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July 13, 2005
NewsWire Complete Issue
By The AVweb Editorial Staff
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This issue of AVweb's AVflash is brought to you by ...
The Outdoor Channel's Wings to Adventure  WINGS TO ADVENTURE TV FEATURES BUSH PLANES, MUSEUMS, AND AVIATION REBELS
The hottest (and only) new television series about general aviation, Wings to
Adventure goes off-road this week, featuring bush planes. The Maul and the famous de Havilland Beaver strut their aerial stuff in Texas and in the Pacific Northwest. There's also a tour of
aviation museums in the Dallas area and a visit to the hangar of aviation raconteur Reb Stimson. Shot in incredible high definition video, WTA airs Sunday at 2:30pm Eastern on the Outdoor
Channel. Dish and DirecTV subscribers can add the Outdoor Channel for $1.99 a month. Ask for it "a la carte." For more information, go to http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/outdoor/avflash. |
The New MSB (AD Expected Soon)
The ongoing controversy surrounding Lycoming crankshafts took a new twist Monday as the company issued Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) 566, which greatly widens the net draping a crankshaft issue
previously limited to high-horsepower six-cylinder engines (often found in high-stress turbocharged applications). The new MSB recalls crankshafts in more than 1000 engines manufactured, rebuilt,
overhauled or repaired since March 1, 1999. In addition, some 227 crankshafts not affiliated with a specific engine serial number are also affected. This is a group of engines distinct from the set of
high-power, six-cylinder Lycomings that have been subject to a previous recall and Airworthiness Directive (AD) for crankshaft replacement. Time of compliance is listed as within the next 50 hours or
six months and, as Part 91 operators know, a Mandatory Service Bulletin is not a defining rule as is an Airworthiness Directive. Ian Walsh, Lycoming president, says, "We've been watching the data
since 2002 and have come to the conclusion that we need to expand the scope" to include other crankshafts.
Lycoming said that a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NRPM) would be issued by Friday with an AD to follow, making the new MSB truly mandatory for Part 91 operators. According to Lycoming president Ian
Walsh, "We had enough incidences to finally decide that all cranks with the same 'heat code' manufactured by Interstate should be recalled." These crankshafts are found in a wide array of Lycoming
six- and four-cylinder engines, even some low-power, 180-hp O-360 applications. Crankshafts for the high-power engines that were caught in the previous recall are not affected. Affected crankshafts
have a serial number starting in V5379, although not all cranks in that series are covered under the MSB. (See Lycoming's Web site for the full text of the MSB and a listing of affected engines and
crankshafts.) In the MSB, Lycoming lists somewhere near 1056 engines and 227 crankshafts by serial number, impacting O-540, IO-540, AEIO-540 and TIO-540 engines rated at 290 hp and lower; IO-540-P,
-S, and -AA engines rated between 250 and 290 hp; IO-540 and AEIO-540 engine rated at 300 hp; and counterweighted O-360, IO-360, and TIO-360 engines rated at any horsepower. Also, Lycoming has called
out a set of specific serial-number crankshafts that may have been sold as spares since March 1, 1999.
This MSB comes on the heels of Lycoming's loss of a lawsuit sought by Interstate Forging in Navasota, Texas, alleging that Lycoming had improperly specified vanadium to be added to the crank alloy.
Lycoming claimed that Interstate had improperly manufactured the cranks and that the addition of vanadium was not at fault. The jury verdict awarded Interstate $96 million. Lycoming has appealed the
decision. Marty Rose, an attorney who defended Interstate in Texas, offered comments on Lycoming's latest move. "Seems rather obvious that they learned a lesson from our jury verdict in Texas because
the jury found the problem was the vanadium," he said. "And now they're pulling all the crankshafts that they had manufactured with vanadium added." Rose added, "The four-cylinder crankshafts are
forged on a press not a hammer. So all the supposed nonsense about bad practices [from Interstate] doesn't apply to the four-cylinder cranks."
Lycoming claims to have all the cranks in hand, produced by new vendor Louisville Forge in Georgetown, K.Y., to replace the affected parts without an interruption of normal programs. If your engine
has an affected crankshaft, Lycoming will replace the crank at no cost and, "when authorized by Lycoming," will reimburse owners for the removal and replacement labor according to Lycoming's current
Removal and Installation Labor Allowance Guidebook (SSP-875). The contentious crankshaft issue first surfaced in early 2002
when Lycoming recalled some 400 crankshafts used in TIO- and LTIO-540 engines. By late 2003, after a fifth crash attributed to crank failure, Lycoming broadened the recall to include some 1800
airplanes total; the recall program was concluded in 2003. It was believed at the time that only the high-horsepower versions were at risk.
