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Fly in Ultra-Comfort with
LightSPEED Headsets
"Custom ear molds made my Mach 1 as quiet as any headset I've
tried." — Bing Lantis, President of Columbia Aircraft
Manufacturing. Discover what thousands of pilots already have: the most
comfortable headsets in the industry. The in-the-ear Mach 1
weighs less than 1 oz.; the full-size Thirty 3G, just under 16
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headset with a 30-day money-back guarantee. To order, contact a
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View the 60-second video clip!
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AOPA
EXPO 2006: FOCUS ON THE FUTURE
AOPA's annual Expo opens
today in Palm Springs, Calif., with a sold-out exhibit hall and a
jam-packed schedule of events. With the theme "AOPA looks to the
future," the three-day show highlights technological advances and
regulatory issues that will affect GA in the years ahead. FAA
Administrator Marion Blakey will address attendees tomorrow, and other
sessions will feature AOPA President Phil Boyer and top industry
leaders. Expect lots of talk about user fees and what this week's
election returns might have regarding this agenda. More... NEW
AIRPLANES ON DISPLAY AT EXPO
Some 108 aircraft taxied down
blocked-off streets yesterday morning during the "airplane parade" and
are now on display outside the Palm Springs Convention Center. At the
static display, visitors can expect a first look at the brand-new
1200-hp Epic
Dynasty Jetprop, but don't look for the three Eclipse 500s that are
supposed to be on display. Eclipse said it is upgrading the aircraft
with performance modifications and couldn't get them to Expo as planned,
meaning attendees will have to settle for a mockup on the convention
floor. Diamond Aircraft says it is hosting its largest AOPA Expo display
ever, and is promising a "special announcement" at a press conference
later today. Columbia Aircraft is there, ready to hand over the
keys to its 500th aircraft. In the LSA area, Cessna is showing its
brand-new LSA prototype, which flew for the first time just last month.
More... |
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PowerLink™ FADEC
Certified on Liberty XL-2; Is It Right for Your
Aircraft?
Liberty Aerospace is the first certified piston-powered aircraft
with PowerLink™ FADEC as standard equipment. PowerLink™
FADEC is now also available for several additional certified and
experimental aircraft, including the A-36 Bonanza and VANS RV series.
Find out how you can bring your aircraft into the state-of-the-art
online. 
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SUIT
ALLEGES MALFUNCTION, MISTAKES
Lawyers for the relatives of 10
victims of September's midair crash in Brazil filed suit this week in a U.S. court against
ExcelAire, the owner of the Embraer Legacy jet that collided with a
Boeing 737, and also named Honeywell, the manufacturer of the Legacy's
transponder. "The pilots of the ExcelAire jet were flying at an
incorrect altitude at the time of the collision and the ExcelAire jet's
transponder ... was not functioning at the time of the collision," the
lawsuit states. The suit alleges that the transponder stopped operating
before the collision, which also disabled the Traffic Collision
Avoidance System (TCAS), and that the Legacy jet was flying at the
incorrect altitude. More... HONEYWELL,
EXCELAIRE RESPOND
Both companies were quick to respond.
"Honeywell is not aware of any evidence that indicates that its
transponder on the Embraer Legacy was not functioning as designed or
that Honeywell was responsible for the accident," Honeywell spokesman
Paul Loughran told AVweb on Tuesday. "The National Transportation
Safety Board and the Brazilian authorities are still investigating the
tragic crash and have not yet determined a probable cause." Honeywell's
statement added that the company had not yet been served with the
complaint filed in federal court in New York and could not comment on
specific allegations in that lawsuit. ExcelAire also said
the lawsuit is premature. The facts surrounding the accident have not
yet been fully investigated and established in a comprehensive accident
investigation, according to Robert Torricella, a Miami-based aviation
attorney representing the ExcelAire pilots. More... |
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One Six Left DVD Is
Now Available at Aircraft Spruce
Enjoy the companion DVD to the highly-acclaimed aviation film One Six
Right, with over 45 minutes of extra footage featuring "The
Making of One Six Right." Also included is the original
"Into the Clouds" trailer featuring Enya's song "Only
Time." Additional footage includes a movie montage of the film's
most beautiful shots, two new aerobatic sequences,
and more! Call 1-877-4-SPRUCE or
visit online. 
