The 7-square-inch screen also displays three separate clocks or a timer that counts up or down while the pilot performs other calculations on the computer. And, of course, the E6B-F can be used as an ordinary calculator as well. The E6B-F retails for $79.95.
Sporty's also offers a new Headset Wizard on its Web site to help pilots select from the numerous headsets it has available. You choose from 10 parameters, and the Wizard produces a list of potential matches. For more information, contact Sporty's Pilot Shop, Clermont County Airport, Batavia, Ohio 45103-9747; telephone 800/543-8633 or 513/735-9000; fax 513/735-9200; or visit the Web site ( www.sportys.com ).
Julie K. Boatman
KLN 89B/KLN 94 FOR BEGINNERS
ZD Publishing has added to its line of unit-specific global positioning system (GPS) instruction manuals with KLN 89B/ KLN 94 for Beginners. The 46-page, spiral-bound book opens flat for easy reference in the cockpit-right where you need hands-on guidance.
Since the KLN 94 is an upgraded model of the KLN 89B, the manual covers both, making it a handy addition to your library - especially if your flight school operates late-generation Cessnas. Starting with a GPS terminology review, the manual takes you from turning on the box through the basic functions, with less-commonly-used features toward the end. Appendices list page directories for both units, making the book a good tool for those transitioning to the KLN 89B or 94 from other GPS units.
Retail price for KLN 89B/KLN 94 for Beginners is $39.95 plus $6 shipping. For more information, contact ZD Publishing, Post Office Box 3487, Wichita, Kansas 67201-3487; telephone 888/ 310-3134 or 316/371-3134; or visit the Web site ( www.zdpublishing.com ).
Julie K. Boatman
ASA Debuts Schiff Book, IP Trainer Upgrade
The Proficient Pilot Volume 2 by Barry Schiff is now available in soft cover for $19.95 from Aviation Supplies and Academics (ASA). The book is based on Schiff's monthly column in AOPA Pilot and covers flying techniques and emergency procedures.
ASA has also released IP Trainer Version 6.0, an instrument pilot procedures software training program. Improvements allow the program to run in a native Windows environment and include updated U.S. and worldwide databases. The program costs $195.
For more information, telephone 800/426-8338 or 425/235-1500; or visit the Web site ( www.asa2fly.com ).
Alton K. Marsh
DATALINK On The Horizon
For years, even the most sophisticated aircraft have relied upon onboard weather radar and lightning detection equipment to navigate the jagged halls of convective weather. But a lot of light aircraft don't have the panel space for these high-priced avionics. Enter datalinked weather.
Datalink systems use various means of communication to send Nexrad radar images - typically one to five minutes old - to multifunction displays and GPS receivers in the cockpit, along with textual data such as METARs and TAFs. Though it may take a while for datalink to land in a cockpit near you, here are a few of the products you're likely to hear more about in the near future.
Garmin GDL 49 Datalink Transceiver
The GDL 49 datalink transceiver will deliver data via satellite. With the GDL 49 and an Echo Flight satellite weather data subscription, pilots can download Nexrad graphics and textual weather information for display on GNS 430 and 530 GPS receivers. The GDL 49 is expected to retail for $3,495, with deliveries later this year. For more information, contact Garmin International, 1200 East 151st Street, Olathe, Kansas 66062; telephone 913/397-8200; fax 913/397-8282; or visit the Web site ( www.garmin.com ).
AirCell DataComm 500
The DataComm 500 uses cellular technology to bring voice and data communication to light aircraft. The transceiver weighs just over two pounds and allows for the uploading of Nexrad weather information, textual METAR and TAF reports, and airborne Internet access via AirCell's ground-based communications network. DataComm 500 also allows pilots to listen to automatic terminal information service (ATIS) and automated weather observation system (AWOS) voice channels via telephone dial-up, which allows pilots to get this information from greater distances than VHF radios allow. The DataComm 500 retails for $2,000. For more information, contact AirCell, 1172 Century Drive, Suite 280, Building B, Louisville, Colorado 80027; telephone 888/328-0200; fax 303/926-8970; or visit the Web site ( www.aircell.com ).
Honeywell Bendix/King KDR 510
The Bendix/King KDR 510 VDL Mode 2 datalink receiver sends Nexrad graphics and textual METAR/TAF information over VHF frequencies. Bendix/King operates ground stations to send the information; stations in the network will eventually total 220 nationwide. The system automatically refreshes weather data every one to six minutes. The KDR 510 supplies data for viewing on KMD 550 and 850 multifunction displays. Retail price is $5,500 for the KDR 510 hardware and the card for the multifunction display. For more information, contact Honeywell, 23500 West 105th Street, Olathe, Kansas 66061; telephone 913/712-2613; fax 913/712-5697; or visit the Web site ( www.bendixking.com ).
Vigyan PWA Datalink System
Vigyan Inc. will use funding from private investments and a research contract from NASA to finish developing its Pilot Weather Advisor datalink system. PWA is expected to deliver updated Nexrad and textual weather information via satellite every five minutes, and the system will be compatible with several different portable and panel-mounted displays. Coverage will be available across the United States at all altitudes. Certification of the receiver and antenna is expected in spring 2002. Contact Vigyan Inc., 30 Research Drive, Hampton, Virginia 23666; telephone 757/865-1400, extension 221; or visit the Web site ( www.pilotweatheradvisor.com ).
Julie K. Boatman
Online Training From Gleim, Jeppesen
Two new online training programs provide solutions to common concerns for private pilots. The first, offered by Gleim Publications, is the Private Pilot Refresher Course. Aimed at pilots facing a flight review, the course also serves to increase any pilot's overall knowledge. Using the knowledge transfer outlines pioneered by Gleim, the course covers eight topics and should take six to eight hours to complete. For more information, visit the Web site ( www.gleim.com ).
JeppChart Training Online subscriptions are now available from Jeppesen for approach and airport charts, with en route, area, and departure and arrival procedures courses to follow. Pricing for 90-day access to the program is $39.95. Instrument students and already-rated pilots both can benefit from the detailed chart review, and pretests help users determine which lessons they should focus on studying. For more information, visit the Web site ( www.jeppesen.com ).
Julie K. Boatman
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