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You Won't Like This, AOPA Says
The spending bill for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is in play this week in Washington, and the policy-watchers at AOPA are raising a red flag -- some senators are submitting amendments that would make GA pilots very unhappy. The worst one says anyone who negligently violates Washington's
restricted flight zone leading to the evacuation of a public building could be slapped with a $100,000 fine, confiscation of the aircraft, and a five-year loss of flying privileges. New Mexico
Senators Pete Domenici and Jeff Bingaman sponsored this amendment, and AOPA already
is talking to them. "The proposed penalty is extraordinarily harsh -- too harsh in fact -- but it's clear that members of Congress want to get every pilot's attention that they will not accept any
more excuses for these transgressions," AOPA President Phil Boyer said on Tuesday. "And frankly, there is no excuse. That's why all responsible pilots must do everything they can to make sure their
aircraft and airports are secure and that every member of our community understands the consequences of security violations. The transgressions of a few are tarnishing all of us who fly, and their
actions may impact our freedom of the skies."
Less threatening is an amendment calling for a government study of GA security, proposed by Senators Hillary R. Clinton (D-N.Y.) and Richard Durbin (D-Ill.). The study would examine the potential for
GA aircraft to be used as weapons against high-risk sites and would check the overall security of GA airports. It would also assess what technology is available to easily track GA aircraft and prevent
aircraft theft. "We would welcome an unbiased study," Boyer said, "because we are convinced from our own independent research that within the list of risks and threats to the American population, GA
will rank very low." Boyer's assessment seems to be in line with that of Michael Chertoff, who took over the Department of Homeland Security in February. Yesterday, Chertoff announced a restructuring
of the DHS, and said his own research has shown that the department's main priority should be to prevent potentially catastrophic events such as nuclear, chemical or biological attacks. GA does not
appear to be high on his agenda.
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Visit Trade-A-Plane at AirVenture Booths #1121-1124 |
PR War Precedes Controller Contract Talks
To some observers, contract negotiations between the FAA and its air traffic controllers are shaping up to be the most divisive, confrontational and acrimonious talks since President Ronald Reagan
fired striking controllers in 1981 -- and the latest round of bargaining hasn't even begun yet. The two sides don't formally sit down until next week but in back-to-back news teleconferences, FAA
Administrator Marion Blakey and John Carr, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), each promised courteous and productive talks while delivering (sometimes) carefully
worded but plainly pointed barbs at their counterparts. "Frankly, I'm surprised she stooped so low so soon," Carr said of Blakey's comparison between the wages and working conditions of controllers
versus firefighters and police officers, who are generally paid less and who, Blakey noted, "put their lives on the line" on the job. Even the backdrop of the teleconference had its share of drama.
NATCA announced its Wednesday teleconference to selected media representatives late Tuesday. On Wednesday morning, the FAA announced it would be holding a teleconference 90 minutes prior to NATCA's 1
p.m. (EST) conference, although problems with the FAA's telephone conference system forced a one-hour delay in the start time. FAA spokesman Greg Martin said that when FAA officials learned of the
NATCA teleconference, which the union said was to discuss, in part, "concerns about the effect of recent FAA hostile actions on the workforce", the FAA felt it had to get its side of the story out.
"It was not our intention to begin this way but we are not going to let others define what this is all about," Martin told AVweb.
Blakey told reporters that, "We can't afford an agreement like 1998." The existing contract, signed under a previous administrator and extended by her two years ago, is a "bad deal" that costs too
much. She said the average controller's annual pay package, excluding retirement benefits, is now more than $165,000 and that some make more than $200,000 a year. Blakey also claims the contract gives
the union "de facto control" over scheduling and staffing levels. NATCA's Carr vehemently denied that the union had seized control of staffing and shifting, and offered to pay Blakey or any of the
reporters taking part in his teleconference $1 million if they could find within the wording of the existing contract proof the union was granted such powers. Carr called the assertions "patently
false" and said it's ludicrous to think that a bureaucracy the size of the FAA could be cowed by a 15,000-member union.
