Post by Major Destruction on Nov 7, 2005 17:11:07 GMT -5
EXPO ATTENDEES GET INSIDE SCOOP ON AOPA'S INITIATIVES
AOPA members learned just how "One AOPA equals a strong GA" during Saturday morning's general session when AOPA President Phil Boyer and the association's senior management team discussed what they do to protect pilots' freedom to fly and keep general aviation safe, fun, and affordable. Boyer also took an important step forward to ensure that AOPA remains the world's best general aviation association now and into the future, announcing the promotion of Andy Cebula to executive vice president of government affairs and Karen Gebhart to executive vice president of non-dues revenue during the session. "AOPA's successful advocacy efforts are a major reason why GA in the United States is still free and affordable, but that is challenged every day," said Boyer. "Right now, six out of 10 pilots across the country are concerned about their freedom to fly, and AOPA is working to protect that freedom, starting with the prevention of a permanent Washington, D.C., Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ)." Other issues discussed at the session included user fees, media misconceptions about general aviation, insurance costs for older pilots, and new course offerings from the AOPA Air Safety Foundation. Get all the details and watch the video on AOPA Online.
MINNESOTA CONGRESSMAN RECEIVES AOPA'S HARTRANFT AWARD
The power of AOPA's 407,000 members carries a lot of political weight, but even so, it sometimes takes the special effort of dedicated political leaders who love general aviation to make good things happen. And to recognize those uncommon politicians, AOPA created the Hartranft Award, named after the association's first president. Saturday evening in Tampa, AOPA presented the J.B. "Doc" Hartranft Award to Rep. James L. Oberstar (D-Minn.). "Jim has been a friend of AOPA's for many years and is recognized by his peers and by the aviation community as an aviation expert," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "As the Ranking Member of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Jim has an influential role and has served the aviation community well." Oberstar has been a strong and reliable ally in AOPA's efforts to defeat air traffic control privatization and user fees. He recognizes that a strong, viable air transportation system is critical to the nation. "Just as you honor me, let me honor you, the citizen pilot," Rep. Oberstar said. "You support the aviation infrastructure with your landing fees and fuel taxes. You are an American phenomenon—the citizen pilot." Oberstar spoke to the closing banquet of AOPA Expo 2005 via videotape. But these are troubling times for GA, he noted. Specifically, the Washington, D.C., Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) "has had a profound affect on general aviation. I oppose the effort to make it permanent," Oberstar said. "Lighter aircraft flying at slower speeds should not be subject to ADIZ requirements…. These restrictions impose requirements on pilots that are difficult to meet and cause many to reduce their flying hours, or to stop flying altogether." See AOPA Online.
2005 SHARPLES AWARD PRESENTED TO EUEL KINSEY
AOPA presented the 2005 Laurence P. Sharples Perpetual Award to Euel Kinsey at the closing banquet of AOPA Expo. The Sharples Award is given annually in recognition of the greatest selfless commitment to general aviation by a private individual. Kinsey is an AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer at Coleman A. Young/Detroit City Airport. He waged a campaign to educate the Detroit City Council about proposed budget cuts that would have eliminated 18 of 23 city jobs and removed $2.5 million in funds from the airport. Kinsey promoted the airport's role as a gateway to the city for the thousands who attended the Major League Baseball 2005 All-Star Game and who will flock to the 2006 Super Bowl. See AOPA Online.
AMEs TEACH EXPO ATTENDEES TIPS TO SUCCESSFUL MEDICALS
For some pilots, medical certification is quick and painless, but for those who have a potentially disqualifying condition, it's a different story. During AOPA Expo 2005, the association offered 10 seminars dedicated to FAA medical certification topics that included night vision, improving near vision, diabetes, and FAA cardiac recertification, among others. AOPA Board of Aviation Medical Advisors Dr. Bruce Chien's seminar, "Managing Expectations: Working With FAA Aeromedical to Get What You Want," provided members with some helpful tips: Have your medical file in order because the federal aeromedical examiner only gets 10 minutes to look at it; only submit your medical application when you are relatively assured of a positive outcome; and see an AME for an evaluation before you get the flight physical. Chien also recommends using a separate primary physician in addition to your AME.
