The round-up in our April 2020 issue includes sunglasses from AO Original, embroidered aviation patches from the Aeroplane Apparel Co.and more gear for pilots! Click through the gallery below to view all of the items. 

The post Sunglasses, Embroidered Patches And More Gear For Pilots appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.

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GoTow Drill-Powered Tow Bar

The GoTow tow bar provides a helpful source of assistance when an airplane needs to be moved from a hangar or other location. The product relies on a drill of 18V or higher to power movement, and it features a standing platform for operators that can accommodate individuals of up to 270 pounds. While stationed upon the platform, users provide the weight needed for the wheel to move, and the steerable wheel allows them to manipulate the direction of movement as needed. With a drill set on low power, the towbar moves an aircraft 12 feet per minute, while a drill set on high power will allow the towbar to cover 42 feet per minute.

The height of the tow bar is adjustable, and the product features dual wheels on the rear and two carrying handles for easy assembly and movement.

The GoTow works for a variety of different aircraft, including Cirrus, Cessna, Vans, Beechcraft and other models.

The product costs $1,695, while the drill must be purchased separately.

Learn more at sportys.com.

The post Gear For Pilots, July 2019 appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.

Epic Eagle Head Up Display

The Eagle Head Up Display from Maryland-based Epic Optix is a portable device that projects key flight data such as airspeed, altitude and vertical speed into a pilot’s line of sight in the cockpit. The HUD works by connecting to either an Android or Apple device and capturing video of any aviation app—such as ForeFlight or Garmin Pilot—and then relaying that data in full color and high definition in front of the pilot. With a brightness level greater than 20,000 nits and a protective glareshield, the Eagle provides a clear display in bright VFR conditions. The Eagle aims to bring the benefits of HUD technology long enjoyed by military pilots—such as increased situational awareness and a reduction in head-down time—into the realm of affordability for GA fliers. The product is sold directly from Epic Optix and is also now available as an option from Textron for Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft. The product comes with a suction cup mount, a carrying case and a one-year warranty.

Aviat’s Husky Adds New Tricks

By Jeremy King

When the Aviat A-1 Husky first took wing in 1986, it was a pretty barebones take on the Piper PA-18 Super Cub design. More than three decades later, it’s a lot more than that, as the designers at Aviat have refined the Husky’s design, proving that old dogs can indeed learn new tricks. At Sun ’n Fun 2018, Aviat unveiled a number of substantial improvements to the Husky design.

Replacing a bungee elevator trim system, Aviat added an elevator trim tab to relieve stick forces and increase stick feedback. For pilots looking to beat up the bush, Aviat added a rugged gear option. This modification extends the landing gear to propeller clearance while increasing the stance between the main wheels by 12 inches. It also moves the main gear two inches forward of the stock location, putting more weight on the tailwheel to offset aggressive braking often required for extreme short field landings.

The rear seat has been redesigned, for quick removal. With the rear seat removed and the stick cover in place, upwards of 35 cubic feet are available for cargo. The front seat now can slide forward to allow easier entrance and exit for passengers, as well as properly accommodating pilots of varying heights. The interior also received a bit of attention with new upholstery options and heated seats. Holsters for ANR headset control boxes also should help to make the Husky’s cockpit a more orderly experience.

Aviat has also added an IFR capable Garmin panel including Garmin’s remarkable new G500 TXi touchscreen display and a GTN-750 Nav/Comm/GPS to give the Husky abilities to handle weather that’s as challenging as the off airport terrain it is known for. And when you want to go hands-off to reduce workload in the weather, the option of an S-Tec 3100 autopilot is at the ready.

Foam Lumbar Support Cushion

For long-haul flights when you’ll be logging several hours in the cockpit, sometimes a little bit of extra seat support can help ease the toll traveling can take on the body. The Foam Lumbar Support Cushion provides an added layer of comfort for those looking for just that. The 15.25- x 14-inch cushion is made of dense but flexible foam that molds to an individual’s body shape and provides support for the lower back. The cushion is equipped with two elastic straps that allow it to attach to an aircraft seat and stay in place during flight.

