Avionics Videos

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Simple, Capable, Ingenious... Release 9 Puts Avidyne At The Top Of The Flight Deck Game Here it is, Aero-TV's Jim Campbell gets his hot little hands on one of the most avidly awaited Flight Deck upgrades in recent memory... Avidyne's "Next-Generation" Release 9. As expected (and alluded to in previous ANN coverage), the anticipated certification of Avidyne's next-generation flight deck was not only around the corner... its right here, right now. Avidyne has confirmed to ANN that they have certified their new Entegra Release 9 Integrated Flight Deck (IFD) system. And not a moment too soon... when much of the industry is about to award first prize to industry behemoth Garmin in terms of Flight Deck preference and market share, Avidyne's massive Release 9 effort, along with their FMS and Digital Autopilot programs raises the bar enough to make the lead a real horse-race. Utilizing a fully-modular architecture, Entegra Release 9 represents the next generation of integrated flight deck systems for light general aviation. The Entegra Release 9 retrofit for Cirrus SR20 & SR22 includes dual XGA-resolution IFD5000 displays, dual-redundant FMS900w systems with a QWERTY keypad, next-generation fully-digital VHF NAV/COM radios, and dual WAAS/RNP-capable GPS receivers. In addition, Entegra Release 9 provides a new level of communication between the FMS/NAV system and the existing STEC 55X autopilot. This added capability virtually eliminates pilot interaction with the autopilot once coupled to the Entegra system, automatically switching the autopilot modes during transitions from en route to approach phases of flight, reducing pilot workload and eliminating 'modes confusion' associated with other systems. Entegra Release 9 system was also designed with a fully-redundant architecture that eliminates traditional 'Reversionary Modes' and the need for a 'big red button' as seen in competing systems. A typical Entegra Release 9 installation, as retrofitted in the Cirrus SR22, features two large-format IFD5000 Integrated Flight Displays, (IFD) which are fully interchangeable for use as PFD or MFD. Since each IFD5000 is fully capable of performing the functions of the other, no unfamiliar or limited reversionary modes are required. In the unlikely event of a display failure, the remaining IFD5000 continues to operate as either display format with no loss of functionality. With Entegra Release 9, Avidyne has developed a truly integrated system that is specifically designed to eliminate complexity, reduce head-down time, provide a whole new level of redundancy, and dramatically enhance safety. The retail price of the Entegra Release 9 retrofit for Cirrus SR20 & SR22 is $72,800 which includes dual XGA displays, FMS keyboard, dual GPS/FMS receivers, dual 16-watt VHF COMM radios, and MLB700 XM/SIRIUS Broadcast datalink receiver. Aero-TV Flight Test Avidyne's Entegra Release 9! FMI: www.aviyne.com, www.release9.com, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews Copyright 2009, Aero-News Network, Inc., ALL Rights Reserved.

A New Generation Of Digital Headsets Is Coming To Aviation There are few things we love more at ANN than a good game of "Gadget Patrol." Checking out the latest and greatest in aviation goodies is about as good a time as anything else while the variety and ingenuity we see in this market continues to blow us away. At the 2008 AOPA Convention, "Gadget Patrol" was in full swing and it wasn't long until we took a look at the latest generation of digital headsets from beyerdynamic... and came away impressed. Founded in 1924, in Berlin, beyerdynamic (the name is not capitalized) GmbH & Co. KG has become a powerhouse in all things audio. Throughout a number of industries with need for audio gear, this is a name that has some serious bearing and now they're setting their sites, with renewed interest, on aviation with the introduction of their HS 600 DANR (Digital Adaptive Noise Reduction). The new HS 600 DANR is beyerdynamic's top aviation headset offering. According to the company, the new HS 600 DANR is the only Aviation headset worldwide that provides a processor-controlled active noise attenuation with an intelligent algorithm producing the counter sound. This feature results in a quick adaptation to changing noise levels and a good perception of audio warnings. While active headsets of the former generation are optimized for a limited frequency range, beyerdynamic claims that their DANR system can adapt more quickly to different noise levels and to recognized peaks of noise, such as engines with a high rotary speed, within a wide frequency range. This advantage of the DANR concept makes this new headset a benchmarking product. The DANR processor is integrated into an audio box to which a mobile phone or MP3 player can be connected. For the power supply two AA batteries can be inserted into the audio box or a 3-pin XLR cable can be connected to the on-board power supply system in the aircraft. When the headset is not in use, the audio box is switched off automatically. In addition to the new technology the HS 600 DANR also emphasizes comfort and design. The headband pad is covered with soft leather and the ear pads are viscoelastic. The ear caps accented with a unique "Carbon Look" and accented with brushed aluminum bezels. The two AA batteries offer a minimum operating time of 25 hours, though an on-board power supply system (12 - 36 V DC) may be utilized instead. The system weighs less than 12 ounces (minus cables). Come See (And Hear!) The Latest From beyerdynamic With Aero-TV! FMI: www.beyerdynamic-usa.com/en/aviation/aviation.html, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews Copyright 2008, Aero-News Network, Inc., ALL Rights Reserved.

