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December 1, 2008
By The AVweb Editorial Staff
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Smart Safety ... Leave Anxiety Out of Your Flight Plan
As a Cirrus owner, you join a lifestyle that takes safety very seriously. Whether flying for pleasure or business, you always fly smart and safe. Cirrus Perspective by Garmin is
designed to help by giving you more time and information to make better decisions, reduce workload, and improve your overall flying experience. Cirrus Perspective adds more ability to
experience the Cirrus lifestyle fully and leave anxiety out of your flight plan.
For complete
features, go online. 
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Top News: A320 Crash May Have Unlikely
Cause |
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 The Airbus A320 that crashed in the Mediterranean last Thursday had just been painted in Air New Zealand livery and The Australian says investigators are probing whether the fresh paint led to the crash. Although
only two bodies have been recovered, it's assumed all seven people aboard the four-year-old aircraft died in the crash. The plane had recently been rented to a German airline and was in the process of
being returned to Air New Zealand. The cockpit voice recorder has been recovered but the flight data recorder, which will likely provide more insight to the paint-clogged sensor theory, has not.
Meanwhile family and friends have arrived in France to mourn the loss of their loved ones including five from New Zealand: Auckland pilot Captain Brian Horrell, 52, Christchurch engineers Michael
Gyles, 49, and Noel Marsh, 35, and Auckland engineer Murray White, 37 and Wellington engineer Jeremy Cook. Two German pilots who died have not been identified.
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Life Insurance Premiums Continue to Decrease in 2008!
According to a Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education report, 3/4 of Americans think life insurance is too expensive. Term and permanent life insurance rates are generally half
from a decade ago, partly due to life expectancy increases. Pilot Insurance Center specializes in providing pilots — from student to ATP — with proper insurance planning at the most
affordable rates available. A+ Rated Carriers – No Aviation Exclusions – Quick and Easy Application Process. Call 1 (800) 380-8376 or
visit online. 
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 The booming aviation market in China -- expected by some manufacturers to support nearly 15 percent of worldwide demand for mid-sized
commuter and airline jets over the next two decades -- has gone bust, at least for now, upon news that the Civil Aviation Authority of China has halted all future aircraft orders until overcapacity
within the country can be resolved. That condition means that manufacturers like Bombardier, which had expected significant Chinese orders for its CSeries aircraft, can only count on existing orders
to be honored as forecasts for future orders fall into question. Running a reported $758 million loss and stuck with reduced demand (passenger numbers dropped more than 6% year over year for the month
of October), huge losses on fuel hedges and expensive mergers, the Chinese government has sunk about $541 million into just one of its airlines. The government is planning bailouts for other Chinese
airlines, according to the Financial Post.
The situation is a huge turnaround from predictions that called for rapid expansion of air travel and has now left the Chinese fleets overpopulated in a depressed economy. The Chinese government is
reportedly considering lowering fuel prices for its state-owned carriers and cutting taxes imposed on the airlines until demand catches up with seat availability.
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JA Air Center, Your Source for the New Garmin GPSMap 696
JA Air Center is YOUR source for Garmin equipment, including the new GPSMap 696 with Victor Airways, Jet Routes, XM Weather, Terrain, AOPA Airport Guide, and Safe Taxi. JA Air
purchases used GPS units, avionics, and aircraft.
JA Air Center [Opening - Aurora (KARR) in Sugar Grove, IL December 1, 2008] provides the finest avionics installations, turbine/piston maintenance, avionics/instrument service, mail order, and
aircraft sales. Call (800) 323-5966, or
click for more
information. 
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 Boeing in August filed a
patent that states the company believes an unmanned liquid hydrogen powered aircraft might be designed to fly for up to 10 days at 60,000 feet carrying loads of up to 2,000 pounds. Liquid
hydrogen's physical properties would help both dictate and optimize the aircraft's design. To create the same energy, liquid hydrogen must occupy more than four times the volume of jet fuel, while, at
the same time, it takes about 2.9 times more jet fuel (by weight) to produce the same energy. That being the case, Boeing's proposed design would use a higher volume fuselage for fuel storage and
highly efficient, very high-aspect ratio low-camber wings not aerodynamically compromised by internal fuel-carrying requirements. The wings particularly could be optimized for load carrying and
high-altitude, long-endurance performance. To make power, the aircraft would "use one or more internal combustion engines adapted for hydrogen combustion" to drive propellers, not jet engines. The
resultant aircraft, according to Boeing, would be useful for loitering on station as an airborne observation platform or flying cell tower. It would theoretically be more capable than an airship in
negotiating winds and could increase its endurance toward 30 days if operated near sea level.
