Avionics Innovations/Sirius AI-SSR satellite radio
Avionics Innovations (AI), manufacturer of in-flight entertainment systems for general aviation aircraft, has teamed up with Sirius Satellite Radio (SSR) to bring coast-to-coast radio entertainment to GA.
The AI-SSR receiver, which was scheduled to begin shipping in February, is dedicated to receiving SSR audio. Sirius broadcasts 100 channels of digital radio from three satellites in orbit over the United States, available to subscribers for a monthly fee of $12.95. Sixty channels play commercial-free music in virtually every genre, according to Sirius, and 40 channels deliver sports, news, and entertainment programming. Several automobile manufacturers, including DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Company, BMW, and Nissan, have announced plans to include Sirius radios in various 2003 car models.
According to AI Vice President Bob Pasch, the commercial-free music available nationwide is the main draw to the AI-SSR. With 60 channels, "you don't have one station trying to please all customers," and you need not worry about flying beyond a favorite station's coverage area. Features include seek-type tuning, memory presets, scrolling text display, and adjustable display contrast.
The STCed unit measures 7.5 inches deep by 1.5 inches high by 6.25 inches wide, weighs less than two pounds, and draws about 1.5 amps. The AI-SSR operates on 14- to 28-volt electrical systems. The unit comes with an installation kit and antenna.
Price: $2,995
Contact: 760/788-2602; www.avionicsinnovations.com or www.sirius.com
ElectronicFlight Solutions for the Garmin 530/430
For years we GA pilots have marveled at the powers of GPS navigation, but all too often our knowledge of the box stops at the ability to press the Direct key, enter an airport identifier, and then hit Enter. The thought of, say, loading an approach and then suspending sequencing of waypoints at the proper time (or does it suspend sequencing on its own?) creates that deer-in-the-headlights expression on many pilots' faces.
A new company called ElectronicFlight Solutions in Hyannis, Massachusetts, has developed computer-based training, the CompleteLearning Avionics Software Library, for the newest weather, terrain, and traffic avionics on the market from nearly a dozen manufacturers. Now its latest offering — which explores the Garmin GNS 530 and 430 — can transform you into a Harry Potter capable of pulling all the magic out of your GPS.
First of all, there is nothing wrong with Garmin's instruction manual; it's just that the plot doesn't hold our attention like, say, The Grapes of Wrath. The ElectronicFlight Solutions program is fun, like watching a movie. Knowledge is added to your brain with such subtlety that you don't realize how much you've learned until one of the quizzes appears on the screen. In our tests, the program loaded well and online registration, which entitles you to free software updates for one year, went smoothly.
You'll learn not only the proper operation of the Garmin 530 and 430, but also the shortcuts that allow you to get the most out of the product with the least memorization and button-pushing. As you progress through the 12- to 15-hour course (it can be taken in short sessions) you'll be given the opportunity to take flights, either through use of the Garmin 530 and 430 simulators that come with the program or in your actual aircraft. An outline that guides the self-training sessions can be printed.
The ElectronicFlight Solutions training is approved for the FAA Wings program, and has been selected by FlightSafety International for its learning centers and by colleges and training centers affiliated with major aircraft manufacturers. Look for an autopilot module in the near future. — Alton K. Marsh
Price: $295
Contact: 866/234-2359 or 508/775-7575; www.electronicflight.com
Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator 3
Adding to its impressive series of realistic airpower simulation games, Microsoft recently debuted Combat Flight Simulator 3 (CFS3) software for PCs. CFS3 returns to Europe during World War II, where players can enlist to fly in the U.S. Army Air Force, the Royal Air Force, or, yep, the Luftwaffe with a choice of 34 aircraft types. Quick Combat and Missions modes allow you to jump into a dogfight or join a historical mission. In the Campaign mode you can acquire skill and get promoted over time. CFS3 comes with rich supplemental material, making for a solid history lesson (or a trip down memory lane, depending on your vintage).
The software works for PCs running Microsoft Windows 98, 2000, and XP. One note: Your video card determines the detail and effects you can view.
Price: $54.95
Contact: www.microsoft.com/games/pc/combatfs3.asp
AOPA wallet with ramp-pass insert
In order to make carrying that photo identification — now required by FAR 61.3 — easier, AOPA and Sporty's Pilot Shop have cooperated to create a new wallet. The leather wallet, available in brown or black, features the AOPA wings logo in gold on the inside, eight credit card slots, and a divided bill compartment. A special ramp-pass insert is included, and the insert also may be ordered separately from Sporty's. The three-pocket insert is easily removable to show to security personnel upon request.
Price: $79.95 for wallet and insert; $24.95 for insert only
Contact: 800/543-8633; www.sportys.com
QUICK HITS
Users of Jeppesen's FliteStar and FliteMap flight-planning software can now update both the programs and their NavData navigation databases on 28-day, 56-day, and three-updates-per-year cycles over an Internet connection at a 5- to 10-percent cost savings compared to CD updates. Price: $219 for a 56-day update on North American NavData and program
Contact: 303/799-9090; www.jeppesen.com
Garmin's GTX 330 Mode S transponder has received a supplemental type certificate (STC), making the Garmin transponder the first product to take advantage of the FAA's traffic information system (TIS). The company has begun installations.
Price: $4,995 plus installation
Contact: 913/397-8200; www.garmin.com
Pilot Publishing has released its 2003 Bahamas & Caribbean Pilot's Guide. The 448-page guide is published annually. Two VFR world-aeronautical-chart-scale Caribbean-area charts are also available.
Price: $49.95 for the guide; $8.95 for each chart or $16 for both
Contact: 800/521-2120; www.pilotpub.com
VDC Electronics has produced three automatic 12- and 24-volt maintenance chargers for aircraft batteries. The units feature a system that allows sulfuric acid to return to the cell's electrolyte, extending the battery's life.
Price: $59.95 to $139
Contact: 800/379-5579; www.vdcelectronics.com
Hold Short, a board game developed by CAVU Companies, launches players of every pilot level on a flight around a game board based on an en route or sectional chart.
Price: $39.95
Contact: 800/464-3375; www.cavucompanies.com
Avionics lock bar for Skyhawk, Cardinal
R.L. Bielawa Associates has developed a theft-deterrent avionics lock bar for Cessna 172s and 177s. We tested both.
The Cessna 172P used for testing had a more-or-less standard radio setup, including an audio panel, dual RT385 nav/coms, a King KN62 DME, and a Cessna 546E ADF and RT359A transponder. On the Cardinal, we had a King KMA 24 audio panel, two King KX170Bs, a King KT76 transponder — and an atypical Foster 500 loran.
The bar fit snugly on the shaft of each yoke, and the pins for the gust lock hole in the pilot's yoke lined up well. Clearance between the bottom of the yoke and the bar can be minimal; one tester had to play with it to be able to slide the lower locking bars into place.
At first the lock bar appeared to function as a gust lock in addition to preventing avionics theft, but it doesn't. It is effective as an aileron lock — just not as an elevator gust lock. Using this system, however, appears to preclude installing the airplane's normal gust lock, since it uses that hole in the yoke shaft.
The unit fit the yoke shafts snugly, but in the 172 the protective plate for the avionics didn't line up exactly with the stack. Also, it's possible to move the yoke back by a few inches. This doesn't make any practical difference, since a thief still wouldn't be able to access the avionics.
The system is hefty at just under 8 pounds, which may be a concern in a weight-limited airplane. However, if an aircraft owner is concerned about someone stealing his or her avionics, it does the job adequately.
Price: $400 for 172; $450 for 177 model
Contact: 360/681-4441; www.rlbainc.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).
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