CEO Patrick Horgan expresses confidence in the innovation, stating, “This is the most robust landing gear configuration ever put on a Cub type aircraft.” He highlights its strength and braking power, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize safety in backcountry aviation.

• READ MORE: CubCrafters Takes Center Stage as Title Sponsor for Valdez STOL Celebration

The company plans to merge certified nosewheel and tailwheel landing gear into one configuration, anticipating swift FAA approval under a performance-based safety continuum doctrine.

Retrofitting options for existing X and NX Cubs are available, with anticipated reductions in insurance premiums.

Brad Damm, vice president, notes the advantages of the new quincycle landing gear, emphasizing its versatility for both off-airport and pavement landings. Despite challenges in ground taxiing, the company remains optimistic, citing the overall benefits.

The post No Foolin’? CubCrafters Gear to Help Nix Ground Loops appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.

Just when you thought they could not stuff more, ah, stuff into the D2 watch series, Garmin has managed to up the ante with the Mach 1 Pro. The new multifunction tool includes an LED flashlight, night modes, and an ECG app among other features in a serious—and seriously hefty—wrist-born device.

FLYING had the opportunity to preview the D2 Mach 1 Pro at NBAA-BACE last week in Las Vegas, and we’ve also brought one home to test further for a full report. Our first impression? Improving upon the substantial feature set was a challenge, but a few key elements make it compelling to consider. Among these are:

• An LED flashlight incorporated into the case—and positioned so that you can wield it, communicator-style, during all phases of flight, from preflight to postflight. A red lens makes for safe use in night ops.
• A red shift mode for the display itself, also supporting night flight use.
• Improved battery life, which varies with the type of use, but can last up to 46 hours in pilot mode, and 25 days as a smartwatch.
• An ECG app adds to other health and fitness features to allow users to record heart rhythm for any signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib), up to a 30-second recording that can be viewed on the watch as well as on the Garmin Connect app.

READ MORE: Garmin D2 Mach 1 Aviator Watch: Why You Want One

“This year marks 10 years of the D2 series—a smartwatch line that pilots have relied on to combine aviation tools with the latest smartwatch technology,” said Carl Wolf, Garmin”s vice president of aviation sales and marketing, in a statement. “The D2 Mach 1 Pro provides an extensive set of advanced capabilities that pilots use every day, all while touting battery life that can withstand even the long-haul commercial pilot trips. Features like the LED flashlight and large AMOLED display, combined with the high-end materials, make this the most premium-built D2 smartwatch yet.”

The striking 51 mm case is crafted with a titanium bezel and five-button stainless steel design to access features quickly. It can be worn with a wide range of bands, from metal to leather to nylon fitness versions.

Pilot Modes

The D2 Mach 1 Pro builds on the pilot applications launched with earlier models, including the ability to plan, execute, and record flights through each stage. The watch allows access to a worldwide aeronautical database, a horizontal situation indicator (HSI), direct-to navigation, and a moving map display—all while offline. Aviation weather data and custom reports and alerts are available as well as fuel planning. A wrist-based pulse oximeter allows you to monitor oxygen levels, and a barometric altimeter provides altitude alerts.

The watch begins flight tracking and logging on takeoff, and it will sync the flight data to the user’s flyGarmin.com logbook. Flight plans can be uploaded directly using the Garmin Pilot app—and those pilots flying aircraft with PlaneSync can view the aircraft dashboard for fuel, electrical, database, and location information while away from the airplane.

The D2 Mach 1 Pro comes standard with a vented titanium bracelet with carbon gray DLC coating as well as a black silicone band for a suggested retail price of $1,399.99.

Editor’s note: This story originally appeared on flyingmag.com.

The post Garmin Updates D2 Watch Series with Mach 1 Pro appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.

The company has launched a new watch series, Legends, created to pay homage to women aviators who have broken barriers throughout history. To kick off the series, Abingdon Co. has created a small batch of commemorative watches in collaboration with the National WASP WWII Museum to honor the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), who flew military planes to transport and test them, trained male pilots, and towed targets for live ammunition practice. 

According to the company’s release, only 1,102 watches will be created, in honor of the 1,102 WASP who served during WWII, as a tribute to those aviators. The limited-edition watches come in two color options, silver and two-tone, include a brown leather band, and start at $775.

• Read More: A WASP Went Missing in a P-51 in 1944. Not a Trace Has Been Found.

The watch face features the official WASP wings insignia, and the words “WASP – Women Airforce Service Pilots” are engraved on the back. The number 38 is placed on the dial in memory of the 38 WASP who died in service. The watch has four hands, can track three time zones, and has a date function. 

