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6-27-2008 Weekly Rock Update Show. w/ your host: Aero Broken and co-host Tannrr. -THE AERO BROKEN NETWORK- This week is "FESTIVALS, ROCKETS AND FREEDOM". This weeks show once again was awesome. Aero shares his Aero Certified Bands and gives us updates on 4 bands this week, and other News w/ even a prayers out and hilarious bash. Band Categories: Showcase, Headline, Shout Out, Closer Tannrr gives many interesting rock announcements this week and interacts more through the show per aero's request. We had a great time and some awesome laughs and hopefully you will too. Remember to grab the blog over the weekend so you can get all the information covered on the show.

Entegra FMS900W Designed To Reduce Workload In Single-Pilot IFR Avidyne recently strutted its stuff before the Aero-TV crews with a demo of their upcoming FMS900W FMS system. In the works for some time, the new Entegra FMS900W WAAS-enabled GPS/NAV/COM Flight Management System (FMS) is designed to reduce workload for single-pilot IFR operations. The FMS900W provides a fully-redundant, state-of-the art VHF and TSO C146b Gamma 3-compliant turbine-class FMS capability for all GA aircraft. Utilizing a fully-modular architecture, the FMS900W Flight Management System is an enhancement to Avidyne's Entegra Integrated Flight Deck platform and is designed specifically to take advantage of Entegra's large-format displays and Byteflight peer-to-peer databus architecture. FMS900W system components include single or dual remote-mount LRUs, each with Avidyne's GPS723 WAAS/RNP GPS Sensor and a DVX740 VHF NAV/COM module and optional ACD215 Control/Display Units. Avidyne's GPS723 sensor is a fully compliant RTCA ...

The Avionics Industry Seems Hopeful About The Future Opinions! We love them... especially when they come from folks with something interesting to say! Aero-TV engaged in one of its favorite exercises during the 2008 AEA Annual Convention... that of surveying a dozen or so people at an event with three questions targeted toward the interest group that we're shooting... So, we came up with three good questions for the thousands of folks who populated this year's convention... finishing with an intriguing topic for attendees of April's AEA 2008 Convention... "What Got YOUR Attention This Year?" We think you'll get a kick out of what they had to say. The Annual gathering of the truly 'uber-professional' folks who populate the ultra-high-tech avionics business was a great success this year -- with outstanding attendance, accomplishments and achievements to be boasted about for years to come. These are interesting people... and they belong to an equally interesting organization. Founded in ...

The Avionics Industry Seems Hopeful About The Future Opinions! We love them... especially when they come from folks with something interesting to say! Aero-TV engaged in one of its favorite exercises during the 2008 AEA Annual Convention... that of surveying a dozen or so people at an event with three questions targeted toward the interest group that we're shooting... So, we came up with three good questions for the thousands of folks who populated this year's convention... continuing with a popular topic... "How Does the Future Of The Avionics Industry look To The Industry, Itself?" We think you'll get a kick out of what they had to say. The Annual gathering of the truly 'uber-professional' folks who populate the ultra-high-tech avionics business was a great success this year -- with outstanding attendance, accomplishments and achievements to be boasted about for years to come. These are interesting people... and they belong to an equally interesting organization. Founded in 1957, the ...

The Avionics Industry Seems Hopeful About The Future Opinions! We love them... especially when they come from folks with something interesting to say! Aero-TV engaged in one of its favorite exercises during the 2008 AEA Annual Convention... that of surveying a dozen or so people at an event with three questions targeted toward the interest group that we're shooting... So, we came up with three good question for the thousands of folks who populated this year's convention... starting with one pretty good conversation starter, namely... "How's Business?" We think you'll get a kick out of what they had to say. The Annual gathering of the truly 'uber-professional' folks who populate the ultra-high-tech avionics business was a great success this year -- with outstanding attendance, accomplishments and achievements to be boasted about for years to come. These are interesting people... and they belong to an equally interesting organization. Founded in 1957, the Aircraft Electronics Association ...

The Racy ECJ Gets A 'Go" For Production! As part of Aero-TV's attendance at Eclipse Aviation's annual 'E-rrival' (profiled in our recent E-rrival Overview story), we were privileged to cover some good news in the form of Eclipse Aviation's announcement and comittment to future certification and production of the single-engine ECJ/Eclipse 400. Raburn told ANN that he was "thrilled" to have the opportunity to introduce a new aircraft to the Eclipse Aviation family – the Eclipse 400 single-engine jet, the production version of the Eclipse Concept Jet (ECJ), which was first revealed at EAA AirVenture 2007 and profiled exclusively by Aero-TV. After completing 10 months of extensive research on the ECJ, Eclipse claimed that they were "confident this is the perfect aircraft for the emerging single-engine jet market. As many of you have experienced firsthand, this jet inspires people. It immediately captures their imaginations, and when they look a little closer and begin to grasp the level of ...

