MountainScope moving-map software
Moving-map program designers never seem to run out of new ideas and clever ways to present information graphically. Todd Sprague, president of PC Avionics in Rancho Cordova, California, has come up with several neat tricks in his MountainScope moving-map software. Designed primarily for personal digital assistants (PDAs), it also runs on tablet and laptop computers. PC Avionics sells plug-in WAAS-enabled GPS receivers as well to minimize the bulk of equipment you must carry to the cockpit.
Terrain warning is perhaps the most notable feature of the MountainScope program. Any chunk of terrain that comes close enough to your aircraft to pose a threat turns red. To aid in watching the terrain (complete with bodies of water, by the way), you can switch on Windshield View, which splits the screen, and shows only color-coded three-dimensional terrain on the top half of the screen and the previously full-screen moving-map image with course information on the bottom half.
You may be familiar with moving-map programs that allow you to click on features such as airspace, navaids, airways, or airports to get additional information. This program does all that, but also allows you to click on obstacles, such as radio towers, for the height of the object and the frequency on which it transmits, if available. Colored arrowheads point to the two closest airports and navaids at all times so that you don't have to click a nearest-airport button in an emergency. If the controller wants to know the nearest navaid — you'll be able to report it quickly.
I first tried the software on my laptop computer. The software loaded easily, but configuring my handheld GPS to talk to my laptop required some guesswork. Also, Sprague and I found a problem during testing that may save future customers some frustration. Plugging in a working GPS prior to computer startup resulted in the computer finding the GPS receiver and configuring it as a ballpoint mouse. Then, as each pulse of information was received from the GPS, the cursor jumped around the screen and icons on the desktop screen selected and unselected themselves at random. Finding the newly installed driver for the mouse, leaving it installed, and disabling it proved to be the fix. We experienced several crashes of the laptop while trying to resolve the problem.
The software was also tested in flight while loaded in a PDA, in this case a Compaq Ipaq, and it worked perfectly. Using a Garmin 35 GPS developed especially for use with PDAs resulted in easy configuration. One small issue: I could not find ANP (Annapolis, Maryland) in the original MountainScope database. The company has since shipped an expanded database that includes smaller airports such as Annapolis. Early databases were based on military information that excluded any airport with a runway less than 3,000 feet long.
MountainScope runs on PCs and PDAs using Microsoft Windows or Windows CE. The program comes with six databases; additional databases are available for $15 each. — Alton K. Marsh
Price: $495; GPS receivers available from $159 to $195
Contact: 916/852-7897 or 877/444-4722; www.pcavionics.com
Insight True Flow 500 fuel flow sensor
If you've recently rearranged your panel to include the latest GPS receiver or multifunction display, you may no longer have the space — on or behind the panel — to fit another dial. Insight's True Flow 500 fuel flow sensor allows you to add a fuel flow computer without the need for additional panel acreage, if you have a compatible GPS receiver.
The True Flow 500 sensor installs within the engine compartment and delivers fuel information via RS232 input directly to a panel-mount GPS unit. On receivers such as the Garmin GNS 400- and 500-series, the True Flow data shows current fuel flow on the Fuel Planning pages. True Flow claims to be the first fuel flow computer to automatically compensate for K-factors, meaning that no calibration is required, and the company promises shorter installation times at lower cost. Flow is depicted in tenths of a gallon; as with other fuel computers, the pilot enters total fuel into the GPS after powering it up on the ground.
Price: $695
Contact: 905/871-0733; www.insightavionics.com
PilotMall.com flight bag
There are as many different styles as there are pilots when it comes to flight bags. If your tastes are more classic, you may want to try PilotMall.com's Next Generation soft leather pilot bag.
We tested one of the bags and were pleased with its overall construction, utility, and attractiveness. The supple, handmade leather bags come in black, café (a mahogany brown), and natural (tan). They include two zippered headset pouches, two exterior chart pockets (that fit a sectional or two quite well), and a zippered exterior portfolio case (roughly the dimensions of a file folder but thick enough to hold several).
