June 2015 Readback

Aspen Avionics received FAA approval for its ATX100G transceiver.

Aspen Avionics' ADS-B ATX100G Certified

Aspen Avionics received FAA approval for its ATX100G transceiver. Deliveries will begin immediately. The single-band ATX100G is compatible with Aspen Evolution PFDs and MFDs. Aspen's ADS-B products utilize either a single, bottom-mounted antenna or a diversity antenna system with top and bottom-mounted antennas for optimum traffic detection. Aspen's ATX100G single-band ADS-B transceiver receives and transmits on 978 MHz UAT frequency. The transceiver has an internal WAAS GPS sensor and provides a solution for aircraft equipped with a Mode A/C or Mode S transponder without a compatible WAAS GPS navigation receiver. In addition, it receives ADS-B subscription-free weather, traffic and meets ADS-B Out mandate below 18,000 feet. "Aspen designs products to work with what aircraft owners already have in their panels. Our NextGen, single-band transceivers provide an easy and cost-effective way for pilots to meet the upcoming ADS-B Out mandate in 2020," said John Uczekaj, CEO of Aspen Avionics. Visit www.aspenavionics.com.

FreeFlight Systems Equip-It 2020

FreeFlight Systems launched Equip-It 2020, a program to provide ADS-B equipment for light GA aircraft that breaks the $2,000 barrier for a basic, but complete, system. Equip-It 2020 features the product line, RANGR Lite, in two configurations: an ADS-B Out (only) system, FDL-978-TXL, list priced at $1,995; and an ADS-B In/Out system, FDL-978-XVRL, for $3,695. FreeFlight Systems is committing to build 10,000 of these systems in an effort to reduce costs to the GA community and is offering them through participating dealers. Both systems come complete with built-in WAAS/GPS, and include ADS-B and GPS antennas, an install kit, control head and/or WiFi module if needed. "Many of our customers, especially those with older aircraft, told us that they need a low-cost option for equipage to meet the January 1, 2020, deadline for ADS-B," said Tim Taylor, CEO of FreeFlight Systems. "We needed to find a way to accomplish that without compromising the quality of the system. Volume was the way to make that happen, and we are stepping up." Visit www.freeflightsystems.com and www.equipit2020.com.

ATP Flight School And Mesa Airlines

An exclusive agreement, Mesa Airlines will offer ATP's current instructor group of 200 its tuition assistance program, Mesa TAP. In exchange, these pilots will commit to flying for Mesa Airlines upon reaching eligibility. Mesa also plans to invest in future student pilots through this program. "This is the first program that truly promotes the pilot career. It provides a solution to the pilot's loan repayment responsibility and will help them make a decision to enter into one of the most rewarding careers with tremendous long-term earning potential," said Derrick Dennis, ATP's president. Visit www.mesa-air.com and www.atpflightschool.com.

Textron Aviation Expands Global King Air Service

Textron announced its company-owned service centers in Sacramento, California; Mesa, Arizona; and Paris, France, have gained certification for Beechcraft King Air 90-, 200- and 300-series aircraft service and repair, expanding factory service accessibility to its global customer base. "The combination of Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker under the Textron Aviation umbrella continues to pay dividends to our customers, this time with the expansion of company-owned King Air services for our operators in both the Western U.S. and Europe," said Brad Thress, senior vice president, customer service. Visit www.txtav.com.

Independence Aviation Signs Sun Flyer Agreement

Independence Aviation (IA) has signed a Deposit Agreement with Aero Electric Aircraft Corp. (AEAC) for an early delivery position on a "Sun Flyer" solar-electric training system being developed by AEAC. AEAC is planning to offer the first certified U.S.-sponsored, practical, all-electric airplane serving the aviation training markets. The company unveiled the single-seat technology demonstrator for its next-generation solar-electric training aircraft and continues to perform initial R&D flight-test operations while the first two-seat prototype Sun Flyer is being assembled. Visit www.sunflyer.com and www.flywithia.com.