'PILOT' MAGAZINE HOSTS FIRST READERS' FORUM
A lucky group of AOPA Pilot readers got a chance to share their ideas about what the magazine should be with key members of the staff during the magazine's first ever readers' forum. Randomly selected Expo attendees discussed the future evolution of the magazine with Managing Editor Julie Walker and Executive Editor David Robb. Participants expressed their appreciation for the magazine, offered critiques, and came up with new story ideas. AOPA Pilot editors will review the suggestions and ideas, and plan to incorporate the members' comments into future issues. After Expo these same readers will be contributing via e-mail to a virtual readers' forum.
GARMIN PUTS GPS 396 THROUGH ITS PACES AT AOPA EXPO
Weather data "is the big thing" in avionics, according to Garmin representative Dave Brown. Weather was clearly a main selling point among the roomful of pilots who watched Brown put a Garmin GPSMAP 396 through its paces at a product demonstration Friday at AOPA Expo 2005. The 396, which lists for $2,695, has a topographical color moving map, datalink weather from XM WX Satellite Weather that can be overlaid on the moving map; and terrain avoidance with audio warnings, among other features. The 396 can integrate with a panel-mount Garmin GPS and transponder; flight plans and traffic from the panel will transfer to the 396, Brown said. The unit also has auto and marine modes. From now until December 31, new purchasers can get a free automotive conversion kit that includes a cigarette-lighter adapter with speaker, car dash mount, and a 128-megabyte memory card. See the Garmin Web site for more details.
EXPO 2005 CLOSES AFTER THREE EVENTFUL DAYS
Thousands of pilots and aviation enthusiasts spent three glorious days in sunny Tampa, and are now headed to their homes around the United States, laden with new toys and happy memories. More than 8,500 people attended the show, with some 1,200 airplanes flying in for the event. During their three days in Tampa, Expo-goers attended more than 70 hours of seminars, got up close to more than 100 aircraft on display, and purchased everything from headsets to airplanes. Highlights included an appearance by Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta, who announced at Thursday's general session that he had directed the FAA to extend the comment period and hold AOPA-requested public meetings on the plan to make the Washington, D.C., Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) permanent. With more than 18,000 comments filed so far, pilots are making sure the FAA knows they think the ADIZ is ineffective and should not be made permanent. Pilots also heard from representatives of the light sport aircraft, technically advanced aircraft, and very light jet segments speak about their vision for GA's future. Expo was also the perfect opportunity for AOPA to present a number of prestigious awards and for members to socialize at events that included a pirate-themed party and a banquet featuring dancing to live big band music. See AOPA Online.
AOPA LOOKS AHEAD TO PALM SPRINGS IN 2006
With the curtain closing on AOPA Expo 2005, now is a great time to look ahead to the next Expo. Join AOPA in Palm Springs, California, November 9 through 11, 2006. The stunning scenery—think desert oasis surrounded by dramatic peaks—makes the perfect backdrop for the parade of planes. So come a day early to see your favorite general aviation aircraft taxi from the airport through the streets of Palm Springs and to the convention center where they'll remain on display throughout the event. As always, you'll have the chance to see hundreds of exhibits featuring all the latest products for the GA aircraft and pilot; choose from dozens of entertaining and informative seminars; and attend great social events, like the always-popular party at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Save the dates—November 9 through 11, 2006—and we'll look forward to seeing you there!
For more news and complete coverage of AOPA Expo 2005, including videos and image galleries, and see Virtual Expo on AOPA Online.
Expo News
KELLY AEROSPACE ACQUIRES NORTHCOAST TECHNOLOGIES
Kelly Aerospace, with divisions in Alabama, California, and Kansas, has added a new division with the acquisition of Northcoast Technologies in Ohio. Northcoast Technologies makes wing deicing systems, aircraft air conditioning systems, and aircraft alternators. Kelly Aerospace is a diversified group with headquarters in Montgomery, Alabama, that includes among its products turbochargers, cabin heaters, electrical accessories, and fuel and filtration systems.
SYMPHONY EXPANDS PRESENCE IN FLIGHT SCHOOLS
Symphony Aircraft announced Friday that three flight schools have added the Symphony SA 160 to their flight lines. Skyline Aeronautics, a full-service flight school in St. Louis, Missouri; Magic Flight Training in Jacksonville, Florida; and Palo Alto College in San Antonio, Texas, have added the two-place aircraft. Symphony said that a large number of other flight schools are expressing interest in the trainer. The SA 160 can come equipped with a glass thingypit, BRS parachute, and a climb or constant-speed propeller.
