The 295 is slightly smaller than the 195, and it presents its information in a landscape rather than portrait view. Six AA batteries power the unit. We saw about four hours of life from a set of alkalines when we used the 295 sporadically. Garmin claims that you'll get 2.5 hours of continuous use out of the unit. Expect less if you use rechargeable batteries.
Five main pages of information are available for viewing: satellite status, map, position, horizontal situation indicator (radio magnetic indicator in land mode), and active route. You can leaf forward through the information with the Page key or backward with the Quit button. Like the 195, this unit allows you to undo whatever you've done with the Quit key - a very handy feature for the new user. Of course, a simple direct-to function will get you navigating to a waypoint quickly without having to reference the manual.
A day or nighttime mode allows you to control the color of the terrain depicted. It's yellow during the day and black at night. Brightness is controlled with the power key. All of the same features of the 195's latest software are present in the 295, including instrument approaches. Although no handheld is certified for approaches, the 295 can provide situational awareness as you progress along an instrument approach. A nice feature is a vectors-to-final function that will allow the pilot to join an approach course at somewhere other than an initial approach fix.
The 295 comes with a yoke mount, dashboard - or glareshield - mount, carrying case, cigarette-lighter adapter, and PC-interface cable. A clever beanbag mount is available as an option. Minimum advertised price for the 295 is $1,449. If that price is a little too steep for your budget, Garmin intends to continue production of the 195 and III Pilot, which list for around $950 and $600, respectively.
For more information, contact Garmin International, 1200 East 151st Street, Olathe, Kansas 66062; telephone 913/397-8200; or visit the Web site ( www.garmin.com ).
Peter A. Bedell
King Video Helps Pilots Maximize Flight Simulator 2000 Flying
John and Martha King are lending their flight instructing talents to simulator pilots with a new video for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2000 users. The videotape, called Cleared for Takeoff with John and Martha Microsoft Flight Simulator 2000, is designed to help pilots get the most out the time they spend on the PC simulator. The 30-minute videotape is available for $14.95 from King Schools. Flight Simulator 2000 Professional Edition, which includes an introduction by the Kings, is also available from King Schools for $79.95. For more information or to order, contact King Schools, 3840 Calle Fortunada, San Diego, California 92123; telephone 800/854-1001.
Elizabeth A. Tennyson
FAA Releases New Weight And Balance Handbook
For the first time in more than 20 years, the FAA has released an updated version of its Aircraft Weight and Balance Handbook. The book, which was last revised in 1977, replaces Advisory Circular 91-23A. It includes numerous color figures and is designed for use both by pilots and by maintenance technicians. The completely rewritten text begins with a discussion of the basic principle of aircraft weight and balance control. In addition to showing sample weight and balance documentation, the book discusses procedures for aircraft weighing and loading computations for aircraft of all sizes. For aviation maintenance technicians, the book explains how to determine weight and center of gravity changes that result from repairs and alterations such as the addition of new avionics. The handbook also covers the unique requirements for weight and balance control in helicopters. The updated Handbook is available from Aviation Supplies and Academics for $12.95. For more information or to order, contact ASA at 800/ASA-2-FLY or visit the Web site ( www.asa2fly.com ).
E. Tennyson
EZ-Aviation Offers VOR Training Tool
Student pilots and instrument students who are having trouble using VOR indications to determine their position relative to the station can get help with a new product from EZ-Aviation. EZ-VOR is a sturdy, pocket-sized plastic guide that allows you to use your OBS setting, heading, and VOR needle deflection to determine where you are relative to the station. The device is simple to use, and instructions are printed on the back. The EZ-VOR is available for $9.95. For more information or to order, contact EZ-Aviation, Post Office Box 51063, Eugene, Oregon 97405; telephone 541/683-8812; or visit the Web site ( www.ezaviation.com ).
E. Tennyson
Avidyne Displays Integrate Mapping Overlay, Ground Proximity Warning
Avidyne has announced that its FlightMax 740 and FlightMax 440 flight situation displays (FSDs) now include terrain base maps, pilot-selectable map overlay capability, and an interface to Honeywell's Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System. The enhancements to these two FSDs are intended to minimize the risks of making controlled flight into terrain - the cause of nearly 30 percent of all general aviation accidents in the United States over the past decade. FlightMax provides a full-color plan view of terrain and terrain warnings - something unusual in general aviation aircraft. FlightMax uses graduated colors to depict terrain altitude.
FlightMax systems with the new terrain base maps and overlay capability are scheduled to begin shipping mid-year. The list price for the radar-capable FlightMax 740 is $14,995, and the non-radar FlightMax 440 is $9,995. All FlightMax systems sold in the year 2000 are eligible for a free upgrade to add terrain base map and overlay capability. The optional EGPWS interface will also available mid-year 2000 for an additional $5,995.
E. Tennyson
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