Kitplanes

Two weeks before Sun N Fun, Garmin has introduced a new model to its portable GPS lineup, the GPSMAP495. While rumors have been circulating for some time that a successor to the popular 496 was about to be released-with the most common belief that it would have a different form factor than the -96 series and a touch screen-the 495 is more of an addition to the middle of the line rather than an expansion…

The FAA on Wednesday announced an Emergency Airworthiness Directive on certain Precision Airmotive RSA-5 and RSA-10 fuel injection servos to be inspected before further flight. Two recent incidents have been blamed on a loose servo plug. According to the AD, the servo plug gasket is thought to have shrunk with engine heat, which causes it to …

Builders share their successes.

The Jabiru LSA was certified, a new Sport Hornet is introduced, Vertical Power offers climate control in the cockpit, Cirrus is taking orders, an old favorite book title is back in print, the PT-6 firewall-forward package is now on a Turbo Grizzly, and an LED pilot pen lights the great write way; edited by Mary Bernard.

Chuck Bodeen Chucks background is as an aerospace engineer and computer programmer. His love for flying started when his Dad was an inspector for United...

The Months Go By So FastWhy do you publish and send out the magazine so many months ahead? I think I just received my...

The Aircraft Electronics Association commented recently on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) regarding ADS-B, or Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast technology. (ADS-B employs Mode S transponders and universal access transceivers to manage datalink-equipped aircraft, potentially improving use of airspace and overall safety.) While the AEA supports the requirement to adopt ADS-B, it does not …

Due to popular demand, the RANS S-9 Chaos and S-10 Sakota midwing one- and two-place aerobatic kit aircraft are back in production, the company says. Deliveries will begin in June. The two kits were discontinued about a year ago, and will be offered in their original form. We are happy that the planes have commanded such strong response, says Randy Schlitter, RANS CEO, and will strive to supply the same top notch quality [customers] have…

The Bosch 18V cordless jigsaw has been added to Aircraft Spruces line of Bosch power tools. The 6-pound jigsaw has a One-Touch system that allows for easy [IMG(CAP1)]blade change and ejection of hot or broken blades with one lever. The Bosch also features blade retention, a three-way grip that maintains the blade position and allows for precise cuts. An adjustable dust blower keeps the cutting line clear.…

Weather Statement Groundschool is now offering a course on METARS (Aviation Routine Weather Reports) and TAFs (Terminal Area Forecasts) that you can complete on your home computer. METARS include temperature, dew point, wind speed, direction, precipitation, cloud cover, visibility, lightning and barometric pressure. TAFs are used in conjunction with METARS and use similar terminology. [IMG(CAP1)] …