Laredo Kid, Super Fly, Pegasso and Aero Star vs. Gran Apache, Super Calo, Alan and Decnis AAA - 6/2/07 (us)

The Racy ECJ Gets A 'Go" For Production! As part of Aero-TV's attendance at Eclipse Aviation's annual 'E-rrival' (profiled in our recent E-rrival Overview story), we were privileged to cover some good news in the form of Eclipse Aviation's announcement and comittment to future certification and production of the single-engine ECJ/Eclipse 400. Raburn told ANN that he was "thrilled" to have the opportunity to introduce a new aircraft to the Eclipse Aviation family – the Eclipse 400 single-engine jet, the production version of the Eclipse Concept Jet (ECJ), which was first revealed at EAA AirVenture 2007 and profiled exclusively by Aero-TV. After completing 10 months of extensive research on the ECJ, Eclipse claimed that they were "confident this is the perfect aircraft for the emerging single-engine jet market. As many of you have experienced firsthand, this jet inspires people. It immediately captures their imaginations, and when they look a little closer and begin to grasp the level of ...

Fast Company, Fast Jets, Fast Friends The 2008 E-rrival just finished a couple of days ago... but its influence will be felt throughout 'jet-dom' for quite the while. This annual gathering of pilots and owners of the Eclipse 500 pocket-rocket VLJ occurs once a year or so for the community to talk shop, learn the latest news and enjoy the comradery of like minded flyers... but this year was different. Unlike previous years, Eclipse was finally in serious production, as aircraft number 200 saw daylight during this year's festivities. The little dream jet that so many had hoped for, for so long, and through so many travails, was finally a reality... though nonetheless, still, a work in progress. The Eclipse Aviation Customer E-rrival was an exciting weekend -- featuring an address from Eclipse President and CEO Vern Raburn, information sessions about owning, operating, and maintaining the Eclipse 500, a hysterical luncheon speech from Rod Machado, tours of the Eclipse facilities, simulator ...

Attendees and Friends of Women In Aviation Discuss the Pending Pilot Shortage As the 19th Annual International Women in Aviation (WAI) Conference drew to a close, all the statistics pointed to the organization's biggest Conference ever. Women in Aviation, International is a nonprofit 501(C)(3) organization dedicated to providing networking, education, mentoring and scholarship opportunities for women (and men) who are striving for challenging and fulfilling careers in the aviation and aerospace industries. "By all accounts, this has been one of the most exhilarating and successful conferences we've had," said WAI President Dr. Peggy Chabrian. Highpoints Attendance reached a new high with 3,320 women and men registered. More than 250 of the Conference-goers were from the military, also a new record. The Exhibit Hall was the biggest ever with 151 separate companies and organizations on display, representing all aspects of the aviation community Nearly $700,000 in scholarships was distributed ...

http://www.topflight.aero We worked with our friends at Power Aviation at the Auburn Airport in northern California on a preview of the Diamond Aircrat D-Jet. Thanks to the great folks at http://www.poweraviation.com

Retrofittable 21st Century Engine Management... At Last! AEA 2008 gave the Aero-TV crew a chance to not only get up close and personal with the AuRACLE CRM 2100 but the twin-engine, the CRM 2120... and we came away convinced that Xerion Avionix has been thinking up some great things. With all the emphasis being given on retrofitting and upgrading attitude, navigation and communication displays, it's an honest pleasure to see a solid effort to bring 21st Century technology to engine data and management -- especially when it looks THIS good. Xerion tells ANN that the AuRACLE CRM2100 is a dual-box networked system. where the system's EIU (Engine Interface Unit) is mounted on the engine-side of the firewall and where ALL engine sensors connect directly to the EIU, 'over there.' The engine data is transmitted via a networked CAN bus to the Display Unit using a single bulkhead connector on the firewall. From there, a second cable marries up with the DU. Xerion notes that this networked system ...

http://www.McClellanJetServices.com The Northern California Sacramento Airport FBO team sees a lot of great helicopters coming through. Aviation video by http://www.TopFlight.aero for the new http://www.TopFlight.tv channel.

http://www.McClellanJetServices.com The team caught this 747 doing touch-&-gos outside their Northern California Sacramento Airport FBO. http://www.TopFlight.aero will feature aviation video on their new channel http://www.TopFlight.tv

A Novel Solution To An Important Problem Airplanes are expensive... and valuable...especially when they're yours. Securing them properly has always been a concern to owners and operators but in an era when access and security of aircraft is becoming more and more a "Public" issue, novel solutions to aircraft security would seem to be apropos. Such is the case with Airlock Security... a company has developed and "Electronic" key that is both self-powered, as well as "intelligent in order to offer not only security but intelligent access to an aircraft, a hangar or critical components, at the behest of the owner/operator. The AirLock system is an "innovative lock system that easily converts existing mechanical locks into an access control system." The system is comprised of three individual components: the lock cylinder, the programmable key and the software used to program the system. Airlock Features Allow: • Enables owners/operators to schedule limited access to any area of an aircraft ...

