|
March 20, 2006
NewsWire Complete Issue
By The AVweb Editorial Staff
|
|
 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. |
|
|
|
|
 |
Statistics compiled by The Associated Press suggest that the
older you are, the harder you'll fall. The news gathering organization pored over FAA and NTSB records and determined that pilots older than 50 have a significantly greater chance of crashing than
younger pilots. The stats perhaps take on even greater significance considering the fact that the average age of pilots is now 47. The AP report also found that the accident rate went up with age, and
that those in their 60s were at a roughly proportional greater risk of crashing. Older pilots were also in more fatal accidents. The AP undertook the research after what it described as "a rash of
plane crashes involving older pilots in Southern California." Just how many crashes constitute "a rash," the news service didn't say. However, several of the accidents attracted significant media
coverage, particularly one on July 7, 2004, in which a Harmon Rocket plunged through the roof of a house in Seal Beach, Calif., with 62-year-old Ross Anderson, an ex-Navy pilot, in the cockpit.
Friends insist Anderson must have been incapacitated before the crash. "The way the accident happened, there was no way he was at the controls," David Hallmark told the AP. "There's no way with his
experience that he would've done what the airplane was doing." Occupants of the house escaped serious injury but the house was destroyed and legal wrangling has prevented reconstruction.
According to the AP's research, pilots older than 50 were involved in 55.8 percent of accidents over a five-year period even though they constitute only 36.8 percent of certificated pilots. And,
apparently, the older a pilot gets, the greater the risk. Pilots between the ages of 50 and 59 had 26.4 percent of accidents, marginally higher than their percentage of the pilot population, which is
about 22.1 percent, but those 60 and older had 23.6 percent of accidents even though they make up only 14.7 percent of certificated pilots. The research also determined that those under 50
consistently had proportionately fewer accidents throughout the five-year sample period. To its credit, the AP asked experts if its findings had any sort of real-world merit. According to the experts
they consulted, the methodology was "simple but sound." However, it should be pointed out that any number of factors, including pilot experience (complacency?), history (old, bold pilots?) and
aircraft type (higher income equals higher performance, equals higher impact speed?) were not factored into the research and may have influenced the results.
The report pays more than passing attention to the recently-introduced sport pilot certificate, noting it allows pilots of "low and slow" light sport aircraft (LSA) to skip the biannual trip to an
aviation medical examiner and use a driver's license as proof of medical fitness. The report says the new certificate "made it easier for graying pilots to obtain and keep licenses to fly certain
smaller planes." However, AOPA President Phil Boyer pointed out that all pilots, regardless of age or certificate level, are responsible for self-certifying their medical fitness before every flight.
The report noted that a valid medical may not always be proof of flight fitness and cited reports of pilots and doctors who had falsified medical records. Meanwhile, the FAA's top doctor says medical
incapacity continues to be a minor factor in accidents. Federal Air Surgeon Dr. Jon Jordan did, however, suggest that we might be a little more error-prone and slower to react as we age. "We don't see
too many aviation accidents that are related to a medical cause. The increase in accidents (with age) may be due really to cognitive factors," Dr. Jordan told the AP. AOPA's Boyer agreed. "There has
been no history that having that medical exam creates a safer environment," said Boyer.
|
|
|
 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. |
|
|
|
|
Accident statistics in 2005 bucked a hopeful trend that developed over the past few years but there are still some bright spots in the totals. In its preliminary report for 2005, the NTSB reported last week that the total number of aircraft accidents went up in 2005 over the previous year but the number of
fatalities was significantly less. "The increase in accidents is disappointing," said NTSB Acting Chairman Mark Rosenker, "but the decrease in total fatalities is a hopeful sign. Overall, it is clear
that we need to maintain a strong focus on safety in all segments of the aviation community." Fatalities dropped from 636 to 600. There were only three fatal airline accidents and one didn't even
involve a flight operation. Last June the driver of a mobile baggage conveyor died when the vehicle collided with an Embraer 170 at Washington Reagan National Airport. In December, a six-year-old boy
was killed when the car in which he was riding was crushed by a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 that overran a runway at Midway Airport and 20 people died when a Chalk's Ocean Airways turbine-powered
Grumman Goose broke up off the coast of Miami.
