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HUDs are simple in concept, but not so simple to engineer and install. They’re basically an optical projector that displays an informationally compressed flight data display on a glass screen called a combiner. The idea is that the pilot can look through the display and see critical data such as attitude and airspeed while avoiding the distraction of looking down at the panel. The display has to be engineered in such a way that the data appears almost at infinity, so as to be an aid, not a distraction.

The Dynon Certified retrofit glass system started life in the experimental market as the HDX, but now has an STC for installation in Cessna Skyhawks and soon, some models of the Beech Bonanza. The company has plenty of other airframes on its STC to-do list. But while the Skyhawk STC has been in place for a while, not many have been installed, likely because there are just two shops authorized by Dynon to do it: Thrust Flight in Texas and Merrill Field Instruments in Alaska.

For almost two years the market has been dazzled as Montana-based uAvionix introduced smartly designed ADS-B mandate solutions that seriously curtail the installation effort and cost. As weve been reporting, the first product aimed at the masses is the skyBeacon, a wingtip LED position light with internal WAAS GPS, L-band antenna, an ADS-B transmitter and wireless Bluetooth. With a two-wire interface (power and ground) and a mounting footprint thats the same as many existing incandescent position light housings, the $1849 bolt-on skyBeacon is about as simple as ADS-B Out installs get. uAvionix has been selling the skyBeacon to the experimental market while it soldiered through the TSO certification process, which was awarded as we go to press.

You know, Ive been trying to keep my mind open to Jet-A-burning diesels finding their way in the U.S. GA market, but so far its been easy to shrug off the notion that the typical engine buyer has a real need for one. Most recently Textron canceled production of its diesel-powered Turbo Skyhawk JT-A, not a year since earning both FAA and EASA certification. The 155-HP Continental CD-155 turbodiesel powerplant is still offered to buyers directly through Continental as an STCd installation for existing Skyhawks, but whether Textron had buyers or not for the JT-A Skyhawk, its still a tone-setting setback. Officially, Textron said the decision will help streamline its production process. Its not tough to read between the lines.

As its been since it started life in 1963 as the model 205 (a fixed-gear version of the wing-strutted 210), the current HD T206H turbo Stationair is neither fast nor slow and its no looker on the airport lunch ramp. But what it lacks in sexy styling it more than makes up with in utility-lots of it. It works we’ll on floats and on oversized tires and it easily carries a cargo pod on its belly. We know of more than one Stationair owner who loads motorcycles in the cabin.

A combination of flight training programs bulging at the seams as airline pilot hopefuls race to get their ratings and prices of light twins hovering at historic lows attracting buyers with the cash to maintain and feed them has led to more and more pilots seeking to pick up their multi-engine ratings. We surveyed a number of operations across the country that offer the training to find out whats involved, how long it takes and what it should cost.

When we evaluated the Iridium-based Airtext cabin router in the April 2018 Aviation Consumer, overall we found it to be a good performer with rugged hardware, reliable Bluetooth and a useful suite of smartphone apps.

Probably most important in my decision is that I do not see myself flying alone much of the time. I love to share the joys of flight with friends and family. With a total passenger weight (conservatively) at 165 pounds each for a total of 330 pounds, and a total aircraft useful load of 425 pounds, youre left to choose between fuel or baggage-its mostly one or the other.

Garmin didnt sit on its hands and scored an AML-STC for its experimental G5 electronic flight instrument, offering it as a primary mini-PFD and also a version thats a standalone electronic DG/HSI. Both are integral components to Garmins entry-level GFC500 autopilot.

Flight simulators of various sorts have been around since the Wright brothers started their flight school. They were, and are, based on the premise that an airplane cockpit is a lousy classroom, so learning what you can about flying an airplane in a device on the ground will help you learn faster when in the airplane itself-reducing training costs.

Not exactly, but close. The airplane pictured below is the Vashon R7 Ranger S-LSA and it has an intriguing story, an inviting price and the latest Dynon avionics. First, the story. Several years ago Dynons founder and CEO John Torode had an idea to build and sell a new airplane model and although it wasnt necessarily supposed to be an LSA, it fell within the price point he was after. After years of listening to pilots describe what they might want in a modern LSA, Torode figured out that the obvious stuff potential buyers wanted was something he could offer. It had to have plenty of cool factor, an affordable price and capable avionics. The avionics, of course, would be easy. Dynon enjoys much success in the experimental avionics market with a proven product line that remains on the cutting edge.

Not exactly, but close. The airplane pictured below is the Vashon R7 Ranger S-LSA and it has an intriguing story, an inviting price and the latest Dynon avionics. First, the story. Several years ago Dynons founder and CEO John Torode had an idea to build and sell a new airplane model and although it wasnt necessarily supposed to be an LSA, it fell within the price point he was after. After years of listening to pilots describe what they might want in a modern LSA, Torode figured out that the obvious stuff potential buyers wanted was something he could offer. It had to have plenty of cool factor, an affordable price and capable avionics.