Digital Cyclone Pilot My-Cast
Ever make it out to the airport for a cross-country flight only to find that you can't make your usual last-minute check of the Nexrad radar because the FBO doesn't open until 9 a.m.? A new service from Digital Cyclone allows you to check Nexrad radar and METAR/TAF information on a Java-enabled cellular phone.
We tested the service, Pilot My-Cast, using a Motorola i95cl cellular phone with a color screen measuring 1.5 by 1.8 inches. Pilot My-Cast, currently available for those using a Nextel calling plan with data service, offers several options. You can select a radar loop display for a given airport or route, a METAR/TAF textual display for a given airport, and, if you're using a color phone, a weather-map feature that combines a radar image screen with others showing graphical depictions of ceiling, visibility, cloud cover, temperature, dew point, wind vectors, and altimeter settings. With all weather information, an observation time on the screen allows for easy identification of old returns. The user selects the information desired and the airport or route, and the service automatically calls in and downloads that data. We found most downloads took less than 15 seconds.
The screen is sharp and the radar returns are shown in three levels of resolution (from 9 sm down to 0.63 sm). The display can be zoomed from a regional view down to the county level, providing a detailed illustration of weather from any ground location with Nextel service. Digital Cyclone intends to partner with other service providers in the near future.
Price: $9.95 set up plus $9.95 monthly and cellular service plan
Contact: 952/974-3300; www.digitalcyclone.com
GAMI introduces engine management courses
Pilots who are debating the virtues of lean-of-peak engine operations now have the chance to learn from the experts.
Advanced Pilot Seminars is offering two-day powerplant management courses that promise to tell what the manifold pressure, rpm, and mixture really do, explain the landmarks on the way to understanding piston-engine management, and help students use a JPI engine monitor to see what's really going on inside aircraft engines.
The course is offered in Ada, Oklahoma, at the headquarters of General Aviation Modifications Inc. (GAMI). Course instructors are John Deakin, George Braly, and Walter Atkinson. Upcoming dates are January 18 to 19 and March 15 to 16, 2003. — Steven W. Ells
Price: $995
Contact: 225/925-2318; www.advancedpilot.com
SIRS Navigator NV2-2400X glareshield compass
While multifunction displays and GPS moving maps have attracted a lot of attention in recent years, the compass remains a piece of navigational equipment required in every airplane. The Navigator NV2-2400X by SIRS is designed to replace older, less stable compasses.
The Navigator bolts onto the aircraft's glareshield — though SIRS also offers overhead- and panel-mounted units. The Navigator houses a compass rose suspended in a silicone-based fluid and features silicone seals to eliminate the problem of leaks and fluid evaporation common to older compasses, according to the company. The higher-viscosity fluid also dampens the compass and reduces lead and lag errors inherent in liquid-filled compasses. Metal expansion bellows allow for flexing in high-altitude, unpressurized flight.
The display shows 140 degrees of heading, as opposed to the 90-degree view offered by standard compasses. The TSOed Navigator comes in 6-, 12-, and 28-volt configurations, with a three-year warranty.
Price: $239.95 to $259.95
Contact: 310/325-3422; www.sirsproducts.com
E.S.P. CheckMate
Though you survived your latest medical, what would happen to your passengers if you were suddenly incapacitated? While programs such as the Pinch-Hitter® course developed by the AOPA Air Safety Foundation provide solid training for this contingency, not all of your right-seaters can attend such a course. E.S.P. CheckMate (E.S.P. stands for emergency substitute pilot) is a plastic two-sided checklist that a nonpilot could follow in an emergency to control the airplane and land safely.
Developed by CheckMate Aviation, the checklist is divided into three sections: control the airplane, radio for help, and land. Each section details how to go about accomplishing the task using language that a layperson can understand. The sections are well-thought-out. For example, the first step under "control the plane" states that if the airplane is on autopilot, the person should go to the "radio for help" section before trying to fly the airplane. This makes sense, as this is what a pilot would typically do in an emergency: Let the autopilot fly if it is doing the job adequately.
The checklist includes photos of important items, such as a generic airspeed indicator, altimeter, and nav/com. It gives ballpark airspeeds to fly and photos of suitable landing areas, including the approach to a runway.
E.S.P. CheckMate has been selected by the AOPA Air Safety Foundation for use in its Pinch-Hitter course. The card measures 7.5 by 10 inches.
Price: $15
Contact: 800/359-3741; www.checkmateaviation.com
Sporty's Checklist
Pilots are forever in search of the right checklist, and Sporty's Pilot Shop offers solid options. Developed by an airline captain and used by Sporty's Academy, the checklists we reviewed are succinct and contain all vital information from aircraft acceptance to shut down, including emergency procedures.
The slim, laminated, wire-bound checklists are roughly the size of a folded sectional chart, feature the challenge/response method, and are aircraft model-specific. Available models include: Cessna 152, 172P, 172R, and 182S; Beechcraft A36 Bonanza; and Piper Aztec B — the same aircraft used on Sporty's flight line. Other models are in the works, according to the company.
Price: $14.95
Contact: 800/543-8633; www.sportys.com
Quick Hits
Flight Explorer, the Internet-based real-time flight-tracking program, has added graphical temporary flight restriction areas to its map displays. The information is updated every 15 minutes for automated data, or twice a day if the coordinates have to be plotted manually.
Price: from $9.95 a month for Flight Explorer Personal Edition; $8.95 for AOPA members
Contact: www.flightexplorer.com
In addition to terrain information, Sandel's ST3400 TAWS/RMI will display real-time weather imagery, available as a software upgrade in first quarter 2003. The company is working with several weather providers.
Price: about $20,000 for the ST3400 TAWS/RMI
Contact: www.sandel.com
Iridium Satellite LLC announced a service partnership with Blue Sky Network, an aviation satellite communications provider. Blue Sky recently debuted the C-1000 console system with a Motorola satellite phone, TSOed antenna, and installation kit.
Price: $6,995 for the C-1000
Contact: www.iridium.com or www.blueskynetwork.com
AircraftCostAnalysis by SLM, a sophisticated spreadsheet using Microsoft Excel, has been upgraded to reflect new tax laws.
Price: $580 for up to three users
Contact: 501/327-2224; www.aircraftcostanalysis.com
Kosola and Associates of Albany, Georgia, has been granted a supplemental type certificate to install shoulder harnesses in Piper PA28-series aircraft not so equipped.
Price: varies with installation
Contact: 229/435-4119; www.kosola.com
The Pilot Flight Sharing Network (PFSN) is an Internet-based company that allows aircraft owners and operators to register with PFSN and schedule planned or contemplated flights to share costs. Pilots or passengers who are interested in right-seat flying opportunities can register online, scan for available flights, and contact the aircraft owners directly through the Web address.
Price: $135 for aircraft owners; $45 for pilots and passengers
Contact: www.pfsn.us
Unless otherwise stated, products listed herein have not been evaluated by AOPA Pilot editors. AOPA assumes no responsibility for products or services listed or for claims or actions by manufacturers or vendors. However, members unable to get satisfaction regarding products listed should advise AOPA. To submit products for evaluation, contact: New Products Editor, AOPA Pilot , 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, Maryland 21701; telephone 301/695-2350. Links to all Web sites referenced in this issue can be found on AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/pilot/links.shtml).
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