Growing Avionics Powerhouse Keeps Making Progress As we noted in some of our end-of-year coverage, 2008 was a pretty miserable year for a number of companies eking out their existence in the world of aviation. It was, however, a great year -- maybe even an astounding year, for Aspen Avionics and it's no wonder. 2008 is the year that Aspen turned the retrofit avionics business on its ear with a glass panel retrofit that was everything an upgrading flyer could ask for easy to install, simple to use, highly capable, affordable and cooler than the observation deck on the Titanic. Announced at Oshkosh 2007, Aspen bills its Evolution Flight Display system is an affordable glass cockpit solution for general aviation aircraft. With prices starting under $6,000, the modular and upgradeable Evolution system breaks the price barrier and makes the safety benefits of the most advanced glass cockpit technologies finally accessible to the vast majority of the GA aircraft fleet. By the end of the first quarter of 1008, Aspen's newly issued AML-STC enabled Aspen Avionics to start shipping, and its dealers to start installing, Evolution Flight Display systems... on track with the schedule Aspen promised to its customers. Certification of the Evolution Flight Display was the second TSO Aspen Avionics has received. The company's innovative AT300 Hazard Awareness Display received certification in November 2005. The certification process for the EFD1000 PFD took approximately 18 months to complete. While the initial TSO allowed the Aspen PFD to be installed in over 400 types of aircraft, Aspen added several more Class II airplanes, including some heavier twins, to its FAA Approved Model List Supplemental Type Certificate (AML-STC) for the EFD1000 Primary Flight Displays (PFDs). These latest additions include the Beechcraft Baron 58-series, and a subset of the Aerostar 600-and Twin Commander 500-series twin-engine airplanes. Over 650 models can now be equipped with the Aspen EFD1000. With certification of its Evolution EFD1000 PFD complete, Aspen looks forward to showing off their upcoming line of Evolution multi-function displays. Built upon the same certified hardwire platform as the PFDs, Aspen's MFD line adds additional situational awareness tools... while also providing a fully redundant backup to the PFD. The EFD1000 MFD and PFD combine high-resolution, sectional-style moving maps with dedicated and overlaid hazard awareness displays -- including weather, traffic and terrain advisories and warnings. The EFD1000 MFD also adds a second, independent air data, attitude and heading reference (ADAHRS) system for full redundancy. Even better, the next variant of the EFD1000 PFD, the ATP, is due in the second half of 2009. The ATP will add many MFD features, including sectional-style moving maps and integrated hazard awareness interfaces, to the PFD navigation display. Aspen is also pursuing approval to install the Evolution PFD into heavier Class III airplanes (those between 6,000 and 12,500 lbs.) by the end of the third quarter of 2009. Come along with ANN's Aero-TV crews to see the latest and greatest from the folks at Aspen Avionics. Join Aero-TV For An Aspen Avionics Update!!! FMI: www.aspenavionics.com, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews Copyright 2009, Aero-News Network, Inc., ALL Rights Reserved.

