Pilot Products

One of the more universally comfortable headsets we've been using is the Sennheiser HME 100, a passive noise-attenuating model. Several pilots at AOPA Publications have flown with the HME 100 and its sister model, the HMEC 300, which is an active noise-attenuating headset. The difference is that the HMEC 300 uses electronics to actively cancel the noise in certain low frequencies as it is coming into your ears by producing noise 180 degrees out of phase with the incoming racket. The result is an exceptionally quiet ride. The HME 100 uses passive methods, such as a tighter grip on your head and more foam and insulation to keep the noise from reaching your ears in the first place. Not surprisingly, the active headsets are typically heavier and more expensive than the passive models.

In our dozens of hours of flight testing, the HME 100 has proven to be very comfortable and light. The electret microphone, which has an adjustable gain so that you can easily match it to a particular intercom system, makes about anyone sound like a pro on the radio - not surprising, since Sennheiser makes the microphones for many radio, television, and movie studios. The mic is attached to a flexible boom that can be precisely placed and will stay put. The mic can be flipped front to back, allowing it to be put on your left or right side. The headset is stereo, but, using a switch in an earcup, can be set up for mono mode. A large volume control is located on the earcup opposite the mic.

The wide and highly adjustable headband is extremely flexible and can be twisted 180 degrees and still snap back into shape - a feature you'll appreciate the first time someone steps on it in the airplane. The HME 100 weighs just 12.4 ounces, not including the five-foot cord. At the end of the cord are the jacks, which are protected by long, robust strain relievers. This model provides 24 decibels of noise reduction.

At a list price of $299 and a typical street price of $249, the HME 100 is both a good value and a solid performer, promising years of reliable service after you have earned your certificate. For AOPA Flight Training readers, Sennheiser offers a free one-year extension to the usual two-year warranty.

For more information, contact Sennheiser at One Enterprise Drive, Old Lyme, Connecticut 06371; telephone 860/434-9190; fax 860/434-1759. Or visit the Web site (www.sennheiserusa.com ).

Thomas B. Haines

Electronic Checklist Organizer for Palm Computers Available From SureCheck

Users of Palm Computing or Palm-compatible devices can now get Electronic Checklist Organizer software from SureCheck. The software is available for more than 220 models of aircraft from a variety of manufacturers.

Among the information included for each model is a comprehensive list of V-speeds, a complete checklist, instant access to emergency procedures from any point in the checklist, and cruise profile information for various altitudes and power settings. The software is designed with large buttons to be used in the cockpit without a stylus, and a complete user's manual is available online in either text or PDF format. For more information or to order, contact SureCheck Aviation, 2840 Hillsboro Court, Carlsbad, California 92008; telephone 888/340-8055. Or visit the Web site (www.surecheckaviation.com ). Elizabeth A. Tennyson

Aircraft Systems Training Available From Vector

Electrical schematics and other aircraft systems information for the Piper PA28-161 Warrior come to life in a new CD-ROM from Vector Training Systems. The CD-ROM, which includes video, sound, and animation, allows students to see how the aircraft actually operates. For example, the electrical schematic, which is re-produced from the pilot's operating handbook, can be animated with the click of a mouse to show how the system actually operates and allow students to view a combination of cockpit indicators and video images of the system in operation. In addition, students and instructors can simulate failures and abnormal situations to learn how the system responds. Vector hopes to release similar CD-ROMs for the Cessna 172R Skyhawk and Piper PA44-180 Seminole by the end of the year. This first CD-ROM is available for $89.95. For more information or to order, contact Vector Training Systems, 917 46th Street South, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58201; telephone 888/906-7467. Or visit the Web site (www.vtsweb.com ).

Elizabeth A. Tennyson

Instrument Proficiency Check, GPS Approach Videos Available From Sporty's

Two new videos have joined the growing collection in the Air Facts series from Sporty's. Instrument Proficiency Check reviews the basic rules for instrument flight, including alternate airport minimums and fuel requirements. The 26-minute video is hosted by Richard Collins and includes all of the FAA's recent changes to the instrument proficiency check.

The other new addition, GPS Approaches, is actually the fourth update from a video initially released in 1992. The newest edition keeps pace with the latest in GPS technology, including a segment on the in-flight operation of the Garmin 430 GPS/comm/nav unit. The video is designed to clarify the complexities of a GPS approach and includes demonstrations of how a pilot can practice before attempting an actual approach. At 51 minutes long, the video also has time to cover the use of automatic waypoint selection and potential traps on a GPS missed approach.

The cost for each video is $24.95. For more information or to order contact Sporty's, Clermont County Airport, Batavia, Ohio 45103-9747, telephone 800-LIFTOFF.

Elizabeth A. Tennyson

FAA Offers Updated International Flight Information Manual

Pilots wishing to travel abroad can now get an updated International Flight Information Manual from the FAA. The manual contains entry requirements for foreign countries, a directory of aerodromes through which you can enter each country, regulations, and restrictions. In addition, the manual contains U.S. entry and Customs requirements. The looseleaf-format publication is available for $55. For more information or to order, contact the Superintendent of Documents, Post Office Box 371954, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15250-1954; telephone 202/512-1800; fax 202/512-2250. Or visit the Web site (http://bookstore.gpo.gov).

Elizabeth A. Tennyson