The disagreement comes a couple of months after the FAA issued a blistering report on staffing and overtime issues at the New York Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) that painted the picture
that FAA managers had virtually lost control of the facility. She noted that the conditions in New York are not typical of the agency's other facilities. However, Carr alleged that both the timing and
content of the report were a "shot across the bow" and part of a "very aggressive PR campaign leading up to the negotiations" on the part of the FAA. He described the FAA's handling of the New York
situation and other recent decisions, like the disbanding of a union-management liaison unit on technology, "strong-arm tactics" and accused the FAA of having a "narrow and ideologically driven"
agenda. Blakey eliminated one potential hot spot from the discussions -- privatization. She dismissed any notion of privatization or outsourcing air traffic control and said any
discussion on the topic would be a red herring. Blakey and Carr both agreed that new technologies and new methods must be employed to meet rapidly increasing traffic counts and that both will cost
huge amounts of money.
Blakey and Carr both pledged to take the high road during the talks, but it's the vantage point that creates the perception and while the two may be approaching a problem from opposite sides of the
coin there may be more obstacles. "We don't think these negotiations need to be contentious," said Blakey. Carr said he was entering the negotiations "with an open mind and a very positive attitude."
But the two sides have different ideas on what will happen if the talks fail to achieve a mutual agreement. According to the FAA's legal interpretation, if the two sides reach an impasse, it will be
up to Congress to pass judgment on the deal. If Congress fails to come up with a solution, the FAA says it has the authority to impose its contract on the union. Carr disagrees and that particular
disagreement is already before the courts. Carr said that on Sunday the FAA used those sections of law to impose an agreement on one of NATCA's bargaining units representing 1,900 mostly technical
employees. He noted the impasse in those talks had been reached 18 months ago and it had been with Congress since then but the FAA chose the eve of the controllers' talks to flex its muscles. NATCA
has started court action to dispute the validity of the FAA's actions and the legal basis for them.
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When airports normally are closing down at a quick pace around the country, it's always a pleasure to find a new site for general aviation. This week, the FAA approved the opening up of the private South Waller County Airport near Houston for public use. The developer will start out by paving 4,500 feet of runway, and plans to
build hangars and a restaurant and eventually accommodate up to 1,000 business and personal aircraft. "We believe this airport will be a tremendous asset for the community," airport spokesman Drew
Coats said in a news release on Tuesday. "The airport will provide needed transportation infrastructure to the public without using public money. It will stimulate the economy, create good jobs and
provide a variety of educational opportunities for kids." Long-term plans include building park, picnic and aviation youth activity areas for the community. The planning and design process for the
airport is ongoing, and the developer hopes to begin construction on the site in the next 120 to 180 days.
A pilot who died in the crash of his twin Cessna 441 had 10 times the normal dose of an over-the-counter sedating antihistamine in his blood, the NTSB said it in its final report, filed last week. "It is probable that the pilot's performance and judgment were substantially
impaired by his very high blood level of chlorpheniramine," the NTSB said. The airplane had departed from its home base, Boca Raton (Fla.) Airport, on Dec. 30, 2003, headed for Palm Beach
International Airport, 18 miles away. The pilot requested a practice ILS approach, but disappeared from radar about three miles from the airport. Witnesses saw the airplane descend and impact a canal.
The 77-year-old pilot had an airline transport certificate. The NTSB said both engines and propellers were operating at the time of impact. The probable cause was found to be the pilot's failure to
maintain aircraft control, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin and subsequent uncontrolled descent into a canal. A factor was the pilot's impairment by the drug chlorpheniramine.
OREGON AERO — FROM AERONCA CHAMP TO ZENITH ZODIAK
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your aircraft, visit Oregon Aero at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/oregon/AZ6-05/avflash. | |
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Visit Oregon Aero at AirVenture Booths #3137-3140 |
Eclipse Aviation flew its fourth conforming test aircraft for the first time on Saturday. N505EA took off at 1:44 p.m. from the Albuquerque (N.M.) International Sunport, climbed to 15,000 feet and
reached 160 knots. The aircraft flew for 43 minutes and completed initial tests of flap operation, pressurization, and handling characteristics. 5EA is the first of two beta-test jets that will be
tested under accelerated usage conditions to ensure reliability and functionality, the company said. "With four out of five of our flight test aircraft now in the air, we are generating rich data and
invaluable learnings every day that will allow us to continue to move aggressively towards FAA certification next year,'' CEO Vern Raburn said in a news release. Eclipse is manufacturing seven preproduction aircraft: one static test
airframe, one fatigue test airframe and five flight test aircraft. The final flight test aircraft and second beta test jet, N506EA, is in its final assembly position and will launch this summer. The
first Eclipse test plane made its first flight on Dec. 31. Two other test aircraft launched in April. The jet flew in to Sun 'n Fun in April for a static display, and will perform its first public flight demonstrations later this month at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh.
