Forward Vision FLIR
Military and public-service pilots have used FLIR (forward-looking infrared) technology to "see" in low-light (night) and low-visibility (fog or smoke) conditions for years. Special cameras viewing infrared waves can translate them into a visual picture for us to view — in aircraft via a screen in the cockpit. The high cost of these systems has limited their use to similarly high-end applications.
Forward Vision has developed a lower-cost FLIR system that is now available for use in Experimental category aircraft and in production aircraft with a field approval. (The company is in negotiations with several production-aircraft manufacturers, according to spokesman Patrick Farrell.) The camera on our test aircraft (infrared sensor) was mounted on the right wing strut inside a fiberglass fairing and has a heated lens to reduce the threat of icing. The camera is sealed inside the pod, which weighs 3.6 pounds with the camera installed and measures roughly 7 inches in diameter and 19 inches long. Inside the cockpit, a thin-film transistor (TFT) liquid-crystal display (LCD) is mounted either on the panel or on the glareshield and wired to the camera to receive the image.
The camera responds to waves in the seven-to-14-micron range; this camera is less sensitive than those used in higher-end applications and less likely to get "washed out" when a bright (hot) light is aimed directly at the lens. Cameras that read lower micron sizes (three to five microns) are more susceptible to this problem, although they show greater detail.
We were impressed with the detail on the cockpit screen. We could easily make out large objects and terrain features, such as buildings and roads, but also when on approach, the runway numbers and pavement striping were visible from at least one-half mile out. Applications for the system include detecting deer and other objects on a runway or taxiway in night or foggy conditions and taxiing at an unfamiliar or poorly lit airport at night — the taxiway stripe shows on the screen, because of the difference in temperature between the painted surface and the asphalt or cement.
Price: $19,995
Contact: 321/452-1880 or 814/757-5476; www.forward-vision.net
TruTach II
The TruTach II optical digital tachometer can tell you whether you are getting all the takeoff power you deserve, and whether the propeller governor is doing its job. Inside or outside the airplane, all you do is aim it toward the prop to measure rpm. A switch on one side of the 4-ounce, 4-inch-long battery-powered instrument cycles from two-blade through five-blade settings. You read the rpm directly from a digital screen.
I found in a test with a Beechcraft Bonanza that the readings jumped around by perhaps 10 rpm, making me estimate an average number. Tilting it down toward the prop hub seemed to work best.
During runup I found that an exact setting on the analog gauge of 1,700 rpm resulted in a reading of between 1,680 and 1,690 on TruTach. Then I discovered that there appeared to be no drop in rpm when the magneto switch was placed in the Right position. That was backed up by several readings on the TruTach, and I was able to report a verified maintenance problem to the flight department. Because of its high degree of accuracy, the TruTach is a good backup to a balky mechanical tach. — Alton K. Marsh
Price: $189 plus $7 shipping
Contact: 888/883-6832; www.trutach.com
Safety Research Corporation of America Interactive Checklist
Safety Research Corporation of America, located in Daleville, Alabama, offers the Interactive Checklist, a programmable interactive electronic aircraft checklist, which can be powered by an auxiliary power source or battery in the aircraft, and by a wall adapter when being programmed on the ground.
The software CD comes with default checklists or you can write your own and download them to the device. There are default checklists for nine models of Cessnas, three Pipers, a Mooney model, and the Seawind 3000 (a kitbuilt amphibious airplane). Also included are checklists for three Piper multiengine models and the Beechcraft Travel Air. Four models of helicopters are included as well. Only one checklist can be entered into the device at a time, but that checklist can include up to 1,000 items. The CD is easily loaded onto any personal computer and makes altering existing checklists or adding new ones easy. Don't want to fuss with entering your own personal checklist? Send the checklist to the company, and a representative will enter it both onto the CD and into the device, so that the checklist arrives ready to fly.
