The CD loads easily and installs with any other ElectronicFlight modules already on your PC. After you launch the program, choose from one of three models of autopilot to study: the Bendix/King KAP 140 and KFC 225, and S-Tec 55/55X. Procedures for several other Bendix/King autopilots are also covered by the KFC 225 tutorial, and procedures for other S-Tec autopilots are included in the tutorial for the 55 and 55X.
The ElectronicFlight modus operandi is to lay a solid foundation in avionics core principles prior to teaching procedures. And rather than taught by rote, procedures themselves are chunked into tasks so that you learn how to get the autopilot to do what you want and can rearrange smaller tasks to fit a given in-flight situation. This mode of teaching is well-executed in the autopilot module.
It took our tester about two hours to complete the first tutorial on the KAP 140. If tutorials on the other two autopilots are selected, some of the basics are repeated in the first lesson from tutorial to tutorial, but the other seven lessons remain model-specific. Each contains operations for both VFR and IFR flight, with instrument approach procedures broken down into individual components. Both precision and nonprecision approaches, with procedure turns and holds, are covered. Failures are examined in detail. A bank of questions at the end of each lesson and a review section at the end of each tutorial reinforce concepts, and the questions require some thought-they aren't just teaching the basics here.
Before you fly with an autopilot, take some time with this course. We'll bet that you spend a lot less time in the airplane learning how to use the autopilot as a result.
ElectronicFlight also offers customized CDs for pilots of specific aircraft, such as new Beechcraft, Cessna, Cirrus, and New Piper airplanes. The CDs contain the tutorials specific to the aircraft's avionics for a focused course at package prices ranging from $595 to $695-a flight school that offers new versions of these airplanes may find it worthwhile to invest in ElectronicFlight's customized CDs to offer for ground school purposes.
Price: $195 for the Autopilot Systems CD. For more information: 866/234-2359; www.electronicflight.com
Elite Simulation Solutions advanced PCATD
The line between simulators, flight training devices, and PCATDs is blurring. Elite has broken into the FAA's new category of aviation training device, called an advanced PCATD (personal computer-based aviation training device), with its iGATE G500.
The advanced PCATD category allows for substantially more logging of flight time for flight experience, for certificate levels from private (up to 2.5 hours) to commercial (up to 50 hours) to airline transport pilot (up to 25 hours), as well as for the instrument rating. You can also log time toward instrument proficiency and recency of experience in these devices-which represents a large leap from the desktop PCATDs that are familiar installations at flight schools across the country.
The iGATE achieves this advanced certification with enhancements from the original PCATDs in several areas. Hardware is upgraded to life-sized instruments, and ergonomics are improved. Also, an external visual system allows for a view other than the poster of a Cessna 172 cockpit that might serve as the current backdrop for your school's PCATD.
The iGATE is available with single or dual controls, in a desktop configuration or a full cockpit enclosure. The visual system can expand to a 180-degree view.
Price: varies according to hardware. For more information: 800/557-7590; www.flyelite.com
Bose X headset update
The Bose Aviation X ("ten") series headset has been perceived as the Cadillac of the active noise reduction (ANR) contenders, because of its lightweight, sleek design and high audio quality. But other ANR headset manufacturers have pushed the standard in noise reduction and functionality, helping to spur Bose to do the same-and justify the jump in price from other manufacturers' top-of-the-line models and the X, which consistently retails for just south of $1,000.
Changes to the model propose to reduce pilot distraction, allowing the pilot to "concentrate more on flying"-and any student would agree that that's a good thing. The portable control module and battery box has been streamlined by 30 percent over the previous model's. The shape is more ergonomic as well, with controls easily manipulated by one hand. The mic is on a flexible boom permitting unlimited adjustment and can be placed on either ear cup by unscrewing the boom module and reinstalling it on the other side-the X is a "sided" headset, meaning you need to have the ear cup labeled "left" on your left ear in order for the ANR to function properly.
Improvements to the ear cups include smaller air ports to bring outside air into the shell to use in noise attenuation, reducing the amount of ambient noise also let in. This enabled Bose to go even lighter with the headset-while the total package with battery box weighs about 1.2 pounds, the headset itself weighs only 12 ounces, as advertised.
But the most distracting thing about an ANR headset is the wobbling, warbling feedback that occurs when the set loses its juice. Until you can find the battery box (usually somewhere on the cockpit floor amidst cables and charts) you're stuck with the flak. Then you need to mess with exchanging the batteries-assuming you have fresh ones nearby, often conveniently stored in your spare flashlight. Bose has developed AdaptiSense, a power-management system to conserve batteries by regulating the voltage to supply only that which the headset needs at a given moment. The company promises up to 40 hours of life from a pair of AA batteries (and the battery type is also a switch from the X's previous 9-volt setup). The system also detects when the pilot has removed the headset and shuts off power. A three-color indicator with day or night brightness adjustment shows the battery status, so you have a heads-up before you find yourself fishing for AAs-which can be tricky on a solo cross-country.
Our X model worked as promised and delivered consistently less clamping force than other high-end models, as considered by several staff testers. In a quiet setting, the shutoff feature engaged within 30 seconds of the tester removing the headset. In the airplane, the headset will stay active unless manually turned off or the engine is shut down.
Bose offers a five-year warranty on both portable (as tested) and aircraft-powered models.
Price: $995. For more information: 800/242-9008; www.bose.com
Related Articles