AMTSociety Maintenance Skills Competition Showcases the Best of the Best The AMTSociety hosted a unique competition last spring during the Aircraft Maintenance Summit at the annual Aviation Industry Expo. Dedicated to aircraft maintenance professionals, the AMTSociety Maintenance Skills Competition gives aircraft maintenance technicians, both licensed and student A the team was organized by Dave Hayden and included Phil Firmano, James Labrecque, Robinson Torres, and Joseph Haczela. The individual program featured three events, hardware identification, safety wiring and a written test of aviation's first aircraft mechanic, Charles E. Taylor. The winner was Steven Orville from the Redstone College, LA Campus. Other teams participating in the AMTSociety Maintenance Skills Competition included: -- American Eagle: Hirmiz Mikhael, Shad Dell, Carlos Rivera, David Quiroga, and organizer Jose Galarza -- AMTSociety's Tulsa Chapter: Zack Philips, Sydney Pittsinger, Zachary Van Ness, Dustin Wise, and coach Dennis Hayes -- Redstone College: Manuel Moralas, Ernesto Contreras, Jesus Murillo, Paul Cselly, and coach Bob Drake -- AIM Atlanta: Lawrence Howell, Steven Morphew, William Nickelson, and Michael Ferenbaugh -- AIM Dallas: Joshua Smith, Paulo R. Salazar III, Mike Cassard, Lyndol Erwin, and coach John Brecher -- AIM S.W. Region: Alexis Martinez, Jessie Hall, Ryan Donk, Clint Eyke, and coach Glori Berkel The team events included windshield inspection and drilling, sponsored by Perkins Aircraft Windows; hardware identification sponsored by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; safety wiring sponsored by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; avionics/electrical sponsored by Spirit Avionics; piston engine troubleshooting sponsored by Superior Air Parts; Gulfstream IV main wheel/brake removal and installation sponsored by Alberth Aviation; APU combuster assembly inspection and fiberscope sponsored by Dallas Airmotive; Charles E. Taylor written test sponsored by the Aircraft Maintenance Technicians Association; electrical troubleshooting sponsored by Duncan Aviation; avionics troubleshooting sponsored by CAE SimuFlite; and composite repair sponsored by Tarrant County College. FMI: http://www.amtonline.com/AMTsociety/, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork Copyright 2008, Aero-News Network, Inc., ALL Rights Reserved.

Compact 8" PFD4000 Joins Massive 15" Systems From Avidyne -- With Synthetic Vision! It's been an interesting year for a renewed and reinvigorated Avidyne. Avidyne Corporation had a message for pilots, manufacturers, and the general aviation industry as a whole, at AirVenture 2008: the company's back, and anyone who had written them off should take notice. After ceding much of the GA glass panel market -- a market pretty much Avidyne created, with its Envision flight deck -- to rival Garmin, Avidyne knew it had to offer a knockout punch in order to stand any chance of regaining market share. The avionics manufacturer has done it by combining Synthetic Vision (SVS) and Enhanced Vision (EVS) with large-format 15-inch Integrated Flight Displays (IFDs). Avidyne says its Entegra SVS offers improvements over existing systems by depicting 3D terrain all the way out to the horizon, based on the aircraft's altitude above the ground. The Avidyne system also depicts obstacles, traffic and "Highway-in-the-Sky" (HITS) boxes on the PFD, enhancing the utility of the airplane, improving the comfort level of passengers, and increasing the safety of each flight. As demonstrated on Avidyne's massive new 15" IFD8000 PFDs, the company builds on that capability by offering Entegra EVS enhanced vision, using a Max-Viz EVS-100 infrared camera. EVS is designed to turn night into day, enabling pilots to see up to ten times further in marginal VFR conditions through most atmospheric obscurations. With SVS and EVS, pilots can now fly comfortably at night, enjoying clear views of the ground, seeing emergency landing fields, roads, lakes, and buildings. Avidyne also introduced the Entegra PFD4000, a new compact, 8-inch primary flight display system, at AirVenture 2008. The panel is designed to fit virtually any general aviation aircraft, adding the enhanced situational awareness and reliability of an all-glass flight deck. The PFD4000 is designed as a "6-pack" replacement that will fit in virtually any panel space and offers traditional primary flight instrumentation, including support for autopilot and flight director as well as altitude pre-select, vertical speed select and heading select modes. Just like the Entegra EXP5000, it's bigger brother, the PFD4000 has a wide-format artificial horizon, intuitive trend tapes for altitude, airspeed, and vertical speed, a full horizontal situation indicator (HSI) with moving map presentation of flight plan data and an RMI/Bearing pointer overlay, as well as a full-time wind vector -- all within the pilot's primary field of view. The PFD4000 also offers one-button access to frequent pilot settings such as altitude, vertical speed, and heading, as well as a dedicated BARO knob, make it easy to use. It is designed to have a learning curve of less than five minutes. Avidyne says the PFD4000 will be "competitively" priced, and available sometime in 2009. Come See How Avidyne Tackles Synthetic Vision With The IFD800 and PFD4000--On Aero-TV! FMI: www.avidyne.com, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork Copyright 2008, Aero-News Network, Inc., ALL Rights Reserved.