Lakeland Got Off To A Muted Start... But There Were Some Pleasant Surprises While Lakeland's annual Fly-In is not without its fair share (OK, more than its fair share) of problems, it is pretty much the lead off event for a new year's fly-in season... and thus looked forward to with great anticipation. This year was no exception. We saw the first sight of the Pilatus PC-12NG, the Liberty Vanguard, Garmin's AMAZING SVT and just as it all concluded, ANN Managing Editor, Rob Finfrock, got his Sport Pilot's license... so despite all the nonsense we usually have to deal with, we not only found a way to have a good time this year, we did better than most--especially with Rob's triumph to brag about. So... today, Aero-TV does something a little different... here are some of the sights and sounds of the 2008 Lakeland Fly-In, narrated by Paul Plack and EXPERTLY shot by Aero-TV Videographers Nathan Cremisino, Jim Grosser and Laura Jobe... all under the supervision of Aero-TV''s Sr. Producer, Sarah "The ...

Forces To Be Reckoned With In The Aero-Educational World Team Up It's really tough to know who to trust in the aviation education business these days... stories like the frauds surrounding the Silver State Helicopter mess, as well as other such catastrophes, certainly give someone thinking of an aviation education a reason to pause. So... when two of the best known and most highly regarded names in the aero-educational industry decide to cooperate on something, you know you have a good deal. The big news (and the subject of this Aero-TV feature) is that Delta Connection Academy and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University have partnered up on a program that gives students who earn their tickets at Delta Connection Academy a solid 36 credit hours toward a degree. To those looking for a solid way toward an airline career (which favors those applicants with a degree), this manna from heaven. These are two of the industry's heaviest players -- with a heck of a pedigree. ERAU notes that on December 17, ...

Steve departs from the Wallaby Ranch with owner/instructor Malcolm Jones. In tandem they'll take flight over Central Florida, launching from the first & largest aero-tow hang gliding park, in the world. Visit http://eco-weekends.com

Full Garmin Avionics Suite Now Offered On New SR22-G3s ANN REALTIME SPECIAL REPORT 05.20.08 0500 EDT: We don't mean to overstate the importance of the following news item... but this is a marriage many in the aviation industry have been waiting for. Cirrus Design and Garmin International announced Tuesday at EBACE 2008 that the Duluth, MN planemaker will offer Cirrus Perspective -- an all-glass, fully-integrated flight deck tailored by Garmin specifically for the SR22-G3. "Cirrus and Garmin have worked together since the development of the first SR20 in the late 1990s when the GNS 430 was selected for the SR20's panel, and we are very excited to expand our relationship," said Gary Kelley, Garmin's vice president of marketing. "Both companies are equally committed to bringing customers a safe and quality aircraft, and we are confident Cirrus pilots will enjoy flying with Garmin's industry leading, all-glass integrated flight deck." Check Out Aero-TV's FLIGHT TEST In The Cirrus SR22 G3-GTSX... ...

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WingX and Jepp: Quite A Match! This has been quite a year for Hilton Software's WingX program... not only did they put together a truly inspired mobile information system for pilots that easily installs on just about any Phone/PDA powered by a Windows operating system, but it seems that Jeppesen kinda got caught up in what they did, as well... so much so that they have entered into an agreement to use WingX at the core of their new mobile offerings. Jeppesen Mobile was designed to be "the perfect solution for pilots who demand the utmost portability in a flight planning and pre-flight preparation tool. With fast, easy-to-use route planning, weight & balance, the latest METARs, TAFs & TFRs, animated weather graphics, IFR, VFR and ADIZ flight plan filing and much more right on your phone or PDA." Based on the Hilton Software WingX application, the introduction of Jeppesen Mobile is designed to provide "a high-value, tightly integrated suite of pre-flight, in-flight and post-flight functions for ...

