPING DEALS
SUBSCRIBE
TO AVIATION SAFETY NOW AND SAVE! You spent thousands to earn
your license, but the learning never ends. Aviation Safety helps pilots
stay ready for the realities of today's demanding flight environment
with instructive articles to keep your decision-making skills sharp.
Subscribe now and save big at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/belvoir/avsafe
______________
SPONSOR NEWS
IFR
REFRESHER IS THE PUBLICATION FOR NOVICE AND EXPERIENCED PILOTS!
Keep sharp and informed with IFR Refresher. The September issue
highlights: "Please Cancel My IFR"..know when; "Back of the Book IAPs";
"What Am I Forgetting?"..new tips on the old five Ts; "Same Way Every
Time"; and much more can be yours in every IFR Refresher issue. Order at
http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/belvoir/ifrref
ASA, AVIATION'S
LEADING SUPPLIER OF EDUCATIONAL BOOKS & PILOT SUPPLIES offers
aviation textbooks, books for pilots and mechanics, FAA test-prep
guides, checkride essentials, FAA publication reprints, and an array of
pilot supplies. Pilots from student to ATP, CFIs, flight engineers, and
maintenance technicians will all find what they need in ASA's big online
catalog at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/asa
"NAH, I KNOW MY
AIRPLANE. NO NEED TO DO A WEIGHT AND BALANCE" Are you one of the
many pilots who don't bother doing weight and balance calculations
before each flight? You might think twice about that, after learning
what happened to one pilot who didn't bother with weight and balance.
You'll find out what he told investigators in the August issue of NTSB
Reporter. Order at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/ntsbrepo
"PURCHASING &
EVALUATING AIRPLANES" IS A MUST-READ FOR ANYONE THINKING about
buying an airplane, especially if they want to follow the purchase
process to a successful conclusion. It's vital to purchase an airplane
that will meet your needs and not attack your wallet. Written by Brian
Jacobson, a full-time aircraft appraiser and buyer's agent, this book
will show the steps needed to purchase the right airplane. Order at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/odyssey
NEW PRODUCTS FROM
SACRAMENTO SKYRANCH IN TIME FOR LOTS OF SUMMER FLYING! You know
Sacramento Skyranch for their great maintenance books, now find two new
products: The GATS JAR, the only fuel analysis tester to separate
non-petroleum contaminants and thereby purifying water and debris from
contaminated avgas and jet fuel allowing extracted fuel to be put back
into the aircraft and not on the ground. REJEX, a thin-film polymer
coating that reduces adhesion of bugs, oil, grime and more to any
aircraft surface and lasts for months. See these and other fine products
at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/skyranch
RECOMMEND AVWEB & AVFLASH
TO FELLOW PILOTS AND/OR BEGINNING STUDENTS! Send them over to
AVweb for their NO-COST lifetime subscription at http://www.avweb.com/profile
_____________________________________
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 News Writer Arturo Weiss:
http://www.avweb.com/contact/authors.html#aweiss
AVweb's editorial team: http://avweb.com/contact/authors.html.
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.
| 