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Lycoming® — The Engines of Choice
Lycoming® produces the most complete line of horizontally opposed, air-cooled four-, six-, and eight-cylinder certified aircraft engines available, with
power ranging from 100 to 400 HP. For homebuilders, air race and aerobatic pilots, and others looking for non-certified engines with Lycoming dependability, Lycoming offers custom-built
Thunderbolt Engines. Lycoming piston engines have a reputation for reaching or exceeding TBO.
For more information,
please visit Lycoming.com. 
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 Google has upped the ante to keep its corporate aircraft at the spacious and convenient Moffett Field thanks to some snags in the way
such aircraft are certified. In September of 2007, NASA, which operates Moffett Field, just north of San Jose, Calif., admitted it had entered an agreement with Google to rent hangar space and allow
the comings and goings of Google's Boeing 767, Boeing 757 and two Gulfstreams in exchange for placing scientific gear on the planes. That satisfied NASA's requirement that all Moffett traffic be
NASA-related and it gave Google a convenient base for the aircraft, a five-minute drive from their Mountain View headquarters. But according to the New York Times, the problem with that deal is that adding electronics or just
about anything else to the aircraft isn't allowed under FAA certification rules if Google still wants to use them for carrying people. So, Google bought a used military trainer, a Dornier Alphajet
that will be registered as an experimental aircraft so NASA can modify it at will.
Google claims it will use the Alphajet for "training and flight proficiency." Critics have claimed both the original deal and the addition of the trainer is just a smokescreen for a special deal
for Google to use Moffett. Others have worried about increased noise but Moffett spokesman Steve Zornetzer said the Google planes accounted for only 88 of the more than 19,000 movements at the field
last year.
 The Moulton B. Taylor Aerocar registered N103D and built in 1956 has become available through auction on eBay. The seller claims it is a
Model One and carries the manufacturer serial number of "2." The Aerocar is an FAA-registered aircraft that can cruise at 100 mph for about 300 miles in the air. When operated without its removable
wings and tail, it becomes a roadable vehicle capable of legal highway driving while towing its aerodynamic appendages. This particular one comes complete with 1,103 hours of flight time and 303.3
hours of road time. The vehicle is powered by a 160-hp Lycoming 0-0340B1A that's seen 22 hours since its last major overhaul. Those interested in flying it should know that the vehicle had its last
annual inspection in 1976. Those interested in purchasing it should know that the listed "buy it now price" is $3.5 million. Merry Christmas. For reference, at the time we posted this story, the same
seller was offering a 1973 Boeing 727-200 for just under $3 million. The Aerocar auction ends Dec. 16, and all potential buyers must be approved by the seller before they're allowed to bid. Or you can bypass the whole bidding war and contact the
seller directly through the Web site, here.
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Fly With Bose® Aviation Headset X™
Enjoy an unmatched combination of full-spectrum noise reduction, clearer audio, and comfortable fit. Voted the #1 headset for the seventh consecutive year in Professional Pilot's 2007 Headset
Preference Survey. Also rated "Best ANR Headset: The Aviation Consumer Product of the Year" by Aviation Consumer.
Purchase by December 31, 2008 and receive a complimentary pair of Bose in-ear headphones ($99.95 value).
Learn more and
order. 
Quotes reprinted with permission: Professional Pilot, 2007 Headset Preference Survey, 12/07; Aviation Consumer, 8/07.
