Aero-TV Network
The Aero-TV Network (www.aero-tv.net) is a product of the internationally syndicated Aero-News Network (www.aero-news.net)... the aviatio...Video Episodes:
3 Views
01:16:01 07/27/09
Aero-TV Changing Of The Guard -- New Leadership For Piper
[LESS INFO] 3 VIEWS | ADDED 05:16:01 07/27/09
Jim Bass Has Passed Piper's Leadership On To Two Exceptionally Qualified Veterans The GA industry got a bit of a shock a few weeks ago, albeit not totally unexpected, when Piper CEO Jim Bass stepped down to take on other challenges. Bass oversaw the rejuvenation of an industry legend and left them in really great shape with new owners and a much brighter future. With this revelation, Piper promoted two of its senior executives. Kevin J. Gould, Piper's Vice President of Operations, who became Piper's Chief Executive Officer, and John Becker, Piper's Vice President of Engineering, who took on the role of President of the Company. Gould, an experienced senior executive with more than 20 years of leadership roles in engineering, manufacturing and general management, said that the strong foundation and exceptional accomplishments Piper has achieved under Bass' leadership place the company in an excellent position to grow and prosper. "Under Jim's leadership during the last four years," Gould said, "Piper became a formidable company that was able to attract new, stable and financially strong owners committed to investing in Piper's new product initiatives and expanding the company's market share. With Jim's leadership, our accomplishments led to nearly eliminating the company's debt, significantly improving Piper's financial performance and creating a platform for future success." Becker, a 20-year Piper veteran who has held key management positions within the company before becoming Vice President of Engineering, echoed Gould. "We introduced the PiperJet," Becker said, "the first jet of its kind in Piper's history and one that our new owners cited as a key element in their decision to acquire Piper. In addition, we forged a new business alliance with Honda, which picked Piper because it valued our expertise above all other general aviation companies." Join Aero-TV In An Illuminating Interview With Piper's New Management Team! FMI: www.piper.com, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews Copyright 2009, Aero-News Network, Inc., ALL Rights Reserved.
22 Views
18:59:53 07/09/09
Aero-TV: Migration 2009 -- Cirrus Pilots Persevere
[LESS INFO] 22 VIEWS | ADDED 22:59:53 07/09/09
Hundreds of Birds Return To Duluth As we have noted each year, one of our favorite annual events is the yearly "Migration" hosted by owners and flyers of the Cirrus Design flock. Gathering in the shadow of the CD factory in Duluth, Minnesota, it is an event chock full of fun, fellowship, education and more than a few surprises. Exceptionally well organized, by ANY standard, the event hosts hundreds of planes, flyers and exhibitors -- and rarely leaves any attendee looking for more. That said, the annual COPA Migration is obviously THE biggest event of the year for Cirrus pilots. Just a few days ago, in late June 2009, hundreds of Cirrus aircraft flew in from all over the country (and beyond) to return to the "nest" to take advantage of an extensive and varied roster of activities for the pilots AND their families -- despite the issues associated with a down economy and the uncertain futures that go with it. Migration events include a number of unique and highly-anticipated evening social events, numerous seminars and presentations, and an extensive trade exhibition. Migration always includes exciting speakers and aviation personalities - like this year's presentation by Rod Machado. Two flight programs (for pilots and non-pilots alike) were conducted as well as lots of activities for pilots and their families. There's so much to an annual migration, but rather than hear us tell you all about it, we'll sit down for our annual chat with COPA Prez, Curt Sanford, and get a solid overview of one of the most progressive and impressive owner organizations in all GA. Aero-TV Profiles This Year's Cirrus Owner's and Pilot's Association Annual "Migration" FMI: www.cirruspilots.org, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews Copyright 2009, Aero-News Network, Inc., ALL Rights Reserved.
