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July 11, 2011
By The AVweb Editorial Staff
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Two Great Ways to Keep Your Engine Up to Speed
Do you have a new engine core that's never been rebuilt or overhauled? Save up to $5,000 on a rebuilt engine. Do you have an original Lycoming factory engine that last left the factory as a
new, rebuilt or overhauled engine? Save up to $1,900 on a new, rebuilt or ovehauled engine. For complete details, call (800) 258‑3279 to find an authorized Lycoming
Distributor near you or
visit
Lycoming.com. 
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AVflash! Pilots Escape Mid-Air at U.K. Air
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The pilot of a P-51 bailed out safely after a mid-air collision with a Douglas Skyraider at a heritage aircraft display in Duxford, England on Sunday. The Skyraider was able to land
safely minus a wingtip. Neither pilot was injured. The accident occurred after a formation pass including the two crash
airplanes and at least three other piston single military aircraft. The Mustang ended up in a farmer's field after the pilot hit the silk. A few hours before, a replica Fokker triplane ended up on its
nose in a landing accident. The accompanying video shows the pilot being helped out of the vertical aircraft.
The event was Duxford's Flying Legends show, which featured dozens of mostly Second World War and earlier aircraft.
There were seven Mustangs and three Skyraiders in the show along with eight Spitfires and a laundry list of rare and historic aircraft. Cause of the accident was not immediately known and the Air
Accident Investigation Branch is investigating.
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A Life Insurance Policy That Returns All of Your Premiums? — YES
The Return of Premium Term policy available through Pilot Insurance Center features fixed premiums and guarantees to return the total of all premiums at the end of the policy. No aviation exclusions.
Call (800) 380‑8376 or
visit
PICLife.com. 
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A newly-formed California company is hoping to set up a distribution network for ethanol-free unleaded automotive gasoline to GA airports in the state. Clear Gas was created partly in response to a lawsuit threat from the Center for Environmental Health that would end the sale of 100LL in
California. The company is also looking at the marine and off-road market for customers since engines used by many boats and off-road vehicles are allergic to the ethanol present in most automotive
fuels. Aircraft using the fuel need an STC, and the company has information on how to obtain it. It estimates that upwards of 80 percent of aircraft can use the fuel legally.
The company hopes to set up an innovative distribution system that will allow customers to monitor online the fuel demand at airports in their area and place orders when that demand makes it
feasible for a truck to be dispatched. Orders as small as 500 gallons without delivery penalties are envisioned under the system.
The past few weeks have seen two high marks set for electric flight -- one in distance and one in speed -- but not at the same time. The eGenius is a two-seat motor glider with a wingspan just over
55 feet adapted for electric flight by a team from the University of Stuttgart. It was modified with a forward-facing, tail-mounted 80-hp electric motor and last month flew with full seats on a
back-and-forth course between two cities near Mindleheim, Germany, for just over two hours. That flight averaged more than 100 mph. Meanwhile a tiny twin-engine Cri-Cri managed a speed of 175 mph
flying at the Paris Air Show, but managed that speed just long enough to record the mark.
The Cri-Cri runs two 35-horsepower electric motors drawing current from 1.5 kWh batteries that can sustain it for 25 minutes at 65 mph and far fewer minutes at 175 mph. For comparison, the
eGenius landed after its two hours with some power remaining in the aircraft's 56-kilowatt-hour battery pack, according to its creators. Specific figures defining its power reserves were not revealed,
perhaps because the team aims to enter the aircraft in NASA/CAFE's Green Flight Challenge to collect a prize of $1.3 million. That event will run Sept. 25 through Oct. 3 at Charles M. Schulz Sonoma
County Airport in Santa Rosa, Calif. The winning aircraft will fly 200 miles in less than two hours using the energy equivalent of less than 1 gallon of gasoline per occupant. And eGenius appears to
fit that bill.
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Meet the New Reletex Anti-Motion Sickness Device!
It's finally here — Reletex, the new version of the highly-touted ReliefBand that is so effective for nausea and vomiting due to motion sickness. Worn on the wrist, the Reletex
produces a small neuromodulating current which stops peristaltic waves in the stomach, ceasing nausea and vomiting without drugs or side effects. Reletex is available in 60- and 150-hour
versions. O.K. for pilots and great for aerobatic flight.
