September 2015 Readback
Piper Aircraft recently delivered its first production diesel Archer DX to Europe.
Piper Delivers First Archer DX Into Europe
Piper Aircraft (www.piper.com) recently delivered its first production diesel Archer DX to Europe. Originally launched in cooperation with Continental Motors at Aero Friedrichshafen last spring, the Archer DX has been marketed throughout Europe ever since. With traditional leaded avgas being expensive and difficult to find in some countries, the DX has been readily accepted and acclaimed. A Continental CD-155 compression-ignition engine powers the aircraft, with the capacity to use both Jet A and diesel fuel (EN590) independently or in any ratio combined. The Archer DX cruises at a speed of 114 KTAS/11 km/h (at 70% power) on only 5.8 gph/22 kph of jet fuel. The G1000 avionics is standard and provides a great mix of low workload and high technology. "The diesel-powered Archer DX was designed to provide Piper's customers with greater access to more economical and readily available fuel sources. The aircraft offers exceptional fuel burn, which results in competitive operating costs," said Simon Caldecott, president and CEO at Piper Aircraft.
Caravan Exhaust Deflector Now Available For More Aircraft
The Cessna Caravan series exhaust deflector, previously only available for aircraft with a float kit installed, has been approved on all Caravan models via Supplemental Type Certificate SA03459CH. The exhaust deflector directs the exhaust away from the belly of the aircraft, keeping the belly cleaner. Caravan operators can now enjoy improved aircraft appearance with decreased cleaning time. The deflector isn't available for aircraft equipped with the twisted exhaust and cargo pod or the TKS fairing. It's priced at $3,840 installed.
Wipline 10000 Receives Chinese Approval
Wipaire, Inc. has received Chinese validation of FAA Supplemental Type Certificate SA01795CH for the installation of water-scooping Wipline 10000 floats on the Air Tractor AT-802 and AT-802A. Wipline 10000 floats transform the Air Tractor 802-series single engine air tankers (SEATs) into responsive and cost-effective scooping (Fire Boss) water bombers. Wipline 10000 floats for Fire Boss conversions are represented in China by Aviation Supplies Ltd.
Quest KODIAK Now Certified in Russia And Namibia
Quest Aircraft Company (www.questaircraft.com) has received type certification for the KODIAK from the Civil Aviation Authority of Namibia, Africa, and also from the Russian Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC). The latter includes the 11 countries that are part of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). There are currently seven Kodiaks in operation on the African continent, the most recent of which was delivered to Scenic Air, a sightseeing and passenger transport operator that's based in Eros, Windhoek, Namibia. Scenic Air was instrumental in working with Quest and the Directorate of Civil Aviation to obtain the certification. The Kodiak is certified in 29 countries around the world, with additional certifications imminent. The Kodiak can take off in under 1,000 feet at full gross takeoff weight of 7,255 pounds and climb at over 1,300 feet per minute.
FreeFlight Full RANGR Connectivity With ForeFlight Mobile Version 7.1
FreeFlight's (www.freeflight systems.com) certified ADS-B RANGR systems are now fully compatible with the recently released ForeFlight Mobile app version 7.1. With the software update, users can now view ADS-B In weather and traffic data from FreeFlight Systems' RANGR series of ADS-B receivers via the ForeFlight Mobile app. Compatible solutions include the RANGR Blue Box Receiver and Transceiver, and the RANGR Lite Transceiver, which will begin shipping this month. ADS-B In provides increased situational awareness, subscription-free graphical and textual weather, and traffic information. Only when it's paired with a certified and installed ADS-B Out system does the ADS-B In data become complete. "With the ForeFlight 7.1 software update, we are now able to fully deliver the integration our customers have been asking for," said Tim Taylor, president and CEO of FreeFlight Systems. "Both companies worked intensely and collaboratively to ensure this was done the right way, and we are very pleased to have our name associated with ForeFlight." Current ForeFlight users simply need to update to version 7.1 or later in the Apple App Store to gain the capability to integrate with FreeFlight RANGR ADS-B transceivers and receivers.
Eclipse Introduces Special-Edition Twin-Engine Jet
The Eclipse Special Edition (SE) twin-engine jet is a factory-renewed Eclipse 500 that has been substantially upgraded and reconfigured to include nearly all of the new features introduced on the new Eclipse 550, including a Dual Avio integrated flight management system (IFMS), anti-skid brake system, a newly designed pilot-side standby display unit, PPG glass windshields, new premium interior and deluxe two-tone paint scheme. The Eclipse SE comes with a comprehensive three-year factory warranty and three-year Eclipse Advantage maintenance program, which covers all required, scheduled inspections including the 300-hour, 24-month inspection, as well as lesser inspections such as battery cap checks, fire extinguisher inspections and more. "The Eclipse SE is much more than an upgraded Eclipse 500, it is a factory supported, like-new aircraft for a very reasonable price," said Alan Klapmeier, ONE Aviation's CEO. The Eclipse SE, with a price just over $2 million, is delivered with all mandatory and recommended Service Bulletins completed and a P&WC Gold ESP engine plan paid current through the date of delivery. Also included in aircraft cost is one initial type rating, and access to all of the optional features and equipment that are available on an Eclipse 550, including auto-throttles, TAWS, TAS and more.