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CHANGES
IN CONGRESS WILL AFFECT GA, SAYS AOPA
On Tuesday, voters
changed the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives, and
apparently the Senate, from Republican to Democratic, and this will have
a positive impact for pilots, says AOPA President Phil Boyer. "Now we can be
assured of a fair hearing from people who understand aviation and aren't
beholden to the White House," Boyer said. Aviation user fees have been
strongly pushed by the Bush administration. But the power shift in the
House will most likely put Rep. Jim Oberstar, D-Minn., in charge of the
House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and he is a long-time
friend to GA, AOPA said yesterday. More... "SILENT
AIRCRAFT" DEBUTS LOUDLY
Plans for a quiet, energy-efficient
airliner that could be flying in less than 25 years were unveiled Monday afternoon by researchers from
Cambridge University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
(MIT). The design uses technology that should be ready to fly by 2030.
Besides reducing noise around airports, the airplane would require about
25 percent less fuel. It would use a flying-wing design, eliminate flaps
and slats, simplify the landing gear, improve its aerodynamics and mount
the engines above the fuselage to screen the noise from the ground.
Variable-size jet nozzles would allow for slower jet propulsion during
takeoff and climb for low noise, and would be optimized for maximum
efficiency during cruise. More... |
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Adam Aircraft Designs &
Manufactures the A700 AdamJet & A500 Centerline Piston
Twin
The Adam Aircraft A700 features twin Williams FJ-33 engines,
state-of-the-art avionics, and comfortable seating for eight (or seven
with an aft lavatory). The A700 is currently undergoing flight
test and development. The Adam Aircraft A500 centerline piston
twin has been Type Certified by the FAA and offers superior safety,
range, and performance, along with the pressurized comfort of a roomy
six-seat interior.
For complete details on both aircraft, go
online. 
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TWO
BONANZAS LAND ON SAME RUNWAY, AT SAME TIME
On Monday
afternoon, pilot Robert Johnson had just touched down in his Bonanza at
the Los Alamos County Airport in New Mexico when his passenger noticed
an ominous-looking shadow just ahead. Another Bonanza, on short final,
was trying to land on the same runway, and crashed into
the top of Johnson's airplane. Unhurt, Johnson struggled to maintain
control as the two entangled aircraft rolled down the runway and coasted
to a stop. The pilot of the second airplane, who also was uninjured,
said he'd mistakenly been tuned to the wrong radio frequency, and the
first Bonanza was not visible to him as he flew the approach. Johnson
and his passenger were unable to open the doors or windows and had to be
extricated from the cockpit by rescue workers. A similar accident
occurred in Florida in December 1999. More... LESSONS
LEARNED IN PAST MIDAIRS
The NTSB has determined that in two
midair collisions involving GA aircraft, the failure of the pilots to
see and avoid was the main cause of the accident. However, in both cases
failures of air traffic control were cited as contributing causes. In
2002, three people died when a Mooney and a Beech Duchess collided while on
downwind for Runway 24 at Palomar, in Carlsbad, Calif. In August 2005, a
Cessna 150 and a de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver collided
in Renton, Wash. A student and instructor in the 150 were killed. In the
two cases, a controller either gave inadequate information or missed a
chance to avert the crash, the NTSB said. More... |
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Precise Flight to Supply
Fixed Oxygen as Standard Equipment on Cirrus Turbo® SR-22 &
SE-22
Bend, OR — November 9, 2006 — Precise
Flight announced it has received STC approval for its Fixed Oxygen
System for Cirrus Design Corporation's SR-22 aircraft. This follows
Cirrus' selection of Precise Flight at Oshkosh to provide the
Fixed Oxygen System as standard equipment on the Cirrus Turbo®
SR-22 and SE-22 and as an option on the SR-22 and SE-22.
