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| AVflash! Oshkosh Takes Center Stage | back to top |  |
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A Sunny Launch For AirVenture 2011
This time last year, EAA staffers faced an unprecedented "Sploshkosh" challenge, with rain-soaked fields bogging down airplanes and shutting down parking, as weather around the country delayed arrivals. In contrast, AirVenture 2011 has opened to more manageable conditions, with bright sun and low humidity. Scattered clouds caused occasional IFR en route weather for some travelers, and a few showers at the field, but campgrounds and aircraft parking were filling up apace. With a robust economic recovery still nowhere in sight, new product introductions are few, but the mood nonetheless seems upbeat. We're still here and still flying, and that's cause to celebrate, seems to be the creed for this year's show.
Coming up this week are updates from Cirrus, Piper, Honda, Socata, and other major manufacturers; tributes to Bob Hoover and Burt Rutan; a celebration of 100 years of naval aviation, and lots more. AVweb staffers will bring you news, videos, and podcasts every day this week, so check in often for updates.
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| The Good Stuff Is on the Inside | back to top | |
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Rockwell Collins Introduces Touchscreens For Bizjets
Rockwell Collins introduced new touch-control primary flight displays for business jets and turboprops at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh on Sunday. "These displays demonstrate our focus on empowering pilots with natural head-up, eyes-forward interfaces," said Colin Mahoney, vice president of sales and marketing for Rockwell Collins. "Touch-controlled, icon-based controls on the main displays help keep pilots' attention focused up and forward for safer and more efficient flying." The company said it is also working on an "autonomous backup control" that with one touch of a button will put the aircraft into a safe-altitude holding pattern until the pilot disengages the system.
The touch-screen panels will be available in the company's Pro Line Fusion avionics system. Demos of the new system are available all week at the company's exhibit just outside Hangar C at EAA AirVenture. The company will also host a forum about "Advancing the Art of Avionics" on Wednesday on 2:30 p.m. Earlier this year, the company released a head-up synthetic vision system for small jets.
Kestrel Chooses Honeywell Engine
Kestrel Aircraft Company of Maine said this week at EAA AirVenture they have chosen the Honeywell TPE331-14GR engine to power their new all-composite, single-engine turboprop airplane. "Customers want lower maintenance costs, fewer life-cycle-limited parts and better fuel efficiency when they select an aircraft engine," said Rob Wilson, president of Honeywell Aerospace's Business and General Aviation business. The TPE331 can deliver those benefits, Wilson said. The TPE331-14GR produces 1,759 thermodynamic horsepower, but Kestrel said they will flat-rate the engine to approximately 1,000 shaft horsepower to allow for better high-altitude, high-temperature performance.
Kestrel Aircraft is a new airplane company led by general aviation entrepreneur, Alan Klapmeier, one of the co-founders of Cirrus Aircraft. Based on the original work done by Farnborough Aircraft, the Kestrel all-composite, single-engine turboprop will have seats for six to eight. AVweb's editor-in-chief Russ Niles spoke with Kestrel's Steve Serfling about the engine at AirVenture; click here to listen to the podcast. |
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| Walking the Grounds, Looking at New Offerings | back to top | |
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Sennheiser's New S1 Digital Headset
Long a player in the aircraft headset market, Sennheiser is upping its game with a new digital, noise-cancelling model to compete in the Premium headset market. Sennheiser announced the new S1 at EAA AirVenture on Sunday evening in time for demonstrations — on opening day of AirVenture. In this podcast, Sennheiser's Dave Dunlap explained that the company believes its new product will outperform the noise cancelling capability of existing headsets.
Dunlap says the S1 uses a digital adaptive process to sample ambient noise which it then uses to construct a cancelling signal. Although that's what other headsets do too, the S1 has a twist. By pressing what it calls a Smart Update button built into one earcup, the S1's noise cancelling applies individual filters that are better suited to whatever the ambient noise environment happens to be, such as a loud takeoff or the higher wind noise of fast cruise. "At the core of the new noise canceling technology is a particularly powerful digital signal processor," explains Sennheiser's Jörg Buchberger. Rather than relying on fixed filters, the processor generates a specific filter algorithm for the noise at hand, selectively reducing the dominant noise prorportions. It also features special treble boost which helps with speech intelligibility, especially for older pilots whose inevitable hearing loss makes it difficult to interpret speech. The S1 has a separate filtering circuit for music inputs.
Sennheiser has paid attention to the mechanicals, too, since how a headset fits is just as important and how well the noise cancelling technlogy works. It engaged BMW Group DesignworksUSA to develop functional comfort details, including customizable contact pressure. The S1 also features Bluetooth interface capability and provisions for adding music inputs. It collapses into a small form factor for stowage and transportation.
Retail price on the S1 with Bluetooth is $1095, but the company is offering a $995 show special at AirVenture. Find out more at Sennheiser-Aviation.com.
