October 2005
Cessna 195
Subscribers Only An affordable, round-engine classic guaranteed to turn heads on any ramp. Although not stingy on gas, it’s practical for everyday flying.
Elite v8.0:
Expensive, But Improved
Subscribers Only Elite is a feature-rich IFR trainer with an extensive airplane library and impressive weather effects.
Gadget Mounts:
RAM Takes Top Honors
Subscribers Only Versa-True has more positioning flexibility but RAM’s gadget cradle is superior and it costs half as much. Best value is the RAM suction mount.
Sporty’s New Gyro Bests RC Allen
Subscribers Only An electric back-up gyro for under two grand? You gotta be kidding. Not really. Sporty’s AIM-based gyro is a terrific performer at a bargain price.
VHF Radios:
Sporty’s, ICOM Excel — Vertex Disappoints
Subscribers Only If VOR is important, the Sporty’s SP-200 wins hands down. The ICOM IC-A6 is tops for comm only but we say pass on any Vertex radio.
Why New Engines Stumble
Subscribers Only There are lots of reasons why bringing a new engine to market is a long shot. Here are just six.
SMA’s Diesel Cessna:
Still an Expensive Ride
Subscribers Only But SMA is mulling a price reduction. We found the engine to be a strong, smooth performer. What the project most needs is an OEM benefactor.
Letters: 10/05
Garmin GPSmap396 As always, I thoroughly enjoyed your latest issue, especially the article on the new Garmin GPSmap396. I have found it to be fabulous and your article was right on the money. It gets my vote for the 2005 product of the year. However, it appears that there is a surprising flaw in the unit, especially since it was designed for aviation use, that I thought you should be aware of. On my first flight, I noticed that my compass was off several degrees and I started into figuring out why. The GXM30 antenna is actually quite magnetic and seems to be the source of the error when sitting on the glareshield. I contacted Garmin about this and they indicated that...
First Word: 10/05
Mad as Hell Every couple of months I get some form of the I’m-fed-up-and-I’m-not- gonna-take-it-anymore wail about poor quality in products of the sort reader Ellis Johnson sent along this month. (Read it in the "Letters" section.) It’s not clear to me if Mr. Johnson’s letter represents a rising tide of customer dissatisfaction with everything in general aviation or just everything in general. My view is that while the quality of goods and services has improved, the quality of customer service has declined sharply. I base that opinion on the fact that many of the complaints we hear about or actually intervene in involve minor beefs about the product itself. These complaints...