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 Skyhawks with diesel engines, voltage regulators, GPS screen protectors, gift cards and much more.

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

Cessna Skyhawk with Thielert Diesel Engine

Cessna will offer the Thielert turbodiesel engine in its Skyhawk 172S aircraft, with deliveries set to begin in mid-2008.

The Skyhawk TD (turbodiesel) will feature a full-authority digital-engine control (FADEC)-equipped Thielert Centurion 2.0-liter engine. The double-overhead camshaft, in-line, four-cylinder, turbocharged engine develops 155 horsepower, is certified to operate on Jet-A fuel, is liquid cooled and drives a composite, three-blade, constant-speed propeller.

Thielert has a supplemental type certificate (STC) for the Skyhawk, allowing Cessna to offer a factory-installed Thielert engine. The engine features low specific-fuel consumption, electronic engine-control systems and improved hot-and-high engine performance.

More info from the Cessna Web site.

Avidyne WAAS Upgrade For Cirrus and Columbia Aircraft

Avidyne Corporation has received Technical Standard Order (TSO) approval for the Entegra Release 7 software upgrade for Cirrus Design and Columbia aircraft. Release 7 adds WAAS precision-approach capability and other performance and usability enhancements on Entegra primary flight displays (PFDs) and EX5000 multi-function displays (MFDs).

Release 7 adds WAAS annunciations and LPV guidance received from a WAAS-equipped GPS unit to give pilots access to the rapidly growing number of WAAS instrument approach procedures. Release 7 PFD upgrades also add oil temperature display on the PFD for engine performance monitoring, enhanced messaging for diagnostics on start-up, improved ADAHRS and AHRS warm-start capability, and new field-support functionality.

Release 7 MFD update includes multiple software enhancements and internal updates for improved system performance and equivalent factory-level software.

Pricing for the Release 7.0 Entegra software upgrade for systems covered under the Avidyne FLEX Service Program is $2,395 for systems with a single PFD and single MFD. All customers who previously upgraded to Release 6 are eligible for in-warranty pricing. Pricing is $3,895 for single-PFD and single-MFD systems with pre-Release 6 software and no longer under warranty. Customers covered under a Cirrus warranty may contact Cirrus for pricing.

Authorized service centers will remove and send the EXP5000 PFDs to Avidyne for upgrade, test and recertification to support WAAS GPS navigation inputs. To expedite the process, Avidyne strongly recommends that owners accomplish the Release 7 upgrade while simultaneously upgrading their Garmin GPS receivers, antennas and wiring. EXP5000 operators should not perform the Garmin GPS WAAS upgrade prior to installing Release 7.

Upgrades for the EX5000 MFD may be completed by Avidyne dealers.

More info from Avidyne's Web site.

BrakesOff.com Airport Information

Exploring pilots have a new tool to find that mythical $100 hamburger and other near-airport attractions. BrakesOff.com has a database of airport restaurants and attractions. More than 5,000 airports throughout the United States, both commercial and general aviation, are included. After 10 months pilots have added well over 1,500 comments for airports around the U.S., averaging about five comments and 150 users a day.

BrakesOff.com compiles basic FAA airport information along with public comments for each airport. Users are encouraged to add information regarding their own favorite airport restaurants and attractions. You don't have to register or pay anything to search for information or to leave comments.

To explore your next destination, visit BrakesOff.

Plane-Power Power-Flex Voltage Regulators

Plane-Power has received FAA PMA certification for a full line of certified aircraft voltage regulators under the Power-Flex brand name. Plane-Power says that Power-Flex voltage regulators offer the following advantages over existing aircraft voltage regulators:

• Higher reliability;
• Precision over-voltage protection;
• Longer service life;
• Alternator inoperative lamp;
• Fail-safe load sharing (for twins);
• Easily adjustable regulation;
• Simple installation; and
• Two-year warranty

Power-Flex regulators feature solid-state components and no moving parts, to give higher reliability, better performance, and longer service life.

Each Power-Flex voltage regulator is capable of managing 14-V alternator systems, 28-V alternator systems, single-engine applications or twin-engine applications. There is only one model number to purchase and install for any certified application.

Plane-Power voltage regulators are FAA PMA certified to replace voltage regulators on many single-engine and twin-engine Cessna, Piper, Beechcraft, and many other certified aircraft.

The Plane-Power Power-Flex regulator is also the heart of Plane-Power's new generator-to-alternator conversion kits, also recently certified for many generator-powered, certified-aircraft applications. Each Plane-Power generator-to-alternator conversion kit features a Plane-Power alternator and Power-Flex regulator (two for twin-engine aircraft applications), requisite brackets and hardware.

More info is available from the Plane-Power Web site.

Avidyne Envision Glass Cockpit Retrofit for Cessna 210

Avidyne Corporation and Crownair Aviation recently introduced the Envision integrated flight deck for retrofit installation in Cessna 210 and T210 Centurion single-engine piston aircraft. Avidyne and Crownair are jointly developing the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC).

The retrofit is based on the Avidyne Entegra integrated flight deck for new aircraft, which is also available for retrofit in King Air 200 and 90-Series turboprops, Cessna 300 and 400 Series piston twins, and pre-Entegra-equipped Cirrus SR20 and SR22 single-engine piston aircraft.

The Envision system for Cessna 210 and T210 aircraft includes an Avidyne EXP5000 Primary Flight Display (PFD), an Avidyne EX5000 Multi-Function Display (MFD), Mid-Continent Instruments two-inch standby altimeter, airspeed indicator and attitude indicator, and a J.P. Instruments engine monitor.

The PFD may be coupled with the autopilot for altitude pre-select, vertical speed select and heading select without the need for an external control panel.

