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 JA
Air Center, Your Garmin GPSMap 396 Source, Is Looking to Purchase Used
GPS Units, Avionics, and AircraftCall (800) 323-5966 for
current value, with no purchase required. One of Garmin's largest
aviation dealers, JA stocks the new GPSMap 396 with terrain, XM Weather,
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installations, turbine/piston maintenance, avionics/instrument service,
mail order, and aircraft sales. Also, JA provides FBO services and fuel
at Dekalb Taylor Municipal Airport (KDKB) in Dekalb, IL. Call (800)
323-5966, or click for more information.
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The Top Headlines From AVweb's Expanded, Illustrated News
Coverage At AVweb's
NewsWire. PELTON
SAYS FAA FEES WOULD BE BAD FOR BUSINESS
From a strictly
business-savvy viewpoint, user fees for aviation don't make sense, says
Cessna CEO Jack Pelton. Talking to the Washington (D.C.) Aero Club last
week, Pelton said arguments to impose such fees are based
on five myths --- that the current FAA funding mechanism is not working,
that an overhaul is needed to pay for modernization of the airspace
system, that GA doesn't pay its fair share, that user fees would provide
stable funding, and that the coming fleet (if indeed it does come) of
very light jets will place added burdens on the aviation infrastructure.
Pelton went on to dispute each of those points, saying the industry
needs policy that is "more enlightened, more realistic, more equitable,
and more cost effective." More... WHAT
THE FAA REALLY WANTS, ACCORDING TO AOPA
The FAA's underlying
aim, AOPA President Phil Boyer said last week, is to get out from under
the control of Congress. In a speech to a Pilot Town Meeting last
Wednesday night in Wichita, Boyer said the FAA's complaint about
diminishing funds is "just total fiction," the Wichita Business Journal reported. "The fact is that
they've continued to get increases from Congress every single year, the
trust fund is not diminishing by the administration's own numbers and by
2011, just five years, it will be at something like $10 billion. So the
FAA is looking for a way to get out from under Congress's control, and
... that's the last thing we want, an out-of-control FAA."
More... AS
CONGRESS BEGINS TO TAKE SIDES
At that same meeting, Boyer
played a videotaped message from U.S. Rep. Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.),
who sits on the Transportation Subcommittee of the House Appropriations
Committee. Tiahrt said he would oppose any effort by the FAA to impose
user fees on general aviation. "That should be a pretty clear message to
the Bush administration," Boyer said, "because Rep. Tiahrt and his
colleagues literally write the check for the FAA. If Congress says 'no'
to user fees, as they have in the past, the fees won't happen. Period."
User-fee proponents are going to have a fight in Congress, Boyer said.
More... |
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 Your
Headset Is a Key Piece of Equipment, So Choose the Performance of an
Industry LeaderThe Bose® Aviation Headset X
offers an unmatched combination of comfortable fit, noise reduction, and
clearer audio. But don't take our word for it. Hear for yourself with
our risk-free 30-day trial. New: Low monthly payments. Click here
to order.