Garmin's Synthetic Vision System Heralds A New Age For GA! ANN, as you read last month, was privileged to finally be able to talk about something we've known about for a while... real-live Synthetic Vision for GA. As amazing as the concept may be, the reality is even more so. Garmin got this right... and right from the start. During a flight in an SVT-equipped DA40-XL, Aero-TV flew checked out each of the now-certified features of the G1000's SVT capabilities -- Highway In The Sky, Obstacle Clearance, Terrain Avoidance, Traffic Alerts... you name it... and came away feeling like the state of the art in the general aviation industry has just been raised by an astounding degree. And if you can wait about 24 hours, for the next Special Edition of Aero-TV, you'll see that they're not remotely done yet... but we can't say anymore about that... yet. Garmin's Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT), is designed to fully integrate with the G1000... both present and past models. Garmin's SVT presents a 3D ...

EVGA introduces the new UV Plus+. Take any available USB port on your Desktop or Notebook and turn it into an additional video output for use with another display. With a small footprint and a unique magnetic-stackable design for use with multiple UV16 units, UV Plus+ allows for additional displays to increase productivity by expanding, rotating, or mirroring your virtual workspace through an easy to understand and operate software interface. UV Plus+ is powered by USB and uses Lossless Compression for transferring video signal which provides a crystal clear viewing experience on your additional display. The GPU-less design utilizes a virtual driver and high-performance DDR memory with full support for Windows Vista Aero and high resolution capabilities. With all of these features in one tiny package, the EVGA UV Plus+ is the perfect, easy solution for an additional monitor in only minutes.

Quite A Match! This has been quite a year for Hilton Software's WingX program... not only did they put together a truly inspired mobile information system for pilots that easily installs on just about any Phone/PDA powered by a Windows operating system, but it seems that Jeppesen kinda got caught up in what they did, as well... so much so that they have entered into an agreement to use WingX at the core of their new mobile offerings. Jeppesen Mobile was designed to be "the perfect solution for pilots who demand the utmost portability in a flight planning and pre-flight preparation tool. With fast, easy-to-use route planning, weight & balance, the latest METARs, TAFs & TFRs, animated weather graphics, IFR, VFR and ADIZ flight plan filing and much more right on your phone or PDA." Based on the Hilton Software WingX application, the introduction of Jeppesen Mobile is designed to provide "a high-value, tightly integrated suite of pre-flight, in-flight and post-flight functions for your Windows ...

The Annual gathering of the truly 'uber-professional' folks who populate the ultra-high-tech avionics business was a great success this year -- with outstanding attendance, accomplishments and achievements to be boasted about for years to come. But... who are these people and what do they get out of gathering each year? Aero-TV crews spent some time at the convention and on the exhibit floor to find out for ourselves. These are interesting people... and they belong to an equally interesting organization. Founded in 1957, the Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) represents more than 1,300 aviation businesses, including repair stations that specialize in maintenance, repair and installation of avionics and electronic systems in general aviation aircraft. AEA membership also includes instruments facilities, manufacturers of avionics equipment, instrument manufacturers, airframe manufacturers, test equipment manufacturers, major distributors, and educational institutions. AEA tells ANN that their ...

Aspen Avionics' Evolution EFIS Now Approved In Nearly 400 Aircraft Models It's been a whirlwind year for the folks of Aspen Avionics. Just a few weeks ago, Aspen received its Approved Model List Supplemental Type Certificate (AML-STC) for the EFD1000 Primary Flight Display (PFD), from the almighty FAA. This certification -- combined with the TSO (Technical Standard Order) certification granted to the company two weeks ago, as ANN reported -- authorizes installation of Aspen’s Evolution PFD in almost 400 airplane makes and models. Coming before the end of March 2008, the AML-STC enabled Aspen Avionics to start shipping, and its dealers to start installing, Evolution Flight Display systems... on track with the schedule Aspen promised to its customers. Announced last year at Oshkosh, Aspen bills its Evolution Flight Display system is an affordable glass cockpit solution for general aviation aircraft. With prices starting under $6,000, the modular and upgradeable Evolution system breaks the price ...

It's Airshow Week At Aero-TV! The last in a five part series, this week, continues with a series of interwoven interviews in which we asked about a dozen airshow professionals the same three questions... each of which was the topic of its own program over the course of the week. In this final installment, we asked a number of airshow luminaries the following question... after a year in which there were a number of tragic but unrelated accidents, are airshows as safe as they can be??? Over the last few days, we addressed the airshow industry's ability to keep up with the times and the overall safety situation we find ourselves in as 2008 gets underway in earnest. Produced at the ICAS Convention just before the end of the year, we were pleased to be able to tackle such important subjects as the industry made ready to start another year... but we apologize for some of the lighting, as we were stuck with some bad conditions and had to make the best of it. ICAS tells us that Airshows draw ...