Reletex —
exclusively at AeroMedix.com.
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The Center for Environmental Health and the Attorney General of the State of California are threatening to sue local FBOs and suppliers for dispensing leaded avgas, and shutting down small GA in
the state is only one potential outcome. The suit's origins stem from the California Safe Drinking Water & Toxic Enforcement Act (Prop 65). Prop 65 is meant to safeguard people from dangerous toxins
that could lead to birth defects and illnesses. But in light of federal interests (the FAA and EPA's control of air safety and environmental protection, respectively), restricting or altering the use
of leaded avgas in California may not be the immediate, or likely, outcome of this case. And more likely outcomes may suggest other motives. Click here
to listen to AVweb's conversation with NATA's Vice President of Government and Industry Affairs, Eric Byer, and Andy Steinberg, NATA's acting attorney on this case.
There are more than 250 public-use airports in California used by nearly 100,000 local pilots flying more than 35,000 aircraft that burn leaded avgas. According to Byer, GA represents more than 80
percent of operations state-wide, helping employ 1.7 million people generating $18 billion. Those numbers create an industry that brings jobs and substantial cash flow into the state's cash-strapped
economy. Shutting down or negatively impacting that industry could add a new wrinkle to the state's current budgetary concerns. But many suits based on Prop 65 settle. And while in this case that
could do little to alter the use of leaded avgas in the state, it could mean that aviation entities would pay a relatively small fine -- and pay the other side's potentially generous legal fees -- to
prevent more drastic measures. In that case, seeking to enforce Prop 65 could produce an outcome that fails to change how pollutants are delivered into the environment and delivers financial gain to
the entity that brought the suit. Meanwhile, actually enforcing Prop 65 such that it restricts delivery of lead into the environment through aviation fuel could prove economically disastrous for the
state. It could also open a gateway to the creation of a different set of rules regarding the use of avgas, for each state in the country.
File Size 15.8 MB / Running Time 17:15
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California FBOs and suppliers are facing a legal threat to shut down small GA in the state in order to save people from the lead in avgas. But the details of the case might suggest the effort does
not represent all of the suit's motives. AVweb's Glenn Pew spoke with NATA's Vice President of Government and Industry Affairs, Eric Byer, and Andy Steinberg, NATA's attorney on
the case, to learn more.
Click here to listen. (15.8 MB, 17:15)
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Business Aviation in Latin America Is Booming
Following the success of the previous summits, the Third Annual BALA will explore the latest developments in the business aviation sector of Latin America and new challenges and business
opportunities for the future. This summit is organized during the second day of LABACE 2011. It is a unique networking opportunity for operators, aircraft manufacturers, and any aviation
professional with an interest in the future of business aviation in the region.
Click here to learn
more and register.
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Light Sport Prices Trending Upward? Could Be
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EASA, roughly Europe's FAA, has released certification specifications for light sport aircraft, and LSA watchdog Dan Johnson believes that could affect availability and pricing of European-made
LSAs. The European regulatory agency has basically adopted ASTM standards. But unlike the FAA, which is funded by taxpayers, EASA is funded by fees and charges paid by the companies it reviews. That
means meeting regulatory requirements can result in up-front costs and annual fees for airframe manufacturers in Europe. According to Johnson, that could mean one of two things for American buyers
seeking European models: higher prices, or fewer options. But the outcome isn't yet certain.
With the current plan, "Either way, aircraft made in Europe and subject to EASA rules will experience upward price pressure," according to Johnson. But it's also possible that the Light Aircraft
Manufacturers Association (LAMA) Europe will succeed in pressuring the regulatory agency to create a self-declarative system. That would put it more in line with the current U.S. standards regarding
LSA regulatory requirements. Regulations aside, exchange rates are also affecting the market. Currently the dollar is low and the euro is high. That situation creates unfavorable conditions for
European manufacturers looking to sell their wares in the U.S., while it improves things for U.S. manufacturers seeking to sell products in Europe. It presents a double-negative for European
manufacturers compounded by fees and charges associated with EASA regulation. Johnson speculates that unless things change, the situation may price some smaller European LSA manufacturers right out of
the market.