Flight Design Four-Place Mockup Oshkosh Debut
There may already be lots of four-place single-engine airplanes in the world for buyers to choose from, but the folks at Flight Design say their new C4 will find a market. At a price point of $250,000, with a roomy cabin and lightweight carbon-fiber construction allowing for a hefty payload of around 1,300 pounds, Flight Design CEO Matthias Betsch told AVweb on Sunday the C4 will appeal to plenty of pilots. Betsch is showing a full-size mock-up of the airplane this week at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh. Cruise performance is estimated at about 150 knots, and the BRS full-airplane parachute will be standard on every airplane. Key to the airplane's appeal is the price. "We'll do everything to make that number," Betsch said. "That's the magic number."
The mockup shows the exterior design of the C4 only, because no decisions have been reached yet on avionics or the engine, Betsch said. He will be meeting with some suppliers this week and hopes to have agreements soon. Flight Design is best known for its light sport airplanes, but Betsch says the company, which manufactures its aircraft in the Ukraine, expects the certification process to go smoothly. The company recently gained EASA Design Organization Approval, which enables them to progress on their own schedule without the need for step-by-step involvement from EASA. Once EASA approval is achieved, it is a relatively simple process to transfer that certification to the FAA. Betsch said he plans to have a prototype flying in time for the Aero aviation show in Friedrichshafen, Germany, in April 2012, and attain FAA certification by early 2013. Tom Peghiny, CEO of Flight Design USA, talked with AVweb about the airplane, click for the video. |
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| Aviation's "David Copperfield" Year? | back to top | |
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4,000 FAA Workers Laid Off
Air traffic controllers are still on the job, but on Saturday the FAA gave furlough notices to nearly 4,000 workers in a variety of positions, putting a stop to airport improvement projects and ticket-tax collection. The furloughs will also bring to a halt certification of new products by aerospace companies, according to Reuters. The congressional authorization needed to fund those jobs expired at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday. Employees paid from the FAA's Operations Account, which is funded from both the Aviation Trust Fund and the general fund, are not affected.
"We are working diligently with Congress to resolve this unfortunate situation, and apologize for the hardship this situation may cause for our employees and our stakeholders," the FAA said in a statement. The furloughed workers "perform critical work for our nation's aviation system and our economy," said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. "These are real people with families who do not deserve to be put out of work during these tough economic times." The furlough affects workers in 35 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, including FAA engineers, scientists, research analysts, administrative assistants, computer specialists, program managers and analysts, environmental protection specialists, and community planners.
Cessna Signals Positive Momentum
Cessna lost money through Q1 of 2011, but turned a profit of $120 million over the next quarter, and Textron CEO Scott Donnelly says demand is now stable with positive momentum, according to the Wichita Eagle. The company's second quarter profits reflect shipments that have eroded the company's order backlog. But Cessna expects to see an increase in customer interest and demand for the remainder of the year, Donnely said. The company hasn't seen, nor is it expecting, a surge. Donnely said in a conference call, Thursday, that Cessna will talk about new products at the National Business Aviation Association convention, this fall.
Cessna's second quarter profit is considered modest but is a significant turn away from heavy first quarter losses. While struggling to remain profitable, Cessna has seen its order backlog plummet from $14.5 billion at the end of 2008, to roughly $2.5 billion, now. The company delivered nearly 70 jets through the end of June and expects to deliver at least 40 more through December. Sometime before year-end onlookers should be treated to a flying example of the Cessna Citation Ten midsize business jet. |
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| AVweb Audio — Are You Listening? | back to top | |
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Podcast: AirVenture 2011, How To ...File Size 14.0 MB / Running Time 15:20
Thursday, AVweb's Glenn Pew spoke with EAA's vice president of membership Adam Smith about the coming AirVenture show held this year July 25 through 31 to get a "Do Not Miss" list and tips and tricks for attendees.
Podcast: Sennheiser's Smart New Headset, the S1File Size 4.2 MB / Running Time 4:05Podcast Index | How to Listen | Subscribe Via RSS
Competition among premium headsets is heating up, and Paul Bertorelli spoke with Dave Dunlap about the latest entry in this class, the Sennheiser S1.
Podcast: Todd Simmons, Cirrus AircraftFile Size 4.4 MB / Running Time 4:48
Podcast Index | How to Listen | Subscribe Via RSS
Todd Simmons, Cirrus Aircraft's executive vice president for marketing, talks with AVweb's Mary Grady about how the company is moving forward now that it has new investment funding from China and what that access to resources might mean for future products.
This podcast is brought to you by Bose
Corporation
Podcast: Kestrel Puts Honeywell Under the CowlFile Size 3.3 MB / Running Time 3:35
Podcast Index | How to Listen | Subscribe Via RSS
As Kestrel's single-engine composite turboprop approaches market, the time has come to choose an engine. In this podcast, Kestrel's Steve Serfling explains why the company has chosen Honeywell's TPE331-14GR.