It's Airshow Week At Aero-TV! The third in a five part series, this week, starts off a series of interwoven interviews in which we asked about a dozen airshow professionals the same three questions... each of which will become the topic of its own program over the next three days. In this installment we asked a number of airshow luminaries the following question... after the airshow business was rocked by the loss of a favored team's sponsorship (the Red Barons), do airshows provide the kind of value necessary to keep attracting high level sponsorship??? In the next two parts, we'll address the airshow industry's ability to keep up with the times and the overall safety situation we find ourselves in as 2008 gets underway in earnest. Produced at the ICAS Convention just before the end of the year, we were pleased to be able to tackle such important subjects as the industry made ready to start another year... but we apologize for some of the lighting, as we were stuck with some bad conditions ...

Derks Looks To The Future With Excitement... And Caution The hard-working staff of AEA chalked up an amazing presentation with the close of the 51st Annual AEA Convention, concluded just days ago in the shadow of Washington, DC. Nearly 1,800 avionics and aviation industry professionals from more than 15 countries attending the Aircraft Electronics Association’s four-day event from April 23-26. According to Paula Derks, president of the AEA, this year’s convention was truly an international gathering of industry professionals. During the AEA’s annual convention, 25 new products were introduced; nearly 95 hours of training was offered; more than $135,000 in scholarships were awarded, which was a record high; and 98 companies — another record — were honored with the Avionics Training Excellence Award. “Our efforts in creating the pipeline of prospects for our academic members runs parallel with our effort to provide continuous regulatory and technical training once these technicians ...

A Vista theme for windows xp! VistaXP. Download it here: http://rapidshare.com/files/113035322/VistaXP_VS_v2_0.zip.html To install it, extract it and double click on the Winodws Visual Style File. It should be called VistaXP. Then you're all set! VistaXP is brought to you buy studiotwentyeight! http://www.studiotwentyeight.com/ The sidebar on the right of my desktop is called Desktop Sidebar. http://www.desktopsidebar.com/index.html Download it there. Here's the Vista skin for desktop sidebar. http://www.desktopsidebar.com/ffdetails.php?id=331 Direct link: http://www.desktopsidebar.com/send.php?f=1535 To get the Vista Cursor download it here. http://bronch.com/downloads/risherz/aero-cursors.zip Read this article on how to change it! http://www.tech-recipes.com/windows_tips1073.html

It's Airshow Week At Aero-TV! The fourth in a five part series, this week, continues with a series of interwoven interviews in which we asked about a dozen airshow professionals the same three questions... each of which will become the topic of its own program over the course of the week. In this installment, we asked a number of airshow luminaries the following question... in a computerized/new media/iPod kind of world can airshows provide the kind of entertainment and excitement that will allow them to keep up with the times??? In the next two parts, we'll address the airshow industry's ability to keep up with the times and the overall safety situation we find ourselves in as 2008 gets underway in earnest. Produced at the ICAS Convention just before the end of the year, we were pleased to be able to tackle such important subjects as the industry made ready to start another year... but we apologize for some of the lighting, as we were stuck with some bad conditions and had to make the best ...

It's Airshow Week At Aero-TV! The Second in a five part series this week is also the other half of a forthright conversation with International Council of AirShows President, John Cudahy, --- which will be followed by a series of short interviews, in three parts, in which members of the airshow community answered the same three questions -- concerning safety, value and the ability of the airshow industry to keep up with the times. Produced at the ICAS Convention just before the end of the year, we were pleased to be able to tackle such important subjects as the industry made ready to start another year... but we apologize for some of the lighting, as we were stuck with some bad conditions and had to make the best of it. ICAS tells us that Airshows draw large numbers of demographically attractive spectators - a well-educated, affluent group of men, women and children of all ages. More than 70 percent of the audience at an air show has had some college education. Three quarters report household ...

The first in a five part series this week is also the first half of a forthright conversation with International Council of AirShows President, John Cudahy, --- which will be followed by a series of short interviews, in three parts, in which members of the airshow community answered the same three questions -- concerning safety, value and the ability of the airshow industry to keep up with the times. Produced at the ICAS Convention just before the end of the year, we were pleased to be able to tackle such important subjects as the industry made ready to start another year... but we apologize for some of the lighting, as we were stuck with some bad conditions and had to make the best of it. ICAS tells us that Airshows draw large numbers of demographically attractive spectators - a well-educated, affluent group of men, women and children of all ages. More than 70 percent of the audience at an air show has had some college education. Three quarters report household income of $35,000 or more. The ...

