From The Editor: Aviating, Kiwi Style

New Zealand is known for its dramatic topography---snow-capped mountains, volcanoes, fjords---and as pilots, we're fortunate to experience natural beauty from the air. U.S. pilots visiting New Zealand can obtain a short-term validation of their FAA certificate to fly in the country. Contributor Steve McCabe explains the rules and procedures, and he describes his experience at the Auckland Aero Club at Ardmore Airport.

A typical flight for John Levinson in his Mooney Acclaim is from his home base, Bedford, Mass., to Martha's Vineyard for the weekend. But recently, he and his wife Theresa embarked on the cross-country trip of their lifetime, leaving the East Coast flatlands for the higher altitudes out west. On the way to California, they encounter mountain waves and strong turbulence, and John gains a new confidence as he expands his flying repertoire. He shares their adventure and the flying travel tips he learned along the way.

For this month's Pilot Report, John Hayes flies the new Eclipse 550 jet with demo pilots Ken Oden and Iggy Burkhardt in Tucson, Ariz. New features on the 550 include an automatic anti-skid braking system, bias tires and a glass/Lexan laminate windshield, but most exciting is the auto-throttle capability. The pilot sets the airspeed, and the throttles operate automatically to hold it.

Departing an airport in a multi-engine light jet involves additional considerations beyond those with piston singles. Performance calculations based on a one-engine failure during takeoff must be analyzed. Hayes tells us how to make safe go/no-go decisions in jets while staying within the legal requirements.

Also in this issue, contributor James Wynbrandt flies the new diesel-powered Glasair Sportsman. Powered by a 155 hp Continental CD-155 diesel engine, it burns just 5.2 gph at 65% power or 6.4 gph at 75%.

Other new features include a larger rudder and vortex generators on the wings to improve controllability during slow flight. The Sportsman 2+2 is available in tricycle or tailwheel configuration, or in a convertible-geared version, where owners can switch between the two.

The variety of engine conversions available to small-aircraft owners has been steadily growing. John Ruley provides a roundup of the vendors and options that will increase efficiency and add power to your airplane.

In this month's Let It Roll, columnist Patty Wagstaff focuses on energy management in flying. It's a topic she knows intimately from performing aerobatic routines. Do you have questions for her or our other Ask P&P experts? Send them to editor@planeandpilotmag.com.

Jessica AmbatsWriter

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