3 Views
17:09:12 07/08/09
Aero-TV: Minds Behind The Masters -- JoAnn and Sandy Hill (Part 2)
[LESS INFO] 3 VIEWS | ADDED 21:09:12 07/08/09
Two Powerful Voices Fight For Excellence In Aero-Education There are a number of voices speaking loudly and clearly about matters we all need to address in terms of flight safety and aero-education. Two of the most prominent of those voices are Professional Aviation Educators Sandy and JoAnn Hill. The center of a massive controversy this year, Sandy and JoAnn are getting their lives back to normal in the wake of the separation from NAFI and the start of the independent Master Instructors LLC program. Master Instructors LLC has updated, restructured, and is once again available to all qualified applicants. Adhering to a rigorous continuing education and peer-review process, the program promotes professionalism among aviation educators and provides well-deserved recognition for their contributions to aviation education, training, and safety. The Master Instructor program was conceived and developed by MCFIs Sandy and JoAnn Hill, longtime CFIs and nationally known aviation educators. It has periodically been revised and expanded by them over the years. The Hills have been serving Master Instructors and other aviation educators since 1995, and have been responsible for reviewing more than 1,300 Master Instructor applications. The new company has a nine-member Board of Review who collectively has held Master accreditation for more than 85 years. Master Instructors LLC recently received a two-year letter of authorization from the FAA qualifying the program for flight instructor certificate renewal while the program is also FAA WINGS-approved. Master Instructors LLC currently has a letter of understanding with SAFE, the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (www.SafePilots.org). ANN is pleased to present a two-part interview with this amazing duo.... Aero-TV Gets Educated With Sandy and JoAnn Hill (Part 2) FMI: www.MasterInstructors.org, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews Copyright 2009, Aero-News Network, Inc., ALL Rights Reserved.
22 Views
21:56:50 06/23/09
Aero-TV: The 36 Month Wonder -- Embraer's Phenom 100
[LESS INFO] 22 VIEWS | ADDED 01:56:50 06/24/09
Embraer's Phenom 100 Gets To Brag About EASA Certification And A Healthy Order Book... While drooling over the recently EASA Certified Phenom 100, ANN's irrepressible Paul Plack managed to get an interview and update on the latest and greatest of one of the few airframes to survive the rough and rowdy VLJ wars. The news of the hour at the time of the interview was the recent EASA Certification that followed the FAA Certification some months before. The EASA TC confirms that the aircraft complies with European safety and environmental standards and may now be legally registered and operated throughout the European Union. In addition, the type-certificate is valid in Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein and allowed for immediate operations on the other side of the pond. The Agency's certification process started in November 2005 with a team consisting of experts from the Agency, CAA-UK and LBA Germany. The team worked in close cooperation with the Certifying Authority ANAC Brazil and the engineering and certification teams from Embraer. As noted above, the Phenom is now EASE certified against Certification Specifications valid for General Aviation aircraft (CS-23). The aircraft has accommodation for two pilots and up to four passengers, it is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW617F-E turbofan engines with approximately 1,800 lb of thrust each. The engine was certified by the Agency on 23 April 2009. The maximum takeoff weight is 10,472 lb, Vmo/Mmo are 275 knots IAS, Mach 0.70; and the maximum operating altitude is 41,000 ft. The aircraft is certified for single pilot operation in day, night, VFR, IFR and flight into known icing. Aero-TV Gets A Major Case Of VLJ Envy As We Get Updated On The Phenom 100 FMI: www.embraer.com, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews Copyright 2009, Aero-News Network, Inc., ALL Rights Reserved.
5 Views
16:49:45 06/21/09
Aero-TV: ISDC 2009 -- The Future Of Commercial Spaceflight
[LESS INFO] 5 VIEWS | ADDED 20:49:45 06/21/09
The Commercial Space Revolution Is Alive And Well! Just a smidgeon over five years ago, ANN was literally on the edge of history... watching the XPrize-inspired Mike Melvill head out and then return from the first successful commercial spaceflight in Burt Rutan's dreamrocket. A lot has happened since then... and a whole new industry... as well as a public perception of our future in space, has resulted. At the National Space Society's 28th annual International Space Development Conference, NSS and a very motivated group of people dedicated themselves to an in-depth look into the emerging privately funded sector of the space industry. The space industry is undergoing an unprecedented transformation. The Space Shuttle will be retired in less than two years, resulting in the loss of thousands of jobs. Although hiring by the emerging privately funded sector of aerospace may ameliorate some of this job loss, the suspension of manned spaceflight by our civil space program for at least five (5) years will nevertheless create unprecedented losses in experienced personnel who can not be replaced. This gap in both time and employment will also have a profoundly negative rippling effect, not just in the space industry, but also in peripheral and complimentary industries such as energy, life sciences, travel, education and telecommunications. The cost of accomplishing humanity's goal of exploring and understanding life beyond our atmosphere cannot be realized unless the space industry diversifies itself. The private sector has a unique ability to innovate, as it is not subject to many of the bureaucratic pitfalls that can sometimes hamper government. It can create economies of scale that make products and activities cheaper and better. By utilizing procedures and by taking paths that either do not work or do not apply in a government setting, these business-minded pathfinders can take the average citizen or company to places that heretofore were unrealistic. The bold new generation of aerospace entrepreneurs and private spaceflight advocates are shifting the paradigm previously thought to be the exclusive domain of governments, to open up a frontier previously unattainable to the general public, flying virtually anyone that wants to go into space. Aero-TV Takes In The Future Of Spaceflight... A Future That Belongs To Us All FMI: www.nss.org, www.isdc2009.org, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews Copyright 2009, Aero-News Network, Inc., ALL Rights Reserved.