Big Larry Power Work Light

For those seeking a very bright light, the Big Larry from NEBO provides a high-power 400 lumen LED work light. The robust 7.5-inch light is made of anodized aircraft-grade aluminum and features a powerful magnetic base that makes for easy and reliable mounting. In addition to the intense white light setting, the Big Larry also features a low 160 lumen setting as well as a high-powered red light setting for emergency situations in which users need to get the attention of others in the dark. The light runs on two AA batteries, weighs just under half a pound.

Check the price on Amazon!

New Headset from Bose for Pro Pilots

At an invitation only press event two weeks ago, Bose announced a new headset, one designed for pro pilots, those who fly turbine aircraft. The lightweight and comfortable—we tried it!—new ProFlight headset is FAA TSO’ed (an FAA requirement for most commercial planes) and it features a raft of innovative features, including a boom you can swap from left to right with ease, adjustable nose cancellation (more for noisy cockpits, less for quiet ones), and adjustable, side-selectable noise reduction you can set by tapping a single ear to instantly adjust the level of that one side.

Check the price on Amazon!

Rock Steady VibeX GoPro Mount

A key component of great aerial video is capturing stable footage, which can be challenging given the exposure of a wing-mounted camera. The Rock Steady VibeX GoPro Mount Kit w/ Strut or Skid Base provides a secure case and mount that limit the effects of the elements and engine vibrations during flight. The focal point of the case’s design is gel technology that isolates the camera and protects it from outside movement.

The VibeX strut base is compatible with any size aircraft strut and is secured using a 21-inch metal strap encased in rubber to prevent chafing. The strap, which can be cut to fit, is set in place with a thumb screw and an aluminum block. Once mounted, the VibeX adapter allows users to rotate their camera 360 degrees.

Check the price on Amazon!

The post Gear And Products For Pilots, July 2018 appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.

Ghosts 2021 Aviation Calendars

Aviation photographer Philip Makanna’s World War I and World War II calendars present an array of beautiful images celebrating the revered aircraft that helped change the course of history. Each edition features 12 full-color aerial photos of the key warbirds of each major conflict. The WWII calendar, which is now in its 41st edition, features pivotal Allied and Axis aircraft such as the B-17 Flying Fortress, the Spitfire, the Nakajima Ki-43 and more. The WWI version includes some of the earliest aerial fighters, such as the Bristol F.2B, the Sopwith Camel and the Fokker D.VIII, among others.

In addition to stellar photography, the calendars provide a chronological history of key aviation events in each war as well as airplane specifications. The calendar pages measure 20 x 14 inches, and when fully opened, the product spans 20 x 28 inches. Each edition is available for $15.99.

Learn more at ghosts.com.

Luggage Handle Extension

Oftentimes one-size-fits-all rolling suitcases wind up being too short for those among us who are above-average height, making it a hassle to lug around our belongings for any extended period of time. This luggage handle extension from CrewGear eliminates that issue by granting users an additional 5 inches on their suitcase that can be attached or removed at any time. Simply use the velcro and three safety snaps to connect the extension to your current luggage handle, and you’re good to go.

The product is available for $6.57.

Learn more at crewgear.com.

Jelly Comb Folding Keyboard

We all rely on our digital gadgets, no matter where our travels take us. However, when you’re on a trip and forced to leave your larger devices at home, having a compact keyboard can make using your tablet or smartphone substantially easier. This keyboard from Jelly Comb connects to your Android or Apple devices via Bluetooth and provides up to 48 hours’ worth of use on a single charge. The keyboard weighs a little more than a pound and, when folded, measures less than 6 x 4 inches, making it small enough to slip into the side pocket of your flight gear bag.

The keyboard is available for $28.99.

Learn more at www.jellycomb.com.

Brillianize Instant Detailer Kit

This compact cleaning kit from Brillianize is easy to take on the go to ensure your airplane, tech gadgets or other items stay in pristine condition. The product comes with 12 individually packaged wet-dry wipes that can be used to clean a variety of surfaces, including glass, acrylic, airplanes, automobiles, mirrors and more. The wipes are anti-static and free of ammonia and alcohol. Each kit also comes with one microfiber polishing cloth, which is made of very fine 0.1 denier fibers to ensure safe and scratch-free contact, regardless of what surface it is used on.

The kit is available for $11.90.

Learn more at aircraftspruce.com.

