January/February 2009 Readback

Avidyne's FlexCare Extended Warranty
The coverage period for Avidyne's new FlexCare Extended Warranty Service Plan begins when an Avidyne product's original two-year new-product warranty expires. "We're committed to assuring [that] our customers have after-sale support that provides value and keeps pace with our product development," said Avidyne CEO Patrick Herguth. Owners can choose between one-, two- or three-year plans. Visit www.avidyne.com.

100LL Prices On Jepp Mobile
Through an agreement with Control Vision, Jeppesen now offers integrated 100LL.com fuel-pricing functionality for Jeppesen Mobile. Features include current fuel pricing for more than 3,500 FBOs at 2,300 U.S. airports; access to featured FBOs with one-touch direct dialing; and advanced fuel-search capability, including fuel type, service type and proximity to any airport, VOR or fix. For more, visit www.jeppesen.com/mobile.

Aspen Avionics In The DA20
Diamond Aircraft now offers Aspen Avionics for the DA20 (at an option price of $7,995). "Combining low acquisition cost with a 5 gph fuel burn, low maintenance costs and low insurance rates makes the glass DA20 the most economical means to integrate technically advanced aircraft training into any flight-training program," said Diamond President Peter Maurer. New DA20 aircraft equipped with the Aspen PFD can be retrofitted with the Aspen EFD1000 MFD upon its certification, which is expected in mid-2009. Visit www.diamondaircraft.com and www.aspenavionics.com.

Redbird's FMX Is Certified
Redbird Flight Simulations has received FAA certification for its FMX and SD flight simulators, and both devices are now certified as Advanced Aviation Training Devices. A pilot may now log flight experience in a Redbird simulator toward new certifications and instrument proficiency. "Now that the FMX is certified, we can start delivering against our backlog of orders," said Charlie Gregoire, Redbird's VP of sales and marketing. The FMX is expected to be installed in more than 50 locations by the end of 2009. Visit www.redbirdflightsimulations.com.

Michelin Scholarship Awarded
Careers in Aviation's 2008 Michelin Scholarship has been awarded to Desiree Nicole White from Mary Esther, Fla. The $1,000 scholarship was open to students completing their education in aerospace. White, a flight student with a 3.9 GPA, will be attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. "I feel truly honored to receive the 2008 Michelin--Careers in Aviation Scholarship. Every dollar brings me closer to reaching my goal. I will someday be among one of those few sitting in the front seat with the perfect view and the perfect job!" For more, visit www.careersinaviation.org.

Free Online Flight Planning
FlightAware, which offers free U.S. flight-tracking services for private and commercial aircraft, has released a free online flight-planning application, Flightplan. Pilots use a web browser to enter minimal information and are presented with an optimized routing matrix from which they can click to file their flight plans with the FAA and print them out for the cockpit. Visit www.flightaware.com.

SkyCatcher & Caravan
Cessna is on course to begin deliveries of the Model 162 SkyCatcher in the second half of 2009 and has taken more than 1,000 orders. Powered by a 100 hp Continental O-200D engine, the LSA will cruise at 117 knots and have a max range of 470 nm. Cessna also reports that, by the end of 2008, it will have delivered 105 Caravans; this number is anticipated to increase to 120 in 2009. "We currently have a record backlog for the Caravan, and expect to sustain the 120 delivery rate for the next several years," said Cessna's VP of worldwide propeller aircraft sales, John Doman. Visit www.cessna.com.

Product previews

Ghosts Of 2009
Ring in 2009 with an homage to classic warbirds and gorgeous aviation photography. Renowned aviation photographer Philip Makanna has taken photographs for two new calendars---Ghosts: A Time Remembered (dedicated to warbirds of World War II) and Ghosts: The Great War (a tribute to World War I aviation). For more than three decades, Makanna has devoted himself to bringing aviation photography to amazing heights. His work has previously been featured in Pilot Journal, our sister publication ["Ghosts," May/June 2006]. Makanna, a San Francisco resident, is the author of five classic aviation books---Ghosts of the Great War, Ghosts: A Time Remembered, Ghosts: Vintage Aircraft of World War II, Ghosts II and Ghosts of the Skies. Contact: Ghosts, (800) 331-8231, www.ghosts.com.

