Pilot Products

Not often does a new player come into the aviation headset market, so we were excited to hear about the entrance of Beyerdynamic, a well-established German audio headset company, into the fray. Since headsets are notoriously personal, we welcome another option in the search for the perfect fit. We tested the HS 300; other models in the line will debut shortly.

In-flight testing among several of our staff brought mixed results. The fit on me was less than ideal, with the ear cups fitting unevenly--tight on top, and small gaps on the bottom. Others also reported varying degrees of fit. The sleek silver styling looks good and the round ear cups offer a different fit than other similar headsets; if you have wider ears these might fit you better. The light weight should reduce fatigue if the fit is good on your head.

Audio quality is good, with mic quality excellent--others on the intercom with me noted a "radio station" quality to my transmissions. The mic comes with a wind muff, and it is sensitive--a good thing, since the mic arm is on the short side. The arm is infinitely adjustable and stays in position well.

Batteries (two AA) appear to be required only for cell/MP3 function--the headset is passive only. The battery case is large and wired closer to the jacks than to the headset; it could be a little awkward if you need to adjust the volume in flight but on the other hand, easier to stow away.

The carrying case is well padded with a removable foam cutout. One immediate aspect of the case's design left me scratching my head: The zippered front flap is attached to the top of the case, rather than the bottom, making it impossible to open the case from the top while holding it--you must lay it flat to open it without having things fall out. Not a big deal, just not what I expect from German engineers. A handle on the other end of the case would solve the problem.
Price: about $299 through various dealers.
For more information: 631/293-3200; www.beyerdynamic-usa.com

Teaching Confidence in the Clouds: An Instructor's Guide to Using Desktop Flight Simulators

Not all that long ago, personal-computer flight simulation existed to entertain. Now, there's no doubt it can be used to effectively teach many aspects of flying--chief among them instrument flight skills. Use of flight simulators has proven time and again an excellent tool for teaching aircraft control, how to cope with weather, and flight visualization. To help instructors leverage this device, Tom Gilmore has written Teaching Confidence in the Clouds: An Instructor's Guide to Using Desktop Flight Simulators.

The book offers real-life applications of computer desktop flight simulators and flight training devices as they relate to current methods of instrument training. It includes scenario-based training concepts, assignments, and instructor tips.
Price: $19.95
For more information: 800/426-8338; www.asa2fly.com

King Schools Flying the Garmin 430/530 update

Students and instructors who fly aircraft equipped with the Garmin GNS 430 or 530 with Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) capability can learn how to use WAAS effectively with a newly updated interactive course from King Schools. Flying the Garmin 430/530 now includes full-screen video lessons that demonstrate how to best use the WAAS-capable versions of the 430 and 530.

Interactive questions follow each lesson to let you practice what you have learned. Topics include the WAAS infrastructure, best practices, moving maps, flight plans, "Direct-To" usage, page groups, nearest airport, navigation aids, and departures and arrivals. The course contains seven CD-ROMs and runs approximately four hours, not including interactive questions.
Price: $249
For more information: 800/854-1001; www.kingschools.com

BRIEFLY NOTED

Sporty's Pilot Shop has introduced a way to help you organize weather and flight information you receive during a telephone preflight briefing. Weather Briefing Cards come in a pad of 50 sheets, each with dedicated areas for current weather, forecasts, and notices to airmen (notams). The sheets have room on both sides for information, and are organized in the order that a briefer gives you the information.
Price: $3.95
For more information: 800/776-7897; www.sportys.com

Keeping student records up to date as a busy instructor can be a challenge--and being able to put your hands on records and signoffs quickly can give you peace of mind. Rather than the paper folders of old, instructors now can use the power of the PC and the Internet to stay on top of things. CFI Buddy is an online organization tool that allows instructors to track students, pilot proficiency dates, and aircraft maintenance due dates. The program exports student profiles into Microsoft Excel for additional flexibility.
Price: $4.95 a month.
For more information: www.cfibuddy.com

ForeFlight.com has made available two new applications for the iPhone mobile device, MyMetar iPhone Edition, and ForeFlight iPhone Edition. MyMetar provides access to aviation weather and ForeFlight combines weather capability with an airport/facility directory and integration with iPhone's Google Maps application.

MyMetar.com is a Web site featuring aviation weather information.
Price: $7.50 monthly or $75 a year.
For more information: 832/203-0297; http://foreflight.wordpress.com