LoPresti's HID Lighting System Offers Demonstrable Advantages Long overdue to Aero-TV screens everywhere is this interesting story about an innovative lighting system currently offered by the ever innovative LoPresti family. Called 'Boom Beams', LoPresti claims that their "Boom Beam HID lighting systems improve lighting in most cases by more than 500% and consists of a power supply, shielded high voltage wire harness, plug in HID lamp, mounting hardware, and your choice of lens reflector assemblies. " For round reflectors, LoPresti offers Landing, Taxi and Intermediate beam widths. The Landing beam has an exceedingly long range and is a 10 degree circle, (stock sealed beams are generally 10 wide by 5 high), the Taxi beam will flood the immediate area and is 55 degrees wide by 25 high, and the Intermediate also has a very long range but has the advantage of a much larger foot print on the runway, (our recommended light for single HID systems) and is a 17 degree circle. We also have rectangular reflectors for wing tip applications. These systems are available in 14 and 28 volt versions with pricing from $948. The Boom Beam system is FAA/PMA d and STC d for over 68,000 aircraft and can be field approved on virtually every other aircraft. The Boom Beam system is available in 3 widths, a Taxi Lighting system offering 54 width, an Intermediate system offering 17 width, and a Landing Light configuration offering 9 width. The Boom Beam program offers lighting systems in varying diameters and shapes. Tested to DO-160D FAA/PMA Approved Parts Five-Year Warranty Up to 5X the candlepower of standard lights No filament to break So... Let's ALL Light Up The World With LoPresti Boom Beams and Aero-TV! FMI: www.speedmods.com/Boom_Beam/boom_beam_systems.htm Copyright 2008, Aero-News Network, Inc., ALL Rights Reserved.

Entegra FMS900W Designed To Reduce Workload In Single-Pilot IFR Avidyne recently strutted its stuff before the Aero-TV crews with a demo of their upcoming FMS900W FMS system. In the works for some time, the new Entegra FMS900W WAAS-enabled GPS/NAV/COM Flight Management System (FMS) is designed to reduce workload for single-pilot IFR operations. The FMS900W provides a fully-redundant, state-of-the art VHF and TSO C146b Gamma 3-compliant turbine-class FMS capability for all GA aircraft. Utilizing a fully-modular architecture, the FMS900W Flight Management System is an enhancement to Avidyne's Entegra Integrated Flight Deck platform and is designed specifically to take advantage of Entegra's large-format displays and Byteflight peer-to-peer databus architecture. FMS900W system components include single or dual remote-mount LRUs, each with Avidyne's GPS723 WAAS/RNP GPS Sensor and a DVX740 VHF NAV/COM module and optional ACD215 Control/Display Units. Avidyne's GPS723 sensor is a fully compliant RTCA DO-229D, Gamma 3 navigation system, and is designed to meet Required Navigation Performance (RNP-0.3). Avidyne tells ANN that it is nearing completion of the product design phase and will soon be entering into the certification phase of the Entegra FMS900W program. Aero-TV Gets A Solid Briefing On The NEW Avidyne FMS900W! FMI: www.avidyne.com Copyright 2008, Aero-News Network, Inc., ALL Rights Reserved.

