Pilots looking for a new tool in simple cockpit organization should check out the new My Grip Light. Combining a fully adjustable white and red light with holders for everything from pens to a cell phone, My Grip Light is simple and effective. The ball-shaped light sits on an articulating arm and is removable for preflight inspection or any other portable light needs. The polyester loops sit free within a track, which allows them to hold a pencil tight, but expand wide enough to hold a large cell phone or a chart. Installing My Grip Light is simple with included Velcro.--Ian J. Twombly
Price: $29.95
Contact: www.mygriplight.com; 610-838-2842
'Safe Hand Propping'
Students and pilots who fly modern aircraft probably can't conceive of the need to hand-prop an airplane. After all, isn't that what the electrical system is for? But never say never. You may find yourself purchasing an older airplane, or pursuing a sport pilot or private pilot certificate in something like a Piper J-3 Cub or Aeronca Chief that can't be started with the turn of a key.
Hand-propping is serious business. The NTSB database is full of propeller accidents and cautionary tales of airplanes that ran amok without their pilots. If you don't know what you're doing, you should never, ever attempt to hand-prop an airplane.
And even if you watch Safe Hand Propping, produced by Windsock Productions, you still shouldn't run hand-prop an airplane--not until you've received proper training, caution Kim Bevier and John Pipkin, the experienced pilots who demonstrate the procedure. But investing 16 minutes before you start that training will give you a good foundation for what you're trying to learn. The DVD's bare-bones production doesn't detract from the valuable insights offered here. You will take away three steps that should be a part of any hand-propping exercise; why having a person in the cockpit doesn't necessarily mean things will go smoothly; and telltale signs that hand-propping shouldn't be attempted.
Price: $19.95 Contact: www.windsockproductions.com
Quick hits
Gleim's new Garmin 530 online training course is aimed at getting the user up to speed not only in the use of the buttons and knobs, but also on how to use the controls effectively and efficiently. Six-month access is $99.95. See the Web site or call 800-874-5346, extension 471.
Want a special memento for a newly certificated pilot? Pilotmall.com introduced a new line of sterling silver/14-karat-gold key fobs and pendants from Designworx that can be customized with an N number or aircraft silhouette. Prices start at $209 for semi-custom pieces.
