Post by Major Destruction on Nov 7, 2005 17:10:05 GMT -5
LSAs, TAAs, AND VLJs—THE NEXT GENERATION OF GA AIRCRAFT
Whether you're looking for an affordable way to get started in flying, practical transportation loaded with the latest technology and the feel of a luxury car, or your first foray into the flight levels, there's never been a better time to be part of general aviation. That was the message from a panel of speakers representing three relatively new segments of the GA industry: light sport aircraft (LSAs), technically advanced aircraft (TAAs), and very light jets (VLJs). Dan Johnson of LSA marketing; Alan Klapmeier, co-founder of Cirrus Design; and Vern Raburn, CEO of Eclipse Aviation, spoke before a crowd of nearly 1,000 at the Friday morning general session at AOPA Expo 2005 in Tampa, Florida. The three represented very different types of aircraft, but all agreed that regardless of which type of aircraft you choose, you're bound to find innovative technology and a new perspective on value. LSAs promise to give new entrants to general aviation a fun, affordable way to fly; TAAs promise the kind of performance and comfort we expect from our cars with the speed and range of personal air travel; and VLJs promise to give more people access to the advantages of private jet travel with a price tag they can afford. See AOPA Online to read more about these innovative aircraft and see images from the AOPA Expo 2005 aircraft display.
TECHNOLOGY SEMINARS A HIT AT AOPA EXPO
Pilots packed seminar rooms at AOPA Expo to learn about GPS navigation and flying with glass thingypits. Each seminar drew an average of 200 attendees, and some had pilots spilling into the hallways. "So many members approached me to request another GPS seminar that we arranged to offer a special second session of 'GPS Approaches, Navigation Databases, and Charts,'" AOPA President Phil Boyer told members during the Friday morning general session. "This response just shows that pilots are finally embracing technologies like GPS and glass thingypits." AOPA offered six different seminars in the technology track that covered using GPS for VFR navigation, free graphic weather datalink services, and the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), among others.
SAFETY TRACK SEMINARS HELP IMPROVE THE ODDS
You know the old saying, "There are old pilots and bold pilots, but..." Pilots wanting to improve their odds of becoming old pilots have plenty of opportunities at AOPA Expo 2005, where 11 hours of safety seminars are being offered over the course of three days. One of the highlights of this year's safety track was the Friday debut of a new AOPA Air Safety Foundation seminar: "Do the Right Thing: Decision Making for Pilots." An audience of several hundred took an active part in the course, using their own decision-making skills and an interactive DVD to vote on whether a fictional pilot should continue to his destination despite worsening weather conditions. When the audience voted to go up and 'take a look' for a planned flight despite warnings about the weather, seminar instructor Pat Shaub offered a warning of his own. "I'll go up and take a look? That's sort of like saying, 'Watch this!'" Shaub, a flight instructor and former military pilot, told the audience. Other seminars in the safety track include: "The Last Five Miles: Are You Ready?"; "Weather Wise: Practical Tips and Tactical Tricks"; and "Single Pilot IFR."
JOHN AND MARTHA KING OFFER RISK MANAGEMENT TOOLS
Pilots need to take a proactive—rather than a reactive—approach to risk management, according to John and Martha King. The Kings, of King Schools Inc., discussed risk management strategies at a proficiency track seminar at AOPA Expo. In the seminar they advocated a different approach to risk management—one in which the pilot uses specific tools to produce "fun, stress-free trips" and "make sure your passengers will fly with you again," said Martha King. The Kings have developed a series of DVD courses focusing on different aspects of risk management, including practical risk management for pilots, weather, and takeoffs and landings. Other seminars in the proficiency track included sessions on "Equipping Yourself to Survive: Survival Gear for Pilots," "Killer Clouds," "FAR Refresher," and "Night Flying: Operational Hazards and Physical Limitations."