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 The fatal crash of a Cessna 310R into a Sanford, Fla., neighborhood on July 10, 2007, has spawned a lawsuit prior to release of the
NTSB's final report on the crash. Michael Klemm, a NASCAR pilot, and Bruce Kennedy were killed when the aircraft attempted an emergency landing, clipped a tree and crashed into two houses, in which
three more people died as a result of the crash. NASCAR has already paid at least $1 million to Klemm's family and is seeking reimbursement for its payments to family members of those killed on the
ground. Early investigations by the NTSB cited an aircraft mechanic's testimony that Klemm was aware of squawks with the aircraft, though the extent of his understanding of the reported problem is
unknown. Aircraft records found at the accident site record a notation written by the pilot of the previous day's flight, which described a "smell of electrical components burning." According to the
NTSB, there is no evidence that action was taken to address the issue. There were no witnesses found by the NTSB who could recall seeing either Klemm or Kennedy (who held a commercial pilot
certificate) reviewing the aircraft's discrepancy log prior to the flight. NASCAR believes the accident was caused by faulty wiring installed by Cessna when the aircraft was built, back in 1977. Its
attorneys allege that "the incident was entirely due to the negligence or fault" of Cessna and "not the negligence or fault" of NASCAR, according to Daytona Beach's News-Journal Online. Cessna's
lawyers were not available for comment.
Remember that spectacular one-wing landing that caught fire on YouTube a couple of weeks ago? It turned out to be a hoax, albeit a very interesting one. For all its clever editing, the video had
some significant technical blunders. Look closely, and there's something (other than mismatched paint and improbably physics) important missing from that wing root. Important enough that you'd not fly
an airplane without it, and if you did, you'd be right to expect results similar to those in the video. We'll give you a hint: It's nothing to fight about.
Take a look at our dissection of the video here.
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| Click for more photos |
For an aviation photo buff, there's nothing like being in the right place at the right time and having the presence of mind to start shooting. Tom Callahan, of Pensacola, Fla., was shooting photos
of the Blue Angels Homecoming practice day a couple of weeks ago when he noticed an FJ-4B Sea Fury on final approach without something important. Callahan said the owner and pilot of the beautiful
Navy version of the F-86 Sabre forgot to lower the gear. The aircraft is repairable and work began the next day.
Click here to view photos.
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Sensenich: Right on the Nose ... Again!
For more than 75 years, Sensenich has been the industry's fixed-pitch prop leader. No surprise Sensenich leads the way again with new composite propellers for light sport and homebuilt
aircraft. Proven on 5,000 airboats over the last eight years, plus Rotax- and Jabiru-powered planes, the new lightweight, precision composite props are now available for Continental- and
Lycoming-powered planes. Call (717) 569-0435, or
click here to learn
more. 
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The Top Reporter on Our Crack Staff ... Is
You! |
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Our sister magazine, Aviation Consumer, wants your opinion on aircraft maintenance. If you'd like to participate, click here to complete a short, confidential survey.
(The results will be used in an upcoming Aviation Consumer article on managing your maintenance. For subscription information, click
here.)
 Our best stories start with you. If you've heard something 200,000 pilots might want to know about, tell us. Submit news tips
via email to newstips@avweb.com. You're a part of our team ... often, the best part.
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Aeromedix Holiday Specials
Aeromedix offers great holiday presents for pilots, presents that make them safe. Aeromedix holiday specials include: a complimentary Tuf Cloth with purchase of Doug Ritter knives; a
complimentary carrying case with a complete Portable Oxygen System; and 20% off any Retract-a-Bit tool (while supplies last).
Go online to
Aeromedix for these and many more products and specials. 
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File Size 4.8 MB / Running Time 5:15
Podcast Index
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How to Listen
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Subscribe Via RSS
Put down that pencil! Doug Stewart of AircraftLogs took a few minutes to talk with us at AOPA Expo about how electronic
logging can improve almost every aspect of record-keeping. (Yes, that means for you, too.)
Click here to listen. (4.8 MB, 5:15)
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Jeppesen Avionics Knowledge Library — Garmin G1000 IFR Training
The Jeppesen Garmin G1000 — IFR Procedures training is an advanced, extensive computer-based training program developed with Garmin teaching skills to master the operation of and
confidently fly the G1000 in IFR conditions. Learn how to: Pull up and fly instrument procedures; load and activate approaches including RNAV and GPS; perform new WAAS-enabled approaches; and perform
course reversals, fly holding patterns, and execute missed approaches. Call Jeppesen at (303) 328-4274, or
visit online for
more information. 