The NTSB has released its preliminary report on the June 27 crash in Wyoming that killed Wal-Mart heir John Walton. According to the report, Walton took off from
Runway 19 at Jackson Hole Airport in a two-place CGS Hawk Arrow, flew a pattern at about 700 to 900 feet, and shortly after turning onto the base leg, began a nose-low descent and impacted the ground.
He was in radio contact with the control tower and did not report any problems, and initial inspection of the aircraft has not revealed any evidence of mechanical or structural failure, the NTSB said.
Meanwhile, Chuck Slusarczyk, owner of CGS Aviation, told The
Associated Press on Monday that judging from photos and an eyewitness account, the fuselage cover did not seem to be on the aircraft during the flight. "It's not designed to fly without a fuselage
cover," Slusarczyk said. According to the NTSB, the aircraft was "an unregistered CGS Aviation Hawk Two Place Arrow experimental homebuilt airplane." The investigation is unusual in that the NTSB does
not normally get involved in accidents of unregistered aircraft. As ultralights are transformed into Light Sport Aircraft, however, and gain N-numbers in the process, such reports may become standard
procedure. Slusarczyk told the AP that Walton had said he would register the aircraft.
GOOD NEWS FOR AVIATION CONSUMERS:
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insurance company you can contact directly to purchase aircraft insurance. You always have an option for your aircraft insurance with Avemco, offering mid-term premium discounts, storage options,
credits for training, same-day service, and multiple payment options. Stop by their AirVenture booth to speak with an Avemco professional, call (888) 241-7891 and mention this AVflash, or go online
now at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/avemco/avflash. | |
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Visit Avemco at AirVenture Booths #1159-1160 |
AVweb staffers will be on the field, as ever, covering every square foot of the sprawling AirVenture Oshkosh show to bring you the latest industry innovations and gadget machinations. At home,
watch for special issues Wednesday July 27, and Friday July 29. If you're in Oshkosh, come visit us at Booths # 1007-1008 in Hangar A. AVweb writers, editors, and contributors will be there
daily, along with a few experts from our sister publications Aviation Consumer, Kitplanes and IFR Magazine, ready to chat with our readers -- the schedule is posted online. If you can't be there, see the show from your inbox with our special coverage and image galleries. And don't
forget to visit our sponsors, whose loyal support brings you AVweb news and features twice a week, year-round, free.
Aerobatic pilot Sean Tucker will answer live questions in EAA's monthly Young Eagles Web chat on July 20...
American Champion has received FAA Type Certification for its 180-hp High Country Explorer...
Correction: 230 people died in the crash of TWA Flight 800. AVweb reported an incorrect number in Monday's issue. The nine-year anniversary of the crash is this Sunday, July 17.
Drop us a line. If it caught your attention, it will probably interest someone else, too. Submit news tips via email to
newstips@avweb.com. You're a part of our team ... often, the best
part.
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PILOT GETAWAYS — YOUR FLIGHT PLAN FOR ADVENTURE
Pilot Getaways starts their latest
adventure in Ashland, Wisconsin (Lake Superior's hometown); stops for horses and history in Saratoga Springs, New York; lands in peaceful Priest Lake, Idaho; spends some time on the beach in Marathon,
Florida (Heart of the Keys); enjoys fly-in dining at the Outrigger Restaurant in Palacios, Texas; and makes a final touchdown in Oroville, California for some lakeside activities. Plus, this issue
reviews "Choosing a Propeller." With your subscription to Pilot Getaways, you too can plan your flying adventure. Order online at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/getaways/avflash. |
BRAINTEASERS
Quiz #96 -- More To Flight Than Wings and Wheels
Fixed-wing, land airplanes can be so restricting. So shuck those tires and bolt on some floats -- or trade your old airfoils for rotors -- to fly seaplanes and helicopters. First, though, a few terms.