Live METAR Map

This live METAR map allows flying enthusiasts to keep track of current weather conditions in their living room or their hangar without pulling out a smartphone or tablet. It also serves as a great conversation starter or aesthetic piece for those who enjoy staying abreast of present flying conditions even when they are stuck on the ground. The large 36 x 24-inch map provides the most up-to-date information available, thanks to a built-in computer that connects to Wi-Fi and illuminates LED lights throughout the chart. The lights abide by the standard color scheme for METARs, showing green, blue, red or magenta for various weather conditions throughout the United States.

The map comes in a 1/16-inch semi-gloss frame and requires access to an AC outlet. The product, which is available for $510, is ready to use out of the box and requires no assembly.

Learn more at sportys.com.

RealClean AeroCide

Keeping your aircraft clean is more important than ever these days, but with the variety of products available, identifying the right solution to use within an aircraft cabin can be a challenge. RealClean AeroCide is a cleaner and disinfectant that is custom-made for aircraft interiors, so users can feel comfortable knowing the product won’t harm their cabin. Available in both a spray format and in wipes, the product works to eliminate harmful contaminants and promote a safer flying experience for cabin occupants. RealClean is made for hard and soft surfaces and can be used on seats, tray tables, carpets and a variety of other areas.

The product, which is flammable, should be sprayed lightly on leather seats to prevent drying the material out and should first be tested for colorfastness prior to widespread use. A 32-ounce bottle of AeroCide sells for $34.85, while a container of 160 wipes is available for $39.95.

Learn more at aircraftspruce.com.

Flight Gear Captain’s Sunglasses

These new sunglasses are made specifically for pilots and feature a number of special touches to ensure wearers experience a comfortable fit that doesn’t interfere with cockpit responsibilities. Made in Italy, the glasses utilize non-polarized lenses with a green tint, which reduce glare along with blue light interference, so that pilots can continue to view all instruments, tablets and smartphones without any problems. Meanwhile, the glasses’ tapered hinge makes it easy to wear the glasses and a headset simultaneously while also providing for a flexible fit that accommodates different wearers.

The glasses, which are priced at $89.95, are available with either gold or black frames, and each pair comes with a molded case along with a microfiber cleaning cloth.

Learn more at sportys.com.

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The round-up in our September 2021 issue features a P-40 Warhawk PlaneTag, a multifunction annunciator, and more!

P-40 Warhawk PlaneTag

Made from actual retired aircraft skin, PlaneTags are an authentic way to memorialize historical planes. Each piece is unique as it shows off the actual color and patina of the portion of the fuselage from which it was cut. The Curtiss P-40 from which this PlaneTag was made has a storied past, with a wheels-up landing and the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941. Pima Air & Space Museum provided additional material during the restoration of the P-40’s wings.

Price: $84.95. Available at sportys.com

The post P-40 Warhawk PlaneTag, A Multifunction Annunciator, And More Gear For Pilots appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.

The Complete Multi-Engine Pilot, New Edition

ASA has just released the fifth edition of Bob Gardner’s guide for pilots learning multi-engine flying. The Complete Multi-Engine Pilot textbook includes a new chapter on energy management and information on obtaining the multi-engine rating and checking out in a new twin. An integrated flight and ground syllabus outlines the rating program, with a sample written test that’s a helpful guide to the ones typically used for new-aircraft checkouts. It also comes with a complete library of FAA source material on multi-engine flight subjects. The Complete Pilot Series was written to complement training materials in flight schools, for home study and as a starting point for student kits. It has a soft cover, measures 8.25 x 10.75 inches, and is illustrated with 200 pages. It’s also available as a digital e-book and as part of a discounted e-bundle.

Price: $24.95. Available at asa2fly.com.

Dual Eyewear SL2 Sunglasses With Readers

A good pair of sunglasses that won’t reduce visibility is essential for pilots. This featherweight “Super Leggero” (Super Light) pair from Dual Eyewear weighs only 20 grams. Its non-polarized lenses are made of shatterproof and scratch-resistant polycarbonate. The Grilamid TR-90 frames are impact-, chemical- and UV-damage resistant, and the slim profile makes for an easy fit under a headset’s ear seals. Non-slip rubber nosepieces and arm inserts keep the pair in place. It offers 100% UVA, UVB and UVC protection, and the +1.5. +2.0 or +2.5 diopters reduce distortion and fatigue.