1 Views
20:12:32 06/14/09
Aero-TV: ICG Means Business -- Building The Office In The Sky
[LESS INFO] 1 VIEWS | ADDED 00:12:32 06/15/09
It's ALL About Staying In Touch To Stay Competitive Despite what our elected leaders are trying to shovel our way these days, airplanes are amazing and undeniable tools of commerce... actually, vital tools, according to our direct experience as business aircraft operators. The modern biz-plane gets us to where we need to be to be able to business on our or our customers' terms. But even enroute, there is a need to stay in touch... and the very mobile aircraft equipped with an 'office in the sky' is turning out to be the kind of tool that tips the balance in favor of a competitive operation. So... the tools we use to make our very valuable aircraft EVEN MORE valuable have become critical elements in any business strategy. When it comes to such tools, companies like International Communications Group, Inc. (ICG) of Newport News, Virginia, have become indispensable in pioneering ways to stay in touch with business as it happens. Since 1994, ICG has built a very successful business by providing corporations, governments and individuals with an array of efficient and cost-effective solutions to meet their growing airborne global communications needs. One particularly amazing tool is the ICG NxtMail Server. It provides a local Wireless Access Point (WAP) in the aircraft cabin permitting WiFi capable personal devices to access conventional Internet Protocol (IP) based terrestrial services for the purpose of sending and receiving E-Mails and mobile web browsing. The NxtMail Server provides global connections via a single inexpensive Iridium channel. Besides acting as a WAP and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) Server, the NxtMail Server efficiently and automatically manages link access to optimize “on-air” time and associated costs. The Server has various interfaces that include: multiple serial ports, fax dialup data interface, Ethernet, and USB. The NxtMail Server provides internal router functions and a HTTP server to permit access of up to 10 user devices, offering a truly wireless system for the aircraft cabin. Multiple serial interfaces with port management, permit connections of several RS-232 devices without the risk of port contention, collisions or data corruption. WiFi capable user devices, such as BlackBerry smartphones and iPhone mobile digital devices, are automatically assigned an IP address by the DHCP server to provide immediate access to the system without user intervention or set-up beyond what is required with any WiFi network. Aero-TV Asks ICG About 'Phoning It In" From The Flight Levels! FMI: www.RANS.com, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews Copyright 2009, Aero-News Network, Inc., ALL Rights Reserved.
2 Views
21:34:56 05/31/09
Aero-TV: Red Eagle Airshows
[LESS INFO] 2 VIEWS | ADDED 01:34:56 06/01/09
Eagles In Aerobatic Flight... Updated, Aggressive, Exciting! While many might assume that the sight of two Eagles in aerobatic flight was something that had been seen/done been before, two guys are out to prove you wrong. Red Eagles delivers a spectacular airshow... and their uniquely modified Eagles deliver the goods -- which is why when these guys flew over Cecil Field, ALL eyes were turned skyward. The two guys behind the Red Eagles are Dan McClung and Buck Roetman... Aero-TV met up with them at the Alan Henley Benefit Airshow at Cecil Field last April and came away impressed with what two guys and some highly modified Eagles can do... especially when they're obviously having the times of the their lives. Dan McClung is the Team leader and pilot of the 'Talon' Eagle. Dan got his start flying airplanes for the US Navy and has over 35 years of professional flying. In 21 years of active duty and reserve flying, he accumulated nearly 400 day and night traps in the A7 Corsair II and the A4 Skyhawk. He retired after 25 years of airline flying as a B767 Captain. He is an Air Show Competency Evaluator (ACE) for the International Council of Air Shows. ' Buck Roetman is Pilot of the Red Eagle. Buck specializes in systems and structure fabrication and maintenance to keep the team in the air. Buck’s extensive knowledge and background in auto racing assists us in our ability to fly faster and more efficiently. He holds nearly every FAA rating including an ATP, CFI, and A%P license and is an ACE for the International Council of Air Shows. Buck hails from Minnesota and presently resides in Sharpsburg, Georgia. Aero-TV Gets An Update On The Wild Antics Of The Red Eagle FMI: www.redeagleairsports.com, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews Copyright 2009, Aero-News Network, Inc., ALL Rights Reserved.
