That setup provides only direct-to navigation (more about that in a moment), but you will be able to upgrade free to more advanced versions of the software expected to become available later this year. Those new versions will provide more sophisticated navigation. But even if you buy the less-fully-featured Flight Buddy version 1.53 - the subject of this product report - you will be able to upgrade free to version 1.75 that will provide an unlimited number of routes with multiple waypoints. That version is in testing now. And there's even better news. You will also be able to upgrade for free to Flight Buddy 2.0 - a version featuring a moving map - that is scheduled to come out in a few months and may cost $10 more. Speaking of free, the software comes with a current database, and all future updates, provided on the company's Web site, are also free for as long as you use the Flight Buddy system.
Now let's look at the current product, Flight Buddy version 1.53. It's very simple to operate. The main screen shows bearing to the desired waypoint, track, distance, groundspeed, estimated time en route, and a "radial" function that shows the reverse of the course flown. That latter function helps Flight Buddy to determine when you are off course. A course deviation indicator display provides a visual indication of whether you are off course and by how much, an especially useful feature in the absence of a moving map.
Flight Buddy has a full aviation database, meaning you can navigate to an airport, VOR, intersection, or any other waypoint of your choice. But it gets neater than that. By pressing the computer screen above ETE (estimated time en route) you will find a Hobbs meter telling you how long you have been aloft. Tap the ground speed and you will find the highest ground speed achieved during the flight. Tap the distance-to-go readout and you will find how many miles you have already flown. A trip meter will tell you how far you have gone on the present trip, while an odometer tells you have far you have flown over a number of trips. Did you get a little off course and now wish to go direct from your present position? Tap the CDI once and you are headed directly to your destination from your present position.
Every time the program finds a new waypoint that you have typed into the search function, it chirps a happy tune. It's as pleased as you are to know where it is going. Along with the waypoint database is a list of information about the selected point. For example, when looking up airports you can find the airport name, latitude and longitude, elevation, traffic-pattern altitude, and runway length.
Hardware requirements include a PDA running Palm OS 2.0 or higher. The software can be used with most GPS receivers. A $49 RS232 serial cable is needed to connect the computer to the GPS, or you'll need a special adapter for Handspring Visor devices. Information on how to purchase the cable or adapter is available on the Apexx site. If you are unsure about compatibility with your GPS or computer, e-mail your question to [email protected] . Flight Buddy software is primarily delivered over the Internet, but it can be mailed if necessary.
For more information, contact Apexx Software, 5291 Foxborough Court East, Highlands Ranch, Colorado 0126; telephone 303/570-6424; or visit the Web site ( www.aspenleaf.com/palm ).
Alton K. Marsh
Alpha Trainer Teaches Angle Of Attack
How an airplane's angle of attack relates to its flight path and the relative wind is a critical association to grasp in order to understand how airplanes fly. For pilots, internalizing this distinction marks the difference between maintaining control- led flight and entering a stall. But it's a concept that many student pilots struggle to grasp. To help them, Tom Shefchunas, a flight instructor and corpo- rate pilot, developed the AlphaTrainer. This device - derived from Shefchunas' previous book, Alpha Trainer: Unlocking the Mystery of Flight - demonstrates how these concepts interact in various phases of flight.
The 6-by-10-inch, laminated card models an airplane with attachments for the pilot's viewing attitude and elevator position. By setting a phase of flight on the trainer, students can get a big picture perspective on the relationship between the angle of attack, the relative wind, and what the pilot sees from the cockpit. Inside the card, several flight conditions are discussed. The Web site offers a lot of useful support information as well, including an instructor's corner and a link to NASA's FoilSim online airfoil simulation tool.
While particularly interesting to CFIs, the AlphaTrainer is an inexpensive device that can help any student who is struggling with aerodynamics. AlphaTrainer retails for $14.95, plus $4.95 shipping and handling. For more information, contact AlphaTrainer, telephone 877/542-1112; or visit the Web site ( www.alphatrainer.com ).
Julie K. Boatman
Cleared For Approach Instrument Training System
When Cessna selected King Schools to produce the training courses for its Cessna Pilot Centers (CPCs), the company was marrying its easy-to-fly aircraft with John and Martha King's similarly approachable style of teaching. The concept continues with the recent introduction of Cessna's instrument training course, Cleared for Approach.
The course is designed to be used in conjunction with flight training at a CPC; if you live more than 60 miles away from a CPC, Cessna will allow you to use the materials without going through one of its flight schools. The materials, though applicable to most single-engine airplanes, will definitely make the most sense to students flying Cessna aircraft.
Cleared for Approach contains 23 ground and flight lessons on 30 CD-ROMs, plus a FAR/AIM CD. Each lesson is centered around a segment of full-screen video featuring the Kings and other instructors. After the video presentation, several review questions test your understanding of the material. The Kings use a lot of memory joggers that many pilots relate to well, and their style is consistent in this presentation. Overall, the coverage is complete and entertaining.
The kit comes with the CD-ROM course - which Cessna refers to as computer-based instruction or CBI - and a syllabus, textbook, IFR flight organizer, and other supporting materials. Cleared for Approach retails for $279 plus shipping. For more information, contact Cessna Aircraft Company, Post Office Box 1996, Independence, Kansas 67301; telephone 877/FLY-B-FREE (877/ 359-2373); fax 620/332-0388; or visit the Web site (www.learntofly.com/cessna ).
J. Boatman
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