Price: $64.95. Available at sportys.com.

Hangarbot Smart Hangar And Monitoring System

This all-in-one security system allows pilots to monitor their hangars closely, along with the ability to open and close doors remotely. The bundle includes two LynkGuard Smart Security Cameras, one HangarBot 4G Hub and one HangarBot Door Controller. It’s especially useful for those who rent or share hangars. The waterproof camera captures activity during automated door opening and closing and provides additional internal hangar viewpoints. The Door Controller is compatible with nearly all electric and hydraulic industrial doors. An app on your smartphone downloads video information and manages all the important functions for the system.

Price: $1,696. Available at aircraftspruce.com.

Flight Gear USB Slimline Charger

The aluminum-constructed Flight Gear Slimline Charger has a USB type-A port that provides quick-charge capability with up to 3.6 amps at 5 volts. It also has a type-C port with a power delivery of 3 amps at 5 volts, 2 amps at 9 volts, or 1.5 amps at 12 volts. An LED screen displays the voltage of the cigarette lighter socket it’s plugged into. When a device is plugged in, the screen changes to show how many amps the device uses. It works with 12V and 24V systems.

Price: $14.95. Available at sportys.com.

Flight Gear Tailwind Backpack

Popular among students at flight school Sporty’s Academy, the Tailwind has a headset hanger to keep that expensive headset secure and protected. Inside, there’s also a large section that can accommodate books, kneeboards and a padded pocket for computers and iPads. Internal gear walls are removable for gear modifications. Outside, two side pockets can hold a water bottle or backup radio, and there are holders for other essentials such as flashlights and fuel testers. Webbing loops are helpful for attaching gear with carabiners. The padded shoulder straps and breathable back pad, along with a reinforced handle, all make this a heavy-duty flight bag that stands up to use. It comes with a three-year warranty.

Price: $99.95. Available at sportys.com.

Peeps Eyeglasses Cleaners

Speaking of sunglasses, Peeps promise to clean lenses up to 500 times. NASA uses these compact eyeglasses cleaners on the Space Station. Their carbon cleaning compound safely and easily cleans glasses from oily fingerprint smudges to facial oils. Included are a brush to remove surface dust and dual-facing carbon pads to wipe off any residue on the inside and outside of your lenses. The cleaners also come in a wide range of colors.

Price: $14.95. Available at thegrommet.com.

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Super Cubs are special to me, as my first flight in an airplane back in the last century was in a Super Cub on skis, though it would hardly qualify as “super” by today’s standards. The one-hour search-and-rescue mission was in a basic J-3 Cub in Alaska when I was 13, and the engine recently had been upgraded from the stock 65 hp Continental to an 85 hp mill.

The Cub began life as a do-everything utility aircraft—bush flying, flight training, crop-dusting, pipeline patrol, animal control and a variety of other tasks fit the Super Cub perfectly.

Those early Cubs employed the USA35B airfoil, and today’s pseudo-PA-18s continue with the same wing. The tube-and-fabric Cub may seem an anachronism, but if it’s a dated design, it hardly needs any updating.

Piper Super Cubs made the switch to 150 hp in the late 1950s, and as you might imagine, the transformation in performance was dramatic. Abbreviated takeoffs were outstanding. The extra power was just what the Piper PA-18 needed for bush operation, allowing a Cub to levitate off virtually any hard surface in less than 200 feet, and the 37-knot stall speed allowed PA-18s to land in half that. The bigger engine was especially useful for leaping out of high mountain strips or for float flying out of short stretches of river or small lakes.

Cubs offered transport for two humans, one pilot and a pair of Huskies or a pilot and as many supplies as could be crammed into the back portal.

Despite the airplane’s obvious utility value, Piper had long since stopped producing any other wood-and-tube-and-fabric airplane by 1994, and the company finally discontinued production of the Cub. Shortly thereafter, CubCrafters of Yakima, Washington, long a provider of spare parts for the PA-18, assumed responsibility for construction of new Cubs under license from Piper. CubCrafters was awarded its own type certificate in 2004 and continues building the popular bush bird.

Those who claim nostalgia isn’t what it used to be need look no further than the continuing popularity of the basic Cub design for proof to the contrary.