PILOTS LEARN STEPS TO AIRCRAFT OWNERSHIP
Many pilots hope to someday own their own aircraft, so AOPA is helping them get off on the right foot at AOPA Expo with a series of aircraft ownership seminars. AOPA Pilot Editor in Chief Tom Haines, who has handled the purchases of several AOPA Sweepstakes aircraft, shared his insight and knowledge of the process with about 60 pilots who are contemplating buying an aircraft. The top of Haines' must-do list is to decide how the aircraft will be used. Finding the aircraft to meet your needs could be the key to blissful ownership. One guideline is Haines' 80:20 rule. Buy an aircraft that meets 80 percent of your mission. Renting an aircraft can fulfill the other 20 percent. Then decide if you can afford to own an aircraft, and do a lot of homework to find the right fit. Other seminars in the ownership track cover topics such as the prepurchase inspection, aircraft painting, strategies for controlling your insurance costs, shared ownership, and maintenance.
CROWDS TURN OUT TO VIEW AOPA EXPO AIRCRAFT DISPLAY
Clear blue skies, bayside breezes, and warm temperatures brought the crowds to AOPA Expo's aircraft display at Peter O. Knight Airport on Friday morning. A steady stream of visitors wandered among the 103 airplanes. Among this year's offerings were a Skyhawk, a Turbo Skylane with Garmin G1000 glass thingypit, a Stationair, a Caravan, and a Citation CJ1, furnished by AOPA Expo Gold Sponsor Cessna Aircraft. The New Piper Aircraft withstood yet another hurricane just in time to bring four models to the display. Hurricane Wilma's arrival caused the Vero Beach, Florida, factory to shut down for one day last week, but there was no damage, said Craig Clayton, manager of aircraft assembly. Cirrus Design brought four aircraft and was giving demonstration rides, including one to a student pilot who will take his checkride next Wednesday, said John Gauch, fleet sales manager for Cirrus Design. The light sport aircraft display offered visitors an opportunity to climb in, or in some cases, fly the new models that have been approved since the light sport aircraft rule was released.
EXHIBITORS PROVIDE PRODUCT DEMOS AT AOPA EXPO
AOPA members who attend Expo gain a wealth of knowledge and some new gadgets for their aircraft, but putting all of that to use at home (or the airport) can be challenging. Exhibitors are providing product demonstrations in the convention center and at the aircraft display at Peter O. Knight Airport to help pilots get the most out of their "toys." AOPA Expo Platinum Sponsor DTC DUAT promoted its Web site's beta interactive overlay feature. This feature can depict nuclear power plants, stadiums, interstates, rivers, and state and county lines on a map to help pilots better plan their routes of flight. DTC also provided a quick tutorial to help pilots utilize all of the tools available on their Web site, such as weather, graphical depictions of temporary flight restrictions, and flight planning. DTC DUAT has been providing FAA-certified weather briefings, flight planning services, and weather graphics for the agency since 1989.
For more news and complete coverage of AOPA Expo 2005, including videos and image galleries, and see Virtual Expo on AOPA Online.
Expo News
MOONEY DOUBLES SHIPMENTS IN 2005
As of the third quarter 2005, Mooney Airplane Company is on track to more than double the 36 deliveries it made in 2004. So far this year Mooney has delivered 66 aircraft worth $28 million. Mooney Vice President of Sales and Marketing David Copeland said strong orders and deliveries are spurred by the Ovation2 and Bravo GX models. Mooney is conducting a Freedom Tour using the two models to visit 40 cities this year. "We delivered 14 Ovation2 GX and nine Bravo GX models during the most recent [third] quarter," Copeland said. The company has introduced a refined interior for its Sixtieth Anniversary Bravo GX and Ovation2 GX. It includes redesigned door latches, handles, and armrests, with an optional rear bench seat with seat belts for two adults or three children. A mockup of the interior was shown at AOPA Expo this week and will also be on display next week at the National Business Aviation Association convention in Orlando, Florida. Mooney expects to deliver its 11,000th airplane next year to a customer in New Jersey. The company also said it will begin offering computer "jump drives" to owners that contain the entire pilot's operating handbook, parts catalog, and service and maintenance manuals. The documents are interlinked for search purposes.