Mullin, a pilot and founder and CEO of Abingdon Co. said in the release, “This watch is more than just a symbol of gratitude and respect. It is a reminder of the importance of breaking down barriers and fighting for what is right. The WASP were pioneers in their field, and they paved the way for generations of women to pursue careers in aviation and other male-dominated industries.”

In addition to selling the limited-edition watches, Abingdon Co. will gift 14 watches to the remaining 14 WASP who live across the U.S. The brand says it will also expand the WASP collection to include a gun metal watch, offered in a special collectors box in August.

Lisa Taylor, executive director of the National WASP WWII Museum, said, “What an honor for the WASP to be first in Abingdon’s Legends Collection. First-class pilots memorialized on a world-class watch. This timeless piece will bring joy as it keeps my heroes and mentors, the WASP, ever on my mind. I’ve always wanted an Abingdon, and today is the day.”

The post Abingdon Co. Launches ‘Legends’ Watch Series Honoring the WASP appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.

ForeFlight, a Boeing Company, has announced its acquisition of CloudAhoy, a debriefing software provider.

According to a post on the ForeFlight blog, the acquisition was completed in response to “customer desire for more integrated digital solutions.”

• READ MORE: Did You Know ForeFlight Did This?

ForeFlight, established in 2007, is one of the most widely used weather briefing and flight planning and management tools.

CloudAhoy, created in 2011, provides post-flight debriefing, analytics, and flight operations quality assurance software products. CloudAhoy allows pilots to digitally record their flight and play it back to review their performance. The software is particularly useful in the training environment where the emphasis is on meeting and exceeding the minimum standards for certification.

The details of the merger have not been announced.

For more information, visit the ForeFlight blog.

The post Inflight Data Merges as ForeFlight Acquires CloudAhoy appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.

Continue scrolling below to learn about all of the products. 

Arctic Air Portable AC

When filled with ice, Arctic Air blows ambient air across a coil cooled by ice water. It’s able to be powered by the 12 volts that run from a plane’s cigarette lighter (POH must be consulted to confirm your aircraft’s voltage) with a power cord that’s 7.5 feet long. It has two settings, high and low, and it can cool a plane’s interior for three hours on the low setting with flexible tubing. An included drainage tube can pump the water out when on the ground. Measuring 17x17x10 inches, it weighs 14 pounds empty and about 34 pounds full weight. No STCs are required. 

Price: $815. Available at: www.sportys.com. 

uAvionix tailBeaconX

The tailBeaconX is a Mode S Extended Squitter ADS-B transponder and WAAS GPS integrated into an LED rear-position light. It includes a certified SBAS GPS receiver and antenna; no additional GPS is required. It’s compatible with the Aireon ADS-B satellite network. The 20,000-hour-rated LED-position light draws less power than a traditional incandescent bulb, and it mounts in place of your existing rear-position light. Combining the tailBeaconX with the AV-20-E and AV-30-E upgrades your system with transponder control functionality to meet current and future mandates. 

Price: Starts at $2,499. Available at: www.aircraftspruce.com.

X-Naut Active Cooling Mount

This cooling case is compatible with iPad mini versions 1 through 5 and prevents overheating and shutdowns. It includes 26 DBA low-noise fans and offers two power options: through a Micro USB charging port or by battery (4 AAs). A test button indicates battery life, and it has a spring-loaded latch to secure the iPad mini. Measuring 8.3×5.6×1.7 inches, it weighs only 7 ounces (not including the batteries or iPad mini). A kneeboard accessory attaches the Active Cooling Mount to your leg. Compatible with RAM Mounts, it also fits MGF Mounts when used with an MGF Amp or Puck Adapter. 

Price: $179.95. Available at: www.aircraftspruce.com. 

PowerVolt Charger

The PowerVolt PD32 Charger from Scosche offers both a USB-A and a USB-C port for compatibility with most charging cords. The USB-C port provides up to 20 watts of power and is able to charge iPhones up to 50% in 30 minutes. It has fold-out prongs that allow it to plug close to wall outlets. 

Price: $29. Available at: www.sportys.com.

Stratus 3 ADS-B Receiver

Stratus 3 is a subscription-free portable and wireless receiver that provides weather, WAAS GPS information, backup attitude and dual-band ADS-B traffic on your tablet. It’s programmed to work in conjunction with ForeFlight but also with Open ADS-B Mode that’s compatible with popular iOS and Android-based apps. Other features include a pressure altitude sensor, smart WiFi, auto shut-off and an eight-hour battery life. 

Price: $749. Available at: www.marvgolden.com 

The post uAvionix tailBeaconX, Stratus 3 ADS-B Receiver, and More Gear for Pilots appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.