1 Views
19:05:56 05/18/09
Aero-TV: AEA's Ric Peri -- Eye On Washington (Part 2)
[LESS INFO] 1 VIEWS | ADDED 23:05:56 05/18/09
Unpuzzling The Regs Put Forth by The Washington Puzzle Palaces Ric Peri, AEA's man in Washington, chatted with Aero-TV a few weeks ago on a number of topics, and in Part Two of the interview, Peri talks some more about Repair Stations, Repair Manuals, standardization, and the ever-changing role of the DER. The status of the Part 147 ARAC, the standard for Aviation maintenance schools, came up as it will determine how (primarily) A%Ps are brought into the industry for years to come. The program has been out of committee for quite a few months and the inevitable back and forth between the industry and the FAA is underway. AML-STCs... the topic is a complex one and one that was generating quite a bit of discussion at AEA 2009. AML (Approved Model List) STCs are a way to lower the costs and regulatory complexity of avionics installations, but the problem is that all such STC are hybrids... putting the burden of installation, interfaces, and any special requirements on the installer. The current generation of AMLs, says Peri, requires extensive knowledge on the part of the installer and the shop that they work for... especially since so many installs these days are for whole systems rather than individual units... thus requiring a wide range of avionics knowledge and not nearly as much specialization. Peri also chatted about the definition of "currency" as regards inspection programs... especially as to how the FAA seems to be readying to define it from here on out. These definitions will mean much to the industry -- but seem to be set to mean different things for different types and generations of technologies. These definitions are going to be somewhat fluid for the next few years as the industry digests what these changes mean and wrestles with the FAA for their ultimate interpretations. Ric Peri is AEA's Vice President Of Government & Industry Affairs and an astute observer of the Washington regulatory scene. The Aircraft Electronics Association represents more than 1,300 aviation businesses, including repair stations that specialize in maintenance, repair and installation of avionics and electronic systems in general aviation aircraft. AEA membership also includes instruments facilities, manufacturers of avionics equipment, instrument manufacturers, airframe manufacturers, test equipment manufacturers, major distributors, and educational institutions. AEA's Ric Peri Updates Aero-TV On The Current Aero-Electronic Regulatory Environment (Part Two)! FMI: www.aea.net, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews Copyright 2009, Aero-News Network, Inc., ALL Rights Reserved.
0 Views
18:16:15 05/12/09
Aero-TV: Composite Construction -- The Cirrus Factory Approach (Part 2)
[LESS INFO] 0 VIEWS | ADDED 22:16:15 05/12/09
This Is How They Build 'Em We've had a ball showing you various aspects of how and why the Cirrus Aircraft SR20s and SR22s became some of the most popular aircraft in recent GA history. But the build process is nearly as fascinating as the airplanes themselves... especially in light of the changes the G3 version of the SR series has undergone in the last two years. Not only did they redesign the airplane to be better in the air, but to be assembled in a more economical and sturdier fashion. The G3 update was extensive... The Cirrus team went through the bird from stem to stern in this upgrade, with some big changes proving to be more than skin-deep. An aggressive update of the primary wing structure resulted in a stronger and stiffer wing that allowed CD to carve well over 50 pounds out of that assembly -- and then they used that leeway to increase the bird's effective range. The gear was heavily modified to be a somewhat narrower and taller construct and added some prop clearance, to boot. The gear used to be nearly 11 feet wide... and has been narrowed to just over 8.5 feet. They did this with the same gear legs they've used in the past, but mounted in a significantly more acute angle. This change allowed the interior of the wing to be adapted to a number of other modifications, most notably a larger TKS deicing fluid tank, and produced a more efficient internal structure. Internal fuel tankage jumped from 81 gallons to 92 gallons, as well. A number of aerodynamic refinements have been incorporated... quite a number, in fact, and many of them quite subtle. Several fairings have been redesigned to offer less drag and improve other aerodynamic efficiencies. A new wing root fairing, for instance, has minimized spurious flow separation at the trailing edge of the wing and enhanced both cruise and climb abilities. Gear fairings have received exceptional attention to drag reduction and simplification. The result is a far tighter and cleaner installation that reduces the part count and slicks things up a bit. The wing's dihedral was hiked a full degree, thus creating greater ground clearance, better yaw/roll harmonies and eliminating the need for the rudder/aileron control interconnect that has been a part of the Cirrus line since its inception. The enhanced dihedral has definitely produced a more perceptible dihedral effect without adversely affecting any aspect of the aircraft's already laudable stability profile. One of the other most noticeable changes was seen along the lengthy expanse of the wing's leading edge. The whole leading edge, tip to root, is now fully encased in a TKS metallic anti-icing fluid diffusion system that produces icing protection across a much wider span (nearly four feet more) than the wings of old. It was a massive series of changes... and the people who build them are justifiably proud of the birds that resulted. Come along and see what we mean as we watch Cirrus build the current generation of GA composite airplanes. ANN E-I-C Note: We've been able to present a fair amount of Cirrus material via Aero-TV this year for a few simple reasons... Cirrus is getting a handle on NewMedia and understands how important it is, they welcomed us with open arms and made our job so very much easier than it might have been, they are absolutely delightful to deal with, and they have always believed that the best way to sell airplanes is to tell all... and we've been only too happy to take them up on it. We welcome and urge all other manufacturers and companies throughout aviation to send us an invite and work with us as effectively as we have with Cirrus so that YOUR products can get equal exposure. Feel free to email me at jim@aero-news.net if you want to help ANN to cover YOUR STORY via Aero-TV and utilizing the MOST talented and professionally accomplished Aero-Video production team in the business. Aero-TV Watches Cirrus Aircraft Build Airplanes The 'New-Fashioned' G3 Way (Part 2) FMI: www.cirrusaircraft.com, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews Copyright 2009, Aero-News Network, Inc., ALL Rights Reserved.