Full Garmin Avionics Suite Now Offered On New SR22-G3s ANN REALTIME SPECIAL REPORT 05.20.08 0500 EDT: We don't mean to overstate the importance of the following news item... but this is a marriage many in the aviation industry have been waiting for. Cirrus Design and Garmin International announced Tuesday at EBACE 2008 that the Duluth, MN planemaker will offer Cirrus Perspective -- an all-glass, fully-integrated flight deck tailored by Garmin specifically for the SR22-G3. "Cirrus and Garmin have worked together since the development of the first SR20 in the late 1990s when the GNS 430 was selected for the SR20's panel, and we are very excited to expand our relationship," said Gary Kelley, Garmin's vice president of marketing. "Both companies are equally committed to bringing customers a safe and quality aircraft, and we are confident Cirrus pilots will enjoy flying with Garmin's industry leading, all-glass integrated flight deck." Check Out Aero-TV's FLIGHT TEST In The Cirrus SR22 G3-GTSX... With Perspective!!! "As a pilot, you sit in a cockpit and experience the world in ways others can only imagine. So naturally, as leaders in technology and innovation, Cirrus and Garmin sat in the cockpit together and worked to truly redesign the pilot-airplane interface" said Cirrus CEO Alan Klapmeier. "Ultimately, with Cirrus Perspective pilots fly smoother, smarter and safer." Cirrus Perspective isn't "just" a G1000 panel fitted to an SR22... but rather a fully integrated, model-specific avionics platform. All information -- from aircraft attitude and air data to engine instrumentation, real-time weather data link, traffic and terrain -- is integrated and digitally depicted on the 12-inch primary flight display (PFD) and multi-function display (MFD). ANN Editor-In-Chief Jim Campbell test flew the fully-equipped airplane recently for ANN and Aero-TV and noted that, "This is the real deal... right here and right now, this has to be the most capable GA piston single in the business. The avionics/airframe integration is exquisitely executed and the airplane truly surpases our great expectations for the 'latest and greatest' of the Cirrus line. I really can't wait to see someone top this... but no matter who does it, the entire industry benefits when companies like Cirrus keep raising the bar. While some may call it a party trick, the addition of the "LVL" capability is going to be (at least) a major convenience and possibly a life-saver. The Dual AHRS, beefed up electrical system, magnificently monstrous displays, and those GREAT new seats make this a really cool way to fly. The airplane just plain defines what is now state of the art for GA." The Perspective is the first single engine piston aircraft with an all-glass Garmin cockpit to utilize dual, solid-state Attitude and Heading Reference Systems (AHRS) that can align while in motion, including in-flight dynamic restarts. This turbine aircraft style architecture provides Cirrus pilots with an extra level of redundancy and safety. Perspective cockpits also include seamless integration of Garmin's GFC 700 automatic flight control system. This standard two-axis autopilot (three-axis autopilot optional) makes it possible for pilots to maintain airspeed references and optimize performance over the entire airspeed envelope. New features of the autopilot system include increased roll and pitch engagement attitudes. Cirrus Perspective will also come standard with Garmin's Synthetic Vision Technology, which presents a 3D depiction of terrain, obstacles and traffic on the PFD. SVT includes helpful features like a flight path marker (displays projected path of the aircraft), Pathways (Garmin's implementation of highway-in-the-sky), and unique runway highlighting and airport signs. With the system already certified by the FAA, Cirrus expects deliveries of SR22-G3 Perspective-equipped aircraft to begin next month. FMI: www.cirrusdesign.com, www.garmin.com Copyright 2008, Aero-News Network, Inc., ALL Rights Reserved.

The Annual gathering of the truly 'uber-professional' folks who populate the ultra-high-tech avionics business was a great success this year -- with outstanding attendance, accomplishments and achievements to be boasted about for years to come. But... who are these people and what do they get out of gathering each year? Aero-TV crews spent some time at the convention and on the exhibit floor to find out for ourselves. These are interesting people... and they belong to an equally interesting organization. Founded in 1957, the Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) represents more than 1,300 aviation businesses, including repair stations that specialize in maintenance, repair and installation of avionics and electronic systems in general aviation aircraft. AEA membership also includes instruments facilities, manufacturers of avionics equipment, instrument manufacturers, airframe manufacturers, test equipment manufacturers, major distributors, and educational institutions. AEA tells ANN that their mission is to be a worldwide, self-sustaining organization committed to enhancing the profitability of its members by... providing effective leadership to its members, facilitating the communications between members and with their various constituent groups, encouraging members to establish quality processes, furthering the education of its members and their various constituent groups, influencing the applicable legislative and regulatory processes. Among those attending are a number of different types of members... Regular Members who may be an avionics or instrument facility with a Government-approved repair station. Applications for membership must include radio or instrument ratings, as well as a photocopy of their Certified Repair Station Certificate. Associate Members may be an avionics manufacturer, instrument manufacturer, test equipment manufacturer, airframe manufacturer, wire/cable manufacturer, major distributor, company dealing in used equipment, trade publications, accessory manufacturer, calibration lab, or consultant to the industry. This type of member must derive the majority of its gross revenues from the above activities. Air Carrier Members are usually a Part 121/135 operator. A FAR-145 CRS is required. A photocopy of their CRS certificate is required with the application. Academic Members include schools or college offering avionics or maintenance training. Delegated Engineering Authorities include any entity delegated to approve data on behalf of its respective regulatory authority. Professionals all, we really enjoyed spending a few days in April with them and look forward to AEA 2009! Til then, let's join Aero-TV as they meet the rank and file of the Aircraft Electronics Association at AEA 2008! FMI: www.aea.net Copyright 2008, Aero-News Network, Inc., ALL Rights Reserved.

