|
This issue of AVweb's AVflash is brought to you by ... LightSPEED Aviation
 LIGHTSPEED AVIATION INTRODUCES
NEW LINE OF HEADSETS
LightSPEED's new LightFlight
L-1 ultra-lightweight aviation headset weighs in at only 0.5
ounces but is a heavyweight in features. LightSPEED's in-the-ear
technology attenuates 35-45dB of noise and features the same standard
features as their premium headsets: High-fidelity stereo speakers,
electret mic, cell/satellite phone and music input, carry case, and a
3-year warranty. Retail price is $399 USD. For more information and to
place an order, go to http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/litspeed/L1/avflash.
|
The Top Headlines From AVweb's Expanded,
Illustrated News Coverage At AVweb's
NewsWire.
SALINA
OR BUST?
While Steve Fossett might be able to stay awake for 80 hours (concerns
over a "missing" 2,600 gallons of fuel might help), we at AVweb
make no such claim. So we leave you at 1 a.m. EST with the adventurer
northeast of Hawaii, consistently running at better than 270 kts at
46,000 feet and determined to land at Salina, Kan. sometime today --
at a more civilized hour. "I hit the jetstream very well, which has
put us in a better fuel position. I have every hope of making it to Salina tomorrow," Fossett told his
mission control team back in Kansas via satellite phone. This, despite
a day-long drama Wednesday over his fuel state and the very real
possibility that he might land in Hawaii (who could blame him at this
time of year) instead of Salina. More...
...A
RECORD NO MATTER WHAT
So, what happened to all that fuel? The concentration seems focussed
(sensibly) on making the most of the JP-4 that didn't disappear
but there has been some speculation centering around where it all went
... if in fact it went anywhere at all. A venting problem or simply a
miscalculation of the initial consumption on climb out are among the
theories -- though human or instrument error can't be discounted.
Whatever happened, concern of an abnormal burn or leak stopped after
about three and one-half hours and Fossett kept flying. Along the way
he set at least one new record. More...
LOOK
TO THE PIEDMONT HAWTHORNE AIRCRAFT SALES TEAM WHEN YOU'RE BUYING or
SELLING YOUR NEXT AIRCRAFT
Whether you're looking for that
"envy of many pilots" single (such as a Bonanza) or a workhorse
turboprop or multi-mission jet, Piedmont Hawthorne Aircraft
Sales does it all — and has done so for over 65 years —
boasting a professional sales/marketing team engaged in new and
pre-owned aircraft with more than 100 years of sales, support, and
consulting expertise — Turnkey assistance from acquisition,
financing, or sales consulting to award-winning service and avionics
centers, and a VIP program for every customer at their extensive
network of 36 FBOs — Always looking to purchase quality
turboprop, mid-size, and large turbine aircraft. One call to (800)
259-1940, or one click to http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/phas/avflash. |
NTSB
REDEFINES "ACCIDENT"...
Look for the "accident" rate to increase in coming years -- and you
can blame it on the NTSB. The body charged with trying to keep us out
of trouble has come up with some new definitions for the term
"accident," and it could cause a spike in the stats. Last December,
the NTSB issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) designed to
ensure the agency was included in any information exchange regarding
potentially dangerous circumstances that have safe and happy outcomes.
In essence, if the NPRM is adopted as a final rule (the comment period
is open until March 11) certain events must now be reported as
"accidents" and other events are newly reportable as "incidents."
More...
...ROTORHEADS
HIT HARDEST...
Possibly the biggest impact will be on helicopter stats. The NPRM
removes an exclusion for ground damage to rotors and tail rotors, and
now requires that all such incidents be reported as "accidents."