Escoria vs Aero Star vs Extreme Tiger vs Laredo Kid vs Super Fly vs Hombre Sin Miedo vs Pegasso vs Rey Cometa Alas de Oro 2007

This Guy Has The Best Seat At EVERY Airshow He Flies! When the USAF Thunderbirds performed at the Kennedy Space Center last fall for the World Space Expo (where ANN served as the event's primary news team), it was a coveted chance for some of the best aviators in the world to make a historic landing at the home of the NASA Space Shuttle program. Helping the Air Force celebrate their 60th anniversary as a military service, the Thunderbirds put ion a show to remember, while ANN had the chance to work behind the scenes, in areas normally quite restricted, to see the "behind the scenes" action associated with putting one of the most consistently precise airshow performances on/over the earth. ANN talked with Thunderbird 4, Major Scott Poteet, about the Thunderbirds, current opportunities in the Air Force and the talented crew that supports him each and every time he flies. The World Space Expo was conceived so that NASA and the US Air Force could jointly celebrate 50 years of space and the 60th ...

Are The Hard Times Behind Them? To all appearances, things would seem to be looking up at Liberty Aerospace. With the recently announced availability of the Aspen EFIS system, and the announcement of a new advanced XL2 Vanguard Edition, Liberty hopes to be one of the survivors in an increasingly problematic GA market. The latest model of the FADEC-equipped two seat touring and training aircraft offers a Gross Weight increase to 1,750 pounds, and toe-brakes, WAAS enabled Garmin GPS avionics, Jeppesen Terrain Database, and entry steps, as standard equipment. New optional avionics include the all-digital Aspen Evolution Pro Primary Flight Display (PFD) system, Garmin GTX 330 Transponder with Traffic Avoidance, and GPS-coupled S-TEC 30 Dual Axis Autopilot. An Insight True Flow 500 Fuel Flow Computer, coupled directly to the GPS for live in-flight fuel management, is also available. "After recently celebrating the delivery of Serial Number 100 of the Liberty XL2, we are excited to now launch ...

While we've been enjoying the fruits of the certified EFIS developments that have popped up over the last few years, we are duty-bound to mention that the experimental aircraft industry has been developing these technologies for many years... and flying them for nearly as long. As a matter of fact, a number of certified products started with the experimental industry. Aero-TV spent some amusing moments with Blue Mountain Avionics' boss, Greg Richter, an irrepressible sort of fellow who has spearheaded a phenomenal amount of glass panel development programs for sport aircraft. In addition to being quite an innovator, we must note that its hard to come away from this feature without also noting that he's a bit of a character... this was a wild (and fun) interview -- despite the fact that we had to brave some uncharacteristically cool temps in central Florida on the closing day of the 2008 US Sport Aviation Expo. Greg's first EFIS flew in 1997, and since then, he has driven Blue Mountain to become ...

While we've been enjoying the fruits of the certified EFIS developments that have popped up over the last few years, we are duty-bound to mention that the experimental aircraft industry has been developing these technologies for many years... and flying them for nearly as long. As a matter of fact, a number of certified products started with the experimental industry. Aero-TV spent some amusing moments with Blue Mountain Avionics' boss, Greg Richter, an irrepressible sort of fellow who has spearheaded a phenomenal amount of glass panel development programs for sport aircraft. In addition to being quite an innovator, we must note that its hard to come away from this feature without also noting that he's a bit of a character... this was a wild (and fun) interview -- despite the fact that we had to brave some uncharacteristically cool temps in central Florida on the closing day of the 2008 US Sport Aviation Expo. Greg's first EFIS flew in 1997, and since then, he has driven Blue Mountain to become ...

Upgraded Workhorse Includes More Powerful PT-6, Stylish Interior Part of ANN and Aero-TV's spring-time rites included covering one of the first public outings of the new Pilatus Aircraft PC-12 NG. Announced at NBAA 2006, Pilatus says the Next Generation program is the latest progression of the popular PC-12 turboprop. Receipt of joint EASA and FAA certification will allow deliveries of the PC-12 NG to begin immediately. Featuring a number of significant improvements -- including a fully integrated Honeywell Primus Apex avionics system, a completely new cockpit designed by BMW Group DesignworksUSA, and a more powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67P engine -- the PC-12 NG sets the tone for the market sector, and is expected to broaden the appeal of the stylish workhorse turbine single. "Since original certification was achieved, the PC-12 has proven itself as a thoroughly reliable and robust aircraft," said Thomas Bosshard, CEO of Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. "With the arrival of the PC-12 NG we are ...