Aspen Avionics' Evolution EFIS Now Approved In Nearly 400 Aircraft Models It's been a whirlwind year for the folks of Aspen Avionics. Just a few weeks ago, Aspen received its Approved Model List Supplemental Type Certificate (AML-STC) for the EFD1000 Primary Flight Display (PFD), from the almighty FAA. This certification -- combined with the TSO (Technical Standard Order) certification granted to the company two weeks ago, as ANN reported -- authorizes installation of Aspen s Evolution PFD in almost 400 airplane makes and models. Coming before the end of March 2008, the AML-STC enabled Aspen Avionics to start shipping, and its dealers to start installing, Evolution Flight Display systems... on track with the schedule Aspen promised to its customers. Announced last year at Oshkosh, Aspen bills its Evolution Flight Display system is an affordable glass cockpit solution for general aviation aircraft. With prices starting under $6,000, the modular and upgradeable Evolution system breaks the price barrier and makes the safety benefits of the most advanced glass cockpit technologies finally accessible to the vast majority of the GA aircraft fleet. Certification of the Evolution Flight Display is the second TSO Aspen Avionics has received. The company s innovative AT300 Hazard Awareness Display received certification in November 2005. The certification process for the EFD1000 PFD took approximately 18 months to complete. With certification of its Evolution EFD1000 PFD under their belt, the crew at Aspen Avionics looks forward to showing off their upcoming line of Evolution multi-function displays. Built upon the same certified hardwire platform as the PFDs, Aspen's MFD line adds additional situational awareness tools... while also providing a fully redundant backup to the PFD. The EFD1000 MFD and PFD combine high-resolution, sectional-style moving maps with dedicated and overlaid hazard awareness displays -- including weather, traffic and terrain advisories and warnings. The EFD1000 MFD also adds a second, independent air data, attitude and heading reference (ADAHRS) system for full redundancy. Aspen also gave hints to its next variant of the EFD1000 PFD, the ATP. Due in the second half of 2009, the ATP will add many MFD features, including sectional-style moving maps and integrated hazard awareness interfaces, to the PFD navigation display. It's an exciting time for the avionics biz... Let's Get Updated On Aspen Avionics With ANN's Aero-TV! FMI: www.aspenavionics.com Copyright 2008, Aero-News Network, Inc., ALL Rights Reserved.

Derks Looks To The Future With Excitement... And Caution The hard-working staff of AEA chalked up an amazing presentation with the close of the 51st Annual AEA Convention, concluded just days ago in the shadow of Washington, DC. Nearly 1,800 avionics and aviation industry professionals from more than 15 countries attending the Aircraft Electronics Association s four-day event from April 23-26. According to Paula Derks, president of the AEA, this year s convention was truly an international gathering of industry professionals. During the AEA s annual convention, 25 new products were introduced; nearly 95 hours of training was offered; more than $135,000 in scholarships were awarded, which was a record high; and 98 companies another record were honored with the Avionics Training Excellence Award. Our efforts in creating the pipeline of prospects for our academic members runs parallel with our effort to provide continuous regulatory and technical training once these technicians enter the field, said Mike Adamson, vice president of member programs and education for the AEA. These record numbers are indicative of the success AEA has had in being the preferred provider of training and education resources for the avionics and repair station community. The AEA Trade Show portion of the event featured 144 exhibitors throughout the 72,000-square-foot exhibit hall at the Gaylord National Resort on the Potomac River. Other convention highlights included: Honoring three international members with the AEA Lifetime Achievement Award Newt Gingrich, former speaker of the House of Representatives, spoke to attendees during the AEA Annual Awards Luncheon. EMTEQ was named the 2008 AEA Associate Member of the Year, and Gary Harpster of Duncan Aviation was named the 2008 AEA Member of the Year. In between technical and business training, the AEA offered regulatory updates sessions and various FAA panels. Regulatory agencies were significantly represented during the AEA s convention, including participation from Nick Sabatini, associate administrator, Aviation Safety, and dozens of FAA and international program managers and field inspectors representing aviation on four different continents. In our efforts for continuous improvement, the opportunity to meet with FAA leadership is priceless both so that FAA headquarters can visit with industry, and also for industry to meet with the FAA decision-makers, said Ric Peri, vice president of government and industry affairs for the AEA. In order to be prepared for the future, this was a great opportunity to see what is coming on the radar screen. Aero-TV covered this year's event AGGRESSIVELY... so, keep an eye out for DOZENS of programs that were generated from our attendance and coverage of this pivotal event... But first, let's start the ball rolling with our interview with AEA's accomplished President, Paula Derks. on ALL things avionics. FMI: www.aea.net Copyright 2008, Aero-News Network, Inc., ALL Rights Reserved.