Helicopter Association International (HAI) President Roy Resavage is
urging members to forward comments to both HAI and
the NTSB by March 7. The NTSB apparently doesn't accept comments
electronically, so they must be mailed to: Mr. Deepak Joshi, Lead
Aerospace Engineer (Structures), National Transportation Safety Board,
490 L'Enfant Plaza, SW, Washington, D.C., 20594. The NPRM will also
affect fixed-wing operators through the inclusion, as reportable
"incidents," of in-flight propeller failures, turbine failures that
result in debris escaping from anywhere besides the exhaust path, the
loss of information from a majority of an aircraft's electronic
primary displays, and any airborne-collision-and-avoidance system
(ACAS) alarms that occur during IFR operations. More...
...AOPA
COMMENTS
AOPA has filed comments
on the NPRM, but only on two of the sections. Spokesman Chris Dancy
said it's AOPA's view that helicopter rotor and tail-rotor damage must
still fit the definition of "substantial damage" before it's
reportable as an accident, so it wasn't concerned about that section.
AOPA did object to the section on electronic flight displays as being
"too vague." AOPA also noted the FAA already collects data on ACAS
warnings so it would be redundant for the NTSB to require them.
More...
|
JA AIR CENTER, YOUR GARMIN SOURCE, IS PLEASED TO
ANNOUNCE A NEW LOWER PRICE ON THE GARMIN GPSMAP 296 WITH TERRAIN
— ONLY $1,495!
All the new aviation GPS units are
in stock, including the GPSMap 296, iQue 3600A, GPSMap 96C, and
GPSMap 96. Also, JA Air Center stocks non-aviation Garmin GPS
like the StreetPilot 2620, Quest, GPS V Deluxe, eTrex Legend C, GPSMap
60CS, GPSMap 76C, and the GPS 10 Deluxe GPS (Bluetooth
compatible). Established in 1965, JA Air Center prides
themselves on being Garmin's largest avionics dealer. With
exceptional customer service and the finest Garmin avionics
installations, JA Air Center is the place to purchase your next Garmin
product. Extensive inventory of all Garmin units and
accessories. Contact JA Air Center at (800) 323-5966 and mention
this AVflash, or order online at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/ja/avflash. |
THE
LEGALITY OF ELECTRONIC CHARTS
Will that be paper or glass? The answer is likely both, at least in
the near future, when it comes to approach plates. In December,
Avidyne certified a software package for the EX 5000C glass panel in
Cirrus aircraft that allows the uploading of electronic depictions of
Jeppesen approach plates for display in the cockpit. Although the
electronic plates, called CMax, are exactly the same as those that can be
printed using Jeppview, the company's net-based system, the FAA
apparently still doesn't trust this newfangled way of doing things.
Both the Cirrus and Avidyne manuals include, at FAA insistence,
disclaimers saying the screens aren't to be used as the primary source
of approach information. More...
CITY
CONSIDERS CIRRUS AIR TAXI
If you've ever wanted to fly to Glendive, Mont., the city of Bismarck,
N.D., might have just the ticket. Bismarck, you see, got a $1.5
million grant from the Department of Transportation three years ago to
develop a regional air service plan. The result could be the first
next-generation air taxi service designed to relieve pressure on the
existing hub system and provide air service to communities (like
Glendive) that are off the airlines' radar. What's more, according to
Bismarck officials, "Point2Point Airways" would make money after a
couple of years, something that seems to be a challenge for most
airlines. More...
ADAM,
CIRRUS, DIAMOND, LANCAIR, LIBERTY ...
The most respected
new aircraft on the market all choose Continental engines. Bring
your aircraft up to speed with a genuine Continental engine.
Select from factory-new, factory-rebuilt, or factory-backed overhauls
by Mattituck. Add value to your aircraft and the peace-of-mind
that you're flying behind the best — Continental. For
further details, go to http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/tcm/avflash. |
ADAM
QUIET ON CERTIFICATION DELAYS
Two months after it predicted the first delivery of one of its A500
push/pull twins, Adam Aircraft continues to have certification
"challenges" on the design, according to the FAA. Agency spokesman
Allen Kenitzer also made it clear that bureaucratic foot-dragging is
not causing the slipped schedule. "We are responding to the company's
schedule," Kenitzer told AVweb. "But it's not uncommon for
challenges to evolve during the late phase of any [certification]
program." Kenitzer declined to comment on the nature of those
challenges for privacy and proprietary reasons and said more details
would have to come from Adam. Adam spokesman John Hamilton declined
comment. "I really can't comment on the certification process," he
said. More...
