Air Refueling in the KC135 from John Armstrong on Vimeo.

Here at GlassPilot we enjoy sharing information about modern aircraft and the impact the technology is having on the way we fly. Sometimes we like to share unique experiences and flying destinations for our readers to enjoy.  In this video we have the opportunity to share the experience of a recent flight on an Air Force Air Refueling Tanker. I was invited on a Civic Leader orientation flight.  The entire process was truly amazing.

In a typical refueling the KC135 might give an F15 3000 lbs or 500 gallons of fuel in only minutes.  The F15’s follow the tanker and the boom operator guides the fuel nozzle into a special fitting on the top of the aircraft. The song on the video seemed to fit as it says, “follow-me home and give me 5″. In one refueling mission the KC135 can deliver more fuel than the average driver would use in over 40 years of driving!

Though there are lots of engine gauges you’ll see that they don’t have anything on our modern GA panels! In fact, the aircraft was built the same year I was born and has been updated with glass avionics systems. In this updated form it is still the workhorse of the Air Force for refueling today. I think you’ll enjoy the video, check it out.  JA for GlassPilot.com

Event: Wings & Steam Fly-In
Dates: November 6, 7, 8, 2009

Flying Destination:
The Pik-N-Pig Restaurant, Carthage, NC

Airport: Gilliam-McConnell Airfield – 5NC3 coordinates: N35-20-366 W079-26-204   SDZ (VOR) 111.8 10.6 miles 049 Radial

Activities: Enjoy a BBQ lunch or dinner while you watch airplanes and then make your way to the Train and Tractor Show.  I heard there is a 5 mile Flea Market Too!

Comments: This unique place is simply something you must experience. They are hosting the Wings & Steam Fly-In Nov 6-8 2009.  This once a year extravaganza of vintage motorized equipment is so extensive and unique it is hard describe. You will be amazed by all that is on display. There are steam engine train rides and much of the equipment will be running providing demonstrations. Kids, young and old, love to see and hear trains and tractors so this event will entertain the entire family. Plan to stay longer than you might suspect you will!

Click to see the news video of this unique destination

See our Previous Post for all the details about the Pik N Pig and Flying into the 5NC3.

Read the rest of this entry »

On March 12th, 2009 Diamond Aircraft received the much anticipated type certificate for its DA42 NG, powered by the 170 hp Austro Engine AE-300.

“We are delighted to be able to resume volume deliveries of the DA42, less than 11 months after the insolvency of TAE”, said Christian Dries, CEO of Diamond Aircraft Industries. “The DA42 NG is better in every respect with much improved performance, increased gross weight, even better fuel efficiency and the Garmin GFC 700 autopilot and is prepared for Garmin Synthetic Vision System. With over 40 airframes already in various stages of production, we will be delivering the first aircraft almost immediately. Most important to the existing customer base, we are focusing our efforts to achieve the certification of the optional upgrade of all delivered DA42s with the Austro Engine, such that all customers can benefit from these improvements along with comprehensive customer support for their engines. We will shortly be announcing the details of an all inclusive maintenance program that will ensure a superior level of support as we work to extend the TBO of the engine from 1000 to 2000 hours. In parallel we are pursuing validation of the certification in all other markets as quickly as possible.”

With over 500 delivered aircraft operating worldwide, the DA42 is the best selling light twin engine piston aircraft, popular with private pilots and commercial flight training organizations. With its all carbon airframe, known ice certification, Garmin G1000 and single lever jetfuel powered turbo-diesel engines, the DA42 is the undisputed technology leader in general aviation.

The DA42 MPP multi purpose special mission sensor platform version of the DA42 is gaining worldwide popularity in search and rescue, law enforcement, border patrol, security, maritime surveillance, high accuracy digital mapping, and ecological monitoring.

For more information call 877-258-8011 or visit http://www.flydominion.com/

February 2009 was a “Red Letter Month” for us all.

See what our friends in the aircraft sales business are saying about the Obama Stimulus Package as it relates to buying an airplane this year.

