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 flying DVDs, oil filter magnets, alternate air systems and much more.

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

HomebuiltWorld

A new Web site has just been published as an aid to experimental aircraft builders.

HomebuiltWorld gives homebuilders the opportunity to share their experiences with other builders by means of daily articles within a wide variety of topics. Participants can offer up their trips, tips, tricks and more as they share their "aerial" journey in this wonderful world of Experimental Aircraft Building.

HomebuiltWorld also offers aviation events, free classified ads, available experimental aircraft kits and a list of aircraft parts, accessories and services providers.

CharterX Online Charter Service Upgrade

CharterX has released the fifth generation of its popular online marketplace, the Industry XChange, where air charter buyers and sellers meet.

CharterX delivers up-to-date data on air charter carriers across the country. More than 1,000 business jets have availability data updated by the operator each week. The system also stores information on more than 1,000 deadheads on any given day.

With the launch of Version 5 Industry XChange, air charter buyers can find the exact aircraft, with exact pricing instantly. The system processes more than 1,500 full flight searches each day.

The new platform provides the latest capabilities for directly connecting operators’ in-house scheduling systems, along with XML connections to meet the broader travel industry standards. CharterX reports that search volumes, connected operators and buyers continues to grow briskly, up 50% since the previous year.

Details and charter quotes are available at the CharterX Web site.

DeTect Bird-Aircraft Radar

DeTect has released its Sigma-series Bird-Aircraft Collision Avoidance Radars. DeTect’s systems are used for bird-aircraft strike hazard (BASH) management and detection and tracking of hazardous bird activity at commercial airports, military airfields and training ranges, and for environmental surveys and study areas.

DeTect’s systems use commercial, off-the-shelf radar technologies (hardware and software) and are multi-functional, with add-on modules for simultaneous use as bird-detection, aircraft tracking, airfield surface movement, and intrusion detection radars. Systems are available in mobile and fixed configurations. Mobile systems are trailer-mounted and fully self-supporting, and include a temperature and humidity controlled operations cabin, computer systems, an on-board power system, radar towers, and military/AOA airfield lighting and marking.

For additional information, check out the DeTect Web site.

"Feels Like Flying" DVD

American Video Group has announced the availability of "Feels Like Flying!" a DVD featuring all aerial footage and targeted directly to private pilots and aviation enthusiasts.

"Feels Like Flying!" is a low-level aerial tour of America, featuring many wonders not accessible by road, and not normally visible to the public. Shot on digital video, accompanied by an inspiring musical score, the producers employed a wing-mounted camera on a J-3 Piper Cub to shoot breathtaking visuals from a pilot's perspective throughout many states from California to Wisconsin.

According to the producers, the goal of the video is to provide audiences with the positive and enjoyable feelings of flying over wide-open spaces a relaxing experience, instilled with a true sense of freedom and adventure. No narratives or actors distract from the experience. The "Pilot's Extended Edition" runs 63 minutes, and includes aerial maneuvers of special interest to experienced flyers.

More information about "Feels Like Flying!" is available at their Web site. Normal retail price is $24.95, but there is an Internet-special price of $19.95.

Daniel Webster College Modernizes Aviation Programs and Facilities

Daniel Webster College is moving forward with a major curriculum renewal effort throughout its aviation division. A number of additions to the college's aviation infrastructure have already occurred and many more are expected to be put into place over the next eight months.

In flight operations, the college has purchased three Elite iGate digital flight training devices (FTDs). These devices are reconfigurable and interchangeable as a Cessna C-172, Piper Arrow or Piper Seneca and are used in all of the college's single engine, multi-engine and crew courses. These are a new class of FTD approved by FAA -- advanced aviation training devices -- and they feature advanced avionics and visual systems that approach some full-flight simulation equipment in richness of detail. The College will see the next big infrastructure addition in flight operations this month, with the arrival of a PFC Jet Training Device. The device is largely modeled on a Boeing 737-NG glass cockpit aircraft and features full compatibility with the 737 with respect to the auto-flight and flight management systems and the primary flight and navigation displays. Systems operations are very similar to the 737.

Major enhancements to the air traffic laboratory are also being implemented. In January 2005, a new Adacel tower simulation suite will be installed. This facility will be a three-position tower simulator with a three-screen HDTV Plasma visual display system for near photo-realism in visual operations.

In June 2005, the terminal and en route radar lab will be completely replaced by a new system by UFA, which features the latest technology in color, flat panel displays and ATC (STARS-like) computer features. The communications capability of the system as well as the voice recognition features are greatly enhanced from the previous radar lab. This suite will be the backbone of an expanded air traffic control lab that allows the College, for the first time in its history, to teach both tower and radar (terminal and en-route) ATC labs.

Anyone interested in learning more about these changes should check out the Daniel Webster College Web site.

Power Flow Gross-Weight Increase for C172

Power Flow Systems, manufacturer of the Power Flow Tuned Exhaust, has received FAA approval for an STC that increases the gross weight of the C172N model with the 0-320 engines. The only requirement is installing a cowl cooling lip and limiting flap travel to 30 degrees. With the additional 100 pounds, owners can plan on taking an additional 15 gallons of fuel, or an extra passenger or additional baggage.

In its original configuration, the STC would have required relocation of the oil cooler, with about $1,500 worth of compliance costs, but all that has been eliminated with the revised STC.

Installation of a Power Flow Exhaust System is not needed to comply with the STC; however, that would enhance the performance of the N model.

The cost of the gross-weight-increase STC is $300. For more information, visit the Power Flow Web site.

RAM-Air Alternate Air System for Grummans

Approach Aviation Developmenthas has an STC for an Alternate Air system for all Grumman AA-5 Traveler and AA-5A Cheetahs.

The new RAM-Air Alternate Air System is designed to provide an alternate source of induction air to the engine without the restriction of the standard induction air filter. This system allows the pilot to bypass the induction air filter in-flight without the reduction in available engine power caused by resorting to carburetor heat. A cable control in the cockpit opens and closes a valve into the airbox that supplies unfiltered, high-pressure air from the available air in front of the forward engine baffling.

The high-pressure location of the inlet provides a source of ram air that the manufacturer claims can increase manifold pressure by approximately 1/2" Hg. This equates to 4 to 5 more horsepower at altitudes where normally aspirated aircraft engines typically produce 75% power or less. The system also increases the service ceiling and effectively reduces the aircraft's pressure altitude by about 750 feet.

The RAM-Air Alternate Air System, complete with all necessary hardware, is available at the introductory price of $750. According to the manufacturer, installation takes approximately 4-6 hours. It can be purchased directly from Approach Aviation.

AeroMag for Oil Filters

AeroMag has developed an oil-filter enhancement that it claims can make a one thousand percent improvement in removing steel particles from aircraft engine oil.

The AeroMag is a strong magnet in segments that wrap around any aircraft oil filter, attaching itself to the outer side of the filter and trapping particles that are missed by the filter. Approved only for experimental aircraft, the AeroMag can be attached in minutes and, according to the manufactuer, will help any engine reach its full TBO without affecting any instruments in the aircraft. It comes with a lifetime warranty and will never wear out.

Priced at $97.95, more information is available from the Aircraft Spruce Web site.