TRUE FLIGHT ELECTRONIC FLIGHT BAG ADDS NEW FEATURE
True Flight has introduced a new feature on its FL210 electronic flight bag, the Fastest Flight Level Search. Using information from XM WX satellite datalink weather, the updated program crunches the numbers, including winds aloft, to determine the best altitude for a flight based on predicted fuel burn climbing to and reaching that altitude. See the Web site.
PS ENGINEERING AUDIO PANEL GETS NEW FEATURES
PS Engineering has updated its PMA8000 audio panel, installing a utility jack on the front of the panel for hooking up a cell phone or portable music device, and adding programmable function keys to allow pilots to customize the panel—so accessing a favorite function doesn't require a series of knob turns and button presses. List price is unchanged at $1,995. See the Web site.
ON-BOARD FLIGHT TRACKING FOR GA FROM APPAREO SYSTEMS
Appareo Systems now offers its GS Flight Evaluator Pro, an on-board flight-tracking system for general aviation aircraft. The system records multiple in-flight parameters that can be downloaded and reviewed in three-dimensional form after the flight. See the Web site.
CONTROL VISION LAUNCHES FUEL PLANNING SITE
Control Vision, the creator of the AnywhereMap moving map system, has launched a Web site to help pilots find the best fuel stops. The site, 100LL.com, also features airport diagrams and other flight planning information, and the data can be uploaded to the AnywhereMap program. Also new—airport diagrams on AnywhereMap, which allow the pilot to view the aircraft's position on an airport diagram while on the ground. See the Web site.
NEW ELECTRIC ATTITUDE GYRO FROM CENTURY FLIGHT
Century Flight Systems announced an electric attitude gyro to go along with its electric horizontal situation indicator (HSI), providing a totally electric "no vacuum needed" gyro package for its current line of autopilots. The company offers several new package groups for its C2000 and Triden autopilots and expects GPSS roll steering approval this quarter. See the Web site.
SEATTLE AVIONICS OFFERS IMPROVED FLIGHT PLANNING SYSTEM
Seattle Avionics Software announced the newest version of Voyager flight planning system, Voyager 3.0. The company has combined flight planning, the new GlassView GPS Moving Map ($198 upgrade, free for a limited time to existing customers), XM WX satellite datalink weather, and SmartPlates electronic approach charts into an integrated program. See the Web site.
AOPA members learned just how "One AOPA equals a strong GA" during Saturday morning's general session when AOPA President Phil Boyer and the association's senior management team discussed what they do to protect pilots' freedom to fly and keep general aviation safe, fun, and affordable. Boyer also took an important step forward to ensure that AOPA remains the world's best general aviation association now and into the future, announcing the promotion of Andy Cebula to executive vice president of government affairs and Karen Gebhart to executive vice president of non-dues revenue during the session. "AOPA's successful advocacy efforts are a major reason why GA in the United States is still free and affordable, but that is challenged every day," said Boyer. "Right now, six out of 10 pilots across the country are concerned about their freedom to fly, and AOPA is working to protect that freedom, starting with the prevention of a permanent Washington, D.C., Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ)." Other issues discussed at the session included user fees, media misconceptions about general aviation, insurance costs for older pilots, and new course offerings from the AOPA Air Safety Foundation. Get all the details and watch the video on AOPA Online.
MINNESOTA CONGRESSMAN RECEIVES AOPA'S HARTRANFT AWARD
The power of AOPA's 407,000 members carries a lot of political weight, but even so, it sometimes takes the special effort of dedicated political leaders who love general aviation to make good things happen. And to recognize those uncommon politicians, AOPA created the Hartranft Award, named after the association's first president. Saturday evening in Tampa, AOPA presented the J.B. "Doc" Hartranft Award to Rep. James L. Oberstar (D-Minn.). "Jim has been a friend of AOPA's for many years and is recognized by his peers and by the aviation community as an aviation expert," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "As the Ranking Member of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Jim has an influential role and has served the aviation community well." Oberstar has been a strong and reliable ally in AOPA's efforts to defeat air traffic control privatization and user fees. He recognizes that a strong, viable air transportation system is critical to the nation. "Just as you honor me, let me honor you, the citizen pilot," Rep. Oberstar said. "You support the aviation infrastructure with your landing fees and fuel taxes. You are an American phenomenon—the citizen pilot." Oberstar spoke to the closing banquet of AOPA Expo 2005 via videotape. But these are troubling times for GA, he noted. Specifically, the Washington, D.C., Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) "has had a profound affect on general aviation. I oppose the effort to make it permanent," Oberstar said. "Lighter aircraft flying at slower speeds should not be subject to ADIZ requirements…. These restrictions impose requirements on pilots that are difficult to meet and cause many to reduce their flying hours, or to stop flying altogether." See AOPA Online.
