February 2006
Cessna Cardinal RG
Subscribers Only Thirty years after emerging from the factory, these singles still look sleek and modern. Performance and market prices are respectable but to avoid headaches with the landing gear, shop for a later model.
Soft Hangars
Subscribers Only They’re quicker to erect than metal but not necessarily cheaper. If you’re considering one, an open-ended sunshade is the way to go, but check local permit requirements before committing.
FSI’s Hypoxia Training
Subscribers Only This innovative simulator-based program shows what it’s like to become utterly stupid in the cockpit from lack of oxygen. It’s a worthy alternative to a chamber ride.
PALs for Pilots:
Cockpit Friendly Lenses
Subscribers Only If presbyopia has set in, progressives are the lenses of choice for pilots. Younger, Signet and Varilux are among the top choices for pilots.
Avidyne TAS600:
Beats Skywatch in Value
Subscribers Only The Avidyne/Ryan merger has dropped the price of active traffic systems to $10,000. Flexible display options sweeten the deal.
An EFB Odyssey:
HP 's TC1100 and NavAir
Subscribers Only One owner’s trek through the EFB jungle reveals three winners: a tablet PC, NavAir software and a pocket printer for printing plates on the fly.
Vortex Generators:
High-Value Safety Enhancers
Subscribers Only Our trials and reader reports confirm manufacturer claims. VGs lower stall speed and VMC for twins and improve low speed handling in singles.
Letters: 02/06
Flashlights for Flying I am not sure how to mildly complain. First, unless the FARs have changed, it is mandatory to carry a D-cell flashlight in your aircraft. Second, in 60 years of using flashlights, I strongly recommend reversal of one of the cells. And buy high-quality batteries. Reversal prevents the all-too-common definition of a flashlight being an object you carry a pair of dead batteries in. To use, untwist one end, dump the cells and reinstall in the correct order and then turn it on. And do consider replacement of the batteries as part of your annual. Art Brothers Via e-mail The requirement for D-cell lights is for Part 121 and...
First Word: 02/06
A Great Idea Made Less Great In this issue, you’ll find an in-depth review of Avidyne’s new active traffic product being offered at a price that will finally make it affordable for Skyhawk and Archer drivers. Kudos to Avidyne and Ryan for making this happen. But this breakthrough is not quite as terrific as it might have been. Specifically, it’s saddled by what I call the $5000 surprise. And here it is: If you’ve seen the ads for the TAS600 selling for under $10,000 and you want to install one in, say, your older Mooney 231, you’re out of luck, partner. (The fact that we own an older 231 is purely coincidental, by the way.) Because the 231 is certified for flight above 18,500 f...