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| AVflash! Bendix/King's Opening Volley at AirVenture | back to top |  |
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Bendix/King Maps a Comeback new Audio Panel, Nav App
It's been a while since we've seen new avionics products from Bendix/King, so much so that the company has fallen to second-tier status with many buyers and dealers. But at AirVenture 2012, the company hopes to change that with the introduction of two new products -- a smart audio panel and a new tablet app -- with more products in the pipeline in the coming months, according to Jeff Simon, Bendix/King's director of strategic marketing. "Bendix/King is back and we're just getting rolling," Simon told AVweb in a pre-opening day interview in Oshkosh on Sunday. "We've got a lot of stuff in the works and we are looking to surprise people," he added. The two lead-off products are the new KMA30 six-place audio panel and an iPad app called MyWingman, which is intended to work with Aspen Avionics' Connected Panel cockpit network.
The $2299 KMA30, essentially a rebranded audio panel from PSEngineering, has both Bluetooth and hardwire interfaces for external audio and includes such features as multiple-tiered comm recording and the ability to switch music and radio functions among all the intercom stations in the aircraft. It also features voice-activated control for some of its critical functions, Simon said. The KMA30 is a slide-in replacement for another popular audio panel, the Garmin GMA340.
Responding to an almost overwhelming demand for iPad and tablet-related cockpit applications, Bendix/King's MyWingman app combines flight planning and management functions in an iPad package capable of talking to onboard avionics through Aspen's Connected Panel. Initially, said Simon, the app will be capable of transferring flight plans to the KSN770 navigator, which Bendix/King says it's still massaging through the final steps of certification, and Aspen's Evolution series aftermarket EFIS system. But eventually, the MyWingman app will have other integrated functions with cockpit hardware, although Simon wasn't specific about what those will be.
The app is what Bendix/King calls "flat," in that it isn't layered with sub-menus or functions that aren't immediately visible on the touchscreen. It's organized by flight function, from planning, to departure, to approach and landing, and has a unique and easy-to-manage multiple split-screen function that Simon said is intuitive to manage without requiring much familiarization. In addition to weather, navigation data and a full suite of chart functions, MyWingman can also do synthetic vision in any one of its three windows. Simon said Bendix/King's goal is to produce high-value products that are transparently easy to use and which link seamlessly between tablets and cockpit hardware. For instance, the MyWingman app revises its navigation data automatically from the cloud anytime it's in range of a wireless node. "We view it as more of relationship than a traditional data subscription," Simon explained. The MyWingman app will be available through iTunes and will cost $99 a year for VFR data and $149 a year for an IFR version, which includes high- and low-altitude en route charts and approach plates. The app requires a current subscription in order to function and is expected to be available in the ITunes app store before the end of the year. |
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Video: Bendix/King's New Products at OSHOriginal, Exclusive Videos from AVweb | Reader-Submitted & Viral Videos
At AirVenture 2012, Bendix/King announced that it's back in the avionics market with two new products, the KMA30 audio panel and an interesting app called MyWingman. The company's Jeff Simon gave AVweb a demonstration of the new products.
This video is brought to you by Avidyne |
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| All Indications Point to a Busy Week at OSH | back to top | |
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EAA AirVenture 2012 Launches With Blue Skies, Busy Runways
Sunday in Oshkosh, the day before the official opening of AirVenture, started with an early-morning flood of Piper Cubs swarming in to cover the field with yellow, in celebration of the iconic airplane's 70th anniversary. As the day went on, more and more aircraft arrived to join the thousands already here, among them a rare Junkers Ju52 trimotor visiting the show for the first time. Mid-afternoon, 40 RVs flew over in formation to mark the 40th anniversary of the Van's design. On the field, vendors and airplane manufacturers finished up work on their displays, as early visitors and campers got an early look around the show, some of them checking out the view from the top of a new Ferris wheel set up near the LSA Mall.
The show launches full-force on Monday, and with mostly clear skies and reasonable temperatures forecast for the duration, it's shaping up to be a lively week. AVweb staffers will bring you news reports, photo galleries, audio and video, every day all week, with all the news from the show. |
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| Getting to the Show in Style | back to top | |
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Video: Cubs 2 OshkoshOriginal, Exclusive Videos from AVweb | Reader-Submitted & Viral Videos
To mark the 75th anniversary of the incomparable Piper Cub, nearly 100 Cubs flew into AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin on Sunday. AVweb's Russ Niles interviewed Clyde Smith Jr. about how the event was organized.
This video is brought to you by Aspen
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| Where to Start | back to top | |
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EAA Flight Center Offers Something For Everyone
Whether you're a newcomer to flight, an experienced pilot in need of refresher training, or a lapsed pilot ready to return to the fold, the folks at EAA's Learn To Fly Discovery Center have something for you at EAA AirVenture this week. Ted Sanders and Mark Adams, both experienced CFIs, have put together a series of programs inside a sprawling tent just off the Phillips 66 Plaza at the center of the show. "Everyone has heard how the pilot population has been shrinking," Sanders told AVweb on Sunday. "We're here to sell people their own dream of flight, and share our own passion for aviation, all week long, and do our part to reverse that trend." One highlight at the tent is a Redbird full-motion flight simulator, where newbies can try an intro flight and experienced pilots can fly some challenging scenarios.