2005 SHARPLES AWARD PRESENTED TO EUEL KINSEY
AOPA presented the 2005 Laurence P. Sharples Perpetual Award to Euel Kinsey at the closing banquet of AOPA Expo. The Sharples Award is given annually in recognition of the greatest selfless commitment to general aviation by a private individual. Kinsey is an AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer at Coleman A. Young/Detroit City Airport. He waged a campaign to educate the Detroit City Council about proposed budget cuts that would have eliminated 18 of 23 city jobs and removed $2.5 million in funds from the airport. Kinsey promoted the airport's role as a gateway to the city for the thousands who attended the Major League Baseball 2005 All-Star Game and who will flock to the 2006 Super Bowl. See AOPA Online.
AMEs TEACH EXPO ATTENDEES TIPS TO SUCCESSFUL MEDICALS
For some pilots, medical certification is quick and painless, but for those who have a potentially disqualifying condition, it's a different story. During AOPA Expo 2005, the association offered 10 seminars dedicated to FAA medical certification topics that included night vision, improving near vision, diabetes, and FAA cardiac recertification, among others. AOPA Board of Aviation Medical Advisors Dr. Bruce Chien's seminar, "Managing Expectations: Working With FAA Aeromedical to Get What You Want," provided members with some helpful tips: Have your medical file in order because the federal aeromedical examiner only gets 10 minutes to look at it; only submit your medical application when you are relatively assured of a positive outcome; and see an AME for an evaluation before you get the flight physical. Chien also recommends using a separate primary physician in addition to your AME.
'PILOT' MAGAZINE HOSTS FIRST READERS' FORUM
A lucky group of AOPA Pilot readers got a chance to share their ideas about what the magazine should be with key members of the staff during the magazine's first ever readers' forum. Randomly selected Expo attendees discussed the future evolution of the magazine with Managing Editor Julie Walker and Executive Editor David Robb. Participants expressed their appreciation for the magazine, offered critiques, and came up with new story ideas. AOPA Pilot editors will review the suggestions and ideas, and plan to incorporate the members' comments into future issues. After Expo these same readers will be contributing via e-mail to a virtual readers' forum.
GARMIN PUTS GPS 396 THROUGH ITS PACES AT AOPA EXPO
Weather data "is the big thing" in avionics, according to Garmin representative Dave Brown. Weather was clearly a main selling point among the roomful of pilots who watched Brown put a Garmin GPSMAP 396 through its paces at a product demonstration Friday at AOPA Expo 2005. The 396, which lists for $2,695, has a topographical color moving map, datalink weather from XM WX Satellite Weather that can be overlaid on the moving map; and terrain avoidance with audio warnings, among other features. The 396 can integrate with a panel-mount Garmin GPS and transponder; flight plans and traffic from the panel will transfer to the 396, Brown said. The unit also has auto and marine modes. From now until December 31, new purchasers can get a free automotive conversion kit that includes a cigarette-lighter adapter with speaker, car dash mount, and a 128-megabyte memory card. See the Garmin Web site for more details.
EXPO 2005 CLOSES AFTER THREE EVENTFUL DAYS
Thousands of pilots and aviation enthusiasts spent three glorious days in sunny Tampa, and are now headed to their homes around the United States, laden with new toys and happy memories. More than 8,500 people attended the show, with some 1,200 airplanes flying in for the event. During their three days in Tampa, Expo-goers attended more than 70 hours of seminars, got up close to more than 100 aircraft on display, and purchased everything from headsets to airplanes. Highlights included an appearance by Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta, who announced at Thursday's general session that he had directed the FAA to extend the comment period and hold AOPA-requested public meetings on the plan to make the Washington, D.C., Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) permanent. With more than 18,000 comments filed so far, pilots are making sure the FAA knows they think the ADIZ is ineffective and should not be made permanent. Pilots also heard from representatives of the light sport aircraft, technically advanced aircraft, and very light jet segments speak about their vision for GA's future. Expo was also the perfect opportunity for AOPA to present a number of prestigious awards and for members to socialize at events that included a pirate-themed party and a banquet featuring dancing to live big band music. See AOPA Online.