With how hot backcountry flying has become in recent years, it’s no surprise that good quality Super Cubs are in demand, but in part because there’s competition from new planes and kit planes in this end of the market, you can stil a nice PA-18 for just over $100,000, though more commonly about a third again more.

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We offer two programs: Pilot Training Program and Flight Attendant and Travel Career Program. Every student that passes through our programs wins, not only because of the excellent teachers and facilities but also due to the extremely affordable tuition here. 

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Elida, Ohio/2 Fatal

The noninstrument-rated private pilot and passenger departed on the cross-county flight under visual flight rules (VFR) in visual meteorological conditions and proceeded on course at an altitude of about 9,000 ft mean sea level (msl). As the flight progressed, the weather conditions deteriorated, and about halfway through the flight, the pilot appeared to deviate before resuming flight toward the destination and descended to about 2,000 ft msl over about 30 minutes. Within 20 miles of the accident site, the pilot executed multiple course changes, including two 360° turns. The airplane then entered a right turn from a southeasterly course to a southwesterly course, and about 1 minute before the accident, the airplane re-entered the right turn, which progressed into a right graveyard spiral that continued until impact.

Weather observations and satellite imagery indicated that instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) prevailed in the vicinity of where the pilot began making the multiple course changes and at the accident site. It is likely that the pilot encountered rain, and possibly heavy rain, during the final portion of the flight. There was no record of the pilot obtaining a preflight weather briefing from an official source.

Examinations of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction.

Toxicology testing of the pilot revealed the presence of carboxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), an inactive metabolite of THC. The low-level presence of the inactive THC metabolite suggests that the pilot was not under the influence of THC at the time of the flight, and therefore, it is unlikely that any effects from the pilot’s prior use contributed to the accident. The testing also revealed the presence of diphenhydramine; however, it did not provide a blood level. Therefore, whether the pilot might have been impaired from the diphenhydramine at the time of the accident or whether his prior use contributed to the accident could not be determined.

The restricted visibility conditions present in the area were conducive to the development of spatial disorientation, and the airplane’s maneuvering and spiraling descent are consistent with the known effects of spatial disorientation. It is likely that the pilot experienced spatial disorientation during an encounter with instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control.

Probable cause(s): The noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to continue visual flight rules flight into an area of instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing was the pilot not obtaining a weather briefing prior to the flight.

Note: The report republished here is from the NTSB and is printed verbatim and in its complete form.

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Moose Pass, Alaska/ Injuries: 3 Fatal, 1 Serious

The pilot was conducting a personal flight with three passengers aboard. The flight encountered an area of deteriorating visibility due to smoke from a wildfire burning in the area, and the pilot was attempting to follow a highway through mountainous terrain. The pilot-rated passenger stated that, as the flight progressed, forward visibility deteriorated and was “not very good at all”; she was able to see outside the cockpit only straight down. Further, a witness near the accident site reported 1/4 miles visibility about the time of the accident. The pilot-rated passenger stated that the pilot seemed stressed due to the deteriorating conditions and that the airplane occupants discussed locating an alternate destination. The airplane then entered an unusual attitude, and one passenger began yelling, “pull-up, pull-up” to which the pilot responded, “I’ve got this.” The pilot-rated passenger’s last recollection of the flight was the airplane entering an aerodynamic stall.

GPS data from the accident flight revealed that, about 2 minutes before the accident, the airplane made about a 180° right turn and began a descent to a GPS altitude of 1,235 ft, followed by a left turn to a northerly heading and a climb to a GPS altitude of 2,032 ft and a groundspeed of 37 knots. The last recorded in-flight data point showed that the airplane was at a GPS altitude of 1,587 ft and at a 0- knot groundspeed.

The on-scene examination revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The observed damage to the airplane indicated that it impacted the ground in a nose-down, near-vertical attitude, consistent with an aerodynamic stall. Given the passenger’s account and GPS data, it is likely that, due to the restricted visibility conditions, the pilot became geographically disoriented, which resulted in the airplane’s flight path toward rising terrain. It is also likely that the pilot subsequently initiated a sudden climb, during which the airplane’s critical angle of attack was exceeded, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.

Probable cause(s): The pilot’s geographic disorientation and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering to avoid mountainous terrain, resulting in an aerodynamic stall.

Note: The report republished here is from the NTSB and is printed verbatim and in its complete form.

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