Kirby Chambliss Teams Up With Tempest

Tempest Plus Marketing Group has committed once again to its partnership with world-renowned aerobatic pilot Kirby Chambliss. "Kirby is not only a championship aerobatic and Red Bull Air Race pilot, but he has been a good friend of Tempest for many years," says John Herman, President of Tempest. We are proud to have him represent Tempest. His dedication to excellence and determination to always be the absolute best runs parallel to our philosophy regarding our customers and our products." With two RBAR World Championships and eight race victories under his belt, Chambliss seeks his third World Championship this year. He commented, "I am looking for my third World Championship, which hasn't been done yet!" Visit www.tempestplus.com and www.teamchambliss.com.


C4 Final Test With Continental

Continental Motors recently announced FAA Type Certification of its new alternative fuel powerplant, IO-360-AF. This success encouraged Flight Design to move its test C4 from the fabrication plant to its German headquarters in Kamenz, where it will undergo final tests leading to first flight of the new design. Flight Design will run the IO-360-AF engine at a maximum power output of 180 hp at 2,550 rpm to permit quieter operation as needed to meet international noise standards. Visit www.flightdesign.com and www.continentalmotors.aero.

Garmin Vantage Unveiled

The Garmin Vantage is a family of existing ADS-B solutions that serve a diverse number of aircraft and their operators, including experimental, general aviation, helicopter, business and transport category aircraft. "Garmin's heritage of innovation has paved the way for thousands of pilots to realize the immediate safety benefits of ADS-B today," said Carl Wolf, VP of aviation sales and marketing. "Regardless of what type of aircraft you fly, where you fly or what you're looking to get out of ADS-B, pilots can depend on a Garmin Vantage ADS-B solution to exceed their needs and keep them flying." The GDL 84 offers experimental and general aviation aircraft an all-inclusive option to wirelessly display weather and traffic on a mobile device while meeting regulatory requirements for ADS-B Out when operating below 18,000 feet. Visit www.garmin.com/ads-b.

PRODUCT PREVIEWS

New Aviator Timepiece

HMEWatch.com has introduced their first Aviator Timepiece named the ATP-Pro series. The all-digital model features an altimeter, thermometer, 24-hour chronograph, adjustable 99-hour countdown timer, multiple alarms and a perpetual calendar. The ATP-Pro is a bulky, strong G-Shock type with a thick plastic casing. The ATP-Pro II is a conventional-sized model with a stainless case and rubber strap. Both models have the exact same features and are available with either a standard white background or a black "subtractive" LCD display. Contact: www.hmewatch.com.

Smith & Wesson Flashlight

The Smith & Wesson flashlight from Sporty's incorporates white and red LEDs in a slim profile to fit in a shirt pocket. One button operates this flashlight, making it easy to use without having to take your eyes off your panel or preflight. Pushing the button once illuminates one red LED, twice illuminates both red LEDs and holding the button down lights up seven extra bright, white LEDs. Constructed of aircraft-grade aluminum, the flashlight measures 6.25 inches in length and uses three AAA batteries. Contact: www.sportys.com.

Boeing Fuselage Doors

MotoArt's Fuselage Doors are created from an actual fuselage of a Boeing aircraft. The mirror (or satin)-polished doors slide along a track system that's quiet and smooth. Inside the fuselage shell are the airplane windows that have been removed, refinished and brought back to a spotless and pristine state. The door handle is a repurposed vintage radio antenna, and the backside of the doors are painted a Mercedes silver. The doors can be custom-cut to sizes of 25 feet or more with a choice of plexiglass or aluminum end caps. Contact: www.motoart.com.

Aircraft Propulsion Book

University Aviation Press' new Aircraft Propulsion: Pistons, Turbines, Propellers & Thrust by David Robson introduces all aspects of aircraft propulsion from the principles of power and thrust to the technical details of various types of engines. It takes an in-depth look at the function, operation and performance of four-stroke piston engines, radial engines, superchargers, turbochargers and propellers. Readers will gain a thorough understanding of aircraft power and propulsion systems, as well as engine efficiency, application and reliability. Contact: www.asa2fly.com.

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