___________
SKYWRITINGS
Chicken Wings
The cartoon adventures of Chuck and the rest of the Roost-Air FBO continue this week as Chuck cleans up last week's problem. A new strip every week.
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naturally." Call (800) 881-7934 for a no-cost informational video, or visit http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/seeclear/avflash. |
*** PREVIOUS RESULTS ***
Last week, in the wake of
Ilan Reich's Cirrus crash, AVweb asked (all else
being equal) if you'd prefer to fly a plane with a
full-aircraft parachute system.
Just over half of you (54%) said yes, while
only 9% said no.
A very respectable 37% of respondents said there were
factors more important than the parachute that would go
into making the decision.
*** THIS WEEK'S QUESTION ***
This week, AVweb wants to know what you think about
the most recent Lycoming crankshaft recall. Has
this whole business got you cranky?
Click here
to chime in.
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 or
comments.
Use
this form to send QOTW comments to our AVmail Editor.
ATTENTION, PIPER OWNERS AND PILOTS!
The Piper Flyer Association (PFA) provides
parts locating, tech support, a monthly member magazine, online forums, national and regional events, an annual convention, seminars, and more. For less than a tank of fuel ($39 for a one-year
membership), you can access the needed information to expand your knowledge and get more enjoyment from owning and flying your Piper aircraft. Join the Piper Flyer Association (PFA) today as they
build the ultimate Piper Association. The PFA is now located on the Waupaca Municipal Airport (PCZ in Waupaca, WI, just 35 NW of Oshkosh). Go to http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/pfa/avflash. | |
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Visit the PFA at AirVenture Tent #28 |
Submit a Photo |
Rules |
Tips |
Questions
Current POTW Winner |
Past POTW Winners
We admit to having a brief bout of panic when we realized
there were only a couple dozen "Picture of the Week"
submissions in last week's contest. Thankfully, this
week sees a return to form for "POTW," with over a hundred
entries flooding our submission system, duking it out for
pictorial supremacy.
The winner of this week's frantic melee is Steve Durtschi
of Centerville, Utah. Steve's fetching midwestern
skyline fought well (against tough competition) and earns
the photographer a well-deserved Official AVweb baseball
cap. Wear it with pride, Steve!
We'd also like to thank the many readers who sent us
pictorial tributes to
Jimmy Franklin and Bobby Younkin, especially Bryon Stoll
and Bob Harrington. Even though most of these tributes
involved copyrighted images and couldn't be published on
AVweb, we're glad you took the time to share them with us.
Stay safe out there,
submit
some photos, and don't forget to visit with us at
AirVenture 2005. We'll be in Hangar A, folks!
Due to privacy issues, AVweb does not publish e-mail addresses of
readers who submit photos.
*** THIS WEEK'S WINNERS ***
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Used with permission
of Steve Durtschi |
"Thunderstorm at Smiley Creek"
Steve Durtschi of
Centerville, Utah makes an
annual excursion to Smiley Creek, Idaho with some
of his pilot friends. This year, Steve and company
were
treated to some spectacular natural scenery in the wake
of an afternoon thunderstorm. Once again, Mother
Nature
takes home another AVweb baseball cap.
(Not to worry, Steve — we're sending you one, too.)
Click
here to view a large version of this image
Click here for a medium-sized version
AVweb continues to receive a large number of excellent images for our
POTW contest. Here are some of the runners-up. Click on the links below to view
larger versions.
 |
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Used
with permission of Joe Planck |
"Ilan Reich's Cirrus SR-22"
Joe Planck of Stony
Point, New York
shares this image of Ilan Reich's SR-22
being lifted out of Bowline Creek in
Haverstraw, New York.
Click here to
read Reich's harrowing account.
Large
 |
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copyright © Virginia Anthony
Used with permission |
"Tara Field: Gone with the Wind"
Even in the wake of Hurricane Cindy,
Virginia Anthony of
Fayetteville, Georgia
couldn't resist the pun when she noticed that
the "Tara Field" sign normally found on this hangar
had been whisked away by F2 tornado winds.
