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Pilot Products

Instrument Flash Cards Available

Above It All Aviation has added an instrument rating course to its list of flashcards available to help pilots study for knowledge and practical tests. The course consists of more than 600 cards thoroughly covering the required information. Each subject area is color-coded to help students focus on individual topics. Because of the cards' small size, aspiring instrument pilots and instrument instructors can study almost anywhere. Topics covered in the cards include instruments, clearances, departure procedures, en-route procedures, arrival procedures, regulations, aeromedical factors, and pitch/power configurations. The flashcard course is available for $24.95. For more information or to order, contact Above It All Aviation, 15100 SE 38th Street, Suite 698, Bellevue, Washington 98006; telephone 425/562-9040.

Elizabeth A. Tennyson

Combination Pilot Logbook And Journal

Fly Write systems has introduced a new deluxe edition of its Pilot Logbook and Journal. The format allows pilots to record both their flight hours and their thoughts on their flights and accomplishments in the same book. Among the features of the new edition are heavy leatherette covers, rugged ring binding that opens flat to allow easier writing, an updated endorsement section, and a plastic pocket for holding a student pilot and medical certificate. The cover includes a gold foil rendition of the Lockheed Electra. The five-and-a-half-inch by eight-and-a-half-inch booklets are available in burgundy or navy for $24.95. For more information or to order, contact Fly Write Systems at 888/359-9748 or visit the Web site (www.takewinginc.com ).

E. Tennyson

Softcomm Introduces New 'BNE' Headset

SoftComm has introduced what it calls a new "background noise equalization" or "BNE" stereo headset. This passive noise reduction headset has a claimed noise reduction level of 24 decibels.

The headset is designed for on-ground use with most cellular telephones and allows the wearer to listen to the telephone receiver in one ear while listening to radio communications with the other. The unit weighs 13.3 ounces and features an electret microphone, full range microphone boom, "low pressure" headband, large ear seals, dual volume controls, and a stereo/mono switch.

The headset, which boasts a three-year warranty, is available for $189. For more information or to order, contact SoftComm at 2310 South Airport Boulevard, Chandler, Arizona 85249; telephone 480/917-2328. Or visit the company's Web site (www.softcommheadsets.com ).

E. Tennyson

New Online Pilot Shop Emphasizes Safety

Pilots who are interested in safety items can now do their shopping online at a new Web site that sells only safety-related products. Eagle Flight Safety Products, based in Rochester, New York, sells a variety of items to improve flight safety, including first-aid kits and survival gear. The company hopes to add to its product line by developing its own comprehensive survival kits scheduled to be available sometime this year. For more information, visit the Web site (www.eaglefsp.com ).

Sporty's Releases New Air Facts Video

"IFR Strategies" is the topic of the newest Air Facts video from Sporty's. The video is designed to help instrument-rated pilots sort through the complex elements of an IFR flight. Host Richard Collins takes the viewer along as he teaches ways to develop strategies for dealing with every situation, including changes in weather, departures, transitions, approaches, and, of course, air traffic control clearances. The 30-minute video is available from Sporty's for $24.95. For more in-formation or to order, contact Sporty's at Clermont County Airport, Batavia, Ohio 45103-9747; telephone 800/LIFTOFF.

E. Tennyson

FAA Introduces New Instructor's Handbook

Ground, flight, and aviation maintenance instructors have a new teaching resource from the FAA. The newly released Aviation Instructor's Handbook is an updated version of an instructing staple, which was last modified in 1977. The book focuses on learning theory and the teaching process, including human behavior, communication skills, and ways to convey aeronautical knowledge and skills to students. The book also includes guidelines for evaluating student performance, information on teaching aids, and information on new teaching technology. Other topics covered are instructor responsibilities, professionalism, in-flight teaching techniques, and ways to teach aeronautical decision making and judgment. Appendices provide sample tests and instructor endorsements. The Aviation Instructor's Handbook replaces Advisory Circular 60-14, the previous edition of the Handbook, as well as AC 61-101 Presolo Written Test, and AC 61-115 Positive Exchange of Flight Controls. The Handbook is available for $16.95 from Aviation Supplies and Academics. For more information or to order, write to ASA at 7005 132nd Place SE, Newcastle, Washington 98059-3153; telephone 800/ ASA-2-FLY. Or visit the Web site (www.asa2fly.com ).

E. Tennyson

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