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 Rotax training classes, multimedia courses, a dictionary, a Mode S transponder and more.

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

Ursa Wagon

Ursa Wagons are lightweight, versatile wagons that are easily pulled by hand or towed behind a golf cart. Everything can be moved in just one trip with their jumbo capacity.

The cargo container tips past 90º to dump the contents; the high clearance helps it maneuver over bumps; and zero turning radius means it is easy to maneuver as needed.

Since different tasks require different tools, there are several Ursa Wagons, ranging from the Value model (400-lb carrying capacity), to the Pro model (500-lb capacity). They can be purchased with regular wheels (as shown) or with large turf wheels.

Furthermore, Ursa accessories -- specifically engineered for Ursa's unique design -- allow Ursa Wagons to adapt to the job at hand. Once such accessory, the multi-position side boards, prompted the company to call it "the only wagon with wings." The side boards can also attach vertically and then, along with wing end panels, expand the cargo space substantially.

For more information visit the Ursa Web site.

P2 Aviation TimeTrac v.2.0

Last year AVweb reported on P2 Aviation's TimeTrac system for recording aircraft flight information that can be used to manage maintenance tasks and track aircraft component life.

Now P2 Aviation has released TimeTrac 2.0 with a number of improved features:

• Synched takeoff and landing activation — For aircraft that already make use of some type of switching device to activate and deactivate an existing hour meter, TimeTrac can also be synched up with a plane's existing hour meter through this switch – further automating the tracking of flight time information.
• Expanded worldwide airport database — TimeTrac's built-in airport database has been expanded beyond the United States to include coverage of over 9,000 registered airports worldwide. Additionally, operators have the ability to add custom airports and destinations – for seaplane pilots and others who make takeoffs and landings at points not listed in the database.
• Enhanced intuitive user interface — The latest version of the software features an advanced and user-friendly interface that can be customized to individual preferences and key areas of interest.
• Updated aircraft overview page – For quick reference, an aircraft's six most recent flights are displayed as well as a comparison of block-to-block vs. time-in-service flight-time calculations.
• Improved service bulletins and AD timers — The system now has the capability to label Service Bulletins and Airworthiness Directives as "one-time," "recurring," "not applicable," and "closed," making it easier to identify, time and manage.
• Installation diagnostics — The latest version of the system includes a diagnostic tool that enables the avionics technician to verify that the system is installed and working properly. Upon successful completion of the diagnostics, owners receive a verification code that is also registered with P2 for warranty purposes.

Priced at $2,495, TimeTrac 2.0 can be purchased online at the P2 Aviation Web site. Until June 1, 2007, existing TimeTrac customers can download the 2.0 software on the site free of charge.

Dictionary of Aeronautical Terms -- Fourth Edition

Aviation is an industry full of terms, acronyms and technical language. The Dictionary of Aeronautical Terms helps users understand all the terms, phrases, and disciplines of aviation, and is especially helpful for newcomers to the industry, or those who speak English as a second language.

This Fourth Edition of the Dictionary by industry-expert Dale Crane explains as well as defines more than 10,000 terms and includes nearly 500 illustrations to further define and aid visual recognition. All specific to the aviation industry, the terms have been gathered from the regulations, the Pilot/Controller Glossary from the AIM, and glossaries from government handbooks and manuals. Terms not defined in government publications are also included. Appendices provide useful tables and lists, including the periodic table of elements, phonetic alphabet, Morse code, and an expanded list of aviation acronyms.

The Dictionary of Aeronautical terms is available for $19.95 from book resellers and direct from ASA.

ATI Rotax Training Classes at Sun 'n Fun

Aero Technical Institute (ATI) is offering several engine training classes at the Sun 'n Fun Fly-in in mid-April, 2007.

There will be a two-day class on four-stroke engines on Tuesday and Wednesday April 17 & 18, plus a two-day class on two-stroke engines on Thursday and Friday April 19 & 20.

Designed for aircraft owners seeking better understanding of Rotax powerplants in a shorter class, there will be a one-day class on four-stroke engines on Saturday. April 21. All classes will be held from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm each day at the Lockwood display in the new Sun 'n Fun Light Plane area (formerly known as Paradise City or the Ultralight Area).

Cost of the two-day classes is $445 for advance registration and $545 at the event. For owners wishing to register for the one-day class, the cost is $295 if they register before March 15 or $325 if after that date or at the airshow.

To learn more, visit the ATI Web site.

Flight1 Avidyne PFD Multimedia Courseware

Flight1 Aviation Technologies has created Avidyne PFD Multimedia courseware, enabling pilots and owners of Avidyne-equipped aircraft to efficiently operate and familiarize themselves with the Avidyne Entegra EXP5000 Primary Flight Display.