DIAMOND AIRCRAFT DELIVERS FIRST TWIN STAR
The first delivery of a Diamond Aircraft DA42 Twin Star in the United States has been made to Henry Van Kesteren of St. Petersburg, Florida. The aircraft features a Garmin G1000 panel and TAE 1.7 Centurion diesel engines. Kesteren will be able to fly nonstop from St. Petersburg to Washington, D.C., at more than 170 knots, Diamond claims, or he can throttle back to increase range and reach New York nonstop at an average speed of 151 knots. The aircraft was delivered by Mike Bain of Mid Atlantic Diamond and Art Spengler of Premier Aircraft Sales.
AVIDYNE ANNOUNCES TRAFFIC ADVISORY PRODUCTS
Avidyne Corporation has introduced a new family of active traffic advisory systems for general aviation aircraft, ranging from entry-level single-engine piston- to turbine-powered aircraft. With pricing starting at $9,990, Avidyne's TAS becomes the first such system available for less than $10,000, the company said. Developed by the Safety Systems Group (formerly Ryan International) in Columbus, Ohio, Avidyne's TAS600 systems are based on Ryan Active Surveillance technology and are fully certified to TAS TSO C147. The initial three products in Avidyne's TAS600 Series are the TAS600 for single-engine aircraft priced at $9,990, the TAS610 for midperformance aircraft priced at $14,990, and the TAS620 for high-performance aircraft priced at $20,990. The system range starts at 7 nm and a 3,500-foot vertical separation maximum for the least expensive model and expands to 21 nm and a 9,900-foot vertical separation maximum for the TAS620. The systems use an automated voice to keep the pilot's attention focused outside the thingypit and use such commands like, "Traffic! 12 o'clock! High! Two miles!"
STINGSPORT COMES WITH 24 NEW FEATURES
Satellite weather in a light sport aircraft? SportairUSA LC announced that the StingSport airplane will now come with the Garmin GPSMAP 396 as a standard feature. The GPS receiver provides improved situational awareness through XM WX Satellite Weather products. SportairUSA also announced that the airplane will come with another innovative feature, a full-time carburetor heating system to increase safety without degrading power. To view a list of 22 other recently added standard features, see the Web site.
AVIDYNE OFFERS MULTIHAZARD AVOIDANCE PACKAGE
Avidyne Corporation now offers a package of multihazard avoidance systems for a savings of $2,000 to $4,500 that includes state-of-the-art weather, active traffic alerting, and terrain and situational awareness tools. Called the MHAS6000 system, it comprises Avidyne's FlightMax EX500 multifunction display and Avidyne's new TAS600 traffic system. It delivers XM datalink weather, airborne weather radar, traffic alerting, terrain, obstacles, and moving-map capability. Systems are priced from $16,985 to $32,985, depending on active traffic advisory features and airborne weather radar interfaces. Options include enhanced ground proximity warning system interfaces and Avidyne's CMax JeppView electronic approach chart displays for enhanced situational awareness during taxi and instrument approaches. In other Avidyne news, the company has announced Release 6.0, a software and hardware upgrade that adds such features as flight director capability, a selectable "wedge" or "flying W" aircraft symbol, V-speed labels on the airspeed indicator, heading tick marks on the artificial horizon, enhanced autopilot mode annunciations on the primary flight display, and the ability to select and display ADF bearings on the HSI's bearing pointer.
MID-CONTINENT INSTRUMENTS FOUND IN COLUMBIA, CESSNA MODELS
Mid-Continent Instruments has teamed with Aerosonic, producer of mechanical altimeter and airspeed indicators, to produce a standby instrument package, including its 4200-series instruments, for the Cessna Citation Mustang and Columbia Aircraft's 350 and 400 series aircraft. The suite features 2-inch instruments to provide backup instrumentation for the electronic flight information displays on board these aircraft. For more information, visit the Web site.
POWER FLOW SYSTEMS OFFERS TUNED EXHAUST FOR MOONEYS
Power Flow Systems demonstrated its new tuned exhaust system for certain 200-horsepower Mooney 20-series aircraft (models M20E, F, and J) to an AOPA Pilot staff member at AOPA Expo, and the numbers don't lie. The system, optimized for better performance at altitude (rather than climb power down low), posted cruise speed gains and lower, more consistent cylinder head temperatures. During the test flight, the M20J saw an increase of 6 knots in indicated airspeed over the stock system at 7,500 feet. Look for a full review in an upcoming issue of AOPA Pilot magazine. For more information, see the Web site.