9 Views
22:08:16 05/11/09
Aero-TV: Composite Construction -- The Cirrus Factory Approach (Part 1)
[LESS INFO] 9 VIEWS | ADDED 02:08:16 05/12/09
This Is How They Build 'Em We've had a ball showing you various aspects of how and why the Cirrus Aircraft SR20s and SR22s became some of the most popular aircraft in recent GA history. But the build process is nearly as fascinating as the airplanes themselves... especially in light of the changes the G3 version of the SR series has undergone in the last two years. Not only did they redesign the airplane to be better in the air, but to be assembled in a more economical and sturdier fashion. The G3 update was extensive... The Cirrus team went through the bird from stem to stern in this upgrade, with some big changes proving to be more than skin-deep. An aggressive update of the primary wing structure resulted in a stronger and stiffer wing that allowed CD to carve well over 50 pounds out of that assembly -- and then they used that leeway to increase the bird's effective range. The gear was heavily modified to be a somewhat narrower and taller construct and added some prop clearance, to boot. The gear used to be nearly 11 feet wide... and has been narrowed to just over 8.5 feet. They did this with the same gear legs they've used in the past, but mounted in a significantly more acute angle. This change allowed the interior of the wing to be adapted to a number of other modifications, most notably a larger TKS deicing fluid tank, and produced a more efficient internal structure. Internal fuel tankage jumped from 81 gallons to 92 gallons, as well. A number of aerodynamic refinements have been incorporated... quite a number, in fact, and many of them quite subtle. Several fairings have been redesigned to offer less drag and improve other aerodynamic efficiencies. A new wing root fairing, for instance, has minimized spurious flow separation at the trailing edge of the wing and enhanced both cruise and climb abilities. Gear fairings have received exceptional attention to drag reduction and simplification. The result is a far tighter and cleaner installation that reduces the part count and slicks things up a bit. The wing's dihedral was hiked a full degree, thus creating greater ground clearance, better yaw/roll harmonies and eliminating the need for the rudder/aileron control interconnect that has been a part of the Cirrus line since its inception. The enhanced dihedral has definitely produced a more perceptible dihedral effect without adversely affecting any aspect of the aircraft's already laudable stability profile. One of the other most noticeable changes was seen along the lengthy expanse of the wing's leading edge. The whole leading edge, tip to root, is now fully encased in a TKS metallic anti-icing fluid diffusion system that produces icing protection across a much wider span (nearly four feet more) than the wings of old. It was a massive series of changes... and the people who build them are justifiably proud of the birds that resulted. Come along and see what we mean as we watch Cirrus build the current generation of GA composite airplanes. ANN E-I-C Note: We've been able to present a fair amount of Cirrus material via Aero-TV this year for a few simple reasons... Cirrus is getting a handle on NewMedia and understands how important it is, they welcomed us with open arms and made our job so very much easier than it might have been, they are absolutely delightful to deal with, and they have always believed that the best way to sell airplanes is to tell all... and we've been only too happy to take them up on it. We welcome and urge all other manufacturers and companies throughout aviation to send us an invite and work with us as effectively as we have with Cirrus so that YOUR products can get equal exposure. Feel free to email me at jim@aero-news.net if you want to help ANN to cover YOUR STORY via Aero-TV and utilizing the MOST talented and professionally accomplished Aero-Video production team in the business. Aero-TV Watches Cirrus Aircraft Build Airplanes The 'New-Fashioned' G3 Way (part 1) FMI: www.cirrusaircraft.com, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews Copyright 2009, Aero-News Network, Inc., ALL Rights Reserved.