While we've been enjoying the fruits of the certified EFIS developments that have popped up over the last few years, we are duty-bound to mention that the experimental aircraft industry has been developing these technologies for many years... and flying them for nearly as long. As a matter of fact, a number of certified products started with the experimental industry. Aero-TV spent some amusing moments with Blue Mountain Avionics' boss, Greg Richter, an irrepressible sort of fellow who has spearheaded a phenomenal amount of glass panel development programs for sport aircraft. In addition to being quite an innovator, we must note that its hard to come away from this feature without also noting that he's a bit of a character... this was a wild (and fun) interview -- despite the fact that we had to brave some uncharacteristically cool temps in central Florida on the closing day of the 2008 US Sport Aviation Expo. Greg's first EFIS flew in 1997, and since then, he has driven Blue Mountain to become one of the preeminent suppliers of EFIS, FMCS and Autopilots for homebuilts and light-sport aircraft. Richter tells ANN that his product line boasts, "the fastest AHRS available (at 420 deg/sec, 4x the nearest competitor), the brightest sunlight-readable displays, built-in WAAS GPS, moving map, 3D terrain avoidance, engine monitor and automated nav/com control." Blue Mountain EFIS installations can be seen in any number of sport aircraft... ranging form Van's speedy RVs to L-39s and even experimental rocketplanes. FMI: www.bluemountainavionics.com Copyright 2008, Aero-News Network, Inc., ALL Rights Reserved.

While we've been enjoying the fruits of the certified EFIS developments that have popped up over the last few years, we are duty-bound to mention that the experimental aircraft industry has been developing these technologies for many years... and flying them for nearly as long. As a matter of fact, a number of certified products started with the experimental industry. Aero-TV spent some amusing moments with Blue Mountain Avionics' boss, Greg Richter, an irrepressible sort of fellow who has spearheaded a phenomenal amount of glass panel development programs for sport aircraft. In addition to being quite an innovator, we must note that its hard to come away from this feature without also noting that he's a bit of a character... this was a wild (and fun) interview -- despite the fact that we had to brave some uncharacteristically cool temps in central Florida on the closing day of the 2008 US Sport Aviation Expo. Greg's first EFIS flew in 1997, and since then, he has driven Blue Mountain to become one of the preeminent suppliers of EFIS, FMCS and Autopilots for homebuilts and light-sport aircraft. Richter tells ANN that his product line boasts, "the fastest AHRS available (at 420 deg/sec, 4x the nearest competitor), the brightest sunlight-readable displays, built-in WAAS GPS, moving map, 3D terrain avoidance, engine monitor and automated nav/com control." Blue Mountain EFIS installations can be seen in any number of sport aircraft... ranging form Van's speedy RVs to L-39s and even experimental rocketplanes. FMI: www.bluemountainavionics.com Copyright 2008, Aero-News Network, Inc., ALL Rights Reserved.

http://www.onesixright.com"Dreams of Flying" is from "One Six Right" "One Six Right" is an exhilarating documentary film that celebrates the unsung hero of aviation the local airport by tracing the life, history, and struggles of an airport icon: Southern California s Van Nuys Airport. Featuring thrilling aerial photography and a sweeping original score, the film dispels common misconceptions and opposes criticism of General Aviation airports. Through the love story of one airport, past to present, the film shares the timeless romance of flying with all ages.