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Register to Win an ADS-B Capable Avidyne TAS620A
Attention, aircraft owners! Register now for Avidyne's "FlySafe Giveaway Extravaganza" to win a new TAS620A Traffic Advisory System with ADS-B In capability —
valued at $20,990. Eligible entrants for the Grand Prize will be aircraft owners with a valid Tail Number who complete the entire "Giveway Extravaganza" registration form online at
Avidyne.com/extravaganza. 
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Cirrus Design Corp. on May 24 was cleared of liability in the October 2006 death of Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle and his instructor Tyler Stanger, and, Thursday, the plaintiffs in the case filed an
appeal. The aircraft impacted a Manhattan building while attempting a turn that departed the area above Manhattan's East River. The widows of Lidle and Stanger allege that the Cirrus SR20 included a
design defect in its flight control system that caused the men to lose control. Their appeal says that critical evidence was excluded from the case and they are seeking a new trial.
According to the appeal, exclusion of critical evidence from the original trial created a condition that "was substantially prejudicial to the plaintiffs and presented a scenario of total
inequity... ." A lawyer for the widows asserts that Cirrus was able to present multiple theories in its defense, and the plaintiffs were "restricted from counteracting such evidence." The SR20
carrying Lidle and Stanger impacted the face of a building at an altitude of 332 feet. It was the end of a turn to the south that saw the aircraft descend and stray west of the East River's border.
The NTSB found in May 2007 that he pilots' inadequate planning, judgment and airmanship in performing a 180-degree turn in a limited space was the probable cause of the Cirrus SR20 crash.
The airspace around Camp David was busier than usual over the weekend and there will be some unwelcome letters in the mail for three pilots. NORAD had to scramble F-15E fighters on three separate
occasions to shoo errant GA aircraft out of the TFR that surrounds the presidential retreat in Maryland. Two incidents occurred Saturday, one shortly after noon and the other just before 7 p.m. The
third identified by the Associated Press as a Cessna 182, was
intercepted about 10:30 a.m. on Sunday.
AP says that in each case the fighters were scrambled because the pilots of the light aircraft couldn't be raised on the radio. Standard procedure is for the offending aircraft to be escorted to an
airport outside the TFR where security officials, including the Secret Service, are waiting to interview the pilot. FAA sanctions are likely to follow. President Obama was at Camp David for part of
Sunday with his family before heading back to Washington for another week of wrangling over the debt crisis.
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JP Instruments: Don't Leave the Ground Without Us!
Outfitting your aircraft with our EDM monitor is like having a flight engineer aboard every flight. After your flight, download your in-flight data with our no-cost EZTrends software to spot
any future problems. From the classic EDM 700 to the bright-LCD EDM 830, nothing compares to the accuracy and quick response of JPI Systems.
Click here for more
info.
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Diamond Keeping Busy, Staying Home This
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With only two weeks until the start of aviation's biggest consumer show, Diamond Aircraft announced it is bowing out of this year's major aviation shows in favor of smaller, more specialized venues
that offer a more targeted market for some of its products. "In consideration of the continued weakness of the economy and slow industry-wide retail sales, we have made the decision to forego the very
significant expense of our traditional exhibits at [AirVenture] Oshkosh, NBAA and AOPA Summit in 2011," CEO Peter Maurer said in a news release. Instead, Diamond will be at "industry-specific events"
like the Airborne Law Enforcement Association where it will show off its Austro diesel engine powered DA42 Multi-Purpose Platform. It's also targeting emerging markets and commercial flight training
in its promotional efforts. The retail market will be served with enhanced online communications. The company will also host its annual DiamondFest event at the London, Ontario plant on the Sept. 17
weekend.
Maurer said the money and staff time saved will be plowed into the recently revived DJET program and in supporting its various piston programs. Diamond has been a major exhibitor at Oshkosh and its
absence will leave a large empty space to fill. AirVenture spokesman Dick Knapinski told AVweb his organization was aware of the decision but the overall show is "looking pretty good" and there
are new exhibitors attending the show this year. Maurer said Diamond will be back in the big shows once the market comes back. "The retail market is, of course, very important to us and we intend to
resume our full show presence when the economic climate improves."