Inside, dividers allow you to customize for your own chart books and accessories, and the reinforced bottom resists ramp rash. The bag weighs about four pounds and measures 21 inches long by 11 inches wide by 11 inches high. A shoulder strap and separate carrying handles offer portability. If you don't intend to use the shoulder strap, you may want to remove it, as it can get in the way of easily accessing the side pockets. PilotMall.com also offers the bag in a smaller size for pilots who travel light.
Price: Large: $199.99; small: $149.99
Contact: 800/249-5730; www.pilotmall.com
Greg Brown's Flying Carpet: The Soul of an Airplane
When he set out to write Flying Carpet: The Soul of an Airplane, Greg Brown sought to not only create a lively account of his experiences for other pilots, but also to open up the adventure of general aviation to the person on the street. By weaving installments of his AOPA Flight Training magazine column, "Flying Carpet," with tales previously published in Pilot and other sources, Brown traces not only the reasons why flying his own airplane is vital to his soul, but also why the skill has benefited his family and friends in both practical and intangible ways.
The book outlines phases of Brown's aviation life, first as a college student flying around the Midwest to see his fiancée to forays across the Southwest to see his sons off into their adult lives. Maps depict the routes and highlights of each trip.
For most pilots at least some aspect of flying is personal. Brown imparts that dramatic moments in flight aren't necessarily overcome by heroic skill, but by preparation, logical thought, and the willingness to learn from past lessons.
Brown has a talent for describing aviation terms in words that the layperson can understand without dumbing them down in a way that is annoying to seasoned pilots. The 256-page book, published by Iowa State Press, also contains photos to illustrate the journeys.
Price: $29.99
Contact: 800/862-6657; www.iowastatepress.com
QUICK HITS
Flight Explorer has updated its professional edition aircraft-tracking program to include TFRs (temporary flight restriction areas) such as those already offered on the personal edition. Another new feature, the Route Check Tool, allows the user to enter a string of fixes or navaids to view a proposed route in relation to traffic, weather, and TFRs. The professional edition also offers in-motion weather radar images.
Price: $250 a month for Flight Explorer Professional version 4.1; $8.95 a month (10 hours of use) for AOPA members wishing to purchase the personal edition (does not include weather)
Contact: www.flightexplorer.com
Aero Electronic Devices and Accessories has debuted the VMS-3 voltage monitoring system, consisting of a circuit board connected to an overvoltage warning light, for 12- and 24-volt aircraft electrical systems. The first field-approval installation was in a Beechcraft E33 Bonanza; a portion of profits will be earmarked for a Denver, Colorado-area scholarship program and a blood bank.
Price: $119.95 plus shipping
Contact: 303/361-6871
The P2 6601 audio advisory system provides audible warning and system annunciations (including gear-up and stall warning alerts) and is STCed for pressurized and nonpressurized GA aircraft.
Price: $1,795 with installation kit
Contact: 888/921-8359; www.p2inc.com
The updated Plane Lock, from The Plane Lock Company (also doing business as R.L. Innovations), includes improved lock construction, wider and heavier window brackets, and no return springs. A new Web site features articles on GA security.
Price: $99
Contact: 614/879-4111; www.protectaplane.com
Air Power Software has introduced its Aircraft Budget Analyzer program for piston, turboprop, and jet airplanes, and helicopters. Pilots can select from 175 aircraft in the database, or input their own aircraft.
Price: $199.95
Contact: 702/296-6633; www.airpowersoftware.com
A new metal polish from Jet Stream Aviation, Mirror Image, promises to take the swirls out of polished metals and leave behind a protected finish. The 5-ounce roll of treated cloths come enclosed in a can for freshness.
Price: $17.90
Contact: 214/351-3400; www.jetstreamproducts.com
Mountain View Aviation offers a solution to the worn door brackets on Cessna 170- through 200-series singles. The STCed Door Steward opens and holds the door with an inert gas spring after the door is unlatched.
Price: $159 plus shipping for one door; $299 plus shipping for both doors
Contact: 503/981-4550; www.mtnviewaviation.com
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).