777,
A320 ALMOST MEET (BADLY) ON RUNWAY
So, we have to wonder what the Japan Airlines pilot told his
passengers after he slammed on the Boeing 777's thrust reversers and
swerved onto a taxiway about 3,000 feet into his takeoff roll at New
Chitose Airport on the Japanese island of Hokkaido last Jan. 22. Ten
minutes later, the aircraft took off. The Mainichi daily news reported the takeoff was aborted (at the screaming
insistence of an air traffic controller) because no clearance was
issued and an All Nippon Airways A320 had just landed at the opposite
end of the 10,000-foot runway. "I was preoccupied with preparations
for takeoff and failed to confirm whether my plane was cleared. I
thought no other aircraft was ahead of us," the unidentified captain
told Japanese authorities, who only released their report a week ago.
More...
NASA
MOVES (FARTHER) FROM AERONAUTICS
When your head is above the clouds, it's hard to remember your roots.
The first A in NASA, which stands for Aeronautics, is rapidly becoming
archaic as the organization throws more and more resources behind
ambitious space projects. And while space stations, a trip to Mars and
a replacement for the space shuttle are certainly headline grabbers,
the more mundane work of ensuring the vast majority of us
atmosphere-bound aviators have a crack at the new technologies borne
of those billions of tax dollars is falling by the wayside. According
to a story in the Orlando Sentinel, less than 6 percent of NASA's
$16.2 billion budget is going to aeronautics in 2005. (Perhaps they're
thinking there's always Allen, Fossett, Branson, and Rutan.)
More...
RENO
PICKS TOWER OVER GOLF COURSE
It's not often that a community is willing to sacrifice a golf course
for an airport development but Reno, perhaps better than most cities,
appreciates the value of air travel. The airport authority announced
last week that the popular Brookside Golf Course will make way for a
new $25 million control tower sometime in the next year or so. More
than 60,000 people played the city-operated Brookside course last
year. It's particularly popular with seniors because of its short
length and $55 a month unlimited green fees. Although Reno's current
tower is adequate, the airport recorded an 11-percent increase in
traffic last year. More...
FLIGHT REVIEW PREP SOFTWARE FROM FIRST SOLO
SOFTWARE
Be relaxed and confident during your biennial
flight review. First Solo Software's program will guide you through a
complete review of the FARs and other topics commonly encountered
during a flight review. First Solo Software also offers
software products to assist with preparation for the oral part of the
Private Pilot and Instrument Rating Practical Tests. More information
and no-cost trial versions are available for download at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/firstsolo/avflash. |
ON
THE FLY...
Women In Aviation to talk strategic alliances...
Lawsuit launched
in Teterboro crash...
Orlando airports got $9 million in
funding...
Sport aviation fair well-attended. More...
AVWEB'S
NEWSTIPS ADDRESS ...
Drop us a line. Heard something that 130,000 pilots might want
to know about? If it caught your eye, it will probably interest
someone else, too. Submit news tips via email to newstips@avweb.com.
More...
|
WHEN THE WEATHER REPORTS CALL FOR MORE SNOW, GO
SKIING!