1 Views
20:34:20 05/04/09
Aero-TV: AEA's Paula Derks -- Setting a Positive Tone
[LESS INFO] 1 VIEWS | ADDED 00:34:20 05/05/09
Trying To Inspire During Tough Times... And Succeeding We've known Paula Derks for quite a number of years and a number of adjectives come readily to mind when we consider the leader of the Aircraft Electronics Association... competent, decisive, expert, cheerful and insightful... and now we feel compelled to add one more -- inspiring. This year's rendition of the annual AEA Convention took up the Derks mantra and therefore wound up being a surprisingly upbeat affair. While everyone bemoaned the awful economic situation forced upon them, to a person there was unanimity in the belief that the industry would not only survive but come back bigger and stronger than before... and Paula set the tone. “We are purposely choosing to emphasize the positive attributes of the industry this week,” said Paula Derks, president of the Aircraft Electronics Association on the opening day of this year’s annual convention and trade show, which took place from April 1 to 4, at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Dallas. Setting this tone seemed to work as nearly 1,500 attendees crowded the AEA Exhibit Hall and the meeting rooms to research products and gain knowledge through educational forums on technical and regulatory issues. Among the positive highlights of this year’s convention were: More than 31 companies taking part in the “New Product Introductions” session. More than 140 companies and organizations displaying during the trade show. Attendees receiving more than 75 hours of FAA-accepted technical training classes. “It would be premature to announce the light at the end of the tunnel,” Derks said, “but many of the manufacturers told me they are making good contacts and writing orders at the booths, which means their dealers — our members — are buying product.” Next year’s AEA International Convention & Trade Show is set from April 7-10, 2010, at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando, Fla. Aero-TV Catches On To The Positive Vibe Put Forth by AEA President Paula Derks FMI: www.aea.net, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews Copyright 2009, Aero-News Network, Inc., ALL Rights Reserved.
2 Views
17:48:14 05/02/09
Aero-TV: A New LSA Star -- The Evektor SportStar SL
[LESS INFO] 2 VIEWS | ADDED 21:48:14 05/02/09
The LSA Movement Survives... and So Do A Number Of Manufacturers During the 2009 Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring, FL, one had a huge assortment of aircraft to pursue... and some pretty fine choices in the fixed wing market, in particular. One of the most notable of these is the Evektor SportStar series, which has been a part of the LSA scene, even before it was officially defined and was one of the first to seek and finish the ASTM compliance program to bring it in line with the industry-authored standards. ALL metal, the Evektor SportStar SL sports a MONSTROUS bubble canopy that offers a view of the proceedings that can only be equaled by opening that sucker and taking a dive over the side. Rotax powered, the two seat, side-by-sider, nonetheless boasts a cabin width of 46.5" and plenty of leg, shoulder and hip room. Obviously, they've taken a good look at their average customer and decided to avoid the sadistically small cabins that much of the LSA movement is penalized with. The company makes specific note about the manner in which the surprisingly sleek airframe is constructed... with lines so smooth, you'd sweat it was composite... until you see the rivets. The company boasts that the SportStar 'has an advanced highly durable all metal anodized and corrosion-proofed aluminum airframe which delivers significantly more durability and longer service life than most of the airplanes in the category. Its the only S-LSA aircraft that has riveted as well as bonded construction for better fatigue characteristics and long service life. This build provides better crash characteristics, elimination of dangerous unzipping in accidents and also smoother and quieter flight because drumming and flexing are absent. All heads of pop rivets are filled with mastic for high longevity of riveted joints and clean and smooth aircraft surface." The SportStar SL features a cruise speed of 110 knots, a dirty stall speed of only 40 knots, and a rate of climb of 1020 fpm. The service ceiling is 15,500 ft and runway requirements are 620 ft for takeoff and 590 ft for landing. The max range is 700 NM. Aero-TV Gets A Read On The Evektor SportStar SL Light Sport Aircraft FMI: www.evektor-aircraft.com, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews Copyright 2009, Aero-News Network, Inc., ALL Rights Reserved.