Whether you're looking for an affordable way to get started in flying, practical transportation loaded with the latest technology and the feel of a luxury car, or your first foray into the flight levels, there's never been a better time to be part of general aviation. That was the message from a panel of speakers representing three relatively new segments of the GA industry: light sport aircraft (LSAs), technically advanced aircraft (TAAs), and very light jets (VLJs). Dan Johnson of LSA marketing; Alan Klapmeier, co-founder of Cirrus Design; and Vern Raburn, CEO of Eclipse Aviation, spoke before a crowd of nearly 1,000 at the Friday morning general session at AOPA Expo 2005 in Tampa, Florida. The three represented very different types of aircraft, but all agreed that regardless of which type of aircraft you choose, you're bound to find innovative technology and a new perspective on value. LSAs promise to give new entrants to general aviation a fun, affordable way to fly; TAAs promise the kind of performance and comfort we expect from our cars with the speed and range of personal air travel; and VLJs promise to give more people access to the advantages of private jet travel with a price tag they can afford. See AOPA Online to read more about these innovative aircraft and see images from the AOPA Expo 2005 aircraft display.
TECHNOLOGY SEMINARS A HIT AT AOPA EXPO
Pilots packed seminar rooms at AOPA Expo to learn about GPS navigation and flying with glass thingypits. Each seminar drew an average of 200 attendees, and some had pilots spilling into the hallways. "So many members approached me to request another GPS seminar that we arranged to offer a special second session of 'GPS Approaches, Navigation Databases, and Charts,'" AOPA President Phil Boyer told members during the Friday morning general session. "This response just shows that pilots are finally embracing technologies like GPS and glass thingypits." AOPA offered six different seminars in the technology track that covered using GPS for VFR navigation, free graphic weather datalink services, and the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), among others.
SAFETY TRACK SEMINARS HELP IMPROVE THE ODDS
You know the old saying, "There are old pilots and bold pilots, but..." Pilots wanting to improve their odds of becoming old pilots have plenty of opportunities at AOPA Expo 2005, where 11 hours of safety seminars are being offered over the course of three days. One of the highlights of this year's safety track was the Friday debut of a new AOPA Air Safety Foundation seminar: "Do the Right Thing: Decision Making for Pilots." An audience of several hundred took an active part in the course, using their own decision-making skills and an interactive DVD to vote on whether a fictional pilot should continue to his destination despite worsening weather conditions. When the audience voted to go up and 'take a look' for a planned flight despite warnings about the weather, seminar instructor Pat Shaub offered a warning of his own. "I'll go up and take a look? That's sort of like saying, 'Watch this!'" Shaub, a flight instructor and former military pilot, told the audience. Other seminars in the safety track include: "The Last Five Miles: Are You Ready?"; "Weather Wise: Practical Tips and Tactical Tricks"; and "Single Pilot IFR."
JOHN AND MARTHA KING OFFER RISK MANAGEMENT TOOLS
Pilots need to take a proactive—rather than a reactive—approach to risk management, according to John and Martha King. The Kings, of King Schools Inc., discussed risk management strategies at a proficiency track seminar at AOPA Expo. In the seminar they advocated a different approach to risk management—one in which the pilot uses specific tools to produce "fun, stress-free trips" and "make sure your passengers will fly with you again," said Martha King. The Kings have developed a series of DVD courses focusing on different aspects of risk management, including practical risk management for pilots, weather, and takeoffs and landings. Other seminars in the proficiency track included sessions on "Equipping Yourself to Survive: Survival Gear for Pilots," "Killer Clouds," "FAR Refresher," and "Night Flying: Operational Hazards and Physical Limitations."