AOPA's Air Safety Foundation (ASF) does an exhaustive assessment of aircraft accidents each year called the Nall Report
but it's a year behind. That's because it tries to include as many NTSB final reports as possible and it usually takes the NTSB six months to a year to complete a file. For 2004, 82 percent of the
reports used in the Nall stats were from final reports and the ASF says that's enough to give an accurate picture of what it was like in 2004. It's difficult to compare the two sources, however,
because the ASF apparently has different criteria for what constitutes a GA accident. It gave the total number of GA accidents in 2004 as 1413 with 290 of them fatal. "Maneuvering" continues to be the
phase of flight responsible for the most fatal accidents, while landing resulted in the most non-fatal accidents. There were a total of 45 weather-related fatal accidents in 2004, 10 of them involving
thunderstorms. Most weather-related accidents involving fixed-gear piston singles and were the result of VFR flights ending up in IMC.
|
|
|
 Innovative Life Insurance Products From The Pilot Insurance
CenterIn addition to the incredible savings pilots get when purchasing life insurance from the Pilot Insurance Center ( PIC), PIC offers a wide variety of insurance
products. The most popular is the Return of Premium (ROP) term policy. The ROP policy is a hybrid between universal life and term insurance. At the end of the ROP policy term, you get all of your
premiums back, and it offers convertibility options. For more information on ROP benefits and features, or any other coverage, call PIC at (800) 380-8376, or visit online. |
|
|
|
|
The Catch-22 that often afflicts capital-intensive businesses like aircraft manufacturers has apparently affected production at Tiger
Aircraft. The Martinsburg Journal reported last week that the company needs more money from its investors to ramp up production and meet demand for the sporty touring aircraft first made by
Grumman in the 1970s. The West Virginia plant has been making airplanes since 2002 but in December of 2005 it laid off eight of 28 employees despite a fat order book. "Right now I have the biggest
backlog (of customers) in the company's history," President Gene Criss said. But without another cash infusion, Tiger can't boost production to meet the demand. "It takes money to make money," Criss
said. He said he expects things to turn around in the next few months. Criss said the company is developing some "new products" and he's hoping to more than double the workforce. He's also adamantly
denying rumors the company may close. "I've heard those (rumors) for five years," Criss said. "But it's never happened and there's no plans to."
Transport Canada has announced it intends to carry out a "full review" of air taxi operators in the West Coast province of British Columbia after six accidents killed 14 people in a 13-month span.
Merlin Preuss, director general for civil aviation, told the Vancouver Sun that he's already ordered his staff to look into the string of accidents, which some in the industry say may just be an
anomaly. "When you get that number, we start asking ourselves some questions," Preuss said. "We're sitting here fat, dumb and happy, if you like and then all of a sudden we get this spate of stuff
going on on the Pacific Coast. We have no conclusions yet." B.C.'s coast is bordered by rugged mountains with numerous inlets and islands, and weather can be horrific, but Preuss indicated that
cultural factors within the industry will also be probed. He told The Sun that air taxi operations often employ pilots "fresh out of training school." There have been allegations in recent months that
the young pilots, often in their early 20s, are pressured to fly overtime and to push the weather as they build hours for airline careers. Preuss said a similar review was done 10 years ago and fatal
accidents dropped 50 percent after the release of its 71 non-binding recommendations. He wants to know if operators have remained as focused on safety as they appeared to be after the last review.
"You can start backsliding," he noted.
|
|
|
 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, and music with same-day shipping (before 3pm CT). JA Air Center [Dupage Airport (KDPA) in West Chicago, IL] provides the finest avionics 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. |
|
|
|
|
An Airworthiness Directive (AD) affecting operations in ice by Cessna
Caravan operators is getting a cold reception from some. An industry source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told AVweb Friday that a section of the AD requiring pilots to exit icing
conditions if they observe a build-up of greater than a quarter of an inch on the wing strut will be challenged by operators. "That seems to be very conservative," the source said. He noted that a
quarter of an inch of ice on a strut wouldn't necessarily translate to a similar amount on lifting surfaces on the plane, which has pneumatic boots and is certified for flight into known icing. The
FAA issued its latest AD on Caravan icing last Thursday, a month after the NTSB issued safety recommendations on the subject. The AD, which takes effect Friday, requires pilots to get out of icing
conditions considered to be anything greater than "light." The FAA says icing exceeds the "light" definition if there's a quarter-inch buildup on the strut, if the aircraft's speed drops by 20 knots
at constant power in level flight, if engine power required to maintain speed increases by more than 400 ft. lbs. or if the plane is unable to maintain 120 knots in level flight. Pilots must maintain
a minimum speed of 120 knots (flaps up) in icing conditions. All the limitations must be put in the pilot operating handbook and placarded on the instrument panel.