While average citizens are trying to figure out all the ways they are going to spend their $13 / week benefit from the bill, businessmen and smart fliers that can qualify for the various opportunities for business use may be swimming in cash flow positive heaven while enjoying their dream plane.

Glass Pilot says, if you want an airplane, you need to get with an experienced aircraft representative that knows the ropes on the new tax code and can help you get started with the right resources.  (Email GlassPilot to request a referral)

Click for News on 2009 Stimulus for Aircraft

We found an interesting video on YouTube that our followers might find interesting. The aircraft is an older Diamond DA40 with the analog autopilot. They demonstrate an ILS approach in low conditions. The video we’d like to bring you next is the G1000 approach with WAAS and SVT…stay tuned. GP

I am writing this post to ask you to consider joining a Congressional letter writing campaign spearheaded by the NBAA.  The letter writing campaign is about proposed Transportation Security Administration rulemaking that would drive another nail in the coffin of general aviation.  Specifically, by the TSA is proposing rules that would force general aviation to comply with sweeping security measures designed specifically for the nation’s commercial airlines.  These rules would apply to operations for airplanes as small as Read the rest of this entry »

I just stumbled on this I thought all you GlassPilot readers would find it very interesting….GP

Hi, I represent Powerenz.com, they specialize in coming up with custom portable solar power units to meet almost any application. Here is a really cool solar power solution that they came up with for a pilot and his plane and some information to go with the pictures.

A commercial pilot who also owns a personal, single-engine, four-seater aircraft was looking for a better way to power his avionics system. The glass cockpit package in his airplane is a Garmin G1000 avionics, and is a 24-volt system. In order to power up the aircraft’s avionics system, either the battery must be turned on via a switch with the engine off, or the aircraft engine must be started and running. This either wastes battery power, or creates heat, loud noise and smoke, and burns and wastes high-cost aviation gas. On the front right side of the aircraft, there is an electrical DC power port that can be used to jump-start the airplane’s engine in case of battery failure by using a spare battery or to charge the airplane battery using AC power and a transformer. The pilot flies his airplane to several remote locations where there is no AC power. In addition, to carry a spare aircraft battery on flights occupies limited space, is heavy, and is expensive.

The pilot came to Powerenz and asked if they could design a portable power system that would allow him to power up the aircraft’s 24-volt avionics system with the engine off. He needed a unit that would Read the rest of this entry »

Winter flying can be enjoyable … but only if you are well prepared!

So whether you have just ONE minute to spare, 10 minutes, or 45 minutes — please TAKE ADVANTAGE OF AT LEAST ONE OF THESE FREE SAFETY RESOURCES NOW:

• Have only a minute? Download our Safety Advisor! Many pilots get a weather briefing and have little or no idea how to determine where icing may occur. Tuck your Safety Advisor into your flight bag for quick reference.
• Have 10 minutes? Take our online quiz! Knowing what you don’t know will help you brush up on the winter hazards that can cause good pilots to make bad mistakes.
• Have 45 minutes? Take our FREE Interactive Course Weather Wise: Precipitation & Icing. (Recommended.) This course employs engaging graphics and practical, interactive exercises to teach you how to recognize hazards, develop avoidance strategies, and react appropriately when the weather takes an unexpected turn.

Or — Take advantage of all three! You can also help other pilots by forwarding a link to this postl to family and friends who fly.

With the roller coaster ride of aviation gasoline prices we’ve been on its certainly good news that prices are coming down but will they get to $1.99?

Do you think you’ll ever see $1.99 again to fill up your airplane?

Well Diamond Aircraft recently launched a plan to provide new buyers of their popular DA40 XLS with $1.99 Av Gas for 18 months! It was all part of a Go Green Promotion that highlights the airplanes incredible fuel economy of 170+ miles per hour on about 10 gallons of fuel an hour. That’s better than the car I drive!

For more info and details check out these links:
http://www.flydominion.com/dominion/2008/10/takeyou/

http://www.flydominion.com/dominion/2008/10/gogreen/