0 Views
17:47:47 05/02/09
Aero-TV: AEA 2009 Perspectives -- Reflecting On Member Support (Part 3)
[LESS INFO] 0 VIEWS | ADDED 21:47:47 05/02/09
Part Three Of Our Three Question Survey From The AEA 2009 Convention and Tradeshow Few sub-industries within aviation prove to be as much of a bellwether as does the avionics industry. While most of the recent major developments in aviation utility can be laid at the doorstep of all things avionics, this industry benefits from both major business outlets... new and upgrade sales. So... as goes the avionics industry, so goes the rest of aviation -- and thus the reason for our interest in the health of the avionics biz. Herewith, the Final Part of our annual Three Question survey at the 2009 AEA Convention... the first part focused on the most basic of questions... how's business? The Second Question revolves around what this year's attendees found to be new and notable. And today's third and final question (for now) was an opportunity to judge, via the membership itself, how well AEA is supporting the aims of such an advanced and complex industry. This year's rendition of the annual AEA Convention wound up being a surprisingly upbeat affair. While everyone bemoaned the awful economic situation forced upon them, to a persons there was unanimity in the belief that the industry would not only survive but come back bigger and stronger than before. “We are purposely choosing to emphasize the positive attributes of the industry this week,” said Paula Derks, president of the Aircraft Electronics Association on the opening day of this year’s annual convention and trade show, which took place from April 1 to 4, at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Dallas. Setting this tone seemed to work as nearly 1,500 attendees crowded the AEA Exhibit Hall and the meeting rooms to research products and gain knowledge through educational forums on technical and regulatory issues. Among the positive highlights of this year’s convention were: • More than 31 companies taking part in the “New Product Introductions” session. • More than 140 companies and organizations displaying during the trade show. • Attendees receiving more than 75 hours of FAA-accepted technical training classes. “It would be premature to announce the light at the end of the tunnel,” Derks said, “but many of the manufacturers told me they are making good contacts and writing orders at the booths, which means their dealers — our members — are buying product.” Next year’s AEA International Convention & Trade Show is set from April 7-10, 2010, at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando, Fla. Aero-TV Checks On The Health Of The Avionics Industry At AEA 2009 FMI: www.aea.net, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews Copyright 2009, Aero-News Network, Inc., ALL Rights Reserved.
0 Views
21:12:46 04/23/09
Aero-TV: Avidyne's Next-Generation Flight Deck -- Flying Entegra Release 9
[LESS INFO] 0 VIEWS | ADDED 01:12:46 04/24/09
Simple, Capable, Ingenious... Release 9 Puts Avidyne At The Top Of The Flight Deck Game Here it is, Aero-TV's Jim Campbell gets his hot little hands on one of the most avidly awaited Flight Deck upgrades in recent memory... Avidyne's "Next-Generation" Release 9. As expected (and alluded to in previous ANN coverage), the anticipated certification of Avidyne's next-generation flight deck was not only around the corner... its right here, right now. Avidyne has confirmed to ANN that they have certified their new Entegra Release 9 Integrated Flight Deck (IFD) system. And not a moment too soon... when much of the industry is about to award first prize to industry behemoth Garmin in terms of Flight Deck preference and market share, Avidyne's massive Release 9 effort, along with their FMS and Digital Autopilot programs raises the bar enough to make the lead a real horse-race. Utilizing a fully-modular architecture, Entegra Release 9 represents the next generation of integrated flight deck systems for light general aviation. The Entegra Release 9 retrofit for Cirrus SR20 & SR22 includes dual XGA-resolution IFD5000 displays, dual-redundant FMS900w systems with a QWERTY keypad, next-generation fully-digital VHF NAV/COM radios, and dual WAAS/RNP-capable GPS receivers. In addition, Entegra Release 9 provides a new level of communication between the FMS/NAV system and the existing STEC 55X autopilot. This added capability virtually eliminates pilot interaction with the autopilot once coupled to the Entegra system, automatically switching the autopilot modes during transitions from en route to approach phases of flight, reducing pilot workload and eliminating 'modes confusion' associated with other systems. Entegra Release 9 system was also designed with a fully-redundant architecture that eliminates traditional 'Reversionary Modes' and the need for a 'big red button' as seen in competing systems. A typical Entegra Release 9 installation, as retrofitted in the Cirrus SR22, features two large-format IFD5000 Integrated Flight Displays, (IFD) which are fully interchangeable for use as PFD or MFD. Since each IFD5000 is fully capable of performing the functions of the other, no unfamiliar or limited reversionary modes are required. In the unlikely event of a display failure, the remaining IFD5000 continues to operate as either display format with no loss of functionality. With Entegra Release 9, Avidyne has developed a truly integrated system that is specifically designed to eliminate complexity, reduce head-down time, provide a whole new level of redundancy, and dramatically enhance safety. The retail price of the Entegra Release 9 retrofit for Cirrus SR20 & SR22 is $72,800 which includes dual XGA displays, FMS keyboard, dual GPS/FMS receivers, dual 16-watt VHF COMM radios, and MLB700 XM/SIRIUS Broadcast datalink receiver. Aero-TV Flight Test Avidyne's Entegra Release 9! FMI: www.aviyne.com, www.release9.com, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews Copyright 2009, Aero-News Network, Inc., ALL Rights Reserved.
