Flitestar does windows
Software developers who do not embrace Microsoft's Windows graphical user interface do so at their own risk. Today, the vast majority of IBM- compatible machines come with Windows already installed and ready to go. Individual applications tailored to look and feel like Windows, and to work seamlessly within it, are as numerous as ants at a picnic.
MentorPlus Software understands the importance of participating in the Windows steamroller and has already concocted two Windows programs — the educational FliteSchool and logbook organizer FliteLog. Now the company has released its bread-and-butter product, the FliteStar flight- planning program, for Windows as well.
Users of the company's Macintosh-based FliteStar will likely find more familiar features in the Windows version than those weaned on the previous DOS iteration. That's for good reason: MentorPlus's programmers in effect adapted the Mac version of FliteStar. Naturally, there are significant differences — and some useful improvements over the current Mac version — in store for the Windows shopper.
As with previous FliteStars, the heart of the program is a highly versatile map depiction of airspace. The boundaries of that map depend upon which of the three database versions (supplied by Jeppesen) you buy: United States, Europe, or International. You can also opt for a Corporate version that sports extra features a busy flight department or a Part 135 operator might find useful.
You can begin planning a flight by finding your departure and destination points on the map, or by asking FliteStar to construct a route for you after typing in the starting and ending points. FliteStar has a powerful search engine that allows you to guess at the airport or navaid name, leaving the drudgery of discovering the identifier to the program.
FliteStar will build that route several ways — by low- or high- altitude airways, point-to-point, direct, or great circle (plotted by loran/GPS latitude-longitude points or by reference to VORTAC or VOR/DME). In addition, there's a plain language route builder that allows you to mix and match types, such as beginning the route by the Victor airways to a certain point and completing it by great circle navigation. This feature is well implemented in FliteStar and tremendously useful.
Naturally, FliteStar will compute distance, time, and fuel burn for the entire route as well as for points along it. Moreover, FliteStar allows you to build airplane-specific performance models that, once tweaked for your aircraft's real-world speeds, turn out to be remarkably accurate.
While the map display is the center piece of the program, FliteStar also shines in the ways it handles the ancillary features. The Profile page, which allows you to choose a cruising altitude, permits introduction of DUAT-sourced winds aloft information and will perform an altitude optimization routine. This feature is extremely helpful for pilots of turbocharged airplanes, who want to know if the flight will work best down low or in the flight levels. FliteStar makes this a snap. Access to DUAT is possible through FliteStar's integral terminal program, and the integration of winds-aloft data proves slick. (However, neither the Windows nor the Mac version takes the temperatures from the DUAT briefing and install them into the equation. That feature, we're told, is in the works.)
MentorPlus's Windows product will also compute weight and balance for your airplane, showing the center of gravity for takeoff, landing, and zero-fuel conditions. Changing items, say, by off-loading some fuel from the Weight and Balance window, will alter what's shown in the other windows. The Performance page provides a useful scratch pad for "what if" calculations of power settings, fuel flows, and true airspeeds.
As is customary in this field, FliteStar will spit out a bevy of reports, including a detailed route sheet, a standardized FAA Flight Plan form, and cost report based upon a detailed expenses ledger entered by the pilot for each airplane. All told, FliteStar for Windows churns out the paper with aplomb, even allowing some of the forms to be exported to word- processing programs for further tweaking. What's more, MentorPlus will be implementing a new feature to the FliteStar database: contents from the AOPA Aviation USA. When this addition comes on line in the next few months you'll be able to get even more airport details through the Waypoint Information page.
There's much to like about FliteStar for Windows — the graphics are sharp and great to look at, and interface conventions are reasonably well maintained throughout the program. If we have a caveat, it concerns the amount of disk space needed by the program — in excess of 10 megabytes — and FliteStar's affinity for fast processors. We tried it on a couple of different DOS machines and noticed that running on a 20-mHz 486 laptop, graphics drawing and route searches were less than blisteringly fast.
Prices for FliteStar for Window start at $295 for the North American database version; the European database version runs $495, and the International costs $895. Corporate versions (which the average pilot may quite easily do without) run from $950 to $1,990, according to the database included.
For more information, contact MentorPlus Software, 22781 Airport Road NE, Aurora, Oregon 97002; telephone 800/628-4640, 503/678-1431; fax 503/678-1480. — Marc E. Cook
Air Chart Systems bound NOS Charts and Book Buddy binders
Since NOS terminal procedures charts have gone to a ring-bound format, many users have complained about how easily the thin sheets can be torn out and subsequently lost, or how the metal rings can play Bermuda Triangle with the magnetic compass. Air Chart Systems accommodates the users who liked the bound charts and the users of the ringed charts who are annoyed by compass spinning.