New Flight Bags
ASA has added three new flight bags to its line of go-anywhere, do-anything gear bags. Each of the bags is uniquely suited to a different mission. The CRM Flight Bag enables pilots to manage cockpit resources. The Tech Flight Bag, ideal for computer-toting pilots, includes a padded laptop sleeve for safe computer or E6B storage; it also has plenty of pockets for carrying anything from headsets to sticky notes. The Cargo Flight Bag is a true hauler; its wide-mouth opening has a built-in metal frame for strength and rigidity, and provides unrestricted access to a large interior. Contact: ASA, (800) ASA-2FLY, www.asa2fly.com.

Don't Overlook A Door Seal
Run by Mike Peter, a manufacturing engineer at Boeing, Aero-PMA-Parts of Kent, Wash., has perfected the science of GA door seals as if it was designing for the airlines. In flight, an airplane cabin is slightly more positively pressurized than on the ground, due to 100-plus-knot airspeeds. As Peter explains, "This differential or positive cabin pressure must escape, therefore air pressure actually pushes the door out slightly, and a vacuum is created, with a ’hissing' noise heard within the cabin." Aero-PMA-Parts' Air-Squeeze Kit uses "air chambers" that compress on the ground, keeping out water and wind. In flight, as cabin pressure pushes the door out, the chambers expand, keeping a proper seal between the door and airframe. Contact: Aero-PMA-Parts, (800) 770-3265, www.aero-pma-parts.com.

Keep Charts In Plain View
Sporty's Clearview Chart Holder keeps charts and flight-plan forms accessible, and enables pilots to write on them with an erasable marker. Velcro holds your chart securely in place between two pieces of durable clear plastic, allowing you to read both the front and back. Plot cross-country flights, copy ATIS and record clearances right on the plastic, using the included erasable marker. The 12x12-inch holder is suited for sectional and en route charts, as well as approach plates. Multiple chart holders can be stacked together, so you can have separate charts prepared for departure, en route and destination. Mark up the large side tabs to stay organized. Contact: Sporty's, (800) SPORTYS, www.sportys.com.

FADEC For The Plane, FADOC For The Brain
Digital MH EDS-O2D1 and MH EDS-O2D2 FADOC "Pulse Demand" oxygen-delivery systems bridge the gap between clumsy continuous-flow oxygen devices and expensive in-panel systems. GA pilots can now operate safely and comfortably up to 25,000 feet. There are no flow indicators to watch or valves to manually adjust due to altitude changes. Two buttons cycle the MH EDS systems through the various modes that automatically deliver the required supplemental oxygen pulses for various altitudes. Contact: Mountain High Equipment & Supply, (800) 468-8185, www.mhoxygen.com.

A New Study Buddy
Study Buddy, an online resource that helps pilots prepare for written exams, has been updated and expanded. The program provides free access to unlimited, customizable study sessions and practice tests; users can either study for the test in "Learning Mode" or take exams in "Test Mode." In Learning Mode, students select categories based on the areas they'd like to review. Test Mode is just like a real exam: A time limit is imposed, users are given a mix of questions and a detailed scoring report identifies areas for additional study. New to Study Buddy is the option to upgrade to a premium service that offers flash cards and more in-depth reviews. Contact: Sporty's, (800) SPORTYS, www.sportys.com/studybuddy.

Over 1,000 Publications On One CD-ROM!
The 2009 Pro-Flight Library CD-ROM from ASA makes it easy to access a comprehensive electronic aviation reference library with one mouse click. It provides a savings over the purchase of individual books. Pro-Flight Libnewly revised passages, view both old and new text, simultaneously search multiple publications, and mark and save personalized notes. The 2009 Pro-Flight Library CD-ROM contains the complete text and images for all regulations, the Aeronautical Information Manual, FAA handbooks and airworthiness directives, to name a few resources. Contact: ASA, (800) ASA-2FLY, www.asa2fly.com.