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15:56:52 04/20/09
Aero-TV: Staying On Course -- Piper's 2009 Strategies (Part 2)
[LESS INFO] 0 VIEWS | ADDED 19:56:52 04/20/09
CEO Jim Bass Is Keeping Piper On Track While a number of new and revolutionary companies get a fair share of the media spotlight, industry veteran Piper Aircraft, one of the oldest GA manufacturers in the world, keeps on an evolutionary path that has kept them alive... and making progress while a number of their competitors have disappeared. The architect of this strategy is Piper CEO, Jim Bass, who has take a solidly evolutionary approach to growing Piper Aircraft to the point where it now prepares to field its first jet aircraft... and after introducing one of the few recent sales leaders in recent memory, their piston powered 6-pace hot-rod, the Piper Matrix. In news ANN broke earlier this week, Piper Aircraft announced that it has certified and will offer as optional equipment the all-glass, fully-integrated Garmin G1000 avionics suite for the Piper Meridian, the company's flagship, six-seat cabin-class turboprop. Initial deliveries of Piper Meridian aircraft with G1000 avionics will begin this week. "We are dedicated to providing our customers with the very best technology our industry has to offer," said Piper President & CEO James K. Bass. "Now, with the G1000 available for the Meridian, we are giving this amazing aircraft an avionics suite that enables it to meet its full potential." The Meridian currently features Avidyne's advanced glass avionics suite, the FlightMax Entegra Integrated Flight Deck, as standard equipment, as do the Malibu Mirage, Matrix, Seneca V, the Saratoga II TC and Piper 6X. Piper Aircraft, Inc. is headquartered in Vero Beach, Fla. Piper reports that its "rich legacy is born of 72 years of unparalleled history, with almost 150,000 aircraft brought to market and more than 160 models certified." Approximately 90,000 of those aircraft are still flying and being serviced and supported on every continent by Piper's 65 service centers, 40 dealers and 2,500 field personnel. Piper is the only general aviation manufacturer to build and offer aircraft for every general aviation mission, from trainers and high-performance aircraft for personal and business use, to turbine powered business aircraft and now the PiperJet. Aero-TV Interviews Piper's Evolutionary CEO, Jim Bass (Part 2) FMI: www.piper.com, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews Copyright 2009, Aero-News Network, Inc., ALL Rights Reserved.
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20:10:19 04/15/09
Aero-TV: Having It All -- WAI's Amy Laboda (Part 2)
[LESS INFO] 1 VIEWS | ADDED 00:10:19 04/16/09
Being A Woman In Aviation Proves That The Sky Is NO Limit! I'll admit that this is a feature story that I've been looking forward to... years ago, I was privileged to give Amy Laboda her first assignments as an aviation writer and have been pleased to see what she has made of the opportunities. Determined to work past all obstacles, Amy's has had a career worth noting. Flying is in the Laboda family, and Amy took up the sport at 15 years of age. She soloed at 16 and earned her private pilot certificate two days after her 17th birthday. She continued flying while earning a Liberal Arts degree from Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York; by the time she graduated she was an instrument-rated commercial pilot and before the year was out she had earned her instructor's rating. A short career in the United States Peace Corps as a health educator is all that has interrupted her aviation career since then. Amy has taught students how to fly in California, Texas, New York and Florida. She's towed gliders, flown ultralights, wrestled with aerobatics and even dabbled in skydiving. She holds an Airline Transport Pilot rating, multiengine and single-engine flight instructor ratings, as well as glider and gyroplane ratings. She's an aircraft owner (an experimental and a factory built machine), too. She joined the staff of Flying Magazine in 1988 as an editor, where she contributed to the development and expansion of the magazine's training department. In 1991 she left Flying and created her own company, Marketing Arts. Through Marketing Arts Amy had done free-lance editorial writing for several different venues, including Flight Training, Dive Training, Reader's Digest, and many others. She also does marketing consulting in aviation publishing, Healthcare, education, computer software and flight training. She's edited several textbooks, including Flying Ultralights, Principles of Helicopter Flight, and The Pilot's Manual series of textbooks, and written a Meteorology online course as an Adjunct Professor for Utah Valley State University's online University program. In 2001 Amy became the Editor in Chief of Aviation For Women magazine, the official publication of Women in Aviation, International, an nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women find career opportunities in aviation and aerospace. Amy was a founding board member of Women in Aviation, International. She is also a member of the Aircraft Owners' and Pilots' Association and the Experimental Aircraft Association. Amy Laboda is an FAA FAAST Team representative on the national level, and speaks regularly at large aviation events, including the Experimental Aircraft Association's annual AirVenture Oshkosh Fly-In. Aero-TV Spends Time With WAI's Amy Laboda (Part 2) FMI: www.wai.org, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews Copyright 2009, Aero-News Network, Inc., ALL Rights Reserved.