AOPA LOOKS AHEAD TO PALM SPRINGS IN 2006
With the curtain closing on AOPA Expo 2005, now is a great time to look ahead to the next Expo. Join AOPA in Palm Springs, California, November 9 through 11, 2006. The stunning scenery—think desert oasis surrounded by dramatic peaks—makes the perfect backdrop for the parade of planes. So come a day early to see your favorite general aviation aircraft taxi from the airport through the streets of Palm Springs and to the convention center where they'll remain on display throughout the event. As always, you'll have the chance to see hundreds of exhibits featuring all the latest products for the GA aircraft and pilot; choose from dozens of entertaining and informative seminars; and attend great social events, like the always-popular party at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Save the dates—November 9 through 11, 2006—and we'll look forward to seeing you there!
For more news and complete coverage of AOPA Expo 2005, including videos and image galleries, and see Virtual Expo on AOPA Online.
Expo News
KELLY AEROSPACE ACQUIRES NORTHCOAST TECHNOLOGIES
Kelly Aerospace, with divisions in Alabama, California, and Kansas, has added a new division with the acquisition of Northcoast Technologies in Ohio. Northcoast Technologies makes wing deicing systems, aircraft air conditioning systems, and aircraft alternators. Kelly Aerospace is a diversified group with headquarters in Montgomery, Alabama, that includes among its products turbochargers, cabin heaters, electrical accessories, and fuel and filtration systems.
SYMPHONY EXPANDS PRESENCE IN FLIGHT SCHOOLS
Symphony Aircraft announced Friday that three flight schools have added the Symphony SA 160 to their flight lines. Skyline Aeronautics, a full-service flight school in St. Louis, Missouri; Magic Flight Training in Jacksonville, Florida; and Palo Alto College in San Antonio, Texas, have added the two-place aircraft. Symphony said that a large number of other flight schools are expressing interest in the trainer. The SA 160 can come equipped with a glass thingypit, BRS parachute, and a climb or constant-speed propeller.
TRUE FLIGHT ELECTRONIC FLIGHT BAG ADDS NEW FEATURE
True Flight has introduced a new feature on its FL210 electronic flight bag, the Fastest Flight Level Search. Using information from XM WX satellite datalink weather, the updated program crunches the numbers, including winds aloft, to determine the best altitude for a flight based on predicted fuel burn climbing to and reaching that altitude. See the Web site.
PS ENGINEERING AUDIO PANEL GETS NEW FEATURES
PS Engineering has updated its PMA8000 audio panel, installing a utility jack on the front of the panel for hooking up a cell phone or portable music device, and adding programmable function keys to allow pilots to customize the panel—so accessing a favorite function doesn't require a series of knob turns and button presses. List price is unchanged at $1,995. See the Web site.
ON-BOARD FLIGHT TRACKING FOR GA FROM APPAREO SYSTEMS
Appareo Systems now offers its GS Flight Evaluator Pro, an on-board flight-tracking system for general aviation aircraft. The system records multiple in-flight parameters that can be downloaded and reviewed in three-dimensional form after the flight. See the Web site.
CONTROL VISION LAUNCHES FUEL PLANNING SITE
Control Vision, the creator of the AnywhereMap moving map system, has launched a Web site to help pilots find the best fuel stops. The site, 100LL.com, also features airport diagrams and other flight planning information, and the data can be uploaded to the AnywhereMap program. Also new—airport diagrams on AnywhereMap, which allow the pilot to view the aircraft's position on an airport diagram while on the ground. See the Web site.
NEW ELECTRIC ATTITUDE GYRO FROM CENTURY FLIGHT
Century Flight Systems announced an electric attitude gyro to go along with its electric horizontal situation indicator (HSI), providing a totally electric "no vacuum needed" gyro package for its current line of autopilots. The company offers several new package groups for its C2000 and Triden autopilots and expects GPSS roll steering approval this quarter. See the Web site.
SEATTLE AVIONICS OFFERS IMPROVED FLIGHT PLANNING SYSTEM
Seattle Avionics Software announced the newest version of Voyager flight planning system, Voyager 3.0. The company has combined flight planning, the new GlassView GPS Moving Map ($198 upgrade, free for a limited time to existing customers), XM WX satellite datalink weather, and SmartPlates electronic approach charts into an integrated program. See the Web site.