October 2009 Readback
Diamond Aircraft has received FAA certification for its Austro Engine AE300. The jet-fuel-burning, 170 hp, turbodiesel piston engine offers single-lever thrust control and electronic engine management.
Top Stories
Austro Certification For Diamond
Diamond Aircraft has received FAA certification for its Austro Engine AE300. The jet-fuel-burning, 170 hp, turbodiesel piston engine offers single-lever thrust control and electronic engine management. This certification paves the way for FAA validation of the EASA type certificate for the DA42 NG (expected late-Q3 2009).
Diamond Aircraft and Garmin have announced a new factory-equipped glass-cockpit solution for the DA20-C1 two-seat trainer. The 2010 DA20 with Garmin G500 will be available for delivery starting October 2009. Visit www.diamondaircraft.com, www.austroengine.at and www.garmin.com.
New Lycoming Engines
The maiden flight of Lycoming's iE2 (integrated electronic engine) on an OEM airframe occurred on July 2, when Lancair flew its TEO-540-EXP iE2-powered Evolution into Oshkosh. "The promise of single-lever operation, automated preflight safety checks [and] automotive start simplicity will dramatically reduce pilot workload and revolutionize the general aviation landscape," says Ian Walsh, Lycoming's senior vice president and general manager. The 350 hp, high-performance, twin-turbocharged TEO-540-A1A is the first iE2 engine model planned for FAA certification.
Flight-testing on the production version of Lycoming's IO-233-LSA began in August. Introduced at EAA AirVenture 2008, the IO-233-LSA has been further optimized based on customer feedback, engineering development and prototype testing. The IO-233-LSA will be an FAA-certified gas engine with multiple continuous power ratings as high as 116 hp. Lycoming expects to start shipping noncertified IO-233s in Q4 2009. Engine certification and certified engine shipment are slated for early 2010. Visit www.lycoming.com.
New Avidyne For Cirrus
Avidyne has released a new FMS400 flight management system. Additionally, Entegra Release 9 now comes in configurations reflecting three different price points. "The FMS400 configuration allows Cirrus owners who don't require full WAAS precision-approach capability to enjoy the advanced yet easy-to-use Entegra Release 9 and FMS functionality," said Avidyne COO Patrick Herguth. The Silver, Gold and Platinum configurations of Entegra Release 9 provide dual FMS900w (WAAS precision approach) or dual FMS400 (non-WAAS) FMS capability, as well as single and dual ADAHRS configurations. Avidyne is currently including a free upgrade to Synthetic Vision with all FMS900w-capable systems. Visit www.avidyne.com.
Jeppesen & Aspen Avionics
Jeppesen and Aspen Avionics have partnered to incorporate the Aspen Avionics Evolution Flight Display system into a full Jeppesen data solution. The system will utilize an aggregated NavData, obstacle, terrain and cultural database, which will be updated via the Jeppesen Services Update Manager data-delivery tool. Visit www.jeppesen.com and www.aspenavionics.com.
Blackhawk Caravan Upgrade
Blackhawk Modifications' new 850 shp P&W PT6A-42A provides an extra 175 shp to the Grand Caravan. Certification is expected in Q4 2009. "This engine is a game-changer for the ’workhorse' Caravan---now it's a powerhouse performer with incredible flexibility," said Blackhawk President and CEO Jim Allmon. Visit www.blackhawk.aero.
AirJourney Experts
AirJourney's Enhanced Travel lets groups travel with experts in history, technology, anthropology and other specialties. "We've noticed how much more people get out of a trip when there's an acknowledged expert along," AirJourney's Thierry Pouille said. See www.airjourney.com.
Diesel Liberty
At Oshkosh, Liberty Aerospace unveiled the first XL2 fitted with the Wilksch turbodiesel engine. The aircraft burns Jet A fuel and was designed to appeal to the international marketplace where 100LL is expensive and hard to obtain. "Our international customers have been very clear to us," said Liberty President and CEO Keith Markley. "They need an alterative fuel to the 100LL for aircraft they're running in their flight-training fleets." Visit www.libertyaircraft.com and www.wilksch.com.
FloatCub Amphib
American Legend now offers its Amphibious Legend FloatCub, which is configured with floats from Baumann Floats. The company completed and flew its first FloatCub in June 2005. The aircraft subsequently won the Best Float Fabric Seaplane Award at Sun 'n Fun 2006. Baumann has been manufacturing FAA-certified floats since 1989. Visit www.legend.aero.
Autolanding Bonanza
In collaboration with Rockwell Collins, Hawker Beechcraft completed the successful flight and landing of a Bonanza with an experimental autolanding device. The tests were part of HBC's program to develop advanced flight-control technologies for future use in GA airplanes. More testing is planned. Visit www.hawkerbeechcraft.com and www.rockwellcollins.com.