It's a general rule that if there are losers there must be winners and Cambridge-Dorchester County Airport in Maryland is planning to
take full advantage of the challenges faced by its neighbors. The airport is just outside the Washington Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) and traffic counts have been up considerably since the
imposition of the complication-inducing restrictions at other airports. Operations increased by about 15 percent last year, largely due to an influx of recreational pilots skirting the zone. Now the
local county council is hoping to attract charter operations by lengthening the runway. The 4,500-foot runway will be lengthened by 900 feet to accommodate charter operators. The council approved
spending $485,000 to acquire a five-acre property and move the owners to another home. The FAA is also helping out with the expansion costs.
|
|
|
Dreams, Youth, Freedom -- All Within Your Reach through Dorr AviationDorr Aviation Credit
Corporation will help you achieve your passion for flight by financing your next aircraft purchase. Dorr Aviation has been a trusted name in aircraft financing for over 45 years. With their
extensive aviation knowledge and exceptional customer service, they will make the process hassle-free. Call (800) 214-0066, or download an application here.
|
|
|
|
|
EAA says the FAA has backed off on its interpretation of an airspace designation that would have
closed an aerobatic area near Minneapolis. In fact, as a private individual, Robert Hucker, of Lakeville, Minn., had better luck convincing the agency of the error of its ways than EAA, whose similar
arguments were rejected by the FAA seven years ago. FAA practice had been to ban aerobatics anywhere "within the lateral boundaries of the surface areas of a Class B, Class C, Class D, or Class E
designated for an airport." It got Hucker's attention because the agency recently expanded Class B airspace around Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport from 20 nm to 30 nm, encompassing a
well-used aerobatic area 25 nm southwest of MSP. But Hucker successfully argued that because the aerobatic areas was under the floor elevation of the Class B, the ban shouldn't apply because the
airspace doesn't actually contact the "surface" of the earth. "The (1999 FAA) explanation to EAA's petition didn't seem right to me," Hucker said. "Plus use of the term, 'surface area,' was
inconsistent, so I decided to put together some facts and file my own petition." Maybe it was the way he explained it but this time the FAA went for it. "Upon review, we conclude that the EAA was
indeed correct in its understanding of 'surface areas,'" FAA lawyer Rebecca MacPherson wrote to Hucker. "In responding to your inquiry, we concluded that our 1999 interpretation was inconsistent with
the term 'surface area' as used by Air Traffic Organization (ATO) airspace planners to describe only airspace that touches the surface of the earth."
While the airlines have seen their share of tumult in recent years, corporate and business aviation has seen steady growth. Now, Women in Corporate Aviation (WCA) is hoping to steer more young pilots
and support personnel in their direction through sponsorship of several scholarships. The scholarships
are open to men and women. "Applicants should be actively working toward their goal and show financial need," says a news release issued by the group. The scholarships will be awarded at the National
Business Aviation Association's convention in Orlando next October. Deadline for applications is June 30. Aircraft Technical Publishers (ATP) and King's School of Aeronautics are sponsoring a
scholarship package to an A&P student pursuing a career in corporate or business aviation worth $1,357, WCA is teaming up with Cessna for a commercial pilot scholarship worth $1,300 and WCA is
offering $1,000 to someone to further their studies in any aspect of corporate flying.
|
|
|
One Product -- Everything You Need! Preflight to Enroute!The Voyager Flight Software System
integrates all the flight information you need into one seamless package. Quickly view weather, winds, airport, fuel and terrain data for pre-flight planning, then fly with enroute moving map and
real-time weather. Whether you just need quick pre-flight data, some current charts, or a complete Electronic Flight Bag, this is the affordable solution. Data is updated automatically, and there is
NO CHARGE for always-current approach plates! Download a test drive of the complete system here.
|
|
|
|
|
A story in the March 16 edition concerning John Cox's report on the dangers posed by electrical fires on aircraft may have left the incorrect impression with readers that the report indicates a
greater risk associated with modern fly-by-wire aircraft. The report did not compare fly-by-wire and conventional aircraft in-flight fire risk, Cox told AVweb.
