Misc

Although neither AirShares Elite nor OurPLANE are cheap, theyre still the less expensive way to own a new airplane. Owners say they fly more as a result.

Glass Panels
Your glass panel flyoff article in the March 2006 Aviation Consumer was interesting, but only helpful to the handful of individuals who will be purchasing new equipment in which these systems are offered. Even then, it looks like few will have a choice in which system they can order in a given aircraft.

What would be more interesting to most aircraft owners and pilots is a comparison of available certified retrofit EFIS systems for GA aircraft. It would be of great value to find out more about the capabilities of the Chelton system and its novel highway in the sky approach and compare it to Meggitt, Honeywell and Avidyne.

I believe that the Chelton is flying…

None of the products tried work miracles, so avoid damage in the first place. Otherwise, patience and elbow grease-plus a power buffer-will yield decent results.

VGs and Stability
With regard to your article in the February 2006 issue on vortex generators, we have VGs on our 1965 B55 Baron. The benefits that Rick Durden describes in the article are confirmed by our experience. But, as with any engineering change, there are compromises.

The first is specific to Barons: The combination of VGs and an opencabin door make the aircraft unstable in pitch, especially at lowspeeds. Three of the partners in our aircraft have experienced this whenthe door has popped open in flight. In a VG-equipped Baron, its critically important to have the door adjusted properly and to confirm the latches are engaged before takeoff.

The second applies t…

HID landing and taxi lights are a vast improvement over stock illumination. Competition has made installing them more affordable.

HID landing and taxi lights are a vast improvement over stock illumination. Competition has made installing them more affordable.

If presbyopia has set in, progressives are the lenses of choice for pilots. Younger, Signet and Varilux are among the top choices for pilots.

Theyre quicker to erect than metal but not necessarily cheaper. If youre considering one, an open-ended sunshade is the way to go, but check local permit requirements before committing.

If presbyopia has set in, progressives are the lenses of choice for pilots. Younger, Signet and Varilux are among the top choices for pilots.

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…

Our trials and reader reports confirm manufacturer claims. VGs lower stall speed and VMC for twins and improve low speed handling in singles.

Our trials and reader reports confirm manufacturer claims. VGs lower stall speed and VMC for twins and improve low speed handling in singles.