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INTERNET
BASICS FOR PILOTS
While much of the U.S. has enjoyed a fairly
balmy winter so far, for many pilots, the prime flying season is still
ahead. Now is a good time to fight the winter rustiness and brush up
with some training. Flight simulators are one way to stay in practice,
but the Internet also can provide a wealth of opportunities to keep
fresh and keep learning new things. If it's been a while since you
cracked open the Aeronautical Information Manual, you can find the
latest changes and updates online, or review your air traffic and
emergency procedures. The complete FARs also are online, a great source for resolving
hangar-talk disputes about arcane trivia. And most pilots can benefit
from a review of proper radio technology, found in the online Pilot-Controller Glossary. More... CERTIFICATE
UPGRADES -- FRESH HELP FROM A TRUSTED NAME
If you're ready to
prepare for that next big certificate or rating, and need to take a
knowledge test, Sporty's Pilot Shop offers free services
online that can help. The "Study Buddy" generates random test questions
from the FAA database on topics that you select. You get instant
feedback. Then when you're ready, you can take a full-length practice
test. These tests are just like the real thing, Sporty's says. They're
generated randomly from the FAA question bank, and navigation and time
limits are set up to mimic the FAA tests. If you're not ready for a test
yet, but want to upgrade your cockpit skills, the Web site of your nav
equipment provider probably offers some help. More... ONLINE
REFRESHER COURSES, FAA WINGS PROGRAM, MORE
A number of
sources online offer free tutorials on safety topics. AOPA's Air
Safety Foundation has a four-minute course on thunderstorms, or
spend an hour or so to learn about runway safety, single-pilot IFR,
mountain flying or one of the many other choices. Completion of some of
the courses will qualify you for the seminar portion of the FAA's Wings
program. The FAA has two online courses -- one to help prepare you for your
flight review, and one on navigating the D.C. ADIZ and other special-use
airspace. The FAA Learning Center also features lots of documents
and links. And our favorite place to exercise your gray matter --
AVweb's Brainteasers. More... |
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 Zuluworks Is New and Improved!Zuluworks
has not only treated themselves to a little digital makeover, but have
re-tooled their product line as well. The new Gazelle is the
ultimate flight bag with 3,200 cubic inches of versatility and style.
Zuluworks has also added the super-popular Mini-Z kneeboard at
50% smaller than the original Zuluboard, but still packing the same
punch. And the original Zuluboard has never looked so good, with
new styling and sixteen new color choices. Click on
this link and take a look.
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NEW
ECO-FRIENDLY JET FUEL IN THE WORKS
Researchers in North
Dakota say they have been working for four years on a process that
converts soybean or canola oil into aviation turbine fuel. The biofuel,
which is now almost ready for an Air Force test, runs colder and cheaper
than conventional jet fuel and is more environmentally friendly, the Grand Forks Herald reported on Friday. The
researchers said they have found a way to solve a problem with the
fuel's tendency to "gel" at low temperatures, and that it is now working
at temperatures of 75 below zero (Fahrenheit). Air Force scientists have
tested earlier versions of the fuel, and found it performed as well as
regular JP-8 jet fuel. More... GA
AIRPORT OPERATORS DREADING BUDGET CUTS
When Congress and the
FAA start tossing billion-dollar budget numbers around, it can seem very
remote and unreal. But here's what proposed cuts from Airport
Improvement Project funding translates to on the ground -- a hangar
that's never built, a security fence not installed, an ILS out of
operation. Mike Fricker, chairman of the Airport Board in Pell City,
Ala., told dailyhome.com last week: "We have been struggling
for years as it is. There are, I think, 87 general aviation airports in
Alabama, and there has never been sufficient money to help them grow and
be safe. We've worked so hard for the last five years, and I really hate
the idea of seeing our federal funds being cut after all of that."
More... |
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 Complimentary Online Workshop for IFR Pilots &
Students"Fly Single-Pilot IFR with Confidence" is the
title of the newest workshop from PilotWorkshops.com. Taught by
Doug Stewart, 2004 National Certified Flight Instructor of the Year.
Take a complimentary 10-minute IFR workshop. Click here for instant online access.