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Fly More for Less
Visit the AVbuys page for discounts, rebates, incentives, bargains, special offers, bonus depreciation, or tax benefits to help stretch your budget. We're helping you to locate and view
current offers instantly, with a direct link to sponsors' web sites for details.
Click for the
resource page.
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I'm somehow not, says Paul Bertorelli on the AVweb Insider blog. On the other hand, perhaps we're supposed to be grateful that something positive came out of Inhofe's inept, embarrassing
display of poor airmanship at Port Isabel, Texas that merited him a peck on the cheek from the FAA after he scattered workers on a closed runway.
Read more and join the conversation.
While LightSquared isn't going to give up the fight for its piece of the radio spectrum easily, Mary Grady doesn't see a clear victory in the group's future — and in her latest post to the
AVweb Insider, she reminisces about similar scenarios that have played out in the past.
Read more and join the conversation.
LightSquared's plan to offer 4G wireless broadband right next to the GPS portion of the radio spectrum isn't going away quietly — and in his latest post to the AVweb Insider blog, Russ
Niles says it may be time to think about how GPS will share the band with its new neighbor.
Read more and join the conversation.
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In the third chapter of his aviation memoir, Richard Taylor begins flight training in a Piper PA-18 Cub -- including being "kicked out of the nest" for his first solo before he had
10 hours of flight time -- and then moving on to the (comparatively) massive T-6 Texan.
Click here to read the third chapter.
Original, Exclusive Videos from AVweb
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Reader-Submitted & Viral Videos
If that tornado at Sun 'n Fun in April didn't get your attention, it should have. With EAA AirVenture looming and storms hammering the midwest, it's time to think about portable
tiedown systems for the show. In this brief video, AVweb and Aviation Consumer wring out three systems, and the walkaway winner is a product you've never heard of.
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Traditional Tactics Need a Fresh Approach
Doing the same thing and expecting different results is the definition of insanity. Isn't it time to initiate a digital marketing program with AVweb that will deliver traffic and orders
directly to your web site? Discover several new and highly successful marketing options to use in lieu of static print or banner campaigns.
Click now for
details. 
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Nominate an FBO
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Rules
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Tips
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Questions
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Winning FBOs
AVweb's "FBO of the Week" ribbon goes to Bismarck Aero Center at Bismarck Municipal Airport (KBIS) in Bismarck, North
Dakota.
AVweb reader David Yost brought BAC to our attention:
On June 23-24, I was part of a team in the Bismarck-Minot (North Dakota) area doing aerial imaging of the flooding. We operated from Bismarck Aero Center and KBIS. Upon arrival, we were promptly met
by a lineman who showed us where to park and supervised our refueling. The plane was hangared for us overnight and promptly brought out for us the following morning. There were even red carpets by
both doors! This facility is clean, modern, and well-equiped, and the staff quickly took care of all our needs. But what impressed me the most was that every employee I encounted was friendly
and seemed genuinely happy to be there. When in Bismarck, go to Bismarck Aero Center!
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!
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The Top Reporter on Our Crack Staff ... Is
You! |
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Our best stories start with you. If you've heard something 255,000 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.
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Overheard on Denver Center:
Denver Center (female voice) :
"Jetlink 1234, Denver Center."
[A moment later.]
Denver Center:
"Jetlink 1234, Denver Center —"
Jetlink 1234 (male voice) :
"Denver Center, Jetlink 1234 checking in at 240."
Denver Center:
"Sorry. Guess I was just being impatient."
Jetlink 1234:
"My wife does that to me, too."
Denver Center:
"Well, then, it must be you."
Paul Memrick
via e-mail
Heard anything funny, unusual, or downright shocking on the radio lately? If you've been flying any length of time, you're sure to have eavesdropped on a few memorable exchanges. The ones that
gave you a chuckle may do the same for your fellow AVweb readers. Share your radio funny with us, and, if we use it in a future "Short Final," we'll send you a sharp-looking AVweb hat
to sport around your local airport. No joke.
Click here to submit your original, true, and previously unpublished story.
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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
Webmaster
Scott Simmons
Contributors
Jeff van West
Mariano Rosales
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.
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