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Original, Exclusive Videos from AVweb
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Reader-Submitted & Viral Videos
On Oct. 29, Ric Lee sent us an amazing, actually unbelievable, video of an aerobatic airplane losing a wing in flight and landing successfully. We were initially amazed, then became
skeptical, and finally, in our AVweb Insider blog, explained some of the reasons this dramatic
video could be nothing more than an (ultimately very successful) attempt to create a viral video that flashes the name of a skateboarder clothing line in front of millions of viewers.
Trouble is, people by the dozens keep sending us the video and urging us to present it on our site. Our video editor, Glenn Pew, spent
some time illuminating the glaring shortcomings of this admittedly clever hoax and put them together in a single video. We should have thought of this a month ago ... .
Original, Exclusive Videos from AVweb
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Reader-Submitted & Viral Videos
CrownAir makes Cessna 210 Centurions new again. The company modernizes the old aircraft, upgrading its oxygen system, its avionics, its internal airflow and more. AVweb's Glenn Pew has the details:
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Hill Aircraft, Your #1 Source for Online Cessna Parts
Everything for your Cessna Single/Multi-Engine Aircraft and Caravan — airframe, engine, aftermarket items, and accessories. Hill Aircraft's staff has 50+ years of combined Aircraft Parts
Experience. Personalized attention ensures all orders are to your complete satisfaction on pricing and delivery.
Go online to
CessnaParts.com for complete information. 
The fastest and easiest way to order parts online. Se habla español.
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Nominate an FBO
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Rules
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Tips
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Questions
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Winning FBOs
AVweb's "FBO of the Week" ribbon goes to the FBO at John H. Batten International Airport (KRAC) in Racine,
Wisconsin.
We've heard quite a few nice things about Batten Airport recently, but one of the earliest comments came from AVweb reader A. M. Radel, who wrote:
The fantastic service that I experienced at KRAC should be used as a benchmark for every FBO across the U.S. The professionalism and low fuel prices made me a believer that there is still pride and
personal care in aviation companies. Don't be foolish and overlook this FBO if [you are] able [to visit them]!
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!
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Win a Garmin GPSMap® 696! Complete a Survey by December 10th
We want to collect the views and opinions of aircraft owners and potential owners in purchasing new aircraft over the next 3-5 years. This is your opportunity to influence how the General Aviation
industry should develop in the future.
Click here for an
opportunity to win!
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 | | Overheard in IFR Magazine's "On the Air" |
Overheard on a busy Friday afternoon with Seattle Center/Approach:
Center (handing off to Approach):
"Cross JAXON at 8,000 and reduce speed to 250."
Airliner 123 (checking in):
"Approach, will we have to slow to 250 knots at JAXON?"
Center:
"Airliner 123, I wish I could say no, but approach insists that they need it for spacing."
Airliner 123:
"How's the ride at 8,000 feet?"
Center:
"No complaints so far, except for controller ability."
Dave Chuljian
via e-mail
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Great Holiday Gift
Clear Left, I'll Have the Chicken: An Airline Captain Looks at Life, by Kevin Garrison. What people are saying: "I have spent years and billions of dollars getting into space, only to
find that Kevin already is" — NASA spokesperson. "I think he was trying to be funny" — Mark Twain.
Available online for
only $10.95. 
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Business AVflash focuses on the companies, the products and the industry leaders that make headlines in the business aviation industry. Business AVflash is a must read. Sign up today at http://www.avweb.com/profile/.
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AVwebFlash is a weekly summary of the latest news, articles, products, features, and events featured on AVweb, the internet's aviation magazine and news service.
The AVwebFlash team is:
Publisher
Timothy Cole
Editorial Director, Aviation Publications
Paul Bertorelli
Editor-in-Chief
Russ Niles
Contributing Editors
Mary Grady
Glenn Pew
Features Editor
Kevin Lane-Cummings
Webmaster
Scott Simmons
Contributors
Jeff van West
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Comments or questions about the news should be sent here.
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Aviate. Navigate. Communicate.
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