PILOTS LEARN STEPS TO AIRCRAFT OWNERSHIP
Many pilots hope to someday own their own aircraft, so AOPA is helping them get off on the right foot at AOPA Expo with a series of aircraft ownership seminars. AOPA Pilot Editor in Chief Tom Haines, who has handled the purchases of several AOPA Sweepstakes aircraft, shared his insight and knowledge of the process with about 60 pilots who are contemplating buying an aircraft. The top of Haines' must-do list is to decide how the aircraft will be used. Finding the aircraft to meet your needs could be the key to blissful ownership. One guideline is Haines' 80:20 rule. Buy an aircraft that meets 80 percent of your mission. Renting an aircraft can fulfill the other 20 percent. Then decide if you can afford to own an aircraft, and do a lot of homework to find the right fit. Other seminars in the ownership track cover topics such as the prepurchase inspection, aircraft painting, strategies for controlling your insurance costs, shared ownership, and maintenance.
CROWDS TURN OUT TO VIEW AOPA EXPO AIRCRAFT DISPLAY
Clear blue skies, bayside breezes, and warm temperatures brought the crowds to AOPA Expo's aircraft display at Peter O. Knight Airport on Friday morning. A steady stream of visitors wandered among the 103 airplanes. Among this year's offerings were a Skyhawk, a Turbo Skylane with Garmin G1000 glass thingypit, a Stationair, a Caravan, and a Citation CJ1, furnished by AOPA Expo Gold Sponsor Cessna Aircraft. The New Piper Aircraft withstood yet another hurricane just in time to bring four models to the display. Hurricane Wilma's arrival caused the Vero Beach, Florida, factory to shut down for one day last week, but there was no damage, said Craig Clayton, manager of aircraft assembly. Cirrus Design brought four aircraft and was giving demonstration rides, including one to a student pilot who will take his checkride next Wednesday, said John Gauch, fleet sales manager for Cirrus Design. The light sport aircraft display offered visitors an opportunity to climb in, or in some cases, fly the new models that have been approved since the light sport aircraft rule was released.
EXHIBITORS PROVIDE PRODUCT DEMOS AT AOPA EXPO
AOPA members who attend Expo gain a wealth of knowledge and some new gadgets for their aircraft, but putting all of that to use at home (or the airport) can be challenging. Exhibitors are providing product demonstrations in the convention center and at the aircraft display at Peter O. Knight Airport to help pilots get the most out of their "toys." AOPA Expo Platinum Sponsor DTC DUAT promoted its Web site's beta interactive overlay feature. This feature can depict nuclear power plants, stadiums, interstates, rivers, and state and county lines on a map to help pilots better plan their routes of flight. DTC also provided a quick tutorial to help pilots utilize all of the tools available on their Web site, such as weather, graphical depictions of temporary flight restrictions, and flight planning. DTC DUAT has been providing FAA-certified weather briefings, flight planning services, and weather graphics for the agency since 1989.
For more news and complete coverage of AOPA Expo 2005, including videos and image galleries, and see Virtual Expo on AOPA Online.
Expo News
MOONEY DOUBLES SHIPMENTS IN 2005
As of the third quarter 2005, Mooney Airplane Company is on track to more than double the 36 deliveries it made in 2004. So far this year Mooney has delivered 66 aircraft worth $28 million. Mooney Vice President of Sales and Marketing David Copeland said strong orders and deliveries are spurred by the Ovation2 and Bravo GX models. Mooney is conducting a Freedom Tour using the two models to visit 40 cities this year. "We delivered 14 Ovation2 GX and nine Bravo GX models during the most recent [third] quarter," Copeland said. The company has introduced a refined interior for its Sixtieth Anniversary Bravo GX and Ovation2 GX. It includes redesigned door latches, handles, and armrests, with an optional rear bench seat with seat belts for two adults or three children. A mockup of the interior was shown at AOPA Expo this week and will also be on display next week at the National Business Aviation Association convention in Orlando, Florida. Mooney expects to deliver its 11,000th airplane next year to a customer in New Jersey. The company also said it will begin offering computer "jump drives" to owners that contain the entire pilot's operating handbook, parts catalog, and service and maintenance manuals. The documents are interlinked for search purposes.
DIAMOND AIRCRAFT DELIVERS FIRST TWIN STAR
The first delivery of a Diamond Aircraft DA42 Twin Star in the United States has been made to Henry Van Kesteren of St. Petersburg, Florida. The aircraft features a Garmin G1000 panel and TAE 1.7 Centurion diesel engines. Kesteren will be able to fly nonstop from St. Petersburg to Washington, D.C., at more than 170 knots, Diamond claims, or he can throttle back to increase range and reach New York nonstop at an average speed of 151 knots. The aircraft was delivered by Mike Bain of Mid Atlantic Diamond and Art Spengler of Premier Aircraft Sales.
