ASA's revised edition includes a complete index of topics, subjects, and references. With 324 pages of text, graphics, and images, The Proficient Pilot has a suggested retail price of $19.95. For more information, contact ASA, 7005 132nd Place SE, Newcastle, WA 98059-3153; 800/426-8338; [email protected].
Magellan's SkyStar Plus
Magellan Systems has enhanced its SkyStar handheld GPS receiver by adding AOPA's Airport Directory and NOS vertical obstruction information to its comprehensive Jeppesen database. The AOPA directory gives pilots a wealth of airport and travel information, including FBO services and the names and numbers of taxi services, car rental agencies, restaurants, and hotels near every U.S. airport. The unit's moving map now displays even greater detail with vertical obstruction data for towers, buildings, power lines, and other navigation hazards.
Featuring personalized aircraft data files and checklists, weight and balance calculations, E6B functions, airspace alerts, and more, the SkyStar Plus makes preflight planning and in-flight management simple and easy. Five position and navigation screens (three of which the user can customize) including an HSI and scaleable CDI show pilots speed, track, distance, descent, and fuel profiles, and other navigation and position information. Three detailed moving map screens display runway diagrams, airspace boundaries and alerts, the aircraft's track history, and course line on a high-resolution, 20,800-pixel display.
The SkyStar Plus measures 6.2 inches tall, 2.5 inches wide, and 1.5 inches deep. It comes complete with antenna cable and suction-cup mount, yoke/stick mount, carrying case, DC power cable with cigar lighter adapter, four AA batteries, and a user's manual. The suggested retail price is $649.99. For more information, contact Magellan Systems, Aviation Products Division, 960 Overland Court, San Dimas, CA 91773; 909/394-5000. Or use Flight Training's reader service card.
Discover Gliders!
Next to ballooning, flying gliders - soaring - is the second oldest form of flight known to humans. If you're interested in learning more about flying on silent wings, think about taking a look at Discover Gliders! An Introduction to the World of Soaring!
Produced by Niche A/V Inc., the video begins with coverage of the breadth of soaring, including flight footage from NASA and the U.S. Air Force Academy. The video shows the different types of gliders and visits with the pilots who fly them, and it gives a brief but comprehensive look at the development of the sport from crude experimental gliders to the sophisticated, high-tech sailplanes pilots fly today.
Next, Discover Gliders! Invites the viewer along on a "discovery flight" to share the experience of a first-time glider ride. The video concludes with an overview of pilots using gliders, including a glimpse of club activities, glider competitions, and the various organizations that support soaring-related interests.
In producing the video, which has a suggested retail price of $19.95, Niche A/V worked closely with the Soaring Society of America, the National Soaring Museum, and distinguished individuals in the sport. For more information, contact Niche A/V Inc., 500 Ammons Road, Spartanburg, SC 29306; 864/574-4587. Or use Flight Training's reader service card.
Aviation Art
Infected with aviation, pilots often like to decorate their homes with art that depicts their desire for flight. The Wright Bros. Collection offers them two alternatives. First is do-it-yourself art in the form of wooden airplane models. Builders can choose from among five models that have been hand-crafted from cabinet-grade pine. Available are: the Piper J-3 Cub, Cessna 150, Cessna 172, Beechcraft Bonanza, and the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
The models are easy to assemble and come with step-by-step instructions. Builders may paint the models with authentic paint schemes or finish them artistically with stain or gloss. Each of the five kits - which sell for $19.95 - comes with information about aviation careers, airplane parts, instrumentation, navigation, and other topics.
For aviators who prefer their art ready made, the Wright Bros. Collection offers two series of busts, sculpted by famed aviation artist Sam Lyons. "The Flyer - 1914" depicts an early aviator who may have flown a Bleriot, Demoiselle, or Curtiss Pusher. "Cactus Airforce, 1942-43" is based on the U.S. Army Air Corps, Navy, and Marine Corps flyers who defended Guadalcanal during World War II.
Both busts are available in two different casting techniques: cold-cast bronze or bronze-tone resin. The cold-cast bronze bust, $350, is a limited edition series of 450, signed and numbered by the artist, and each one comes with a certificate of authenticity. The bronze-tone resin bust, $125, is an open-edition series and features the look and feel of a solid bronze sculpture.
To order either the sculptures or the airplane models, call the Wright Bros. Collection at 800/LIFTOFF.
Gleim Private Pilot Kit
Like any student who's starting school, new student pilots need to purchase certain supplies. Gleim Publications has made this easier with its new Private Pilot Kit. The kit is so complete, the only things students will need to buy are a local sectional chart and the applicable Airport/Facility Directory.
Local publications aside, the Private Pilot Kit includes everything students will need to pass the FAA knowledge and practical tests - except a flight instructor and aircraft. The Private Pilot Syllabus and Logbook is the kit's backbone, and its introduction gives students an overview of the training process for both Parts 61 and 141. In addition, the syllabus is approved for training under both parts.
A unique feature of the syllabus is that the student's logbook is incorporated with it. "Flight instructors often try to write everything accomplished during a lesson in the very small space provided in student pilot logbooks," says author Dr. Irvin Gleim. "The syllabus/logbook gives instructors a full page for each lesson in the syllabus (which may consist of up to three flights). Instructors have space to check off, or assign grades to, all the procedures or concepts covered in each lesson. Finally, the syllabus/logbook documents each lesson for the benefit of both the student and instructor.
Built around the syllabus is a revised Pilot Handbook, which contains extended coverage of aviation weather and weather services, and Gleim's first edition of FAR/AIM Reprint, which features improved formatting such as larger type, an improved index, and full-color figures. Additional manuals cover the private pilot flight maneuvers and practical test, along with preparation for the FAA knowledge exam. A DOS-based computerized test-prep program accompanies the test prep manual, and students can upgrade to a Windows 95/NT CD-ROM version for an additional $20.
The Gleim Private Pilot Kit sells for $99.95. Besides the manuals and software, it includes a plotter, E6B flight computer, and flight bag made of heavy-duty, black woven nylon that has compartments for books, pen/pencil slots, and baffled pockets on the front. For more information, contact Gleim Publications, 4201 NW 95th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606; 800/87-GLEIM; www.gleim.com.
Related Articles