Click here to read the full
release. 
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EXPLORE
COSTA RICA WITH LIGHTHAWK
LightHawk has been working for 25 years to provide
free flights to conservation groups in the fight to protect the
environment. Now the group is organizing a special fundraising airborne
eco-tour of Costa Rica for February 2007. LightHawk adventurers will
visit the beautiful Osa Peninsula and go flying above some of the most
spectacular scenery in the world, while receiving an unparalleled
education in the environmental issues facing the area. The tour group
will stay in the Iguana Lodge, meet LightHawk's local conservation
partners and get the full briefing on how they are working to protect
this incredible region. Ready to go? More... AVWEB
AT AOPA EXPO
Not going to AOPA Expo this week? Don't worry,
AVweb is, and we'll be delivering the latest news from the show
to your inbox. Check your e-mail inbox tomorrow and Saturday morning for
special issues written and produced from the show. More... |
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Fly with the Bose®
Aviation Headset X
Enjoy an unmatched combination of benefits: Full-spectrum noise
reduction, clear
audio, and comfortable fit. Voted the #1 headset for the fifth year in a
row by readers of Professional Pilot (2005 Headset Preference
Survey). Purchase an Aviation Headset X now and receive a
complimentary pair of acclaimed Bose® around-ear headphones
to enjoy when back on the ground. (A $139.95 value.)
Learn more and order. 
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ON
THE FLY
Popular Science lists HondaJet and D-Jet as best new
innovations...
FedEx canceled its order for 10 Airbus A380s to go
with Boeing's 777...
Skydivers prevented a tower from being built at
a Florida airport...
Precise Flight got STC for fixed oxygen system
for Cirrus SR22...
DayJet launch delayed to spring 2007, citing
delays in Eclipse jets...
NASA offers free online courses about icing
for pilots...
A skydiver who died was using a chute that was too
small, the FAA says. More... |
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Join AOPA: The Real-Time Flight Planner Is
Worth the Dues Alone!
AOPA membership can be an invaluable resource at an incredible
value. Join AOPA for $39 a year, and take advantage of the
benefits exclusive to members, including: a year subscription to
AOPA Pilot magazine; 24-hour access to the
"members-only" section of the web site; and AOPA's
Real-Time Flight Planner with up-to-the-minute flight restrictions,
routing images, weather info, and more! As the largest aviation
organization in the world, AOPA is a tireless advocate for over
407,000 members, protecting their right to fly.
Click here to become an AOPA member
today. 
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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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The 2006 New Piper Mirage Offers Serious
Sophistication
Avidyne's Flightmax Entegra Integrated Flight Deck is standard equipment
on the New Piper Mirage. Three flight displays, moving map,
Garmin GNS 430, autopilot, color radar system, and dual Air
Data/Attitude and Heading Reference System (ADAHRS) combine to provide
serious sophistication for a higher level of confidence.
Click here for complete information on
the New Piper Mirage. 
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AVWEB
AUDIO NEWS
AVweb posts audio news on Mondays, plus a new
in-depth interview each Friday. Last Friday's
podcast, you'll find a one-on-one interview with Spectrum
Aeronautical chairman Linden Blue. And AVweb's podcast index
includes interviews with Adam Aircraft chairman Rick Adam and New Piper
CEO Jim Bass, recorded live at the recent NBAA Convention in Orlando. In
Monday's news
summary, hear about how ATC transcripts might vindicate Legacy
pilots in Brazilian midair; NTSB says wind was a factor in NYC crash of
Cory Lidle's SR20; more air traffic controllers complain of six-day
workweeks; NavCanada turns 10; Russia relaxes constraints on general
aviation; FAA issues safety bulletin for Continental engines with ECi
cylinders; "safety admonition" released for aircraft exhaust systems;
future of airspace management takes root in Cleveland. Remember: In
AVweb's podcasts, you'll hear things you won't find anywhere else.