Steve Fossett says he broke Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager's record for the greatest distance flown taking and landing off in the same spot on Friday. Fossett landed GlobalFlyer back at Salina,
Kan., after a 74-hour spin around the world that he says covered more than 25,000 miles and outdistanced the old record by about 400 miles...
A British pilot is also seeking a circumnavigation record by flying an RV-6 around the world in 23 days. Manuel Queiroz is also raising funds for cancer research and was last reported waiting
out weather in Hawaii...
British Concorde enthusiasts are hoping to revive interest in their mission to restore one of the airliners to flight after Britons voted the supersonic plane as the country's greatest design
icon in a nationwide contest.
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.
|
|
|
OurPLANE Fractional New Aircraft -- The Intelligent, Lowest-Cost Aircraft Ownership AlternativeYour
factory-new Cirrus, Cessna, Eclipse VLJ, Pilatus PC12, or King Air all for a fraction of the usual cost. Available Coast to Coast! AVweb special discount IF YOU CALL TODAY -
1-877-RPLANE-1 (877-775-2631). Web site.
|
|
|
|
|
 AVweb's "FBO
of the Week" contest is sponsored by Aviation Safety magazine, the monthly journal of risk management and accident
prevention. Thanks to all the pilots and AVweb readers who took time to nominate their favorite FBOs in our "FBO of the Week" contest. From nearly 50 nominations, today's ribbon finds its
target in Tennessee.
AVweb's "FBO of the Week" ribbon goes to Shelbyville Municipal Airport at KSYI in Shelbyville, Tennessee.
Marc Meuller wrote in to say, "Shelbyville is run by a pilot who knows how to make pilots feel welcome. The counter is manned by aviation students who are enthusiastic about people and flying. Fuel
prices are the lowest in the area. Tie down is free." ... And "pilot supplies are available."
Keep those nominations coming. AVweb is actively seeking out the best FBO's in the country and another one, submitted by you, will be spotlighted
here next Monday!
Nominate Your Favorite FBO
Keep those nominations coming. AVweb is actively seeking the best FBO's in the country and another one, submitted by you, will be spotlighted here
next Monday!
Click here for complete contest rules — and here to nominate your favorite FBO
|
|
|
Avidyne's New TAS600 Systems Deliver Active-Surveillance Traffic Awareness Protection Under $10,000With
pricing starting at $9,990, Avidyne's new TAS600 systems set a new price-performance standard for active-surveillance traffic capability and make important safety systems affordable for
owners of light GA aircraft. TAS600 systems show standard TAS symbology on display systems from 15 different manufacturers, including Avidyne's Entegra and EX500/5000 MFDs; Garmin's G1000, MX20, and
400/500-series; as well as displays from Honeywell, Collins, Chelton, Sandel, and others. Click here for complete
details.
|
|
|
|
|
COLUMNS
Motor Head #12: Troubleshooting 101 -- Never Give Up, Never Surrender
It takes patience and tenacity to build an airplane. And a bit of luck and a lot of skill (and help) to do it in less than three weeks. But if you try to rush the troubleshooting when finishing, you
may take longer and cost more, as AVweb's Marc Cook explains in this month's Motor Head column.
_______
COLUMNS
Probable Cause #2: Rusty Skills
The FAA mandates a minimum amount of flight time in various conditions to remain "current," but good pilots know those minimums are just that: the minimum. In this week's Probable Cause column we look
at an accident where the pilot was both inexperienced and not current. This report first appeared in AVweb's sister publication, Aviation Safety.
|
|
|
Join NAA and Help Shape the Next Century of FlightIt's a great time to join the National Aeronautic
Association ( NAA), the nation's oldest aviation organization. At $39 a year, NAA membership is a terrific value for any aviation enthusiast! Members receive the Smithsonian's Air &
Space and NAA's Aero magazines, plus access to aviation records, product discounts, and much more. Call (703) 527-0226 to become an NAA member, or sign up online.
|
|
|
|
|
Reader feedback on AVweb's news coverage and feature articles:
http://www.avweb.com/avmail/
Reader mail this week about user fees, POTW quiz, TSA secrets and more.