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DEAF
PILOT EARNS INSTRUMENT RATING
Stephen
Hopson has wanted to fly since he was four years old, and decided
long ago that being deaf would not stop him. He earned a private and
commercial certificate, and last week became the first deaf pilot to get
his FAA instrument rating, flying a Cessna 172 in Akron, Ohio. Since
instrument pilots must be able to communicate on the radio, Hopson
explained to AVweb in an e-mail how it works: "The co-pilot's job
is to be my conduit, or 'ear and speaking piece.'" The co-pilot listens
and responds on the radio, then transmits the information to Hopson
using signs and writing on a quick-erase board. Hopson is PIC in charge
of the flight and makes all decisions. More... WANT
TO BUILD SPACESHIPS? JOBS OPEN NOW
Burt Rutan spent some time
at each of his AirVenture forums in Oshkosh last summer trying to
recruit more workers for his company, Scaled Composites, in Mojave,
Calif. Last week, he was still at it, with a story in Space.com telling
about his need for workers. "We are looking for people that like to
build things with their hands and are good craftsmen," Rutan told Space.com. "We need those that give 100 percent each
day and enjoy a fast-paced research and development environment." He
added that while he gets a lot of responses and inquiries, he's still
looking for more of the right people with the right skills ... who don't
mind living in Mojave. An aerospace background is not crucial; other
qualities may be more important. More... |
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 Put
Your Favorite Destination on TV!Wings to
Adventure TV is looking for great fly-in destinations to show in
stunning high definition. Each week, WTA visits great
places for pilots — some remote, and some right in town.
Share your favorite destination on the forum section of the WTA
web site, and you might see it on TV! Watch WTA
every Wednesday at 7:30pm Eastern, and visit
their forums online.
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SEVEN
PLANE-CRASH FATALITIES IN TWO DAYS IN D.C. AREA
It was
snowing and foggy on Wednesday morning when the pilot of a Cessna 172
based at Virginia's Warrenton Fauquier Airport attempted to land at Freeway Airport in Maryland. On
the second try, the airplane crashed, nose-first, about 300 feet south
of the runway. Two pilots on board were killed, and a passenger in the
back seat was seriously hurt. Wednesday night, as the fog persisted, a
Columbia 400 carrying four men crashed just 500
yards from Stafford Regional Airport in Virginia. All four were killed.
On Thursday night, a Cessna 182 hit power lines and crashed near a rest stop on
Interstate 81, about a mile from Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport. The
pilot, who was alone on board, died. More... |
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 In a Group Plan
and Think You're Getting the Best Deal on Life
Insurance?The Pilot Insurance Center ( PIC)
finds many people believe this is the case. Unfortunately, in some group
plans you're only as good as your weakest link. Meaning, while you may
be in excellent health, you may be paying a higher premium due to those
in the group who aren't as healthy. From airline pilots to weekend
warriors, PIC has saved pilots 30-60% on coverage through A+ rated
carriers or better. Find out if you are getting the best deal. Call PIC
today at (800) 380-8376, or visit
online.
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ON
THE FLY...
FAA's "plain-language" version D.C. ADIZ NOTAM is
online...
NATCA now wants a mediator to help with FAA contract
talks...
FAA proposes tweaks to ECi cylinder-assembly Airworthiness
Directive...
Two 737s collided at Newark on Monday while taxiing, no
injuries...
FAA noise rules for part of Grand Canyon delayed until
2011...
Adam Aircraft to partner with Singapore Technologies
Engineering...
Want to buy stock in a skycar? Paul Moller goes
public...
Today is the deadline to register for Women in Aviation
conference. More... |
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The Best Aviation Weather Service for Cell
Phones Now Available!WxServer's Version 6
is chock-full of new features, with a simpler, more powerful menu
structure. NexRad radar maps and satellite pictures are zoomable,
and Version 6 takes maximum advantage of any phone's available screen
size. Put NexRad maps centered on every U.S. airport, satellite
pictures centered on more than 95% of airports worldwide, METARs, TAFs,
and even Winds Aloft maps in your pocket. Aviation weather that's ready
wherever and whenever when you need it. SPECIAL: AVweb readers receive $10 off the
regular annual subscription rate. Click
here.
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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... |
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Garmin 396 vs. Flight Cheetah with XM
Weather ComparisonHow does the Garmin 396 really compare
to the Flight Cheetah with XM Weather? Check out this
link to find out. (866) 443-3342
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E-Ox: High-Quality Portable Oxygen Now in
New 2-, 3-, & 4-Place SystemsJoin hundreds of pilots
who have discovered you don't need to spend $600 or more to get a
high-quality portable oxygen system. Aeromedix's new 2-, 3-, and
4-place systems with individual Nelson type flow meters range in
cylinder sizes from 425 to 680. The one- and two-place economy systems
come with cylinder sizes from 36 to 680 liters. They are light, compact,
and made of 100% medical-grade components. Custom-design your E-Ox
system starting at under $200 by calling Aeromedix.com at (888)
362-7123, or go online.
