Flight Planning

Change and I have an uneasy relationship, the former claiming I’m slow to embrace technology, unwilling to “try something new.” Sheesh … Change can be so … you know … and so in your face, too. I submit that ADFs and VORs were working just fine—when you could receive them—and I saw no value to […]

The new portable, externally mounted WingBug Air Data, Attitude and Heading Reference System (ADAHRS) from Straight & Level Technologies provides independent flight data for pretty much whichever aircraft it can be clipped to—as long as the aircraft in question doesn’t exceed 200 MPH. The device, CEO and inventor Alex Rolinski explained to AVweb, sends the […]

Jeppesen and aviation hardware and software solution provider Bad Elf recently announced a system that makes updating avionics possible from inside the cockpit. Using the Jeppesen Distribution Manager (JDM) Mobile app paired with Bad Elf’s Wombat accessory, Jeppesen subscribers can wirelessly download updates to their iPhone or iPad, insert the avionics data card into the […]

You’ve focused intently on pre-flighting the airplane, and you’ve paid attention to passenger safety and comfort. But that twinge in your lower back as you line up on the centerline gives you a moment’s pause. Taxi back to the ramp or press on? If it’s a kidney stone, and the pain only gets worse at […]

One of the comments made by some pilots when a group of them gather is that their spouses or significant others and family members won’t fly with them. While riding in little airplanes is certainly not to every person’s taste—and rising above the planet does generate a concern about returning to it less than gracefully—some […]

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have proposed a possible fix to relieve the increasing noise complaints from neighbors of Boston’s busy Logan Airport — if airplanes on departure just slowed down by about 30 knots, it would significantly reduce the noise at the surface. Logan is one of many airports nationwide where the […]

While traveling into Valdez, Alaska for the annual fly-in and STOL competition, a couple of planes were trying to hurry in before the airspace closed for aerobatic practice. A couple minutes after tower gave “best forward speed” instructions to a Lake amphibian (not known for great forward speed), the following exchange was heard: Tower: “Lake […]

Sandel Avionicsannounced that longtime avionics executive Larry Riddle has joined the company as VP of marketing and sales. Previously, Riddle was with L3 for 16 years. Sandel has an extensive line of specialty avionics including primary attitude displays, AHRS and TAWS systems. Aviation apps for the iPhone and iPad continue to proliferate and the latest […]