Velcro stick-on strips or a mounting bracket and screws that are included attach the unit to the instrument panel. The unit consists of forward and backward keys and a center push button. The center button serves as the liquid-crystal display screen showing checklist items. In operation, the arrow keys are used to bring up the desired checklist, such as the before-takeoff checklist, abbreviated as BFR TKOF. Pushing the button when that checklist is shown then brings up the item "Doors." Pushing it again leaves "Doors" on the screen, but the background light changes from yellow to green. Another push brings up another item, "Flight Controls" (abbreviated to fit on the half-inch screen), illuminated in yellow and so on until a blinking green light is reached reading, "Check List Complete."
The unit comes with the computer cable (specify USB or serial connection when ordering), cigarette lighter adapter, wall adapter, the CD, battery box with nine-volt battery, Velcro strips, mounting bracket and screws, and a 39-page instruction manual. It measures 3.8 inches wide by 1.6 inches tall by 1.3 inches deep. — AKM
Price: $495 plus $23.95 shipping
Contact: 334/598-8893; www.srca.net
Zuluworks Knee Cup
Zuluworks founder Rob Honeycutt let a demonstration on spatial disorientation inspire him to create a new accessory for pilots.
"It's the one where they put you in a full-motion simulator and, once you're in, they start rotating the simulator on its vertical axis," says Honeycutt. "They come on the headset then and tell you that you are at 5,000 feet and to turn to a heading of 60 degrees, and to climb and maintain 7,000 feet. A few moments later the guy comes on and says, 'You've dropped your pencil. It's on your left side. Look down and pick it up.' The sensation is nothing less than startling."
It's easy to lose your sense of up and down when you have to forage on the cockpit floor for a pen, and Honeycutt thought Zuluworks could address the safety issue with its new Knee Cup. It's a pen and flashlight holder that you strap on just below your knee, and it gives you that extra room, easily accessible, so you won't have to hunt around for a pen or another critical item when you need it.
Zuluworks has also come out with several new Zulucards to aid instrument pilots. And there's a new card for writing down the local frequencies where you fly the most.
Price: $14.95 for Knee Cup; Zulucards are $1.49 each
Contact: 510/393-5444; www.zuluworks.com
QCAvionix DC-to-DC converter
The QCAvionix Power Converter converts 24 to 30 volts from your airplane accessory plug to 12 to 14 volts so that you can run that laptop computer, DVD player, or just charge your cell phone so it is ready when you land. It can even power a small television set for folks in the back. It delivers 5 amps at 13.5 volts and has over-current and over-voltage protection. Sheet-metal screws are provided so that the unit can be mounted in any location with good ventilation. It weighs 9 ounces and mounts easily in a space less than 5 inches by 2 inches by 2 inches. — AKM
Price: $149.95
Contact: www.qcavionix.com
Quick Hits
The Pilotmall.com soft leather convertible carry all is manufactured from top-quality cowhide with a cordura lining. It features two detachable headset compartments that convert into a separate headset bag, an exterior section that can hold up to 10 charts, a zippered compartment to carry a logbook on the side, two adjustable dividers, and a detachable shoulder strap. The bag comes in black, café (brown), and natural.
Contact: www.pilotmall.com
Price: $249.95
VDC Electronics has announced its BatteryMINDer series of solar battery chargers. The SCC015 charger conditions sulphated batteries as well as recharges 12-volt batteries without overcharging them. The system comes with a 15-watt silicon solar panel, temperature-compensated controller/charger/desulphator, battery harness, and condition indicator.
Price: $199.95
Contact: 800/379-5579; www.vdcelectronics.com
Engine Components Inc. has introduced the first FAA-PMA (parts manufacturer approval) replacement cylinders for Teledyne Continental GTSIO-520 geared engines. The heads are also eligible for installation on many -550-series engines, and add to ECi's Titan line of aircraft cylinders.
Contact: 800/324-2359; www.eci2fly.com
ASTM International has published a compendium of standards for the development of light sport aircraft, ASTM Standards on Light Sport Aircraft. Sixteen sections also explain the design, manufacture, and use of microlights, ultralights, and the new light sport aircraft.
Price: $125
Contact: 610/832-9585; www.astm.org
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).
Related Articles
