Pilot Products

II Morrow Apollo SL60

II Morrow has become known for packing a lot of capability into a small space. Take the company's Apollo 360 Map, for example (see " Pilot Products," June Pilot). It's a GPS and moving map display within the confines of a 3.125-inch instrument hole. Now, II Morrow has introduced its slimline family of avionics, which currently has three members — the SL40 com radio, the SL50 GPS, and the SL60 combination GPS/com. Each is packed into a box that is the standard 6.25 inches wide but only 1.3 inches in height and can be powered by 11 to 32 volts DC. How do they perform? We recently evaluated the SL60 GPS/com and found it to be a quite capable unit, given the $3,595 list (about $2,995 retail) price tag.

A Northstar-like 32-character LED presents both the com and nav information on the SL60. It's best to display either one or the other because the limited display area does not lend enough space to show truly useful nav information when the com display is enabled. It should be noted, however, that toggling between the two features is a no-brainer. When in the nav mode and a frequency change is required, simply hit the Com button, twirl the concentric knobs, punch the flip-flop button to move the entered frequency from standby to active, and then hit the Nav button to see your GPS information again. It sounds more complicated than it is; after one or two sessions of toying with the unit in simulator mode, basic keystrokes become second nature.

Beyond simple direct-to navigation, the SL60 becomes a little trickier. Getting to know the unit in simulator mode is a must in order to avoid head-down time in the cockpit. The SL60 is very capable and offers many of the features found in top-of-the-line separate GPSs and coms. The SL60 is IFR approved for en route and terminal use. This allows you to file /R on your flight plan, but it will not allow you to fly approaches.

On the com side, there are nice items like a built-in voice-activated two-place intercom, Tx (transmit) annunciator, stuck-mic detector, and a clever feature that allows you to monitor the standby frequency by simply touching the Com button when in the com mode. This feature comes in handy for monitoring unicom while waiting for a clearance, for example. When the controller comes back to read your clearance, unicom is automatically muted in order to reduce distractions while copying. Likewise, transmitting mutes the standby frequency. The SL60 can also bring up National Weather Service frequencies 162.40 MHz through 162.55 MHz.

On the navigation side, the SL60 offers an eight-channel GPS receiver with a database of airports (public-use), VORs, NDBs, intersections, and special-use airspace. Information about waypoints can be called up by tapping Info and scrolling through the data with the small knob. Lat/longs, elevation, runway information, fuel availability, and frequencies are included in the information. A serial port is available for database updates. Another slick feature allows frequencies that are called up in the info mode to be automatically brought over to the active side of the com radio by touching the flip-flop button.

Like any decent GPS, the SL60 has a nearest-airport function that literally points the way to the nearest 20 airports. Those airports can be viewed one at a time by turning the little knob. Bearing to the airport and distance from the airport are shown along with a small arrow called the relative bearing indicator, which depicts the approximate bearing to the airport being viewed for quick reference.

The only limiting factor of the SL50 and 60 is the amount of information that can be displayed at once. In the com mode, you can see the active and standby com radio frequencies simultaneously, with ability to view only two fields of GPS data, such as bearing and track. The good news is that you can customize which bits of GPS information you would like to see. And if you're one of those types who need to see everything, the autonav feature lets you choose sets of information and will scroll automatically through each set every 1 to 9 seconds. If you want a moving map, II Morrow will be happy to sell you its 360 Map for an extra $1,695, but at that price you're nearing the entrance fee for an approach-approved box with a built-in moving map.

Being an IFR-approved navigator is both good and bad for the SL60. The good is that it's a relatively low-cost box that can take you IFR from takeoff to the initial approach fix. Unfortunately, as with all other IFR-approved units, the slimline's IFR option leaves a painful sting in the wallet because the necessary updates range from $100 for a single update to $595 for 28-day updates. If anything less than the 28-day cycle is chosen, it's up to the pilot to confirm (through current chart consultation) any changes en route to the destination. Nonetheless, when the Wide Area Augmentation System is operational, the SL60 will slide nicely into the number two nav position. And, with the II Morrow SL series' compact size, we can expect to see more and more owners finding panel acreage for one of those huge moving map/multifunction displays. For more information, contact II Morrow, Inc., 2345 Turner Road Southeast, Salem, Oregon 97302; telephone 800/525-6726. — Peter A. Bedell

The Trimble Trainer

GPS has made navigation infinitely simpler, but users with a new box in their aircraft may find that they need a jump start in the form of instruction or training.

