Explore Plane & Pilot Magazine’s Products section for expert reviews and recommendations on the latest aviation gear. From headsets and flight bags to drones and pilot apparel, our curated content helps aviators make informed decisions about the tools and accessories that enhance their flying experience. Stay updated on new product launches and find the best gear to suit your aviation needs.
July 2008 SpaceShipOne: An Illustrated History by Dan Linehan (Zenith Press, 2008, ISBN: 9780760331880). Written by an aviation writer who witnessed its launch, SpaceShipOne chronicles the development of the world’s first commercial manned space program. Included are hundreds of photos, a full account of the history makers who got SS1 into the air and a […]
 L-3 Avionics has received STC and TSO authorization from the FAA for its SmartDeck Integrated Flight Controls and Display System. The STC has been awarded for the Cirrus SR22-G2, and L-3 will offer the STC through authorized dealers for retrofit. The system’s menu structure is designed to support pilot functions in three clicks or less, making pertinent flight information more rapidly accessible. SmartDeck includes a display dedicated to flight-plan management and communication information in its standard configuration. |
Bendix/King strikes back with its Integrated Communication Navigation Display
 On March 8, 2008, Cessna completed the first flight of its Model 162 SkyCatcher. The one-hour SkyCatcher flight departed from Cessna Aircraft Field Airport and consisted of flight maneuvers evaluating the controllability and stability of the aircraft. Test pilot Dale Bleakney, of Cessna Engineering, then proceeded to Mid-Continent Airport, where the SkyCatcher will continue development testing. âThe first flight of the SkyCatcher is a significant step ahead toward our goal of bringing an affordable training aircraft to market,â said Cessna CEO Jack Pelton. The SkyCatcher is priced at $111,500 and is expected to reach cruise speeds of 118 knots with a maximum range of 470 nm. Visit www.cessna.com. |
June 2008 The Complete G1000 Course DVD (ASA, 2008). This new course is an interactive, computer-based intro to the G1000. With it, you can learn glass, increase safety and earn credit toward flight-review requirements under the FAA’s WINGS—Pilot Proficiency Program (www.faasafety.gov). Pilots completing the “Basic Phase” of the WINGS program need not seek the flight-review […]
 The latest iteration of the turbine-single Pilatus, which received FAA and EASA certification in March 2008, has two big improvements that are split by the firewall. Up front, improvements in the 1,200 shp Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67P include the single-crystal blades and a new compressor design. Power upgrades make for faster climb and more stamina in fast-cruise power settings. Running off the back of the P&W powerplant are two monster 300-amp generators that ensure full electrical power and redundancy. These big dynamos are cooled and exhausted through special ductwork that ends in a tiny grill on the lower left side of the cowl, the only external clue that this is the newest PC-12. |
 Cessna Aircraft Company will offer Garmin’s G1000 Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT) on all its G1000-equipped aircraft. The Citation Mustang will be the first bizjet to integrate Garmin’s SVT, and Cessna expects to offer SVT on the Caravan family and all Cessna single-engine piston aircraft in the future. In most cases, SVT will be available for retrofit in earlier-production, G1000-equipped Cessnas. |
Get the latest Plane & Pilot Magazine stories delivered directly to your inbox
SUBSCRIBE