TCM FADEC Certification
Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) has received FAA certification on its first turbocharged Full Authority Digital Electronic Controlled (FADEC) engine---TSIOF-550. "We developed and certified the Turbo FADEC 550 in response to requests from airframe manufacturers wanting a high-horsepower-engine offering mated with advanced electronic engine controls," commented TCM President Rhett Ross. The TSIOF-550 engine provides 350 hp at 2,600 rpm and a 22,000-foot critical altitude. Learn more at www.genuine continental.aero.
Remos Expansion
Remos Aircraft has received an infusion of new capital that "will allow us to continue and expand the programs that have propelled us to the top of the LSA market and progress into innovative marketing approaches," said Remos CEO Corvin Huber. "Our new investors, Pall Mall Partners of London, U.K., are technology-focused investors who have successfully implemented innovative marketing ideas in the automotive industry." Visit www.remos.com and www.pallmallpartners.com.
PRODUCT PREVIEWS
Personal Avionics System At Your Fingertips
Bendix/King's brand-new AV8OR ACE is a portable MFD based on the AV8OR handheld GPS navigator. Like the AV8OR, it offers airborne weather and traffic information, optional automotive navigation capability and a suite of multimedia tools. The AV8OR ACE has a seven-inch, sunlight-readable display and provides detailed georeferenced FAA charts, making it possible to leave paper charts behind. The AV8OR ACE also has an intuitive touch-screen interface that allows for quick and easy map panning, and the ability to view logged flights on Google Earth. Contact: Honeywell Bendix/King, (877) 712-2386, www.bendixking.com/av8or.
It's Never Too Early
In Yay! Planes, hosts Argyle and Jim, two socks who live in lost luggage, introduce preschoolers to all types of airplanes. This fun, interactive DVD for preschoolers is filled with original music. The DVD also includes an activity sheet with the NATO phonetic alphabet so that children can follow along and practice what they've learned. Yay! Planes introduces children to flying before their first airplane adventure. Contact: Beresh Global Media, www.yayplanes.com.
The Perfect Power Tow Accessory
Powered by Milwaukee's top-of-the-line 28-volt power unit, with a long-lasting lithium battery pack, the powerful and portable Sidewinder weighs less than 22 pounds, collapses to 27 inches and stows easily in your baggage compartment. Made out of 4130 chromoly tubing, the Sidewinder is available for a variety of single- and twin-engine aircraft. Contact: Aircraft Spruce, (877) 477-7823, www.aircraftspruce.com.
Fly With Dick Rutan
In Decision Making with Dick Rutan, Volume Two of the Aviator Series from Fly Right Films, you'll fly shoulder-to-shoulder with Dick Rutan, one of the most renowned aviators of all time. Discover how human factors affect your performance and influence your decision-making. Explore the brain, and learn how the mind responds and processes stimulus during in-flight emergencies. And learn the importance of channeling reactive, emotional responses into proactive, positive decisions that can save your life. Contact: Fly Right Films, (888) 808-8894, www.flyrightfilms.com.
It's All About The Accessories
Though Sporty's created its new accessories specifically for its line of pilot-designed Flight Gear bags, they work with all brands of luggage, or on their own. The Sunglasses Case cradles your sunglasses with padding and rigid sides. The ID Holder makes it easy to display your ID at the airport, and the padded Cell Phone Holder can fit new, larger phone styles. The Transceiver Holder keeps your handheld dust free, and the Water Bottle Holder keeps bottles from rolling around on the floor. Contact: Sporty's, (800) SPORTYS, www.sportys.com.
Clean Airplane = Happy Airplane
Regular and proper cleaning of your airplane is an important part of protecting your investment. Sporty's Complete Aircraft Cleaning Kit is loaded with safe, effective cleaning products that have been proven by daily use at Sporty's flight schools. The kit includes specific products to keep your exterior, interior and windshield in excellent condition, and comes with a deluxe carrying case. Contact: Sporty's, (800) SPORTYS, www.sportys.com.
Dynamic Prop Balancer
The DynaVibe prop balancer is an economical, state-of-the-art propeller balancer that displays the magnitude and phase of propeller vibration, allowing precise weight adjustments for smooth engine operation. DynaVibe reports both the rpm and vibration magnitude, resulting in reduced vibration and decreased mechanical wear of engine and instruments. Included with each Dynavibe are an accelerometer with 30 feet of cable, optical pickup, reflective tape (tach) and a carrying case. Contact: Aircraft Spruce, (877) 477-7823, www.aircraftspruce.com.
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