Wipaire Boss 182 Lycoming IO-580 Conversion For Landplanes
Wipaire's (www.wipaire.com) factory-new engine conversion for the Cessna 182 is now available for landplanes. The Boss 182 Lycoming IO-580 engine conversion boasts a 58-pound (26 kg) gross weight increase on wheels. Owners can opt to use their existing engine mount or can upgrade to Wipaire's heavy-duty engine mount (required for float installation as well as floatplane gross weight increases). Owners upgrading to the Boss 182 engine conversion will see no decrease in useful load with the engine conversion due to the 58-pound gross weight increase. Installation of the optional heavy-duty engine mount allows for the addition of Wipaire's floatplane gross weight increases at a later time.
Five-Year Warranty/Maintenance Program For The Eclipse 550
ONE Aviation (www.oneaviation.aero) also announced that the Eclipse 550 will now come with a comprehensive five-year Aircraft Warranty and a five-year Eclipse Advantage maintenance program. The Eclipse Advantage program covers the cost of all scheduled maintenance inspections on an Eclipse Jet for the first five years or 1,000 flight hours. The Eclipse Advantage program includes all standard labor and parts costs for required, scheduled inspections including the 300-hour, 24-month inspection, the 1,200-hour, 48-month inspection, as well as lesser inspections such as battery cap checks, fire extinguisher inspections and more. The Eclipse 550 Limited Aircraft Warranty also covers all defects in material and workmanship on the Eclipse 550 for a period of five years or 1,000 hours. This warranty, running concurrently with Eclipse Advantage, delivers Eclipse 550 owners true product coverage and assured reliability.
PRODUCT PREVIEWS
Avidyne Releases iPad Demo App For IFD540 And IFD440
A new version of Avidyne Corporation's (www.avidyne.com) IFD-Series FMS/GPS/NAV/COM iPad app is available on the App Store. The updated app provides fully interactive, free-play demonstration capability for the new IFD440, as well as adding new IFD540 functionality that's representative of Avidyne's soon-to-be-certified Release 10.1 software. Release 10.1 (R10.1) is Avidyne's latest software upgrade for IFD540-Series FMS/GPS/NAV/COMs. R10.1 is also the baseline software for Avidyne's first release of the smaller-screen IFD440 FMS/GPS/NAV/COM. The R10.1 version of the IFD540/IFD440 iPad App is available now as a FREE download from the App Store. A PC-based version of the IFD540 Demo is available from the Avidyne website. The IFD540/440 R10.1 version of the PC Demo is expected to be available by the end of July 2015.
New Journals In The ASA Reader App
The Journal of Unmanned Aerial Systems and the International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics and Aerospace are now available in the ASA (www.asa2fly.com) reader app for iOS.The Journal of Unmanned Aerial Systems provides an interdisciplinary forum for an ongoing dialogue of original research, articles, books, essays and commentary by both internationally established and developing experts in the various disciplines constituting the field of UAS. The International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics and Aerospace (IJAAA) is the peer-reviewed journal of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide. With topics ranging from safety management systems to paradigm shifts in aviation management education, this Journal has something for everyone.
Other free resources available in the ASA Reader include training syllabi, printable endorsement labels for CFIs, quick reference placards for pilots, FAA Safety Briefings, Flight School Business from the editors of Flight Training Magazine, fact sheets from the International Helicopter Safety Team and much more!
Sporty's Offers iPad Case Designed For Pilots
Sporty's recently introduced a unique PIVOT system that combines a rugged iPad case and smart cover with a quick-release mount to create the perfect cockpit solution. Constructed of durable, impact-absorbing polycarbonate along with high-visibility silicone "Splash-Seals" for all ports, PIVOT has proven itself in daily operations with more than 8,000 Southwest Airlines pilots. "There are plenty of iPad cases to choose from, but none were designed specifically for aviation. Most are too bulky and cumbersome in tight cockpits," Sporty's vice president John Zimmerman said. Installation and removal of PIVOT is fast and easy; it can be attached to any non-porous surface with its high-quality suction cup. The rotating arm provides 360-degree rotation with 30 to 60 degrees of articulation. The complete PIVOT Case kit for iPad Air 1, iPad Air 2 or the iPad Mini 1-3 are each available for $129.95 from www.sportys.com or by calling (800)-SPORTYS.
Garmin Introduces D2 Bravo Aviator Watch
Garmin (www.garmin.com) is now offering the D2 Bravo next-generation aviator watch featuring Garmin's signature direct-to and nearest airport navigation and a worldwide aviation navigation database. With a sapphire lens, stainless steel bezel and glass-fiber-reinforced housing, the watch offers a sophisticated look that's rugged enough for everyday wear. The D2 Bravo features a built-in WAAS GPS, highly accurate altimeter with an adjustable barometric setting, compass with HSI and moving map. When paired with a compatible smartphone, METARs are displayed on the face of D2 Bravo and are color-coded to indicate IFR or VFR conditions. A premium brown leather band gives D2 Bravo a stylish look for an active lifestyle. The D2 Bravo is expected to be available mid-summer and has a suggested retail price of $699.
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