Not only with skis on your feet, but also on your
airplane! In the latest issue of Pilot Getaways, you'll find
how to prepare your airplane for skis, so you can land just about
anywhere with sufficient snow cover. If that's too adventurous for
you, you can fly to one of two ski areas featured — Bend, Oregon
and Stowe, Vermont. Only Pilot Getaways magazine
combines the best in-depth travel info with technical content on the
aircraft and systems that get you there. Subscribe to Pilot
Getaways today at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/getaways/avflash. |
NEW
ARTICLES AND FEATURES ON AVWEB
COLUMNS
Say Again? #47: On Course of
Course
When you file direct GPS, when are you on course? Seems
an easy question, but not when ATC doesn't know where you're really
going. And to make it worse, more and more pilots and controllers
aren't using standard phraseology, meaning someone sometime soon is
going to get really lost. Air traffic controller Don Brown is trying
to help. More...
AVWEB'S
BUSINESS AVFLASH
HAVE YOU SIGNED UP yet for AVweb's NO-COST twice monthly Business
AVflash? Reporting on breaking news, Business AVflash also focuses on
the companies, the products and the industry leaders that make
headlines in the Business of Aviation. Business AVflash is a must
read. Watch for a Business AVflash regular feature, TSA WATCH: GA
IN THE "SPOTLIGHT". Sign up today at http://www.avweb.com/profile/
More...
AIRCRAFT PARTNERSHIPS NOW ON ASO!
Have an
aircraft share you need to sell? Advertise it on ASO! For a
limited time, Brief Ads (text only) are complimentary, and
Comprehensive Ads (photos & specs) are subject only to a one-time $40
set-up charge. Take advantage of this special offer today! For more
information, please call (888) 992-9276 and tell them you saw this
AVflash mention, or visit http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/aso/partner/avflash. |
AVWEB'S
QUESTION OF THE WEEK ...
This week, an AVweb reader wants to know what you think about Military
Operation Areas (MOAs) an the amount of airspace they're taking away
from GA. Our esteemed reader asks, "Should the military be allowed to
take over any more airspace without giving up an equivalent amount? I
suggest this because today the military has far fewer operation
aircraft and flying squadrons than they did during the Cold War. In
addition, many of the units are deployed overseas supporting
operations in Iraq, Afganistan, etc." PLUS: Results of last week's
question on UFO sightings. More...
|
RESOLVE TO BECOME MAINTENANCE-SAVVY IN
2005!
Aircraft owners who have attended Mike Busch's
Savvy Owner Seminar have called it "invaluable," "fantastic,"
and "the best money I ever spent on aircraft ownership." Mike's
seminar will teach you how to have a safer, more reliable aircraft
while saving thousands of dollars on maintenance costs. Space is still
available in Mike's seminars in the following locations: Indianapolis,
IN (May 14-15); Dallas, TX (May 21-22); Frederick, MD (October 22-23);
and Long Beach, CA (December 10-11). For seminar details and to
reserve your spot, go to http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/savvy/avflash. |
AVWEB'S
PICTURE OF THE WEEK ...
Another week, another great batch of photos from AVweb readers —
man, this is the life! Suzy Kryzanowicz of Michigan takes home top
honors this week. (She'll also be taking home an official AVweb
baseball cap for her efforts.) Once you've marvelled at Suzy's
prize-winning photo, scroll down for thrills! excitement! a Mustang!
— and a few chuckles. More...
| Sponsor News and
Special Offers
Access to AVweb and AVflash is provided by
the support of our fine sponsors. We appreciate your
patronage. |
| SHOPPING DEALS |
|
NEWS
FROM AVEMCO FOR OWNERS & SOON-TO-BE OWNERS OF TAILWHEEL
AIRCRAFT!
Avemco, the only direct writer of general
aviation insurance in the country, wants to be your insurance company.
Avemco's easy-to-read policy focuses on inclusions, not
exclusions. The Avemco policy provides comprehensive coverage,
including operations from off-airport, grass, or dirt strips. And, if
you participate in the Avemco Safety Rewards Program, you can
save up to 10% on your premium and become a safer pilot. Contact
Avemco for a no-obligation quote by calling (888) 241-7991 or by going
online at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/avemco/avflash. |
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/flightexplorer/avflash. |
GET
IMMEDIATE NO-COST ACCESS TO MORE THAN 75 OF AVIATION
CONSUMER'S
acclaimed Used Aircraft Guides, plus reviews
of hundreds of aviation products when you enter a money-saving
subscription to Aviation Consumer today. As an
Aviation Consumer subscriber, you'll have unlimited no-cost use
of the ratings-packed AviationConsumer.com archives.