The Ultimate Backup Instrument? One of the most intriguing instruments that can go in your panel may be one of the most 'redundant' gauges to hit the industry. Mid-Continent Instrument's MCI 4300 AI offers incredible piece of mind to pilots who do a lot of flying in IMC and simply want more redundancy than most airframes already provide--especially in an age where a number of aircraft are being built "all-electric." Currently the only attitude indicator to offer a self-contained battery backup, the MCI 4300 AI provides one hour of emergency attitude reference -- no matter what happens to the aircraft's main power sources... including the airframe battery(s). GA manufacturers are taking notice with recent adoptions of the 4300 by industry heavyweights like Mooney and Piper, MCI is winning fast converts. The battery is a small add-on module that attaches to the back of the main AI chassis (see last photo below) and will need replacing every three years... a task made quite a bit easier by the ...

A few weeks ago, Aero-TV traveled to Champaign, Illinois, to sample the delights of an all indoor radio-controlled model aircraft event known as E-Fest. It was quite the weekend and we, admittedly, had a great time seeing the best in small model aircraft. While many of the aircraft thrilled us to no end, it was the wild and seemingly non-aerodynamic antics of the RC helicopters that really got our attention. How they work, what you can do with them, and how you can get one for yourself, is the subject of this two part episode of Aero-TV. RC Helicopters were once given a tough rep... being billed as incredibly hard to fly, overtly expensive and endlessly complex. All that has changed - radically. In just the last few years, RC Helis, especially the electric versions, have come down aggressively in price, are available in just about EVERY RC hobby shop, and have become far more easy to fly. This has happened, in large part, due to better design, enhanced stability (and some devices that help them ...

A few weeks ago, Aero-TV traveled to Champaign, Illinois, to sample the delights of an all indoor radio-controlled model aircraft event known as E-Fest. It was quite the weekend and we, admittedly, had a great time seeing the best in small model aircraft. While many of the aircraft thrilled us to no end, it was the wild and seemingly non-aerodynamic antics of the RC helicopters that really got our attention. How they work, what you can do with them, and how you can get one for yourself, is the subject of this two part episode of Aero-TV. RC Helicopters were once given a tough rep... being billed as incredibly hard to fly, overtly expensive and endlessly complex. All that has changed - radically. In just the last few years, RC Helis, especially the electric versions, have come down aggressively in price, are available in just about EVERY RC hobby shop, and have become far more easy to fly. This has happened, in large part, due to better design, enhanced stability (and some devices that help them ...

The 19th Annual International Women in Aviation (WAI) Conference is now history but statistics showed it to be the organization's biggest Conference ever, and both ANN and Aero-TV were there to cover it all. "By all accounts, this has been one heck of a successful Conference," said WAI President Dr. Peggy Chabrian. We couldn't agree more. Attendance reached a new high with 3,320 women and men registered. More than 250 of the Conference-goers were from the military, also a new record. The Exhibit Hall was the biggest ever with 151 separate companies and organizations on display, representing all aspects of the aviation community. $710,855 in scholarships was distributed to WAI members at every stage of life from university students to mature members seeking a mid-life career change to aviation. The WAI silent auction raised $28,000 for WAI's Endowment Fund, also a new record, bringing the total in the Endowment Fund to $563,000. The money in the Endowment Fund is used for scholarships. At ...

The 19th Annual International Women in Aviation (WAI) Conference is now history but statistics showed it to be the organization's biggest Conference ever, and both ANN and Aero-TV were there to cover it all. "By all accounts, this has been one heck of a successful Conference," said WAI President Dr. Peggy Chabrian. We couldn't agree more. Attendance reached a new high with 3,320 women and men registered. More than 250 of the Conference-goers were from the military, also a new record. The Exhibit Hall was the biggest ever with 151 separate companies and organizations on display, representing all aspects of the aviation community. $710,855 in scholarships was distributed to WAI members at every stage of life from university students to mature members seeking a mid-life career change to aviation. The WAI silent auction raised $28,000 for WAI's Endowment Fund, also a new record, bringing the total in the Endowment Fund to $563,000. The money in the Endowment Fund is used for scholarships. At ...

God Help Us All... Jim's Getting A Shot At TWO New Rocket Racers! The three big announcements at the recent Rocket Racing League Press Conference were music to the ears of ANN's Editor-In-Chief, Jim Campbell... as one of the four founding pilots named to this out-of-this world program, he now finds himself with the chance to take the helm of not just ONE, but TWO new rocket racers, with the revelation that Armadillo Aerospace will be powering another airframe -- and they may BOTH be flying at Oshkosh!!! First announced two-and-half years ago, the Rocket Racing League announced Monday morning it is rapidly approaching blast-off. At an event in New York covered by Aero-TV, the RRL announced its first exhibition race will take place on August 1-2 at EAA AirVenture 2008 in Oshkosh, WI. In addition to announcing the dates of the first exhibition races, the Rocket Racing League also announced the remaining series of exhibition races for the rest of 2008, the acquisition of Velocity Aircraft by Rocket ...

