prodserv/navdata)
, click on "service updates," and follow the download instructions. Once the download has been successfully completed, customers can insert the datacard into the Datawriter and transfer the information. The datacard can then be replaced in the GPS unit. According to Jeppesen, the total price of the hardware, software, and update will cost approximately the same as an update using the current mail-in system. For future updates, however, online users can expect to save 30 percent to 50 percent off the current cost of an update. The new system will be available to owners of Garmin, Trimble, Northstar, Magellan, and Arnav GPS units.Jeppesen also introduced its FliteStar and FliteMap 8.0. The newest version of the FliteStar flight planning software promises greatly expanded capabilities, including multi-leg routing and terrain avoidance information. The latest version of FliteMap features computer-generated chart themes, such as low and high altitude en route charts and VFR charts. Both FliteStar and FliteMap are available in up to six coverage areas. In addition, FliteStar is available in corporate or IFR versions while FliteMap is available in corporate, IFR, and VFR versions.
For users of popular flight simulation software, Jeppesen introduced SIMCharts, which mimic standard instrument departures, standard terminal arrival routes, airport diagrams, and approaches. Each SIMCharts CD-ROM costs $19.95. For further realism, SIMCharts users can purchase combination packages that include paper en route charts in addition to the CD-ROMs. The combination packages, which are available in three U.S. coverage areas, cost $39.95. For more information on any of these new products, contact Jeppesen at 55 Inverness Drive East, Englewood, Colorado 80112-5498; telephone 800/621-5377; or visit the Web site (www.jeppesen.com).
New online airplane reservation service available
U-Reserve-It.Com has launched its new online airplane reservation service for private and rental aircraft. Flight schools, clubs, and other groups that operate one or more aircraft can now access a private Internet-based reservation system for the exclusive use of their members. The reservation system is available online 24-hours a day and allows authorized users to see the availability of aircraft and to make and cancel reservations.
Prices vary according to the complexity of the system and the requirements of the users but typically average 55 cents per day per airplane or $16.50 per airplane per month. Demonstrations are available by visiting the Web site (www.u-reserve-it.com) and selecting the demonstration option.
For more information, contact U-Reserve-It.Com, Post Office Box 591171, San Francisco, California 94159-1171; telephone 415/933-7721; e-mail [email protected]; Web site (www.u-reserve-it.com).
E. Tennyson
King Private Pilot Knowledge Test Course
The private pilot test is a hurdle that must be crossed, and most of us have mixed feelings about it. Acquiring the knowledge is a goal we readily accept, but we would like it to be as painless as possible. And, of course, we want to pass. The first time.
The King Schools new interactive CD-ROM knowledge test course meets all of those goals. It explains the information without taking any shortcuts, yet makes the experience entertaining.
What you'll get for your $279 is a notebook containing 15 CD-ROM disks: The last one is a bonus, your own searchable copy of the FAR/AIM -the federal aviation regulations and the Aeronautical Information Manual. Also included is a thick book containing all of the questions on the FAA exam.
The opening screen shows a path with learning blocks along the way, sort of a yellow brick road with the private pilot written exam waiting for you at the end. By using the chart, it is easy to see what you have accomplished and how much more there is to learn. Just to make it easier, there is also a humorous depiction of a cross-country flight: An airplane icon moves from California to the East Coast as you progress through the course.
As always, John and Martha King offer their well-practiced classroom instruction in videos with sound and motion right on your computer screen. Each lesson provides enough information to keep your interest, but no more knowledge than can be absorbed easily. The lesson is followed by a quiz. If you have a problem, it is easy to watch the video again or to bring a quick text explanation on screen.
The software is simple to use, and the course is self-paced. The software will keep track of lessons you have completed. At the end is a lesson on how to take the test, and, finally, practice exams make sure you are ready to ace the actual knowledge test.
System requirements include a Windows-based computer of 133 MHz speed or faster; a video card capable of high-color, 16-bit display; an 8x CD-ROM drive; 16 MB of RAM (32 MB recommended); and 50 MB of available hard drive space. You will also need a sound card with speakers.
To order, call 800/854-2201 or 858/541-2200; fax 858/541-2201; or e-mail to [email protected]. Or write to King Schools Inc., 3840 Calle Fortunada, San Diego, California 92123. Alton K. Marsh
Aviation maintenance technician logbook available
A new logbook for aviation maintenance technician meets the requirements of current regulations as well as anticipated rule changes. A proposed regulation, 14 CFR Part 66, would require maintenance technicians to track their hours as well as their maintenance performance. The new logbook is designed to satisfy that requirement as well as the requirements under current rules.
The logbook, which was created for aircraft maintenance technicians, IA-qualified mechanics, and students, is particularly useful for those who do not currently work full time as technicians and are therefore less likely to have formal records of their work.
The layout of the new logbook is simple to minimize the time spent in record keeping yet complete enough to track requirements for future certification, recurrency, employment, or school. The book is organized into two color-coded sections for maintenance and training activities. The waterproof, spiral-bound logbooks are available from Aviation Supplies and Academics, Inc. for $19.95.
For more information or to order, contact ASA, 7005 132nd Place SE, Newcastle, Washington 98059-3135; telephone 800/ASA-2-FLY; Web site (www.asa2fly.com).
E. Tennyson
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