"Pilots can sign up for a full hour of free training that qualifies for Wings credit," said Adams. "That's a 20-minute briefing, 20 minutes in the sim, and 20 minutes debrief." Both instructors were enthusiastic about the capabilities and potential of the Redbird sim. The unit provides a disarmingly lifelike flight experience for the GA pilot, with a Garmin G1000 panel, a wrap-around screen filled with detailed landscapes, all the controls found in a Cessna 172, and realistic motions and control feedbacks for every slip and skid, climb and descent. For the show, it's been programmed to provide 10 different scenarios, about five minutes each, that address some of the top GA accident factors. The simulations require the pilot to cope with continued VMC flight into IMC conditions, crosswind and tailwind landings, short-field takeoffs and landings, night flying, and more. The Center is also hosting 14 forums on a range of topics, such as transition training, single-pilot IFR, and angle-of-attack awareness. All of the programs, including the simulator sessions, are free, but some require advance sign-up at the tent. AVweb's Mary Grady spoke with Sanders and Adams at the Center to learn more about their program; click here to listen. |
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Podcast: EAA's Learn to Fly Discovery CenterFile Size 5.5 MB / Running Time 5:58Podcast Index | How to Listen | Subscribe Via RSS
This year, EAA has expanded the programs at its Learn to Fly tent, offering forums and simulator sessions for certificated pilots as well as those just starting to pursue their dream to fly. A full slate of forums, free sessions in a full-motion Redbird flight simulator, and lots more will be available all week long to enhance safety for current and future pilots at all levels. AVweb's Mary Grady spoke with Ted Sanders and Mark Adams, co-chairs of the program.
This podcast is brought to you by ForeFlight
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| Austin Meyer's "Artificially Intelligent Runway Seeker" | back to top | |
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Real Auto-Land System From Maker Of X-Plane
The original programmer of X-Plane, one of the most dynamic flight simulators and aircraft design tools commonly available, is creating an auto-land system for actual aircraft -- and he hopes to bring it to Oshkosh this year in his own Lancair Evolution. Austin Meyer is the founder of Laminar Research and the original programmer of X-Plane. He is currently developing, in coordination with Vertical Power, a real-world "artificially intelligent Runway-Seeker." The program is packaged into the Vertical Power VP-400 avionics system, which itself is designed to obviate multiple other systems, thus saving weight and complexity while reducing panel clutter. Once proven in testing, the package will be marketed to experimental aircraft operators ... first.
Meyer believes the VP-400 can replace the functionality of the L-3 Trilogy, Moritz display, and mechanical circuit breakers that could otherwise adorn the cockpit of an Evolution. According to Meyer, the runway-seeker is programmed to "choose the best landing site for you in the event of engine failure or pilot incapacitation, and even take you down to that runway on autopilot at the push of a single red button." When proven in real-world tests, Meyer and Vertical Power hope to see the product succeed in the experimental market and later, if demand exists, bring it to the certified market. Meyer's X-Plane has found use at Scaled Composites, Cessna, Boeing, and more manufacturers and is widely used by pilots, instructors and student pilots, too. As for the VP-400's appearance at Oshkosh, his timeline is tight. But if everything works as planned, Meyer hopes to arrive at Oshkosh this week with his Evolution and Runway Seeker project ready for an interested audience.
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Podcast: X-Plane Is Leaving the Simulator to Auto-LandFile Size 13.3 MB / Running Time 14:33Podcast Index | How to Listen | Subscribe Via RSS
Laminar Research's X-Plane may be the most realistic flight sim available, and its founder is developing an emergency auto-land feature for experimental aircraft. He's testing it right now. AVweb's Glenn Pew spoke with X-Plane's Randy Witt about the power of the sim and the real-world auto-land system.
This podcast is brought to you by Avidyne
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| Light Sport at Oshkosh | back to top | |
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New Aircraft And Avionics For LSA
It's a busy show ahead this week for the light sport segment, Dan Johnson, chairman of the Light Aircraft Manufacturing Association, told AVweb at the LSA Mall on Sunday. The brand-new amphibious Akoya design from France will be here for the first time, and is sure to invite a lot of comparisons with the amphibious Icon LSA that has been working its way toward the market for several years. One big difference between the two is price -- Icon sells for about $139,000, while the Akoya, which comes complete with a training package, is listed at more than $350,000. The Quicksilver company, which has turned out more than 15,000 sport aircraft over the years, now is under new ownership, Johnson said. The new owners are holding a news conference later in the week to talk about their plans for the company. More new aircraft and products also will be introduced over the span of the show.
