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 new handheld GPS, a diesel engine for Cherokees, icing training and more.

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

Garmin GPSMAP 496

Garmin has introduced the GPSMAP 496, a full-color, portable aviation device that expands on the GPSMAP 396's features by incorporating airport diagrams, Garmin's Smart Airspace system, AOPA's Airport Directory data, enhanced high-resolution terrain database, aviation database with private airports and heliports, accelerated GPS update rate and pre-loaded automotive maps of North America or Europe. These features are in addition to the real-time XM WX Satellite Weather.

Airport diagrams help pilots navigate unfamiliar airports with confidence. Over 650 U.S. airport diagrams come pre-loaded on the unit. Garmin's new Smart Airspace feature makes it easier than ever to identify what airspace lies ahead by highlighting airspace close to the pilot's current altitude and de-emphasizes airspace away from the current altitude.

AOPA Airport Directory data are also available in electronic format on the GPSMAP 496. The Airport Directory includes information for over 5,300 public-use airports and more than 7,000 FBOs.

In addition, the GPSMAP 496 has an enhanced, higher resolution terrain database that has over 10 times as much data as the GPSMAP 396's terrain database.

The unit's increased GPS update rate results in near-real-time updates of the aircraft's analog indicators, such as the HSI and turn rate indicator. The unit also features a USB interface and rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack.

As with the GPSMAP 396, the GPSMAP 496 will offer optional XM WX Satellite Weather that features NEXRAD, METARs, TAFs, TFRs, lightning and winds aloft.

The GPSMAP 496 is available at an expected street price of $2,795.

For more information visit the Garmin Web site. You can also read a full review of the GPSMAP 496 by AVweb's Marc Cook.

Pilot Journey FlyUSA

Pilot Journey has created a program to assist international students in locating and applying to US flight schools.

The program is unique in that the international student joins the FlyUSA program and then Pilot Journey works with the prospective student in helping to prepare all the required paperwork to attend school. In addition, cost of living, English as a second language (ESL) and other services are included with the $29 membership fee. The program helps with not only career flight training, but also specialty training such as two-week instrument courses, seaplane and mountain-flying courses.

The advantage to flight schools is that they are given at no charge a more qualified prospect, where much of the pre-qualifying is done for them.

For more information visit the Pilot Journey Web site.

Aircraft Spruce & Specialty -- Canada

Canadian aircraft builders, restorers and pilots will now have the option of reduced costs on orders from the United States, because Aircraft Spruce & Specialty has opened a new facility in Toronto.

Canadian aircraft builders and owners now have full access to all products sold by Aircraft Spruce Canada at competitive prices and shipping rates. Aircraft Spruce Canada plans to open a retail store soon and will eventually stock an extensive supply of materials and tools.

After September 1, orders can be placed, showing costs estimated in Canadian funds, and detailing shipping options for Canadians at the new Web site.

Thielert Centurion STC for Piper PA-28

In July the FAA presented Thielert Aircraft Engines the supplemental type certificate (STC) for the installation of their Centurion 1.7 diesel engine into Piper PA28-161 airplanes. Last May, a European STC was received for Piper PA28-140, -150, -160, -180 and -151. FAA acceptance for those models is also underway.

Thielert now has U.S. STCs to install its Centurion 1.7 in two of the most popular light aircraft: The Piper PA-28 and the Cessna 172.

The Centurion engines are not affected by the limited supply of avgas, because they jet fuel.

For more information visit the Thielert Web site.

Entegra Training Software for Cirrus Aircraft

Avidyne Corporation, Aerosim Technologies and Cirrus Design have developed an interactive, scenario-based training software package for Avidyne Entegra-equipped Cirrus Design aircraft.

The software includes Avidyne EXP5000 primary flight display (PFD) and EX5000 multi-function display (MFD) simulators running the Avidyne software code from the actual displays. The software also includes a simulated S-TEC 55X control head, dual GPS units and an audio panel for added realism.

The software provides procedures training in a variety of detailed scenarios and includes audio prompts and feedback. Developed using the same technologies associated with Aerosim's business and commercial jet training packages, the software can be used for initial training for new Cirrus pilots and serve as a refresher course for pilots who want to sharpen their skills.

The scenario-based training software for Avidyne Entegra-equipped Cirrus aircraft is priced at $495 and is available from Aerosim or Cirrus Design.

NASA Icing Training

NASA has made available free, online training courses for pilots regarding both ground and in-flight icing.

A Pilot's Guide to Ground Icing is primarily intended for professional pilots who make their own operational de-icing and anti-icing decisions. This includes pilots who fly business, corporate, air taxi, or freight operations in fixed-wing aircraft ranging from business jets to single-engine turboprops.

The course discusses the risks of contamination, cues to alert the pilot to ground icing hazards, and actions to help ensure safe operations. Imagery, case studies, pilot testimonials, and interactive elements are used to inform the pilot and help him or her make better operational decisions.

A Pilot's Guide to In-Flight Icing is primarily intended for the general aviation pilot who flies aircraft certified for flight in icing, although much of the information is applicable to all pilots. With an operational focus, this course provides tools pilots can use to deal with in-flight icing. Emphasis is on avoidance, detection and exit, as well as the effects of ice accretion on performance and handling and the particular hazard of supercooled large droplet (SLD) icing.

This self-guided training aid contains imagery captured on NASA Icing Research flights, animation, pilot testimonials, case studies, and interactive demonstrators. In addition, interactive exercises allow the user to assess his or her operational understanding of the key points presented.

Your computer must have Flash Player 6 or higher and a Javascript-enabled internet browser. The course may also be downloaded in its entirety if required for local use on your computer system (ZIP format: 152 Mb for the ground course, and 46 Mb for the in-flight course).

To take the training, visit the NASA Icing Courses Web site.