Medium
Large
Bonus Pictures
Relax, gentle reader — you've earned
your bonus pictures this week. Thanks
for the fantastic turnout following
Independence Day!
 |
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copyright © David Dubin
Used
with permission |
"Spooky"
David Dubin of Redwood
City, California
snapped this photo of the deadly B-2 Spirit
Stealth Bomber at last year's Miramar Air Show.
Despite the eerie lighting, Dave assures us there
was no photo manipulation, just an ominous
image "raw out of the camera."
Medium
Large
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Used
with permission of E.J. Gonzalez |
"Hangar Queen"
E.J. Gonzalez
of Chantilly, Virginia writes:
"With the shuttle returning to flight, I thought
this picture of Enterprise in the Udvar-Hazy
Center at Dulles was appropriate." True, E.J. —
but we can't help wondering if the shuttle crew
has ever thought about submitting a "POTW"
entry. Something tells me they'd have a good
chance of winning a baseball cap ... .
Medium
Large
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Used
with permission of Dwayne Clemens |
"Sunset Solo"
Dwayne Clemens
of Benton, Kansas
tops off this week's installment of "POTW"
with a photo of 16-year-old Ax Clemens
(any relation, hm?) soloing through
a "perfect Kansas sunset."
Medium
Large
Oh, O.K. — one more!
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Used
with permission of Garrett P. Nievin |
"Flight Line Volunteer, Look Out!"
Perfect advice to prepare you for AirVenture Oshkosh,
from Garrett Nievin
of Ashburn, Virginia, who writes:
"This photo was taken from a distance, making the plane
and the Flight Line Operations volunteer appear closer than
they are. Nevertheless, the 182 is taking out a runway
light
with his left wheel at this moment, a good reminder to not
get too complacent, even standing on the ground."
The photo was taken at last year's AirVenture.
Medium
Large
See you at this year's show, Garrett!
Stop by and say "hello."
To enter next week's contest,
click here.
A Reminder About Copyrights: Please take a moment to consider the
source of your image before submitting to our "Picture of the Week" contest.
If you did not take the photo yourself, ask yourself if you are indeed
authorized to release publication rights to AVweb. If you're uncertain,
consult the
POTW
Rules or
send us an e-mail.
| Sponsor News and Special Offers
Access to AVweb and AVflash is provided by the support of our fine sponsors. We appreciate your patronage. |
MEET THE AVWEB EDITORS AT AIRVENTURE
Do you have something you've been dying to say to our editors,
contributors, or staff? Many of them will be on hand at AirVenture 2005 — plus a few expert consultants from our sister publications like Aviation Consumer and Aviation
Safety. To make our staffers easy to find, we're locking them down to one-hour booth shifts. So if there's someone you've been dying to talk to, just print out this schedule and bring
it with you to the show: http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/osh2005/meet |
| SHOPPING DEALS |
|
ONLY AT AUCTION! LAKE AIRCRAFT WILL BE SOLD AT AIRVENTURE!
The owners of the Lake Aircraft
line of amphibious airplanes have chosen the auction method of marketing to select a new owner for their Lake Amphibian production line. This comprehensive sale will include the FAA Type
Certificate and associated STCs, engineering data, all documentation, historical information, fleet support inventory, and manufacturing capacity. The inventory (in its entirety) will be sold as a
comprehensive package to one able buyer for the purpose of resuming full production capacity. The auction will be held at 4:30pm July 27 at the EAA Aviation Center's Vette Theater in Oshkosh,
Wisconsin. For additional information and a complete list of assets to be conveyed, call Higgenbotham Auctioneers at (800) 257-4161, or visit their web site (Higgenbotham.com) at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/hig/avflash. |
McCAULEY IS "THINKING FORWARD" FOR THEIR USERS!
McCauley Propeller Systems, the world's
largest full-line propeller manufacturer, has launched its "Thinking Forward" campaign. This customer-focused campaign brings operators the option of upgrading their aircraft to achieve
maximum efficiency and performance. McCauley propellers are installed on more than 250,000 aircraft worldwide. McCauley is the only propeller and piston engine governor manufacturer with a
worldwide network of authorized service centers. Think Forward for your aircraft with McCauley. See the McCauley professionals at AirVenture. For more product information and an
authorized service center near you, go to http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/mccauley/avflash.
