MotoArt
In 1998, artist Donovan Fell III obtained a load of Boeing B-17 propellers from the junk man who sold him scrap metal for the sculptures he built for the entertainment industry. Fell, who had long been an airplane buff, threw his heart into the project. A company to sell these and other sculptures, MotoArt, was formed in 2001 with business partner David Hall.
MotoArt rescues components from aircraft (and the scrap heap) that are no longer usable and turns them not only into sculptures, but also functional art, such as tables, desks, and other furniture. "Instead of making it into a beer can, we save it in a recognizable form," says Hall. In fact, it's an overarching policy of Fell's and Hall's not to use any parts that may have aircraft service left in them. The company also refurbishes larger parts from aircraft, such as the navigator seats from Lockheed C-130s and leather first-class seats from the Lockheed 1011. Propeller sculptures and furniture lead the lineup, including props from the Douglas DC-3 (some made into "martini" tables, shown), Convair, and Lockheed Super Constellation.
In what may be the ultimate pilot's office expression, MotoArt created desks from the wings of the North American B-25, and a conference table from Waco wings. One new product on the horizon is a reproduction of the A-10's nose complete with (nonfunctional) Gatling gun. These are very high-quality works of art for pilots who want to own and preserve a piece of history.
Price: from $225 for piston lamps; prices vary widely depending on piece
Contact: 310/375-4531; www.motoart.com
VFlite's Advanced Training Series for Garmin GNS 530/430
So you're a whiz at operating the Garmin GNS 530 or 430 nav/com, and it holds no mysteries for you. Pegasus Interactive Inc. invites you to take your proficiency to the next level with its new series of advanced computer-based training programs for Garmin 530/430 users. Volume 1 of the VFlite GNS 530/430 Advanced Training Series teaches challenging IFR procedures and tasks such as amended routings, intercepting radials, and unpublished holds. The program uses a hands-on approach facilitated by animated sequences that pair GNS imagery with supporting narration.
We saw a preview of the first volume and were impressed with the detail involved in each of the scenarios presented. VFlite developer Dan Tauskey worked with Avionics Training Unlimited's Judy Cadmus, a Master CFI and advanced avionics instructor (and 2004 Instructor of the Year), to come up with realistic situations that would challenge even the pilot deeply conversant in the IFR game — as well as go beyond the standard training scenarios for instrument (and instrument instructor) students.
The volume presents information in a similar format to that of the original program, where the user is offered immediate feedback to solidify the learning process. Upon diving into the final version of the course, I was impressed with how challenging it was to finish each module scoring high enough to earn credit for it in the program — any false turn of the knob means you need to start over. In fact, the course's rigorous standards led to Pegasus Interactive obtaining FAA/Industry Training Standards (FITS) certification for the program.
Volume 1 is available for Windows and Macintosh systems. The software can be ordered from various aviation distributors as well as direct from the company Web site.
Price: $99
Contact: 610/738-6901; www.vflite.com
Flight Explorer Pilot Edition
Flight Explorer, provider of flight-tracking and other in-flight information, has updated its offerings and introduced the new Pilot Edition. The Pilot Edition adds to the features on the Personal Edition, including a 2-km Nexrad weather overlay, display of flight plans and routes, and alerts to cell phones and personal digital assistants of IFR routing. AOPA members get discounted pricing on both the Pilot and Personal editions of Flight Explorer.
Price: $17.95 per month for 10 hours of access for AOPA members
Contact: 866/235-6870; www.flightexplorer.com
King Schools' High-Altitude Endorsement Ground Training
If you're planning an upgrade to a high-altitude aircraft — that is, any pressurized aircraft capable of legally operating at altitudes above 25,000 feet msl — you will need what's called a "high-altitude endorsement," which is typically gained after ground and flight training on high-altitude flight concepts, procedures, and emergencies.
To facilitate this training, King Schools has developed an online course that takes care of the ground training requirement, leaving you cleared to complete the flight requirement with minimal additional aircraft-specific ground training. Using information chunking and testing techniques honed in their other courses, the Kings have addressed the topics germane to the high-altitude environment efficiently and effectively.
The course also serves as an interesting education for pilots who would like to know more about high-altitude operations. Topics include high-altitude aerodynamics (concepts such as Mach number and the "coffin corner"), meteorology, hypoxia and use of supplemental oxygen, pressurization, and FARs pertaining to high-altitude operations. You can take the course at your leisure; a login allows you to stop the course at any time and return to it. You retain access to the course for 90 days after completion. Also, you can print a course completion certificate and cockpit card with high-altitude memory items to laminate and carry with you.
Price: $240
Contact: 800/854-1001 or 858/541-2200; www.kingschools.com
Retract-A-Bit tool
Sometimes it's helpful to have a tool at your disposal when you're around an airplane — stubborn fuel cap covers and cowling quick fasteners can slow down your preflight. The Retract-A-Bit tool from Ready Tools is a neat solution to the "which screwdriver should I pack in my flight bag?" question.
The Retract-A-Bit self-storing screwdriver system houses six bits within its handle; each bit slides into place when you select it, and the others are kept securely inside. A screw-tight collar keeps the selected bit in place. The rugged plastic handle is colored red for quick identification in the bottom of a flight bag. Other similar tools are for sale, including a hex bit system and socket system.
Price: $14.99 for the Retract-A-Bit screwdriver
Contact: 866/942-9230; www.ready-tools.com
Quick Hits
Davis Instruments' WindScribe is a precise handheld anemometer. The WindScribe measures current wind speed, maximum headwind and tailwind, a five-second average wind, and a running average wind. The WindScribe weighs 3.5 ounces and comes with a lanyard. A Velcro strap and mounting bracket is also included.
Price: $129
Contact: 510/732-9229; www.davisnet.com
Professional Pilots Inc. has received supplemental type certificate approval for installation of MT Propeller composite props on Piper Super Cubs with 150-, 160-, or 180-horsepower engines. Takeoff thrust increases as much as 30 percent compared to many fixed-pitch props.
Price: from $10,900 complete
Contact: 219/696-8726; www.propilotsinc.com
Flooring Adventures offers its Tuff-Seal Aviation Flooring line for use in aircraft hangars and workshops. The interlocking tiles create a watertight and virtually seamless surface, reduce noise and dust, and provide a more comfortable work area.
Price: varies on installation
Contact: 877/779-2454; www.tuffsealtile.com
Airwolf Filter Corp. has announced FAA certification of its 400-series wet vacuum pump, which can be installed on piston aircraft fitted with pneumatic deice boots. The company also has a new STC for its air-oil separator for Cirrus SR22s.
Price: $695 for air-oil separator; pricing not set at press time on 400-series pumps
Contact: 800/326-1534 or 440/632-5136; www.airwolf.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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