Navgps was developed by a pilot and comes in two versions, Navgps Basic, version 2.4a, and Navgps Pro, version 3.0c. The software is compatible with a variety of GPS antennas and in-panel GPS receivers; we had the best luck with a Garmin 35 unit that plugs into an auxiliary power source and has an antenna that can be mounted anywhere - handy for pilots who rent or switch aircraft often.
The basic version offers a full-color moving-map screen displayed on the PDA that shows flight-planned routes, airspace, navaids, fixes, and airports. The pilot can choose from a 120-degree arc heading presentation or a horizontal situation indicator presentation with the present course, and data blocks with altitude, distance, estimated time en route, and groundspeed. The Pro version adds worldwide topographical data, and the display has been optimized for a faster update rate, even with the increased amount of information on the screen. Flight planning with the Pro version allows you to use airways, which weren't available on the Basic version. Both versions allow user-defined waypoints so that any airports or navaids not included in the database can be added. The software requires a color PDA running the PocketPC operating system, and the iPaq is highly recommended.
The display is clear and attractive, and refresh rates are good enough that you can use the heading information to fly a course well, keeping in mind that PDA-based moving map software is only for use in visual (VFR) conditions as a backup means of navigation. The flight planning functions are simple, and editing a flight plan once it is entered is straightforward. The software has been on the market for almost a year (in previous versions), and the fact that this is a mature product shows.
Navgps Basic,/I> retails for $74; the Pro version is $124. A current aviation database is available for $8; both versions use this data. The software is purchased through two PDA Web sites ( www.handango.com and www.pocketgear.com). For more information, contact Navgps via the company Web site ( www.gonavgps.com ) or by e-mail ( [email protected] ).
Julie K. Boatman
Chief Instructor Software
Looking for a simple way to keep records of students and instructors? A CFI based in Idaho has developed a simple program that allows instructors to track students through their training. A logbook-style record system is used, with the ability to store several aircraft, pilots, and instructors, as well as information on the airports used for training - with information such as runway length and whether or not the airport has a control tower. A cross-reference to the federal aviation regulations allows the user to check into the regs behind the requirements, and the FAR database can be updated.
The software generated one minor error while we tested it, which was promptly rectified by the program designer.
Designed for a single flight instructor, the software is currently available for $49. A flight school version with up to five active instructors is $149; a 30-day demonstration is free. A student pilot logbook is also offered at an introductory price of $19. For more information, visit the Web site ( www.chiefinstructor.com ).
Facts About Spins
Fred DeLacerda began his quest to learn as much as he could about spins during his primary training in a Piper J-3 Cub. From there, he has flown with aviation legend William K. "Bill" Kershner, pored over NASA data, and spent countless hours giving flight instruction in search of the hows and whys of autorotation. The result is Facts About Spins, a comprehensive look at stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery.
The 140-page softcover book focuses on the Cessna 150 as its primary example, simply because there is probably more known about this airplane's spin behavior than any other single model. With relatively simple math and straightforward illustrations, DeLacerda covers spins from every angle, including manufacturers' tests and physiological ramifications, as well as the aerodynamics of spins. He also investigates spin accident scenarios and provides insight on how to avoid the situations that lead to an NTSB report.
Facts About Spins is published by the Iowa State University Press, and it retails for $24.99. For more information, contact Iowa State Press, 2121 State Avenue, Ames, Iowa 50014-8300; telephone 800/862-6657 or 515/292-0140; fax 515/292-3348; or visit the Web site ( www.iowastatepress.com ).
How To Fly Gliders And Pass FAA Tests
Maybe you've considered getting your glider rating, or you know someone interested in flying who would like to start soaring first (see "Gliding your way to a pilot certificate," May AOPA Flight Training). Jim Burch, a retired designated pilot examiner from the Phoenix area, has produced a book and companion CD, How to Fly Gliders and Pass FAA Tests, which helps pilots to prepare for the glider practical and knowledge exams. The CD contains the FAA knowledge exam questions for private and commercial glider certificates, indexed by the FAA subject codes and cross-referenced to the appropriate diagrams.
Explanations are given with each correct answer; you must guess to get the explanation. Most of the explanations offer constructive information rather than just "answer A is correct because..." and the explanations are written in a glider pilot context. Many of the glider questions are the same as airplane questions or similar to them. However, questions such as how to cope with turbulence on final are answered for those who are flying without the benefit of an engine.
The manual is $15 plus $3 shipping; the CD is $29 plus $3 shipping. For more, visit the author's Web site (http://jdburch. home.att.net).
Briefly Noted
Many programs combine the instrument rating and commercial certificate, to varying degrees of success. Bob Gardner, author of The Complete Advanced Pilot, likens these two steps on the pilot ladder to the "bachelor's and master's degrees," with an airline transport pilot certificate equivalent to a doctorate. With that in mind, the latest edition of his book helps students pursuing both goals simultaneously to streamline their efforts. The 472-page book retails for $24.95. For more information, contact Aviation Supplies and Academics, 7005 132nd Place Southeast, Newcastle, Washington 98059-3153; telephone 800/426-8338 or 425/235-1500; fax 425/235-0128; or visit the Web site ( www.asa2fly.com ).
Cheryl Cage has a reputation for helping pilots to interview successfully for flying jobs. In response to the current employment climate, Cage Consulting has produced The Resilient Pilot, a guide for furloughed pilots facing temporary re-entry to the job market during their time away from the cockpit. Cage focuses her expertise in r�sum� and interview skills on the unique needs of furloughed pilots, and the guide also serves as a good way to brush up one's job-hunting skills. The Resilient Pilot retails for $19.95. For more information, telephone Cage Consulting, 888/899-2243 or 520/360-9016; or visit the Web site ( www.cageconsulting.com ).
Airline Pilot Employment Advisors also recently released the 2002 version of its Airline Pilot Interviews, authored by Irv Jasinski. Role-playing situations and typical interview questions fill the 300-plus-page manual. Jasinski spent 10 years as a manager of employment and pilot recruitment for a major airline. Airline Pilot Interviews retails for $24.95 plus $4.50 shipping. For more information, contact Airline Pilot Employment Advisors, Post Office Box 301409, Escondido, California 92030; telephone 866/489-9419; or visit the Web site ( www.airlinepilotinterviews.com ).
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