Johnson said several manufacturers, including Garmin, Dynon, and Dual Aviation, will be showing low-cost ADS-B units that are attractive to LSA fliers, with prices in the under-$1,000 range for capabilities that just a few years ago were expected to cost $10,000 and up. Pipistrel will have its new $85,000 Alpha trainer at the show, and Just Aircraft is bringing a new STOL aircraft, not yet named, that has "dual-segment automatic leading-edge slats" and some other interesting design features for maneuvering at slow speeds, Johnson said. Jabiru USA also will have a new LSA on display, Johnson said, at a "really good price" of $74,900. AVweb staffers are on site at EAA AirVenture all week, and will bring more details on these stories and more about LSA in our daily reports, podcasts, and videos. |
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| Outside Oshkosh: The Hawker Bankruptcy | back to top | |
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Textron Considers Hawker Assets
Cessna's parent company, Textron Inc., reported increased earnings in Q2 2012, and reportedly might consider making a bid on assets held by bankrupt Hawker Beechcraft Inc., if the price is right. Bloomberg News reported Thursday that Textron's CEO, Scott Donnelly, said during an earnings conference call that Hawker holds "assets in which we have an interest." He added, "but it would have to be at a value that we think is appropriate." Textron, through Donnelly, expressed interest in Hawker's defense business. But considering Cessna's recent deals with China, a broader acquisition of Hawker's assets could have other strategic implications. In any case, Textron's interest will have to wait.
China's Superior Aviation Beijing is in exclusive talks with Hawker for a 45-day period. A deal with Superior could give Hawker a footing in China, where Cessna has already developed relationships. Cessna singed an agreement with the Chinese aviation firm AVIC earlier this year. The deal would see them open a business jet factory in China. When Hawker announced its intent to craft a deal with Superior Aviation earlier this month, it announced the plan would avoid a complete shutdown of Hawker's operations. The plan would also give the manufacturer a foundation in China. And it is possible that foundation could lead Hawker to a more competitive position in the Asian market -- and with Cessna's presence there.
AVweb Insider Blog: Beechcraft Execs Want Bonuses
Having piloted the company into bankruptcy, a group of Hawker Beechcraft executives is now asking a court to approve $5.3 million in bonuses for them. It's this sort of rapacious, short-term thinking that made the company an easy buy for Chinese interests, and resident blogger Paul Bertorelli is stumped when it comes to making up some kind of justification on the AVweb Insider blog.
If you'd like to try your hand, read the blog and join the conversation. |
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| Outside Oshkosh: The Cirrus Verdict | back to top | |
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The Significance Of The Cirrus Ruling
Wednesday, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that Cirrus Aircraft was not legally required to provide training to Gary Prokop, who was killed while flying his SR-22, and also may have created a significant legal precedent. The suit alleged that Cirrus and training partner The University of North Dakota (UND) had not provided the roughly 240-hour pilot with sufficient training upon his purchase of the aircraft. Cirrus is not required by the FAA to provide any training. It did provide the pilot with four flights accounting for 12.5 flight hours of transition training, plus 5.3 hours of ground instruction. According to Cirrus' vice president of business administration, Bill King, the ruling could have a wide-reaching implications for manufacturer liability.
"This is an enormous ruling, not just for us, but on whether a manufacturer can be found liable for training to use their product," King told the GrandForksHerald.com. The ruling countered the findings of a jury that concluded in 2009 that Cirrus and UND were 75 percent negligent and awarded $9 million to Prokop's family. An appeals court overturned the ruling in 2011. And now Minnesota's Supreme Court has had its say. After the long battle, King said there was a feeling that there should be some "cheers of victory" and added, "There's anything but." He explained that "nobody feels particularly positive about an outcome like this. It doesn't change what happened." The NTSB determined the probable cause of the crash was "spatial disorientation experienced by the pilot." It included "the pilot's improper decision to attempt flight into marginal VFR conditions" and "inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions" among contributing factors. King said Cirrus provides training because "we feel it's the right thing to do" and "we strongly recommend it." |
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| Outside Oshkosh: Two Weeks to China? | back to top | |
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Glasair Sold To Chinese Company
Glasair, which sells a popular line of homebuilt aircraft and offers the "two weeks to taxi" option at its Washington factory, announced on Saturday that it has been acquired by Jilin Hanxing Group, based in China. Fang Tieji, chairman of the company, has formed Glasair Aviation USA LLC. The new owners plan to invest "substantially" in Glasair's existing product lines, starting with certifying the Sportsman design, according to the company's news release. "There are no plans to relocate or terminate any existing Glasair Aviation employees," according to the company statement. "Mr. Fang plans to retain Glasair's U.S. headquarters, management team and employees."
Glasair joins other general aviation companies that have been acquired in recent years by Chinese owners, including Cirrus Aircraft. Hawker Beechcraft is currently negotiating with a Chinese company for a possible sale. AVweb's editorial director recently spoke with James Fallows, author of a new book reporting on China's aviation industry. Click here for that podcast. |
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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. |
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| Names Behind the News | back to top | |
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Meet the AVwebFlash Team
AVwebFlash is a twice-weekly summary of the latest news, articles, products, features, and events featured on AVweb, the world's premier independent aviation news resource.
The AVwebFlash team is:
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