More... |
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Garmin 396 vs. Flight Cheetah with XM Weather
Comparison
How does the Garmin 396 really compare to the Flight Cheetah with
XM Weather? Call (866) 443-3342 or
check out this link
to find out.
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QUESTION
OF THE WEEK
The November elections are behind us, and now
AVweb wants to know if you think the power shift will affect the hot
issue of user fees. Could the shift of control from the Republicans to
the Democrats in the House of Representatives, and most likely the
Senate, will thwart the push for aviation user fees in the next FAA
reauthorization bill? Plus: Results of last week's question on
airplane emergency recovery parachutes. More... |
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Use the Best — ASA's 2007 FAR/AIMs and FAA
Exam Prep Now Available
ASA's 2007 FAR/AIMs, Test Preps for pilots, and Fast-Track Test
Guides for AMTs are now available. Prepware combines all the information
in the Test Prep and Fast-Track Test Guide series in computer-based
training. Contains all FAA Knowledge Exam questions. Virtual Test Prep
lets students study from their TVs or computer DVD players. For complete
details about these products,
visit ASA's web site. 
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FBO
OF THE WEEK: CAROLINA AIR CENTER
 AVweb's "FBO of
the Week" ribbon goes to Carolina Air Center at KHXD in Hilton Head,
S.C. AVweb reader Matt Thompson complimented the FBO staff
for giving piston operators the same red carpet treatment as the jet
set. " I stopped here three times in nine days in two different
aircraft (a Beech B36TC and a Cirrus SR22). The quality of service was
superb. While many resort facilities really roll out the red carpet for
the jet set, Carolina Air Center gave me the same service I have
received when arriving in much larger corporate aircraft. It was a
pleasure doing business with these folks. I would highly recommend them
to anyone passing through the area. And I might add, they are the only
FBO on the field. Many thanks for this excellent level of
service." Keep
those nominations coming.For complete contest rules, click here. AVweb is
actively seeking out the best FBOs in the country and another one,
submitted by you, will be spotlighted here next Monday!
More... |
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If You Think "Bargains" Are Something
Alien to Aviation — Think Again!
Spending hard-earned money on your aircraft and its avionics can be
expensive. But don't think good deals aren't available in today's
marketplace. Bennett Avionics provides pilots with quality
avionics to meet their needs and maintain their budget. Before you buy
anywhere else, check out Bennett Avionics at (860) 653-7295 or
online. 
You'll be glad you did!
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PICTURE
OF THE WEEK
 The AOPA Expo gets underway today, so let's
kick off the ceremonies with another installment of AVweb's
"Picture of the Week" — our regular Thursday feature
wherein we spotlight the best reader-submitted photos that have come
into submissions
box over the last seven days. Richard
Rice stopped our hearts for a second with this dramatic shot
of skydiver Jennifer Jennings (on
her first jump) and instructor Larry
Portman. "A perfect view of a perfect day!"
writes Larry, who submitted the photo for consideration. Congrats, Larry
— watch your mailbox for an official AVweb baseball cap, because
your photo is this week's "Picture of the Week"! (To be
featured on this page and possibly win a hat of your own, remember to send us your
photos!) 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
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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
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.
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Attending the AOPA Expo in
Palm Springs?
AVweb is here at the show! We'll be in Palm Springs, California through
Saturday, November 11. We know many of you will be on-site with us this
year, so please take a moment while you're seeing the sights to stop by
our sponsors' booths. Their patronage of AVweb makes it possible for us
to deliver the high quality of news, reviews, and information you've
come to expect in your inbox twice a week — at no charge to
readers. We encourage you to visit with them at the show and thank them
for their support of AVweb.
Click for a complete list of AVweb
sponsors and where to find them at the show
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