Developed in cooperation with Avidyne, the courseware presents a series of lessons and interactive flight scenarios in a knowledge-based, building block approach: Course sections are unlocked as the student progresses. Student comprehension is measured by several multiple-choice tests and flight scenarios. During the flight scenarios, the student demonstrates his or her grasp of the material by correctly selecting the appropriate PFD function(s), and by correctly answering operational questions. In all cases, the student must achieve a minimum score of 80% before proceeding to the next section. The flight scenarios are presented in an interactive format in order to ensure the highest possible comprehension and retention. Upon successful conclusion of the course, the student will be issued a Certificate of Completion. Flight1 Aviation Technologies Avidyne PFD Multimedia Courseware is available in DVD format and requires a Windows XP operating system, DirectX 9 compatible sound card and an optional internet connection. Retail single-user pricing is $149.95. Corporate flight departments, university, and training facility licenses are available.

For more information visit the Flight 1 Web site.

Gentco Nitrogen Tire Inflation System

Because aircraft tires involve complex production procedures and are operated in severe conditions, the FAA and a number of tire manufacturers recommend using nitrogen for inflation. Gentco has produced 20 cubic-foot and 40 cubic-foot nitrogen tire inflation systems.

The GKNAT20-TC is a 20 cubic-foot high-pressure nitrogen tank (supplied empty) with a stand, six-foot hose, pressure-reducing single-stage regulator and a tire inflator with a dial-pressure gauge that can be reset. The 40 cubic-foot model has the same features of the smaller system.

Nitrogen is a totally inert gas that will not support corrosion or oxidation in aircraft wheels and tires. The two systems sell complete for $247 and $329. Accessory kits for people who already have a tank are $144. Gentco systems can be ordered through Aircraft Spruce & Specialty.

Alpha Trainer 3D

AlphaTrainer 3D is a combination of the X-Plane flight simulator and a plugin developed to allow the user to interactively visualize the angle of attack ("alpha") and the aerodynamic forces on a plane during maneuvers. It is a learning tool for student and experienced pilot alike. AlphaTrainer 3D and AlphaTrainer 3D PRO are available in either Windows or Macintosh versions.

This instructional device will demonstrate how an airplane can stall in any attitude and at any airspeed. It allows the user to visualize the critical angle of attack in red. If the airplane is flying at high speed, the angle of attack is at the bottom of the green. As the airplane slows, the angle of attack moves upward into the yellow caution area. If the speed becomes too slow, the angle of attack moves into the critical red range. At this point, an airplane wing will cease to fly.

AlphaTrainer also shows that the "pilot's perceived attitude" is sometimes elusive, often leading to confusion. This may occur whenever the airplane's attitude differs from the flightpath. This divergence is particularly true during accelerated flight maneuvers and wind shear. Many accidents have proven that even the most experienced pilot can incorrectly perceive the actual flight path. AlphaTrainer depicts this divergence simply and clearly.

AlphaTrainer 3D is about $40 if you already own the X-Plane 7 flight simulator; for an extra $20, you can get X-Plane bundled with AlphaTrainer 3D. For more information and to order, visit the Alpha Trainer Web site.

Garmin GTX 328 Mode S Transponder for Europe

Garmin (Europe) has introduced the GTX 328 Mode S transponder to meet the European regulation for Mode S implementation for VFR aircraft by Mar. 31, 2008.

A modification of the GTX 330, GTX 328 is intended to serve VFR/Class 2 aircraft where there is adequate size and power consumption support for a GTX 328 unit. The GTX 328 is designed to be a straightforward retrofit.

The GTX 328 retains many of the GTX 330 features such as displaying outside air temperature, altitude monitoring, count up and count down timers (using a built-in digitized voice annunciator to alert the pilot when preset altitude limits have been exceeded or timer expiration), density altitude functions, and front-panel input for flight ID.

The existing GTX 330 Mode S Transponder provides TIS (Traffic Information Services), EHS (Enhanced Mode S) functionality, and transmits power that exceeds the requirement for VFR aircraft in Europe. The new GTX 328 will not offer TIS, EHS or ADS-B functionality.

For additional information about European Mode S mandate, visit this Web site.

Garmin anticipates GTX 328 certification in April 2007, with initial shipments beginning in late April 2007. The GTX 328 Mode S transponder has a suggested list price of US$2,995 and will be available directly from Garmin authorized aviation sales outlets in Europe.

For more information visit the Garmin Web site.

Lancair Reno Edition Engines

Lancair International and Barrett Precision Engines have teamed up to offer the new line of Lancair Reno Edition Engines. The Lancair Reno Edition Engine line starts with a re-manufactured, zero-time engine. The block is custom painted in Lancair's Reno dark cherry red. Custom valve covers are installed along with a matched enameled induction system.

Barrett Precision Engines enhance the engine's performance by blue-printing the engine, installing 10:1 forged pistons; dynamically balancing all rotating parts within 1 gram-inch; installing as an option CermiNil cylinder barrels and rings; flow balancing all valves to improve volumetric efficiency; and testing including a 100% power run to ensure the engine is creating rated horsepower.

Lancair's FastBuild Engine program takes the completion process to the next level. All aluminum baffling is installed and all high-temperature-silicone die-cut baffling is attached. All oil lines and fuel lines are installed and routed; additionally, Lancair's performance exhaust is installed.

For more information visit the Lancair Web site.