The CD is based on the Cessna 172R, though many of the systems are comparable to most 172s. You can either install the program on your hard drive or run it from the CD - useful if your hard disk is already packed with flight simulator programs. Then, you can select the area of the aircraft you'd like to explore from the pullout menu. Exploration options include the airframe, engine, or other systems. Animations are clear and sophisticated, and the program demonstrates proper functions as well as failures: Blocking the air filter during the induction system demo shows how air intake is rerouted, for example. In the engine section, the engine graphic can be rotated so that you can see precisely where each component is located. Clicking on a part provides a textual explanation.
Other programs available include Aircraft Systems: Warrior, and the upcoming systems CD for the Piper Seminole. Aircraft Systems: Skyhawk retails for $89.95. For more information, contact Vector Training Systems Inc., 917 Forty-sixth Street South, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58201; telephone 888/906-7467; or visit the Web site ( www.vtsweb.com ).
Aurora Software: Aeronautical Terms For The Palm
With the proliferation of personal digital assistants (PDAs) like the Palm Pilot series, you knew it was only a matter of time before pilot training applications for PDAs would be on the market. Enter Aurora Software's Aeronautical Terms for the Palm. The database includes more than 1,500 terms, acronyms, abbreviations, and definitions that will help students better interpret the new lingo they are striving to understand. A search feature locates all references to a particular word or abbreviation - handy for relating various terms to each other and building total knowledge.
The software retails for $5.95 and works on most popular PDAs using the Palm operating system. You can download the program from Handango, an Internet marketplace for PDAs ( www.handango.com ). For more information, contact Aurora Software via e-mail ([email protected] ).
Portney's Ponderables
The lore of navigation contains quite a few controversies that beg to be explored for the sake of learning. Portney's Ponderables, the new book by Joe Portney, a retired Naval navigator-engineer, describes 25 historic navigational problems and paradoxes for the reader to attempt to solve. Though the book contains all types of navigational situations, eight of them involve aviation, including Byrd's historic polar flight, Lindbergh's Atlantic flight, the Graf Zeppelin around-the-world flight, and the pratfalls of Earhart's errant navigator, Fred Noonan. After each situation is presented, the reader is challenged to resolve the "ponderable," which utilizes math and science in its solution. However, if you get stumped, explanations are provided.
The short sections make it easy to approach normally complex navigation topics and thoroughly explore the history behind some of the world's most famous navigational puzzles. An ongoing series on Portney's Web site ( www.littongcs.com ) expands upon the book. The 157-page, softcover Portney's Ponderables retails for $19.95. For more information, contact Litton Systems Inc. by telephone at 818/705-4957; fax 818/344-7429; or via the Icarus Books Web site (www.icarusbooks.com ) or the Starpath Navigation School Web site ( www.starpath.com ).
Airs Technologies: FAA Ab-Initio Pilot Training Software
As anyone studying for the private pilot knowledge exam knows, there is a lot of information to cover and a lot of software out there to help you cover it. The latest offering, FAA Ab-Initio Pilot Training from Airs Technologies, distinguishes itself from the pack by the level of information it provides.
Many programs of this genre rehash the questions on the FAA exam, grouping them into various categories but repeating the terminology and information given on the test itself. FAA Ab-Initio Pilot Training, perhaps by virtue of its Australian roots, spins the information in a different way and delves more deeply - in some instances, recalling trigonometry (remember what a secant is, anyone?) - to produce another way to look at the theories behind the knowledge exam. The section on aeronautical decision making, for example, brings up such current issues as chronic fatigue syndrome. Navigation within the program is easy, and it's generally well designed. The only detractors from this otherwise good software are some inconsistent editing and a fairly boring audio track. The three-CD set retails for $528.85 (in Australian dollars, approximately $275 U.S.). For more information, visit the Web site ( www.airstech.com ).
Jimmy Wilson's Takeoff II Video
Jimmy Films recently released the second in a series of family-oriented videos about discovering aviation. Jimmy Wilson's Takeoff II explores the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, highlighting the changes that have taken place in the five years since the release of the first video, Jimmy Wilson's Takeoff. Interviews with pilots, controllers, and airport management introduce children to all the facets of a large, commercial airport. The videos are available to purchase for $19.95 or to download online: For one week's viewing of these and two other films, the cost is $6.95. For more information, contact Jimmy Wilson Company, Post Office Box 3641, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403; telephone 952/920-4957; or visit the Web site ( www.jimmyfilms.com ).
Sporty's: Neo-Board Expandable Kneeboard
Some pilots enjoy using a kneeboard that can accommodate everything but the kitchen sink, while others are minimalists. A new kneeboard from Sporty's may appeal to both - or those who reserve the right to change their minds. The Neo-Board is an expandable kneeboard that incorporates a system of Velcro parts, which make it larger or smaller according to pilot needs.
The main part of the kneeboard appears to be kin to other Sporty's kneeboards, with a clear plastic window pocket and aluminum clipboard. An adjustable strap attaches the board to the pilot's leg. Velcro allows the pilot to attach an E6B or GPS unit to the kneeboard. A deluxe version includes a modular panel to increase the kneeboard's real estate. The Neo-Board is available for $54.95, and the Deluxe Neo-Board retails for $69.95. For more information, contact Sporty's, Clermont County Airport, Batavia, Ohio 45103-9747; telephone 800/LIFTOFF; fax 513/735-9200; or visit the Web site ( www.sportys.com ).
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