Jeppesen and Piper Aircraft will now provide flight data as part of the general aviation aircraft purchase process to simplify access to flight information for pilots through a new service agreement between the companies. Delivery of newly purchased Piper aircraft will include Jeppesen NavData and digital charts onboard, and ready for use in flight. Piper aircraft equipped with Garmin G1000 avionics will receive a PilotPak data bundle that also includes supplemental databases, including obstacle, terrain, SafeTaxi and airport diagrams, in addition to Jeppesen navigation data. "Having Jeppesen flight data onboard at the time of new aircraft delivery eliminates a step in the flight preparation process and enhances the overall customer experience," said Piper vice president of sales and marketing, Drew McEwen. "This data service provides trusted flight information that is packaged for the specific needs of pilots as they take to the skies in their newly purchased Piper airplane," McEwen said. Jeppesen flight data will be provided with the purchase of Piper Meridian, Mirage, Matrix, Seneca V, Seminole, Arrow, Archer LX, and Archer TC models equipped with Garmin G1000 and G500 avionics, and Chartview functionality. Visit www.jeppesen.com and www.piper.com.

Hartzell Propeller's industry-leading "Top Prop" line of STC'd two-, three- and four-bladed constant-speed propeller conversions has reached the milestone of 20,000 unit sales as of July. The Top Prop program was launched in 1991 to offer new alternative replacement propellers for the maturing fleet of piston-engine aircraft. The plan was to offer improved three-blade replacements for original factory-installed two-blade propellers, improving performance, reducing prop diameter and noise, and increasing ground clearance. Through the years, with advances in airfoil design, manufacturing capability and construction technology, the opportunities to offer improvements have broadened to include scimitar-shaped, "blended" airfoils and the latest in carbon-fiber construction technology. Visit www.hartzellprop.com.

John and Martha King of King Schools have released a free iPad and iPhone app that connects customers to King Schools Online Knowledge Test Courses and allows them to download the course's video lessons. These can be watched at any time, with or without an Internet connection. The free app is available from the Apple App Store and only requires a King Schools iLearn account containing at least one King Knowledge Test Course. Once logged in, customers can navigate through the course and tap to download a lesson (or to unload a lesson to free up space on their device). "We know customers enjoy the benefits of King Online Knowledge Test Courses, such as the fact that they never expire and are always up-to-date," commented John. "The one thing that folks have asked for is the ability to view their video lessons when not connected to the Internet," continued John. "Now they have that ability by simply downloading a free app," added Martha. "And since this app works with all existing King Knowledge Test Courses, current customers will get this new benefit immediately just by downloading the app." Search "King Com­panion" in the Apple App Store or go to www.kingschools.com/companion.

Kestrel Aircraft announced that the Garmin G3000 avionics suite has been chosen as the launch avionics platform for the Kestrel Aircraft, currently in development. The Garmin G3000 is the first touch screen-controlled integrated flight deck for light turbine aircraft and is designed specifically for Part 23 turbine aircraft. Kestrel's COO and executive vice president of product development, Steve Serfling, stated, "The Kestrel/Garmin team is focused on offering the full Garmin G3000 feature set into the Kestrel while integrating the display and control of several aircraft systems into the already impressive G3000. I am excited to work with Garmin to bring our customers the most integrated cockpit in its class." Visit www.kestrel.aero.

Cessna Aircraft announced a collaboration with Kansas State University to complement the university's aviation open distance education program. Under this agreement, K-State will recognize training completed at any of the domestic Cessna Pilot Center flight schools as credit toward the student's bachelor's degree in technology management at the university's aviation school at their campus in Salina, Kans. "Cessna is thrilled with this unique opportunity to be even more involved in supporting pilot training, side-by-side with the highly respected accredited aviation program at K-State Salina," said Jodi Noah, Cessna senior vice president of single engine/ propeller aircraft. Visit www.cessna.com and www.salina.k-state.edu/aviation.

New startup venture AceCFI has received FAA approval to conduct an online Flight Instructor Refresher Course (FIRC). The course costs $99, and after completion, flight instructors can return year after year and retake the course for free. Considering that an average flying career can last anywhere from 20 to 40 years, this course has the potential to save flight instructors in excess of $2,000 over a lifetime. Furthermore, for a small fee of $25, flight instructors can take advantage of the course's certificate renewal process that's conducted entirely online. This process enables flight instructors to receive their temporary airman certificates by email instead of having to visit an FSDO. Visit www.acecfi.com.

The small rescueME PLB1 is easy to activate and transmits your position and unique ID from its 66- channel GPS to the rescue satellite network operated by Cospas-Sarsat. It has a seven-year battery, seven-year warranty, and comes with a cradle mounting and lanyard cord that can be used to secure the PLB1 to clothing or life vest. Contact: www.banyanpilotshop.com.

The new second edition of Microsoft Flight Simulator as a Training Aid provides general suggestions, specific advice and practical tools for making effective use of Microsoft Flight Simulator in a training environment. The companion CD contains more than 150 VFR and IFR practice flights to assist using Microsoft Flight Simulator to practice specific skills, from basic flight maneuvers to instrument approaches. The CD also includes reference documents, charts and additional tools. Visit www.asa2fly.com.

The new RW-RA900 connects to a Bluetooth cell phone for hands-free calls and music streaming. After pairing a Bluetooth cell phone, calls can be answered and ended with the single press of a button on the headset. The headset features dual volume controls, backup ATC push to talk, Foam Fit ear seals, and a stainless-steel headband. Contact: www.ruggedradios.com.

Sporty's new Thru-View Checklists are available for many models of aircraft and are printed on high-quality, transparent static-cling vinyl. The checklist can be placed on a window, a clear visor or any smooth surface and requires no adhesive. It includes a takeoff checklist, a before-landing checklist and several emergency checklists. Contact www.sportys.com.