God Help Us All... Jim's Getting A Shot At TWO New Rocket Racers! The three big announcements at the recent Rocket Racing League Press Conference were music to the ears of ANN's Editor-In-Chief, Jim Campbell... as one of the four founding pilots named to this out-of-this world program, he now finds himself with the opportunity to take the helm of not just ONE, but TWO new rocket racers, with the revelation that Armadillo Aerospace will be powering another airframe -- and they may BOTH be flying at Oshkosh!!! First announced two-and-half years ago, the Rocket Racing League announced Monday morning it is rapidly approaching blast-off. At an event in New York covered by Aero-TV, the RRL announced its first exhibition race will take place on August 1-2 at EAA AirVenture 2008 in Oshkosh, WI. In addition to announcing the dates of the first exhibition races, the Rocket Racing League also announced the remaining series of exhibition races for the rest of 2008, the acquisition of Velocity Aircraft by ...

Lighter, Quieter, Smaller RC Models May Be Future Of Model Industry If you think your local airport has problems with the neighbors... try being a radio-controlled model airplane hobbyist in search of a flying field. The AMA is encouraging the development of new, officially recognized AMA Park Pilot sites in metro areas throughout the US for a new generation of smaller RC models known as "Park Flyers." Park Flyer models will weigh two pounds or less and be incapable of reaching speeds greater than 60 mph. They must be electric or rubber powered, or of any similar quiet means of propulsion. Models should be remotely controlled or flown with a control line, remain within the pilot’s line of sight at all times, and always be flown safely by the operator. A Park Flyer site can be either an outdoor or an indoor venue. When flying at sites specifically designed for Park Flyers, the pilot will keep the model within the established flight boundaries of the field. Members need to take into ...

Aims To Spotlight Smaller Side Of BizAv When you think of the National Business Aviation Association, what types of aircraft first come to mind? Citations, Challengers, Falcons and the like... right? Well, NBAA would like people to think smaller, too. At a news conference in early April, NBAA CEO Ed Bolen announced the first of what the organization hopes will be an annual event, showcasing the "lighter" side of business aviation -- light jets, turboprops, and piston aircraft. The inaugural Light Airplane Conference and Exhibition is scheduled for March 12-14, 2009, in San Diego, CA. "We are confident that the Light Airplane Conference & Exhibition will be well received by our light airplane operators, who will now benefit from a show filled with exhibits and educational information sessions focused on their unique interests, and a static display that showcases their aircraft." NBAA plans to have approximately 1,000 exhibit booth spaces at LAC&E, with 50 aircraft on display at nearby San ...

Ash Vij Has A Mission... To Keep You Breathing Ash Vij's CO Guardian is the undisputed leader in carbon monoxide detectors for General Aviation, and are now included as standard safety equipment on all new Cessna 172, 182, 206, Columbia Aircraft, Diamond DA40 and Skycrane helicopters -- and starting June 08, CO Guardian will now be standard on all Cirrus Aircraft. Vij is the President of CO Guardian. He's been involved in General Aviation for years, both in terms of his CO Guardian product line as well as being the President of Premier Aviation which has been in business since 1972. Various versions of the CO Guardian product line can integrate with the new Garmin G900X, as well as the G1000, GNS480, Electronic Instrument EI-MVP50, Advance-Flight Systems model AF-2500/AF-3500, Grand Rapids Sport Series Engine Monitor, Blue Mountain Avionics and Aerosonic/OPT Technology. This data is important... because ignorance of CO can produce astonishingly harmful symptoms. Carbon monoxide is a ...

Who Ya Gonna Call When Ya REALLY Need Help??? He's the guy that no one wants to talk to... until it's too late. Doug Ritter, aviation's most prominent survival expert has built a business and a devoted following among those knowledgable pilots that understand that survival is more a matter of preparation than reaction. GA survival authority, Douglas S. Ritter's, 'Equipped To Survive' web site is easily the most comprehensive online resource for independent reviews of survival equipment and outdoors gear, as well as survival and Search and Rescue information. Equipped To Survive can help you determine the best choices to prepare for anything from a hike in the park to a life threatening emergency or disaster. Doug asks us to "please note" that this is not a "survivalist" site and that the Equipped To Survive Web site is supported by the non-profit 501(c)(3) Equipped To Survive Foundation and edited by him, personally. The 'Equipped To Survive Foundation' is dedicated to saving lives by: ...