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NEW
ARTICLES AND FEATURES ON AVWEB
_______
REVIEWS
AOPA Commander
for Microsoft Flight Simulator
If you didn't win that great
Commander 112 from AOPA's sweepstakes this year, AOPA has a consolation
prize: You can fly that plane -- and try out it's glass cockpit -- on
Microsoft Flight Simulator. John Ruley has our review of this aircraft
add-on from Flight1 Software. ___________
AUDIO
CLIP
Landing, when it has to be right. Dick Taylor offers an
approach of standardized technique to conquer the engine-out landing.
Use it with care every time you fly and you'll be one step closer to
mastering your aircraft's unique aerodynamic profile. Click through to learn. More... |
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Benefit Aviation and Yourself with the NAA
Platinum Visa(R) CardIn
addition to favorable Visa (R) rates,
National Aeronautic Association ( NAA) cardholders receive
benefits including a discounted rate on NAA membership and on aviation
products. You may also qualify for no-cost accidental death and
dismemberment coverage and aircraft damage reimbursement. NAA, the first
national aviation association, receives a contribution from BankOne with
every purchase made on the NAA Platinum Visa(R) card. These contributions help NAA preserve
aviation heritage by supporting prestigious awards presentations and
national aviation record certifications. For more information, visit
the NAA web site.
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Isn't It About Time You Choose Something
Extra?Pilot-inspired, German-engineered, and
internationally renowned — that's the difference in Extra
Aircraft's EA-300 and EA-500. All it takes is one flight in
the EA-300, and you'll discover why so many world-champion aerobatic
pilots choose Extra. Extra's certified, Rolls Royce-powered, 6-seat
turboprop EA-500 is in a class all by itself. The only new-technology
cabin class airplane, the EA-500 averages 220 kts, gets 11 mpg, and
costs less than $200/hr to operate. Click
here for more information on both remarkable aircraft.
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SHORT
FINAL...
Everybody's a comedian... Overheard this
weekend. Pilot: Tower, Cessna1234 would like to shoot a
missed approach. Tower: Cessna 1234 approved for missed
approach. Pilot: Roger. How close can we
come? [pause] Tower: ... Just don't hit the tower.
More... |
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AVWEB APPRECIATES YOUR CONTINUED
SUPPORT OF OUR SPONSORS,
WHO BRING YOU TODAY'S NEWS AND FEATURES AT
NO COST TO YOU
The Finer
Points Podcasts Are Now Available to AVweb
Subscribers
Jason Miller's The Finer Points
is an educational aviation podcast that has soared in popularity since
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Protect & Improve Their Eyes
As a pilot, Brian Grote
knows that visual acuity is an asset he can't afford to lose. After
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What ATC Sees & Then See What They Do with the
Information
The AVweb Edition of Flight Explorer is
the PC-based graphical aircraft situation display that gives you a
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Canada. Whether you're tracking a friend or want to learn more about the
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You worked hard for your IFR ticket. Now protect it!
IFR Refresher is the monthly that polishes your
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providing up to 23 more available horsepower. For more information on
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AVwebFlash is a twice-weekly summary of the latest news, articles,
products, features, and events featured on AVweb,
the internet's aviation magazine and news service.
Today's issue was written by news writer Mary Grady (bio).
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
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Have a product or service to advertise on AVweb? A question on
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If you're having trouble reading this newsletter in
its HTML-rich format (or if you'd prefer a lighter, simpler format for
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AVwebFlash. For complete instructions on making the switch, click
here.
Freedom, independence, responsibility.
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