Jeppesen's Guided Flight Discovery
Face it — ground school can be downright boring. The texts are usually old and are in need of a major overhaul rather than just a biennial updating to include the latest regulations. The audiovisual aids, if any, look and sound like the films shown in your junior high biology class — complete with out-of-sync mouth movements and instructors who sound as though they are talking into a tin can while two fathoms deep. Given these characteristics of some training materials, it's no wonder that flight schools have a problem retaining new students. If any reversal of the dismal number of student starts is to occur, then a serious look at the way we train future pilots is desperately needed.
Enter Jeppesen Sanderson and its new Guided Flight Discovery Private Pilot Training System. Jeppesen brings ground training into the 1990s with this new system that mixes an excellent textbook with interactive video- and computer-based training materials. Guided Flight Discovery (GFD) is a radical departure from those training aids described earlier. The GFD package teaches aviation through an application-oriented method rather than just drilling in facts with little or no explanation. GFD will also incorporate the use of the FS-200AC, the first FAA-approved personal computer aviation training device (PCATD).
The most noticeable difference of the GFD system compared to previous learning materials is the shift to a more visual format. Colorful graphics and photographs make even the textbook far less threatening. To supplement the printed wares, computer-based training videos and interactive CD-ROMs will be available this spring to enhance the understanding of material introduced in the text. Later this year, GFD training programs for the instrument rating and the commercial certificate will become available.
The core of the program is the Private Pilot Manual, a book about as large as a single encyclopedia volume. Although the size of the book is somewhat daunting, the content and presentation of the material do a good job of getting the pilot candidate excited about flying, not intimidated by it. The manual is written in layman's terms and is generously sprinkled with colorful photographs and graphics that give the reader a real-world look at everything from engine components under the cowl to helpful diagrams on how to track a VOR radial.
Throughout the manual there are many little tidbits and insets that give the history or origin of certain aviation events and subjects. So-called Discovery Insets, Human-Factors Insets, and FAA Question Insets are sprinkled about the pages. The Discovery Insets expand upon concepts introduced in the accompanying text. These are usually interesting facts or historical tidbits relating to the subject currently being discussed. For example, in the "Weight and Balance" section, a Discovery Inset explains how the center of gravity is maintained in the Concorde during flight. Similarly, the Human-Factors Insets relate the effects on the human body produced during flight by factors such as G forces and the chain of errors that lead to accidents. The FAA Question Insets provide the explanation of a concept that may appear in an FAA knowledge test.
Our copy of the new Private Pilot Manual was reviewed by veteran pilots, flight instructors, new pilots, nonpilots, and graphic designers here at AOPA. In all cases, the response was very favorable regarding the colorful look and the enthusiasm the book evokes about flying. While some thought that the insets were unnecessary, most found such deviations entertaining and enlightening.
What was obviously a tremendous undertaking on the part of Jeppesen should prove successful, given the effect that the text alone had on AOPA staff members. If the book is any indication, the CD-ROMs and videos should be spectacular. The Guided Flight Discovery Private Pilot Training System for individuals, which includes the textbook, maneuvers manual, FAR/AIM CD-ROM, and student flight bag lists for $85.95. Individual components of the system, except for the videos, can be purchased separately. For more information, contact Jeppesen Sanderson, 55 Inverness Drive East, Englewood, Colorado 80112-5498; telephone 800/525-7379; or on the Internet ( www.jeppesen.com). — Peter A. Bedell
Northstar M3 GPS Approach Training Kit
Northstar Technologies, long respected by pilots for making avionics boxes that are simple to operate, has developed a computer-based training kit for its M3 GPS Approach receiver. The kit allows the owner of an M3 GPS Approach to pull the unit from the aircraft, hook it up to the home computer, and operate it as though it were actually in flight. Trimble offers a similar device using an Elite flight simulator as a training aid for its 2000 Approach receiver.
Key to the success of the new kit is a special edition of On Top IFR Proficiency Platform, a computer-based simulator developed for instrument training by Aviation Supplies and Academics. With On Top and a special database card supplied for insertion into the M3 unit, pilots can practice setting up and flying multiple instrument approaches. A bonus is the fact that IFR skills are improved at the same time. Approaches are flown by using a joystick (not included) attached to the computer.
A map contained in the On Top software allows the pilot to relate messages and information from the M3 Approach to each phase of the approach. All hookup cables are included. The only problem during testing was that the M3 Approach did not have the proper manufacturer's numerical codes installed to use the trainer, but a telephone call to Northstar solved the problem. The codes were easily programmed into the M3 Approach by following instructions over the telephone. Software installation and hookup to the computer went without a hitch. The kit is available for $195 and requires Windows 95. For more information, contact Northstar Technologies, 30 Sudbury Road, Acton, Massachusetts 01720; telephone 508/897-6600. — Alton K. Marsh
Briefly Noted
With the cold months laying frost and snow upon the wings of our airplanes on many mornings, it's time to start thinking about preflight deicing. Aircraft Deicing Systems of Mukwonago, Wisconsin, has introduced its Ice Off line of products enabling pilots to melt frost and snow with FAA-approved deicing fluids and the necessary media to apply the mixtures. The company offers everything from the propylene glycol-based fluid in one-gallon jugs to powered deicing carts for FBOs. Fluids are offered in varying concentrations, depending on the climate and type of aircraft. One- or two-gallon portable sprayers with immersible heaters are also available. For more information, contact Aircraft Deicing Systems at 888/869-6469. — PAB
II Morrow introduced its new SL10 series of audio selector panels at AOPA Expo '97 last October. The new units are based on the PS Engineering PMA 6000 series of audio panels, which feature a built-in six-place intercom. Four versions are offered: the standard SL10; the SL10M, which adds a built-in marker beacon receiver; the SL10-S, which adds stereo to the intercom; and the SL10M-S, which combines all of the features. Prices range from $1,095 for the SL10 to $1,695 for the SL10M-S. For more information, call II Morrow at 800/525-6726 or 503/391-3411. — PAB
Flight Time Publishing has just printed Aviation Scholarships, a guide to financial assistance for college and flight training. It is a 147-page workbook that describes not only where to find the scholarships, but how to apply for them. The book costs $24.95 plus $5 shipping. To order, call 800/243-1515, extension 387. Mention "Code 4B" and you'll get $2 off. For information, write to Flight Time Publishing, 8526 Drexel Avenue, Suite 4B, Chicago, Illinois 60619-6210. — AKM
Clayton Wendt has compiled the coordinates of nearly every airport, town, park, tower, summit, and other point of interest or hazard to pilots and created the GPS Companion book series. Currently available for Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and California, the GPS Companion can help you in the cockpit, as well as in the rental car, to get to your ultimate destination. In the case of Minnesota, Wendt says the Minnesota GPS Companion has twice as many cities and towns listed as data points than does the sectional chart that covers the area. Since many small towns don't have airports, even high-end GPS units are unable to provide a search by name. The GPS Companion has all data points listed in alphabetical format for quick retrieval. The books cost $12.95 (California $13.95) each, plus $2 shipping. For information and orders, call Leading Edge Airfoils at 800/532-3462. — PAB
Tanis Aircraft Services, makers of Tanis preheating systems, has introduced a solid-state dimmer replacement for the old rheostat dimmers in Cessna, Piper, and Beech aircraft. Compared to the old rheostats, the ILD2100 dimmers are lighter, use less space, generate little or no heat, are more reliable, and have a higher loading capacity. Tanis has received an STC and parts manufacturer approval to produce the $374 dimmers. For more information, contact Tanis at 800/443-2136 or 320/634-4772; or on the Web ( www.tanair.com). — 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.
