Safety

Got three days and a grand? This seminar will teach you all you need to know (and then some) about smart engine operation.

[IMGCAP(1)]When last we examined portable oxygen systems-see the August and November 2001 issues of Aviation Consumer-we concluded that what the world really wants isn’t available: a smart system that delivers the oxygen you really need, without any intervention by the user. Evidently, we werent the only ones thinking along these lines.

Controlled Oxygen Delivery Systems introduced a product called Aviation Oxygen Regulator Model SMS100 at Sun n Fun in April. Headed by Dr. Brent Blue, who first brought pulse oximetry to GA via his Aeromedix.com Web site, CODS has engineered an elegant and practical, if not inexpensive, solution to automatic oxygen delivery.

The SMS100 combines a…

Two new players step up to the plate after AIM bits the dust. The Senco offers the best mix of price and sensitivity.

We see a comparable safety record but watch fuel management in Comanches and engine burps in Mooneys and Commanders.

[IMGCAP(1)]As part of a minimal aircraft survival kit, signaling devices of some kind are a must. Mirrors are effective but only primarily only during the day and many owners are wary of pyrotechnics.

Thats why we were so impressed with Greatland Lasers prototype Rescue Laser Flare which we first encountered in 1999. The concept has incredible potential as a nighttime survivor signaling device. Late last year, the company got this device into production and sent us a sample for testing.

Tiny Laser
Although its called a flare, the product is really just a low-power, special-purpose laser. It has a tubular black machined Delrin plastic body measuring 4 1/8 x 3/4 inche…

This group of six airplanes posts a similar safety record but engine failures among Mooneys and Commanders are a concern.

While most aviation insurers will survive the largest claims in history, expect rising premiums to cover the losses.

The sporty Tiger and Pipers Archer appear to be the standouts; the Skylane has the lowest fatal accident rate.

Some high-dollar gadgets don’t directly effect safety much. The best investment may be the most mundane: Training.

Its bad business for insurance companies to deny claims but occasionally they do it anyway.

The CO Guardian runs quietly on ships power and although its less prone to false alarms, we think its overpriced.

The Iceman detector sees the stuff form while Mid-Continents gauge shows icing potential. Both are worthy products.