Air Chart's bound NOS charts are actually better than when NOS bound them. Although the holes are still there, the bound volumes fold back on top of themselves much flatter and aren't always trying to close, as the old government charts did. The cost to bind each terminal procedure chart is $1 more than the cost of the chart.
However, if you prefer the ringed charts but are annoyed by the durability and compass effects of NOS's metal rings, Air Chart sells the Book Buddy set, which includes plastic rings, chart covers, and a plate wallet. The plastic rings come in a number of colors for easy separation. In using the plastic rings, we have discovered they are more durable and lighter than the metal NOS rings.
The chart covers allow the user to protect the chart that takes the most abuse, such as the one for your home airport. The plate wallet allows you to protect and separate your 10 favorite plates. For more information call Air Chart Systems at 310/822-1996. To order call 800/338- 7221. — Peter A. Bedell
Arrow-Magnolia International Mach I degreaser and cleaner
Aircraft owners search high and low for a miracle cleaner that can effortlessly disintegrate bugs, break up grease, and erase stains without hurting or scratching the finish. Although not the miracle cleaner we've been waiting for, Arrow-Magnolia's Mach I degreaser and cleaner will effectively break up grease and remove stains as well as claimed. Followed up with Arrow-Magnolia's Aero Glaze, the product can leave even the belly of your airplane protected and clean for dozens of flight hours.
First we tried the citrus-scented Mach I on the belly of a recently painted Beech Baron. After mixing a couple of ounces in a bucket of water we put the product to work on the light brown exhaust stains. With light pressure the stains came right off, making a generally miserable job a quick affair. Behind the oil breathers, where the heavy grease usually congregates, Mach I also performed well.
Mach I didn't perform as well removing those pesky insect remains, however. Even at full strength, Mach I didn't erase the bugs any better than soap and water.
Diluted, Mach I can be used as a general cleaner in a pressure washer or steam cleaner. It's also supposed to be a good automotive cleaner for removing road tar and tree sap.
Unfortunately, Mach I is currently available only in drums of either 35 or 55 gallons priced at $14.95 and $13.95 per gallon respectively. However, Sporty's Pilot Shop carries one-gallon bottles of Carbon-X — which is, according to Arrow-Magnolia, Mach I minus the citrus scent, for $14.95 per gallon.
Arrow-Magnolia's Aero Glaze dry wash and polish is designed to remove oxidation, fuel stains, and insects, as well as carbon and exhaust deposits. After application, Aero Glaze claims to repel exhaust stains, prevent corrosion, and reduce drag — basically what almost any polish or cleaner/wax should do.
In an application of Aero Glaze with a terry-cloth towel, the product went on smoothly and evenly, working out exhaust stains well and eliminating oxidation on a Cessna Skyhawk's old paint. The product is hard to see on white paint, so you have to remember where you applied it. Aero Glaze will put a nice shine on your aircraft and make subsequent cleanings easier.
We found the combination of the two products did a spectacular job on the belly of the Baron. It doesn't mean that you don't have to get under the beast and spend time on your back to get the job done. Like Mach I, Aero Glaze comes in 35- or 55-gallon drums, or cases of 24 1-pint cans. Sporty's carries the product in a one-gallon jug for $29.95 and pints for $10.95. To order Mach I or Aero Glaze in large quantities, call Arrow- Magnolia at 800/527-2101 (800/442-2601 in Texas). The smaller quantities of Carbon-X or Aero Glaze can be purchased from Sporty's Pilot Shop; telephone 800/SPORTYS. — PAB
FAA Written exam prep
Keehn Software has come up with a series of nifty and inexpensive computer programs to help prepare you for the computerized private, instrument, commercial, flight instructor, or ATP FAA written exams. The Private Pilot Test Prep software offers many of the features found on more expensive written exam preparation software, yet costs only $29.95 plus $4 shipping. Features include instant scores when doing the test questions, and you can stop whenever you want. However, the actual test practice will not allow the user to exit until all 60 questions have been answered. There's not a lot of teaching involved: You need to know the FAA material before using the software. Order from Keehn Software, Route 1, Box 207-2, Chickasha, Oklahoma 73018, or call 800/758-4577. — Alton K. Marsh
Briefly Noted
There's a new player in the battle to keep birds away from your possessions. Bird-X Inc. recently introduced the UX-4 ultrasonic bird deterrent. Using four all-weather, ceramic speakers that emit ultrasonic waves, the UX-4 supposedly irritates birds but is inaudible to humans. The $475 system plugs into either a 110- or 220-volt AC outlet and claims to defend 6,500 square feet of space. The product has a 30-day money-back guarantee and can be ordered by calling 800/662-5021. — PAB
Sporty's Academy has released Helicopter Cross-Country, a new video hosted by Don Fairbanks, that demonstrates cross-country flying techniques for helicopter pilots. The video is 27 minutes in length and costs $29.95. To order, call 800/SPORTYS. — PAB
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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