In gliders, ultralights, gyrocopters and even some classic LSAs, some of the mainstream ADS-B Out/In combination solutions may not be practical from an installation (and cost) standpoint. In many aircraft, space is limited, on and off the panel. uAvionix, the company that’s had sizable success with the wingtip and tail-mounted skyBeacon/tailBeacon ADS-B solutions, has a […]
We recently showed a piece of B-roll that shows a later-model Garmin Perspective+ equipped Cirrus on a night visual approach with a windshield full of red-over-red VASI and an approaching dark tree line underneath. There are a bunch of things going on in that six-second clip worth talking about, besides its muddy image quality that […]
So many buyers are removing their vacuum system in favor of all-electronic instruments, but neglected electrical systems—including the battery—are the weak link. Reliability isn’t helped when the typical lead-acid model sits for long periods in harsh temperatures. Meanwhile, battery tech for the consumer electronics market has changed for the better, and that includes smart lithium-ion […]
In aircraft with limited panel space—maybe small aerobats, motorgliders or ultralights—equipping for the ADS-B mandate could be a challenge. Scotland-based Trig Avionics has that market covered with a line of compact avionics, including 1090ES ADS-B transponders. But to comply with the mandate, those transponders (and third-party ADS-B 1090ES models not equipped with internal GPS) need […]
In the cockpit, POV or action cameras have become as common—if not more so—as handheld radios. Driven by the action sports and social media markets, competition in these cameras is white hot and new models and accessories proliferate. For the purpose of this review, the choice is between the GoPro Hero 7 or Hero 8. […]
ForeFlight introduced its 3D Preview feature awhile back, but now version 12-2 is enhanced with 3D Approach Preview, standard on Performance Plus subscriptions. The idea behind 3D Approach Preview is to better visualize what the approach segment will look like (down to the runway threshold)because it creates onscreen markers for each waypoint in a route, […]
Last year Dynon Avionics took a different approach to avionics installations by approving A&P mechanics to install its SkyView HDX Certified integrated avionics. To review, the capable SkyView Certified equipment is essentially the same basic platform as the company’s experimental SkyView HDX, but has an AML-STC for certified aircraft. Instead of setting up a large […]
In a market dominated by big-screen primary flight displays it’s easy to see why high-priced HUD technology hasn’t gained traction in large numbers for small airplanes. But smartphones have grown larger screens that may be useful for displaying nav data and don’t take much space in the cabin. And that’s why Sporty’s has been marketing […]
A year ago I opted for the wingtip-mounted uAvionix skyBeacon to meet the ADS-B Out mandate on my 1966 Cessna 182. The price was right and the installation, including paperwork, took only 2.5 hours. Following the post-maintenance flight to make sure the system worked and qualified for the FAA $500 rebate, I ordered an FAA […]
Over the past year or so uAvionix made a name for itself with the innovative skyBeacon and tailBeacon ADS-B Out solutions. These 978 MHz UAT devices, intended to replace a wingtip strobe and tail light, respectively, proved popular for owners wanting a cost-effective way to get ADS-B compliance without having to invest in a new […]
Cirrus and Daher, builder of the TBM turboprop, have different aircraft design philosophies, but they share one thing in common: Both build and sell airplanes to a select, moneyed clientele who seem perfectly happy to trade in a relatively new airplane on the latest new model. Call it community-style marketing. The sales guys know their […]
The ILS approach hardware at Houston Hobby International pictured below is likely planted in the turf for the long term. Still, there’s a definite trend that points to an airspace based primarily on space-based navigation. As the avionics retrofit market booms along there has been lots of speculation about the future of ground-based navigation, including […]