The 10.4-inch diagonal MFD can show flight plan information and Avidyne's two-way MultiLink datalink weather service. Options include an EGPWS/TAWS display, lightning and traffic. Additional options are Avidyne's FlightCenter services for flight tracking and two-way text messaging capabilities, and CMax Jeppesen JeppView electronic charts.

Retail pricing for the Envision integrated flight deck for Cessna 210 and T210 aircraft begins at $29,995 for the EXP5000 PFD and $13,995 for the EX5000 MFD. Pricing for the Crownair Centurion STC kit will be available from Crownair Aviation. For more information visit Avidyne's Web site or Crownair's Web site.

Master Design Seatbelt Adjuster

The new Master Design Seatbelt Adjuster is a non-intrusive, plastic clip designed to allow a user to better position their seat belt to prevent it from rubbing against the neck.

This clip takes a few seconds to snap permanently in place on the lap belt. Slip the shoulder strap under the front tongue of the clip and slide the clip to a point where the strap is away from the neck and chest. This will be most welcome on long flights or car trips.

The Master Design Seatbelt Adjuster has been crash tested to meet U.S. Government regulations and is appropriate for adults and children over 80 pounds.

The Seatbelt Adjuster is available at leading mass merchandisers and auto-parts retailers. Suggested retail is $3.99 for a package of two. For further information, visit the Master Design Web site.

Sporty's Screen Protectors

Sporty's Screen Protectors are a thin film pre-cut to fit smoothly over a GPS or glass-cockpit panel. They are durable, scratch-resistant and anti-reflective.

Screen Protectors are laser-cut for a precise fit for the Garmin G1000, GNS430, GNS480, GNS530, GPSMAP 296, GPSMAP 396, GPSMAP 496 and the Avidyne Entegra system.

Once Screen Protectors are applied (just peel and stick), you can wipe them with a soft cloth. Fingerprints will wipe right off and scratches won't damage expensive avionics.

Screen Protectors range in price from $18.95 for a hand-held GPS to $89.95 for a complete glass-panel system and may be ordered at Sporty's Web site.

Power Flow Tuned Exhaust For Beech Sport And Musketeer

Power Flow Systems is now shipping tuned exhaust systems to owners of O-320 powered Beech Sport and Musketeer aircraft. This follows completion of flight testing and installation tests to make sure the exhaust fits all the different models covered by the STC. The company has now turned its attention to developing an exhaust for the O-360 powered models of the Beech 23 series.

According to the company, the Power Flow exhaust provides a number of benefits for Beech owners, including shorter take-off runs, an increase of 30-130 additional RPM, increased rate of climb of between 50 and 250 fpm, fuel savings at current speeds and greater service ceiling. The company offers a 60-day money-back, satisfaction guarantee, as well as a one year, 500-hour guarantee on the exhaust itself.

This is a true tuned exhaust system, (not merely crossover tubes) and its design delivers up to 23 additional horsepower. The Power Flow exhaust completely replaces the existing exhaust components, and includes all necessary installation hardware. Each kit also includes detailed installation instructions, the FAA STC and authorization letter. The Performance exhaust kit with a polished muffler sells for $4,290, and the version with a ceramic-coated muffler sells for $4,490.

For more information visit the Power Flow Web site.

Sporty's Gift Cards and Wish List

Call it "Bad Gift Insurance." No matter how much your loved ones want to please you, finding just the right gift can be a challenge. That's why Sporty's has stepped in with Sporty's Gift Cards and Sporty's Wish List.

Sporty's Wish List guides you through making a list for the Santas in your life. When a loved one asks you what you want for the holidays, you'll be ready. Then you can email friends and family your list, or print it out and hand it to them.

If you can't quite decide yet what you want, consider asking for a Sporty's Gift Card. Gift cards can be purchased in any amount starting at $25, have no expiration date, are used just like a credit card.

Sporty's Gift Card may be ordered from Sporty's Web site.

Aviat Aircraft Covers For Husky And Pitts

Aviat Aircraft is now offering fabric covers for the Husky and Pitts Special. Designed and developed by Cunningham Aircraft Covers in Arlington, Wash., the covers can be ordered in three types of fabric. For all models of the Husky they include covers for the wind shield, wing, tail group, prop and spinner. Insulated and non-insulated cowl covers are also available for the Husky. Pitts Specials can be fitted with canopy covers, cowl plugs or prop covers.

For fabric covered aircraft like the Husky and Pitts Special, covers are essential for preserving that fabric when the aircraft is parked outside, even if only for a few days.

All covers feature UV protection and the various fabrics range from water-proof to water-resistant and all are breathable. Prices for the covers range from $85 to $400.

Cunningham Aircraft Covers has been in business for 39 years and offers a three-year guarantee on all their covers.

For more information, visit the Aviat Web site.

Professional Pilot's Career Guide Book

The Professional Pilot Career Guide, Third Edition, provides a complete sourcebook of professional flying opportunities. This updated guide contains detailed coverage of pilot ratings and practical test standards-plus goal-achieving tips on job hunting, networking, regional airlines, the majors, and more.

Written by career pilot and aviation-industry expert Robert P. Mark, this reference offers a real-world look at what it's like to fly for the airlines, corporations, or charter companies, together with guidance on pay, benefits, types of aircraft, and future prospects. Packed with illustrations, Professional Pilot Career Guide features:

• Full coverage of aviation training-where to get it and how to finance it;
• The latest airline, corporate, and charter employment opportunities;
• 200 common interview questions-and the 10 most frequent interview mistakes;
• Current information on the best-paying flying jobs;
• Valuable advice on PC-based job search techniques;
• In-depth pilot interviews;
• Essential internet resources;

You can order Professional Pilot Career Guide from AVweb's Bookstore.