This podcast is brought to you by Lightspeed
Aviation
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| AVweb Media: Look, Listen, Laugh and Learn | back to top | |
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Video: Oshkosh via DA42NG
Original, Exclusive Videos from AVweb | Reader-Submitted & Viral Videos AVweb's Russ Niles arrived in style at Airventure 2011 via a Diamond DA42 re-engined with Diamond's own Austro diesels to become a DA42NG. The airplane is on its way from Oshkosh to Embry Riddle Aeronautical University's Prescott, Arizona campus.
This video is brought to you by Lightspeed
Aviation
Video: Flight Design's C4 Four-Place Airplane
Original, Exclusive Videos from AVweb | Reader-Submitted & Viral Videos Flight Design is known for their light sport designs, but at Oshkosh they're showing the design for a four-seat, fully certified airplane — their C4.
This video is brought to you by Bose
Corporation |
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| Photos from the Show | back to top | |
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EAA AirVenture 2011: Photo Gallery — Day One
For some attendees, getting to Oshkosh is half the fun. Once again, we've turned AVweb's intern, Adam Cutler, loose with a camera and instructed him to bring back the sights and sounds of the show grounds.
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| Opinion & Commentary | back to top | |
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AVweb Insider Blog: Fuel Discussions at AirVenture?
Yes, there will be some, but compared to last year, the process has gone underground. On the AVweb Insider blog, Paul Bertorelli says the FAA's ARC committee appears to have made progress and will report on that this week — but it would be altogether better if the deliberations were open to the public and press.
Read more and join the conversation.
AVweb Insider Blog: So Long, Shuttle — It's Been Great
The U.S. space shuttle program ended with a pre-dawn touchdown of the Atlantis orbiter on Thursday morning. If you didn't pay much attention to the program when it was flying, will you miss it now? On the AVweb Insider blog, Paul Bertorelli says you will — maybe more than you realize.
Read more and join the conversation.
AVweb Insider Blog: A Fear of Heights and Wingwalking
Even though he's a little afraid of heights, AVweb's Russ Niles didn't mind standing on top of a Stearman in flight. We're not quite sure how the love of flying overcame that particular phobia, but Russ tries his best to explain in a post to the AVweb Insider blog.
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| Your Favorite FBOs | back to top | |
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FBO of the Week: Highland County Airport (KHOC, Hillsboro, Ohio)
Nominate an FBO | Rules | Tips | Questions | Winning FBOs
AVweb's latest "FBO of the Week" ribbon goes to Highland County Airport (KHOC) in Hillsboro, Ohio.
Dr. Andrew Hesketh discovered the charm and welcoming atmosphere of this GA-friendly airport on a recent stopover:
I was returning from eastern Pennsylvania (Pennridge/KCKZ) in my 1956 BE35 to my home base near St. Louis, Missouri (Alton Regional/KALN), and, with predicted headwinds, I knew I needed to plan a fuel stop. A quick check with AirNav's fuel prices provided Highland County Airport (KHOC) selling fuel for under $5/gallon. After a three-hour flight, I landed at Highland and taxied up to the self-serve fuel pumps. First, there is no FBO at this airport — but you would not know it. One of the local pilots, came out, introduced himself, made sure I was O.K. with fueling the plane, and then helped push the plane to a parking spot. The airport building was aged but clean inside with very friendly people doing what most GA pilots do on a Saturday morning — telling flying stories or making plans to go flying. They had an honor system to purchase soda and snacks, which I took advantage of to ward off the hunger pangs. I am sure if I wanted more for lunch there would have been arrangements made to take [me] to a local eatery. One person even provided a piece of paper for me to copy my IFR clearance on when I realized I had left all my writing paper in my Bonanza. I left about 30-40 minutes after arriving, pleasantly surprised at this small yet thriving airport in souteastern Ohio — thriving because the local pilot population wants to make it a place that you want to visit. Low gas prices are a plus, [but] the friendly people make it a winner.
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! | back to top | |
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AVweb's Newstips Address ...
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.
Survey: Have You Had Your Airplane Painted Recently?
If so, Aviation Consumer would like to hear about the results. Did the shop do a good job? Did it deliver on time? And what about the price?
To take our survey, just click here, and it will take you right to our survey page.
The results will appear in a future issue of Aviation Consumer. For subscription information, click here. |
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| The Lighter Side of Flight | back to top | |
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Short FinalFrom "many years ago":
N12345:
Las Vegas Radio:
Joe H. Morgan Jr.
Heard Anything Funny on the Radio?
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. |
| Names Behind the News | back to top | |
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Meet the AVwebFlash TeamAVwebFlash 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:
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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