Within the calculations, you can change variables without having to start over - nice when you're deciding between a couple of options in flight. In addition to basic flight planning computations, there is a gliding feature, probably best suited for rainy-day what-if sessions, that allows you to quickly determine how far you can glide at a given altitude and glide ratio. The CX-2 Palm also remembers previous inputs from prior calculations so that you may progress through a string of them without re-entering basic data such as flight time, true airspeed, and pressure altitude.
The CX-2 Palm also offers standard conversions, two timers, and a desktop clock that displays both universal coordinated time (UTC or Zulu time) and local time. The CX-2 Palm retails for $39.95. 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 ).
Julie K. Boatman
GLEIM Instrument Test Prep On Audio CD
There are times when you'd like to study for an FAA written exam but cannot be tied to a computer, such as when commuting to your job, working in the garden, or exercising. Or perhaps you learn best by listening to information rather than reading it. In either case, Gleim offers a new audio CD for those preparing for the instrument written and practical exams. The CDs are part of Gleim's test-prep program, and they follow the same outline/test-question format that the program's study guides provide.
An introductory lecture contains four modules covering Gleim pilot training materials, an intro to the instrument rating, and overviews of the instrument knowledge test and practical test. Lecture two begins 20- to 40-minute discussions of the 11 chapters in the Gleim study guides - on seven CDs. To help focus your attention on the proper answers to specific questions within the lectures, a prompt is used. As Gleim notes, the CDs are not a substitute for ground school, as the company specializes in test preparation. Since the instrument written exam is heavy on figures, the program gives examples of concepts used in the figure-intensive chapters rather than going over every figure. There is a study mode after each lecture, and the test mode imitates the operation of testing companies to help prepare you for taking the test at a computer-testing center. Gleim's companion software program covers all 900-plus instrument-airplane questions, but not all questions are covered within the CD lectures.
For more information, contact Gleim Publications, Post Office Box 12848, University Station, Gainesville, Florida 32604; telephone 800/784-5346 or 352/375-0772; fax 888/375-6940; or visit the Web site ( www.gleim.com ).
J. Boatman
New In Avionics
Goodrich Skywatch HP
The new Goodrich Skywatch HP extends the capabilities of the company's Skywatch traffic avoidance system, with greater display and surveillance range, better depiction of closure rates, and electronic flight information system (EFIS) compatibility.
The Skywatch HP tracks up to 35 aircraft within a 20-mile surveillance range. The display shows intruder aircraft up to 15 miles away, generating both visual and aural warnings. The unit is compatible with most EFIS displays and multifunction displays. Pilots with the Goodrich Stormscope WX-1000 processor can toggle between traffic and lightning displays on the Skywatch HP's dedicated display.
The unit retails for $28,915 with the display and $24,630 without the display. For more information, contact Goodrich Corporation, 5353 52nd Street Southeast; Grand Rapids, Michigan 49512; telephone 800/253-9525 or 616/949-6600; fax 616/285-4224; or visit the Web site ( www.bfgavionics.com ).
J. Boatman
MAX-VIZ Enhanced Vision System
A venture-financed company in Portland, Oregon, is developing a next-generation aviation enhanced vision system that could allow pilots to "see" through low-visibility conditions during nighttime approaches at nontowered airports. The system, in development by Max-Viz Enhanced Vision Systems, could also be used to see through haze, pollution, and fog. The system combines uncooled sensors and long-wave infrared sensors to create an image of the outside world as projected in front of the pilot. The system can be mounted on the tail, in a radome, or on the wing. The size and performance can be matched to the aircraft, allowing it to be used on a wide range of aircraft - including general aviation airplanes. Displays can either be head-up, in which an image is projected in front of the pilot, or head-down, in which the image is placed on a display on the aircraft panel. For more information, contact Max-Viz Enhanced Vision Systems, 16165 Southwest 72nd Street, Portland, Oregon 97224; telephone 503/635-3559; or visit the Web site ( www.maxviz.com ).
Alton K. Marsh
AVIDYNE EX5000 Flight Situation Display
Avidyne Corporation announced its new, large-screen EX5000 flight situation display (FSD), an advancement in glass cockpit displays for light aircraft.
The EX5000 FSD presents information in either horizontal or vertical formats, is expected to retail for $12,950, and is now available.
Avidyne also joined forces with Cirrus Design to bring the new EX5000C to the cockpits of SR20 and SR22 aircraft. The EX5000C displays data from the Garmin GNS 430 GPS/com, and Goodrich's WX-500 Stormscope and Skywatch Traffic Awareness System, on a 10.4-inch diagonal screen. The FSD will be installed in new SR20s and SR22s beginning in the first quarter of this year.
In addition, the FlightMax DX50 datalink provides weather information to the cockpit via the Orbcomm satellite network.
Price for the DX50 and antenna is $2,950. For more information, contact Avidyne, 55 Old Bedford Road, Lincoln, Massachusetts 01773; telephone 800/284-3963 or 781/402-7585; fax 781/402-7599; or visit the Web site ( www.avidyne.com ).
J. Boatman
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