Aviation Consumer has been helping subscribers buy smart for
more than 30 years. Don't wait any longer to start your subscription
— go to http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/avcons/avflash. |
IT'S FINALLY HERE! THE ENTIRE AVIATION MEDIA LIBRARY ON
DVD!
Barry Schiff, Richard Taylor, Rod Machado, Bill Cox,
Jeff Ethell, and (finally!) the entire Wonderful World of
Flying available for the first time on DVD. Purchase more than
two DVDs and the shipping is complimentary. For more information and
to order, go to http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/wwof/avflash. |
FLYING CARPET: THE SOUL OF AN
AIRPLANE
You've enjoyed Greg Brown's stories in
Flight Training and AOPA Pilot. Now read the
book! Join Greg in the cockpit of his Flying
Carpet for the struggles, triumphs, and crazy adventures of a
pilot as he matures from fledgling to seasoned aviator. Not only
will pilots love this book, but after reading it, your friends and
family will finally understand why you fly. AVweb EXCLUSIVE
OFFER: Order your autographed copy at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/paperjet/avflash. |
AIRSPORT AVIONICS OFFERS A $100 DISCOUNT & COMPLIMENTARY
SHIPPING
AirSport Avionics is the only manufacturer
of Altitude Alerters that work by listening to everything your
transponder and encoder are reporting to ATC, both Mode A (squawk
code) and Mode C (altitude). A double benefit! AirSport Alerters are
completely portable and don't require permanent installation.
SPECIAL: $100 discount on all models, with complimentary ground
shipping 'til March 31st. Order online at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/airsport/avflash. |
FLY
THE NEW GULFSTREAM 450 COCKPIT IN FLYING MAGAZINE'S MARCH
ISSUE!
Flying magazine takes you into the
Gulfstream PlaneView cockpit in FlightSafety International's G550/450
simulator with enhanced vision system (EVS). Plus: How Garmin's
G1000 glass cockpit system is revolutionizing new airplane instrument
panels; 2004 Editors' Choice Awards; how winds aloft impact flying
weather; and more. Order your subscription online and save at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/flying/avflash. |
| SPONSOR NEWS |
DA40 DIAMOND STAR A FLEET FAVORITE
Airline
Transport Professionals, Beijing PanAm, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
University CAPT, Empire Aviation, Middle Tennessee State University,
and Utah Valley State College — all have selected the
G1000-equipped DA40 Diamond Star. For value, efficiency, and
safety, the DA40 is the fleet favorite. For more information, go to http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/diamond/avflash. |
EXPLORE OUR U.S. SPACE HISTORY WITH A NEW MUSIC
CD
From space monkeys to landing on the moon and space
shuttle travel, this album of new music encompasses it all. For
complete details and to order, go to http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/wishingwell/avflash. |
HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHY SOME PILOTS ALWAYS SEEM TO
HAVE IT TOGETHER?
Do you ever wonder why you lack
confidence? Take a look at Gordon Henrie's Instructional
Methods for Flight Instructors, and Ways to Improve the Precision,
Safety and Confidence of Rated Pilots — wherein Gordon
takes lessons from fifty years of flying and tells you HOW to be more
capable, safe, and confident in your own flying — and how to
teach more effectively. This is not a question-and-answer book, but a
guide to what you actually think and do when you are in the cockpit.
It also tells you how to root out bad habits and techniques. You will
never understand the depth of this book until you read it. Order at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/mountain/avflash. | |
_____________________________________
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 Russ Niles:
http://www.avweb.com/contact/authors.html#rniles
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.
Fly it till every part stops.
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.
|
