Precision Training Software, Inc., has released version 2.0 of its instrument training software, Instrument Pilot. Although most computer simulation programs are designed to help you practice instrument procedures (see " Computers in Aviation: The PC Approach," November 1993 Pilot), this is possibly the first one that is designed to teach you how to fly on the gauges.
The product is more of an interactive course than a simulator program. The manual is more than 270 pages long, yet there isn't a single screen shot or keyboard instruction. Instead, the manual is a textbook on instrument flight, written by an instrument flight instructor. As you learn the content of the book, you then "fly" lessons on the computer. These lessons are arranged in four blocks: Instrument Flying (where you practice basic flight maneuvers and flying by the numbers), Radio Navigation (navigation equipment and holding patterns), Instrument Approaches, and Enroute Procedures. When you have completed all 133 lessons, you can take the computer's Check Ride.
Completing a lesson requires more than just flipping through some screens, however. After a few introductory lessons, you meet your computer-based CFII, who can demonstrate the required tasks or prompt you through the steps. These prompts are delivered as text on screen and as digitized voice files (which are a little mechanical, but they are easy to understand and get the message across). Each lesson has five modes, ranging from an explanation from the CFII as he flies the computer for you to a Test mode where you are only given the basic instruction and you must execute the procedures yourself. If you complete the objectives in the Test mode within specified performance limits, you are given credit for passing that lesson. If you fail to meet the limits in Test mode, that ends that test session (though you can always try again). Although it makes sense to follow the lessons in sequence, you can take them out of sequence if you should get stuck on one part and want to try something different for a change.
Perhaps the best part of the program is what happens when you fail to meet the standards during one of the practice modes. At that point, the CFII stops the flight and tells you what you failed to do. The program also flashes the portions of the panel that you should have been watching — such as the altimeter and the attitude indicator if you failed to maintain an altitude. You then have the option of either backing up and trying the last step again or backing up even further in the lesson.
Instrument Pilot keeps matters simple by modeling a fixed-pitch, fixed-gear trainer. It also keeps the computer requirements simple; you need an EGA or VGA display, mouse, and joy stick (or flight yoke) installed in a game port. The digitized sound is handled through a plug that attaches to a parallel port — no sound card required — and the program includes a simple, self-powered speaker. The system requirements are hefty, however; Precision Training recommends at least a 80386SX-25 or better with 1 MB of memory.
Instrument Pilot is not a package that you'll master in a weekend. It does provide a structured way to learn instrument flying techniques and can help prepare you for the time when you want to apply these skills in a real airplane. It even provides a picky instructor to nag at you while you're flying. Primarily aimed at students, experienced pilots may find it a useful way to polish some of the rusty spots as well, but, as always, none of the computer time can be logged. List price is $495, and a free demo disk is available.
Precision Training Software, Inc., 125 Pilfershire Road, Eastford, Connecticut 06242; 800/452-0465 or 203/974-0023. — Alfred Poor
In search of the $100 hamburger stop
Aerodine's National Fly-In Restaurant and Entertainment Guide grew out of a 12-page newsletter written some years ago by Kenneth J. Keifer. Boy, did it ever grow — to 776 pages. The newsletter proved popular, so Keifer added a new product, a pamphlet called Prop Stopper, listing neat places to fly in five states. The pamphlets were, once again, a hit, so he wrote a 256-page guide covering nine states. Now we see the results of all those years of warm-up efforts, a guide covering all 50 states.
Keifer, a draftsman and graphic artist, began the project originally as a way of paying for his flying. It is a massive research effort based on questionnaires sent to every airport in the country.
What better way to test it than to look for favorite fly-in restaurants I visit most often around the East Coast. He found the all- time great one, the Kent Manor Inn near Bay Bridge Airport in Stevensville, Maryland. The survey method of research has its drawbacks, however, because another favorite spot, Tangier Island, Virginia, in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay, got no mention at all. But after our conversation you can bet it will be in the next edition. Keifer plans to build on this terrific first effort by including tips from those who buy the book.
A book like this has been needed for years, but the research effort was just too massive. Thank goodness Keifer took it on. It makes a perfect gift for pilot types.