Trimble, which published the popular and simple guide called GPS: A Guide to the Next Utility, has now published software for the Trimble 2000 Approach receiver. It combines a flight simulator featuring a computer-simulated Trimble 2000 in the panel, and a separate Windows-based tutorial program. Let the tutorial guide you through the Trimble 2000 learning process. Then practice your skills by flying GPS approaches on the flight simulator derived from Elite, widely regarded as among the best of the PC-based flight simulator software packages. Both can be run from a Windows desktop, but users are required to stop one program and start another during the training. A training syllabus is provided to steer you through the course.

Both programs are loaded from a single CD-ROM, and the manual is printed from an Acrobat file. The course, part number 82999, is available for $99.95 from Trimble dealers. Even if you do not own a GPS receiver, this is a good overview for learning any GPS box. Those purchasing a new Trimble 2000 Approach must buy the course separately. — Alton K. Marsh

Airwolf Filter Cutter

Cutting open an oil filter is a nasty job, but Airwolf Filter Corporation's AFC-470 filter cutter makes at least the first part of an ordinarily awful job about as easy as it can get.

The filter should be clamped tightly upside down by the hex nut in a vise. The cutter is placed over the filter and tightened until the cutting wheel mates with the can of the filter. Keeping constant down pressure on the top of the cutter, tighten the knob another turn or so and rotate the cutter around the filter. It was at this point we wished that the AFC-470 had some sort of handles for better leverage.

The AFC-470 is one of the easiest filter cutters we've ever used (the other being the Filter Wiz; see " Pilot Products," October 1996 Pilot), but it's a little pricey at a list of $89.95. The Filter Wiz includes a cutting knife (a must for getting at the meat of the filter) and a useful video for its $50 price tag. In the Airwolf's favor, though, is the fact that the shrapnel-edged filter base can be dropped directly into a trash can, reducing the chance of cutting your hand while removing it from the tool. And, if you don't like it, send it back, says Airwolf, referring to its 30-day money-back guarantee. Contact the Airwolf Filter Corporation, 15369 Madison Road, Middlefield, Ohio 44062-8404; telephone 800/326-1534. — PAB

Briefly Noted

Impact Dynamics Inc., of Wichita, has received a supplemental type certificate to install its NRG 23 seating system in all Cessna 182s made prior to 1987. The system includes new seats, seat tracks, and an inertia-reel four-point restraint system, all stressed to withstand a 26-G impact. The fully articulating seats range in price from $2,000 to $2,825 each, depending on the type of upholstery desired and available options such as adjustable lumbar support. The NRG 23 seat system is also available for all Cessna 172s produced before 1987 (see " Pilot Products," December 1996 Pilot). IDI now offers the NRG Pak replacement cushion system for both the front and rear seats of many Cessna singles. For more information, contact IDI at 800/285-7670. — PAB

There have been many attempts at a less cumbersome, less bulky IFR training hood, and JeppShades is one of the best. A simple and easily adjusted rubber strap assures a quick and easy fit for any head size. The flip-up shade allows quick transition to VFR flying for the landing. AOPA pilots threw JeppShades in the flight bag, gave the bag the usual rough ride to the airplane, and found that JeppShades is a survivor. In one test, the flip-up shade came off, but it was not damaged and was easily reattached. In another, the rubber liner in the nose piece detached but snapped back on perfectly. From our testing, it appeared that JeppShades will not fit over eyeglasses, but those who wear contacts or don't need glasses will have a comfortable fit. Perhaps there will be a wider model for the thousands of pilots who wear glasses. Available from Jeppesen for $24.95. Call 800/621-5377 or 303/784-4274. In Germany, call 49 69 96 12 48 51. Pilots in Australia should call (03) 613/706-0022. — AKM

Precise Flight has received an STC to install electrically powered speedbrakes on Cessna 180s, 182s, and 185s. Precise Flight is targeting those Cessnas used in the skydiving community where rapid descents are necessary. The speedbrakes allow the airplanes to descend at 2,000 feet per minute without requiring significant power reductions. The kit requires 30 to 35 hours to install and lists for $3,295. For information, call 800/547-2558. — PAB

Newton Aviation Software has created a useful flight planning program for those pilots who happen to own Apple Computer's Newton message pad. The Newton Aviator contains a database of all U.S. public-use airports and makes a great quick reference for mileage and time computations, weight and balance, wind, and flight planning functions. The Newton Aviator software lists for $59.95 and can be ordered through the mail or online. Newton Aviation Software, Post Office Box 991, Redwood City, California 94064-0991; telephone 415/367-8527; e-mail [email protected]. — 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.