AVIDYNE ANNOUNCES TRAFFIC ADVISORY PRODUCTS
Avidyne Corporation has introduced a new family of active traffic advisory systems for general aviation aircraft, ranging from entry-level single-engine piston- to turbine-powered aircraft. With pricing starting at $9,990, Avidyne's TAS becomes the first such system available for less than $10,000, the company said. Developed by the Safety Systems Group (formerly Ryan International) in Columbus, Ohio, Avidyne's TAS600 systems are based on Ryan Active Surveillance technology and are fully certified to TAS TSO C147. The initial three products in Avidyne's TAS600 Series are the TAS600 for single-engine aircraft priced at $9,990, the TAS610 for midperformance aircraft priced at $14,990, and the TAS620 for high-performance aircraft priced at $20,990. The system range starts at 7 nm and a 3,500-foot vertical separation maximum for the least expensive model and expands to 21 nm and a 9,900-foot vertical separation maximum for the TAS620. The systems use an automated voice to keep the pilot's attention focused outside the thingypit and use such commands like, "Traffic! 12 o'clock! High! Two miles!"
STINGSPORT COMES WITH 24 NEW FEATURES
Satellite weather in a light sport aircraft? SportairUSA LC announced that the StingSport airplane will now come with the Garmin GPSMAP 396 as a standard feature. The GPS receiver provides improved situational awareness through XM WX Satellite Weather products. SportairUSA also announced that the airplane will come with another innovative feature, a full-time carburetor heating system to increase safety without degrading power. To view a list of 22 other recently added standard features, see the Web site.
AVIDYNE OFFERS MULTIHAZARD AVOIDANCE PACKAGE
Avidyne Corporation now offers a package of multihazard avoidance systems for a savings of $2,000 to $4,500 that includes state-of-the-art weather, active traffic alerting, and terrain and situational awareness tools. Called the MHAS6000 system, it comprises Avidyne's FlightMax EX500 multifunction display and Avidyne's new TAS600 traffic system. It delivers XM datalink weather, airborne weather radar, traffic alerting, terrain, obstacles, and moving-map capability. Systems are priced from $16,985 to $32,985, depending on active traffic advisory features and airborne weather radar interfaces. Options include enhanced ground proximity warning system interfaces and Avidyne's CMax JeppView electronic approach chart displays for enhanced situational awareness during taxi and instrument approaches. In other Avidyne news, the company has announced Release 6.0, a software and hardware upgrade that adds such features as flight director capability, a selectable "wedge" or "flying W" aircraft symbol, V-speed labels on the airspeed indicator, heading tick marks on the artificial horizon, enhanced autopilot mode annunciations on the primary flight display, and the ability to select and display ADF bearings on the HSI's bearing pointer.
MID-CONTINENT INSTRUMENTS FOUND IN COLUMBIA, CESSNA MODELS
Mid-Continent Instruments has teamed with Aerosonic, producer of mechanical altimeter and airspeed indicators, to produce a standby instrument package, including its 4200-series instruments, for the Cessna Citation Mustang and Columbia Aircraft's 350 and 400 series aircraft. The suite features 2-inch instruments to provide backup instrumentation for the electronic flight information displays on board these aircraft. For more information, visit the Web site.
POWER FLOW SYSTEMS OFFERS TUNED EXHAUST FOR MOONEYS
Power Flow Systems demonstrated its new tuned exhaust system for certain 200-horsepower Mooney 20-series aircraft (models M20E, F, and J) to an AOPA Pilot staff member at AOPA Expo, and the numbers don't lie. The system, optimized for better performance at altitude (rather than climb power down low), posted cruise speed gains and lower, more consistent cylinder head temperatures. During the test flight, the M20J saw an increase of 6 knots in indicated airspeed over the stock system at 7,500 feet. Look for a full review in an upcoming issue of AOPA Pilot magazine. For more information, see the Web site.