The guide is available for $34.95, plus $5 for postage and handling, from Aerodine Magazine, Post Office Box 247, Palatine, Illinois 60078, or call 708/358-4355. — Alton K. Marsh
Briefly Noted
Sometimes the KISS principle really does work. Altitude alerters come in all forms, from electronic (and sometimes expensive) beeping and flashes devices into which you enter barometric pressure to stone-simple stick-on reminders like the Alta-Tude Alert. The Alta-Tude Alert consists of a small clear suction cup with a short yellow wire attached to the center. Stick the cup to the center of your altimeter, and spin the wire around until it points at the altitude you've been cleared to. If you have a proper instrument scan going, the device will easily remind you when it's time to level off — no knob turning or button pushing or even a manual to read. The Alta-Tude Alert is $3.95, plus $2 shipping. — Thomas B. Haines
CD-ROMs, those compact disk readers now becoming near-standard equipment on new computers, can provide a data fix for even the most voracious info junkie. The 4.75-inch plastic disks hold millions of bytes of information. In the aviation business, that means that you can now store all of the FAA airworthiness directives in a handy, easily searchable database instead of tedious microfilm or microfiche. Avantext, Inc., is now shipping its AD disk. The disk contains all of the AD files, including airframe, engine, propeller, and accessory manufacturers of both large and small aircraft. Complete ADs can be accessed quickly by manufacturer or AD number, or an index by AD number shows a short description of each directive. The complete AD and its illustrations can also be accessed from the description. For those without a CD-ROM drive, the company makes an abridged version that fits on a 3.5-inch floppy disk. The smaller versions contains only the brief description of each AD. The price for the CD is $399 for 26 updates a year or $99 for a single copy. The floppy-disk version is $199 for 26 updates or $39 each. The AD disk is currently available for only IBM-compatible computers. At this writing, a Macintosh version was expected within a few weeks. Avantext also produces the Aviation Data CD that we've written about previously. That product, which is DOS and Macintosh compatible, contains information on all U.S. and Canadian aircraft and U.S. pilots, mechanics, airports, flight schools, and other information. A Windows interface was expected in a few weeks. Aviation Data is updated quarterly and costs $99 per disk. Avantext, Inc., Post Office Box 366, Honey Brook, Pennsylvania 19344; 215/273-7410. — TBH
Forget to close your flight plan? Save the Civil Air Patrol some trouble by developing a reminder for yourself, or send $8.95 ($1.75 shipping) to Forward Horizons for its Prevent-A-Search banner. The 9.5 x 1-inch banner and clip can be attached to an ignition key or door handle inside the airplane. When exiting, clip the banner to your shirt pocket, car keys, or some other conspicuous place to remind you to call flight service to cancel your flight plan. Forward Horizons, 19684 Lakeshore Drive, Three Rivers, Michigan 49093; 616/279-2540. — TBH
Owners of older airplanes know just how difficult it can be to find accurate operating data for their models. The flight manuals of airplanes prior to the mid-1970s were not standardized, and finding specific information took much searching, and frequently, it wasn't in the manual at all. Comanche owners have lucked out, though. Doug Killough, owner of a PA-24-250, has succeeded in getting FAA approval for his Pilot's Operating Handbook for most all Comanches models. He expects the balance to be approved within the next few weeks. The manuals are organized in the same manner as modern POHs and contain updated and more accurate data than the originals, thanks to Killough's interviews with former Piper test pilots and verification of original flight-test data. The price is $35, plus $3.50 shipping. Aircraft Publications, Post Office Box 500031, Austin, Texas 78750; 512/250-9350. — TBH
Tour the Colorado high country in Larry Bartlett's latest video, Flying the Colorado Rockies. Although not intended as a mountain flying instructional tape, tips are offered as Bartlett tackles landings and takeoffs at Aspen, Leadville, and Telluride, Colorado. Cost is $34.95. L. B. Aviation Enterprises, Post Office Box 1197, Pagosa Springs, Colorado 81147; 303/731-9552. — AKM
Unless otherwise stated, products listed herein have not been evaluated by AOPA Pilot editors. AOPA assumes no responsibility for products or services listed or for claims or actions by manufacturers or vendors. However, members unable to get satisfaction regarding products listed should advise AOPA. To submit products for evaluation, contact: New Products Editor, AOPA Pilot, 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, Maryland 21701; telephone 301/695-2350.
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