What's New -- Products and Services

This month AVweb's survey of the latest products and services for pilots, mechanics and aircraft owners brings you a dual fuel tank indicator, Citation single-pilot training, fine-wire spark plugs, Power Flow for Mooneys and much more.

If you know of a new product or service other AVweb readers should hear about, please send us a note.

Dual Fuel Level Indicator

Aerospace Logic announced the release of three new variants of their FL-100-R Dual Fuel Level Indicator. These new products enhance sender response for lower resistance senders and simplify the calibration process. Typical install and calibration time is reduced by at least 50% by using these new products, according to the manufacturer.

The entire calibration process has been redefined for all FL-100 models and now offers the following significant improvements:

• Unknown Tank Size Calibration: It is no longer a requirement to know the tank size or the maximum indicating capability of your fuel sender/tank configuration. Once the tank has been filled or the sender reaches its maximum reporting point, the calibration process can be concluded and the maximum fuel quantity as well as maximum sender reporting capability is automatically computed and programmed into the instrument.
• One Pass Calibration: Tank calibration can now be concluded with one single fill/calibrate cycle. The previous requirement to recalibrate the tank if the full capacity was not reached is now eliminated by the new tank capacity computation algorithm.
• Detailed Sender Error Reporting: In depth diagnostic and reporting functions have now been integrated into the calibration software that will allow the pinpointing of sender and calibration problems. Error resolution details are now included as part of the installation manual.
• Critical Point Condition Reporting: FAR's define specific functional points for fuel level indicating systems. The calibration routines now include error and diagnostic reporting systems to confirm that the target fuel senders meet the requirements of the FAR's. Where they do not, problem sources are identified and resolution options are included in the installations manual.
• Non-Similar Tank Sizes: As a result of all these changes to the calibration system, the instrument is now able to support different fuel tank quantities for the two tanks. This is of specific significance as it relates to sender response where previously the sender ranges had to be identical. The identical requirement still remains at the zero fuel level (a FAR requirement). In addition the instrument can now be used for different size belly and auxiliary tanks.

The Dual Fuel Level Indicators are available for about $460. More information is on the Aerospace Logic Web site.

SimCom Five-Day Citation Single Pilot Training

SimCom’s Orlando training center recently received FAA approval for a five-day Citation single pilot training program, which utilizes a Level C simulator and advanced training materials to provide professional initial and recurrent programs. The revised single pilot initial course is conducted over a five-day period, and combines 19.5 hours of briefing and classroom instruction with 10 hours of simulator training, concluding with a check ride in the customer’s aircraft. The revised recurrent course is also conducted in a five-day period in which the customer receives 19.5 hours of briefing and classroom instruction with 12 hours of simulator training.

These newly enhanced courses provide the same level of instruction as their previously approved seven-day courses, according to the company. Satisfactory completion of the appropriate initial or recurrent training program authorizes single-pilot operation of the CE-500, CE-550, CE-S550 and CE-560.

More information is on the SimCom Web site.

Unison Fine-Wire Spark Plugs

Unison Industries has launched its new Autolite® XL Fine Wire Aviation Spark Plugs. The fine-wire plugs extend Unison’s general aviation (GA) spark plug offerings beyond its massive-electrode spark plugs, which have been in the market for many years.

The fine-wire plugs were designed with spark performance, long life and total value in mind. The plug utilizes a pedestal mount for the welded side-wire electrode, resulting in a projected gap design that provides a less shielded spark for improved combustion. To extend plug life, the Autolite XL plug contains iridium material in both the side-wire electrode and the center electrode tip, as well as Unison’s proprietary glass seal and integral resistor.

Based on today’s prices, Unison claims the fine-wire plugs will have a list price of approximately 30 percent below the competitor’s fine wire product and still provide the long life expected from an iridium fine wire spark plug.

More information is on the Unison Web site.

Calendar of Great Aircraft Engines

The Calendar of Great Aircraft Engines 2005 has recently been released. As in years past, the 2005 calendar is devoted to piston engines and covers a wide spectrum of World War I, Schneider Trophy, World War II and post World War II engines. It is packed with information, beautiful black & white photos and line drawings. Well-known engines such as the fascinating Wright R-3350 Turbo Compound, the Pratt & Whitney Wasp, and Wright J-5 are covered. Rarer ones such as the King Bugatti, Napier Nomad and Rolls-Royce Exe are also included. A description and brief specification accompanies the featured engine for each month.