Visit McCauley at AirVenture Booth #2018 |
SEE WHAT ATC SEES — AND THEN SEE WHAT THEY DO WITH IT
The AVweb Edition
of Flight Explorer is the PC-based graphical aircraft situation display that gives a real-time picture of all IFR aircraft in-flight over the U.S. and Canada. Whether you're tracking a friend or
want to learn more about the system in action, Flight Explorer has the information you need for just $9.95 a month. Go to http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/flightexplorer/avflash.
Visit Belvoir Media Group at AirVenture Booths #1005-1008 |
LIGHT PLANE MAINTENANCE MAGAZINE SAVES OWNERS BIG MONEY!
With your subscription to Light
Plane Maintenance, you will join thousands of savvy general aviation owners who are saving big by doing it themselves! Each monthly issue brings tips and techniques for maintenance procedures
you can perform yourself, legally and easily. Order for big savings from the regular rates at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/lpm/avflash.
Visit Belvoir Media Group at AirVenture Booths #1005-1008 |
THE SHORT STACK HAS ARRIVED AT POWER FLOW!
Power Flow Systems, manufacturers of
tuned exhaust systems, has introduced a new "short stack" exhaust pipe for Skyhawks and Cardinals. The new STC'd short stack reduces the profile, weight, and drag of the original exhaust duct and is
identical in length to original Cessna equipment. For more information on this and the tuned exhaust system right for your aircraft, go online to http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/power/avflash.
Visit Power Flow at AirVenture Booth #1050 |
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. Order online at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/airsport/avflash. |
ROD MACHADO BOOKS, TAPES, AND CDs AVAILABLE ON AVWEB!
You want to be up-to-date and
impress the CFI on your review, but there's no time to study. The solution is easy. Rod Machado's Complete Private Pilot Handbook on 30 professionally recorded audio CDs. Review
while in the car or exercising. The text is comprehensive, clever, and laced with humor, and you'll be quickly captivated by the British narrator's voice. No more commuter blues; enjoy yourself and
feel righteously up-to-date. For all Rod Machado's books, tapes, and CDs, order online at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/machado/avflash.
Visit Rod Machado at AirVenture Booths #2072-2073 |
COMMUNICATE, NAVIGATE, AND SAVE WITH COMM 1 RADIO SIMULATORS
Fly confidently by training with Comm 1
Radio Simulators — unique, interactive CD-ROMs designed to teach pilots how to communicate safely and professionally with ATC. Comm 1 also offers an interactive Navigation CD-ROM and a
VOR/NDB Simulator to help you understand and visualize every flight. And Getting Around on the Ground will help you negotiate airports and runways wherever you fly. SPECIAL: Save $10 on
the purchase of any combination of Comm 1 CDs or Navigation products, and save $20 with a purchase of three CDs at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/comm1/avflash. |
| SPONSOR NEWS |
AVIATION CONSUMER SPENDS A DAY WITH THE DIESEL-POWERED DIAMOND TWIN STAR
The
August issue of Aviation Consumer reports on this diesel-powered twin, along with its Lycoming-powered variant. German engine maker Thielert Aircraft Engines has the single-lever all
figured out. Aviation Consumer's editors longed for a little more speed, but overall found Diamond's Twin Star to be quite refined. Also in this issue: "Cockpit Flight Library" — needs a
bit more work on display design and software; "Gear of the Year/Company of the Year" — Mooney Aircraft; "Get It Fixed Right" — stand your ground; "Three Blades or Two?" — sexier or
faster?; and "Wait for ADS-B?" — no! Plus, the Bellanca Viking is highlighted in the Used Aircraft Guide. Don't miss an issue. Order at money-saving rates at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/avcons/avflash.
Visit Belvoir Media Group at AirVenture Booths #1005-1008 |
THOUGHT THAT USING GPS WOULD BE FUN, DIDN'T YOU?
Then you went through the manual and came away
frustrated and confused. Stop laboring to understand those manufacturers' manuals! For less than $40 (plus shipping and handling) you can better understand and operate most of the modern GPS units on
the market with ZD Publishing's Pilot Friendly GPS Manuals. GPS operation is fun and rewarding when you understand how to get the desired results. These manuals will help you
through all operations. Order at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/zdpub/avflash.
Visit ZD Publishing at AirVenture Booth #3096 | |
_____________________________________
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 Mary Grady:
http://www.avweb.com/contact/authors.html#mgrady
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.
Freedom, independence, responsibility.
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.
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