|
|
|
Bring Digital Audio Technology to Your AircraftWith the flying season just around the corner, owners of
retractable-gear aircraft can add an extra margin of safety by installing a P2 Audio Advisory System. Just like the new jets, the system combines audio and visual advisories for landing gear
position, Vne overspeed, stall warning, and output for a Hobbs meter. Digital voice technology actually speaks to the pilot via headset and/or speaker: "GEAR IS DOWN FOR LANDING"; "OVERSPEED";
"CHECK GEAR"; and "STALL." Regularly priced at $1,795, these systems are now available for $1,295. Learn more online.
|
|
|
|
|
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/
|
|
|
Low-Cost Digital Replacement Transponders!Narco Avionics proudly announces the availability of their all-new
Value Series plug & play line of digital transponders. The Value Series is designed for the cost-conscious owner. Narco's Value Series plug & play transponders include the AT165/VS (a
replacement for the AT50 through AT155), the AT165/KA/VS (a replacement for the KT76A/78A), and the AT165/K/VS (a replacement for the KT76/78). Coming Soon: Narco's
AT165/C and AT165/C/VS, plug & play replacements for the ARC (Cessna) RT359A/RT459A. For more information, visit Narco Avionics
online.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AVWEB APPRECIATES YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF OUR SPONSORS,
WHO BRING YOU TODAY'S NEWS AND FEATURES AT NO COST TO
YOU
Nonin FlightStat -- Pulse Oximeter at Aeromedix.com
The Nonin FlightStat is the world's smallest and lowest-cost precision instrument for measuring
oxygen saturation in the bloodstream. Think of it as a "hypoxia meter" that warns when you're becoming hypoxic and measures precisely how much supplemental oxygen you need to avoid impairment of your
pilot skills. Aeromedix also carries Nonin's full line of prescription-only pulse oximeters for medical use. Aeromedix is one of Nonin's largest distributors, and nobody beats their pulse-ox
prices. Order by calling (888) 362-7123, or go online.
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, click here.
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. With a one-year membership for $39, access the needed information to expand your knowledge and get more enjoyment from
owning and flying your Piper aircraft. The PFA is located on the Waupaca Municipal Airport in Wisconsin, just 35 miles NW of Oshkosh. For more information, and to request a sample copy of the
magazine, click here.
See 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 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 want for just $9.95 a month. Subscribe online
Subscribe to Aviation Safety and Save!
You spent thousands earning your license; safeguard it for just pennies a day. Aviation Safety helps
pilots stay ready for the realities of today's demanding flight environment with instructive articles to keep your decision-making skills sharp. Save by subscribing online.
Need Someone to Share Flight Expenses to Sun 'n Fun? Need a Ride?
PilotShareTheRide.com is the answer. A no-cost service to the general aviation
community with postings of folks wanting to Share the Ride! Go online now!
Better than an IFR Refresher, This Manual Is Real-World Flying!
With Rod Machado's Instrument Pilots Survival Manual, private pilots can
learn: mimicking pro pilot thinking strategies; developing IFR self-talk skills; managing cockpit resources; planning for unanticipated changes; a three-step instrument scan; IFR charting secrets;
insights into flying GPS approaches; and techniques for avoiding thunderstorms and handling icing conditions. Pilots claim, "You can't find some of this information anywhere else!" Order online.
Comm1 Radio Simulator -- Special Offer to AVweb Subscribers
Receive a complimentary Communications Reference Card with the purchase of any Comm1 Radio
Simulator. Fly confidently by training with Comm1 Radio Simulators — unique, interactive CD-ROMs designed to teach pilots how to communicate safely and professionally with Air Traffic
Control. Available in VFR, IFR, and Clearances on Request versions. Experience real flight situations through high-quality audio and graphics from the safety and privacy of your desktop. Order this special offer now.
|
|
|
|
|
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 Russ Niles (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
here.
Have a product or service to advertise on AVweb? A question on marketing? Send it to AVweb's sales team.
If you're having trouble reading this newsletter in its HTML-rich format (or if you'd prefer a lighter, simpler format for your PDA or handheld device), there's also a text-only
version of AVwebFlash. For complete instructions on making the switch, click here.
Freedom, independence, responsibility.
|
|
|
Printer-Friendly Version