The Calendar of Great Aircraft Engines is US$12.95 for U.S. and Canadian addresses, including shipping and handling. It is available directly from Weak Force Press.

GA Aircraft Wheel Jack

Aircraft Spruce & Specialty has added a new wheel jack to its inventory. Designed to be portable and stored in GA aircraft, the jack weighs a mere 4.5 lbs and makes it easy to raise an aircraft gear for tire replacement.

Ideal for aircraft owners who do their own maintenance work, the jack sells for $94.50 and takes up very little space in any baggage compartment or hangar. The gear is available on Aircraft Spruce’s online catalog and will appear in the 2005 printed catalog.

Power Flow for 200 HP Mooneys

The FAA recently approved the Power Flow tuned exhaust system upgrade for Mooney models M20 E, F, and J, in the class of 200 horsepower.

The Power Flow installation provides a number of performance enhancements, according to the company: Engine efficiency is improved, fuel savings are realized at the same cruise speeds, oil temperatures remain lower during climb and the rate of climb can see an increase of up to 15 percent. Mooney pilots may even see a max. speed gain of up to 6.5 knots at 11,500 feet. At normal cruise there is a reported increase of 4.5 knots and a savings of 1.3 gallons of fuel per hour.

Introductory pricing for the complete tuned exhaust system for a 200 hp Mooney is $4,050, which is good through December 31, 2004. On January 1, the price will increase to $4,590. An optional ceramic coating, which preserves the chrome color of the exhaust system, costs an additional $200.

For more information and to review flight test information, visit the Power Flow Web site.

Flight Operation System v. 3

Media Online has launched a new version of their Flight Operation System, developed for flight companies, flight schools, clubs as well as private aircraft owners.

Flight Operation System is available in two editions -- Standard Edition and Enterprise Edition. Standard Edition has been created for private aircraft owners and flying groups. It involves registration for pilots (maximum 25 per airplane), aircraft reservations for between one and 10 airplanes, maintenance control and reports. The Enterprise version, developed for flight companies, flight schools and clubs, provides additional services (unlimited planes and pilots) for flight training and connection of the Flight Operation System to a client’s particular accounting system.

Flight Operation System is an internet-based system, so clients can access the system from anywhere in the world. Prices start at US$250 per year for the Standard Edition with one aircraft.

The Flight Operation System is a product focused on a great variety of clients, regardless the size of the company. It can serve to a single aircraft owner, as well as a huge flight company. The greatest current application of the Flight Operation System has been made for a flight school with 35 aircraft and 540 pilots.

Detailed information about the Flight Operation System, including a demo version, is available at the product page.

Puma Method for Motion Sickness

Puma Applied Science recently introduced the Puma Method for Prevention of Motion Sickness, developed by Sam C. Puma, M.D., a former Air Force Flight Surgeon at NASA. Taught on VHS or interactive DVD, the Puma Method is a series of conditioning exercises that are done at home that will, according to the company, prevent the nausea, lightheadedness, headache and other unpleasant symptoms experienced while traveling.

According to Dr. Puma, the Puma Method is unique in that it uses the body’s own mechanism to actually prevent motion sickness, so there is never a need for drugs, devices or herbs. The mild head, neck and upper body exercises take about 15 minutes a day to do. Conditioning gradually occurs in about two weeks.

The DVD or VHS tape costs about $40 and is is available from the Puma Method Web site.

MT Propeller for Aviat Husky

Larry Schlasinger and MT Propeller have announced a new MT Propeller STC for the Husky A1, A1A & A1B. Schlasinger has recently completed FAA certification of a lightweight, two-blade composite propeller for all models of the Aviat Husky.

This 83-inch, high-performance, 2700-rpm propeller provides a 19- to 30- pound weight reduction (as compared to the standard Hartzell propellers), elimination of the RPM-prohibited range, improved take-off & climb performance, less vibration and better cruise speed. It also provides a steeper decent for shorter landings.

The propeller/STC combination is available from Larry Schlasinger, the MT Sales Representative.