This just in as another update from Mark Brightman who is enjoying his new DA40 XLS with SVT.  The interesting thing about Mark’s reports is a retired Air Force Officer he didn’t think the SVT would be that big of help when he acquired his airplane. This second report pretty much confirms that he made a good choice getting the SVT on his new plane.

“I had the occasion to use the SVT to back up an approach to minimums and subsequent missed approach with a weather divert recently. I was going into Lake Placid. They have a GPS approach which takes you through some hills. Even though the approach minimums are around 1400 AGL, the approach course is interesting with the course taking you between hills/high terrain. I had the GFC700 coupled up for the approach and I was able to monitor the approach both with the MFD, the PFD course indicators for approach course compliance. But what made my approach “comfortable” was knowing I could “see” the terrain throughout the approach. The missed requires I climbing right turn out of the valley with terrain all around and the SVT provided a very high sense of confidence regarding terrain clearance. I ended up diverting into Glen Falls NY for the night. All of the avionics as well as the Nexrad were instrumental in the flight. And the 50 gallons gave me a very nice margin for divert decisions.”

Mark Brightman N970DS DA40 XLS

I’ve always been fascinated by why people want to fly. Its a fun question to ask the pilots that I meet…”Why do you like to fly?” I ask. I usually get an answer that starts off with, “I’ve always wanted…” or “I just like being up in the air…” or other such answers.

A friend sent me this link to a video I thought was kind of neat and that captures the mystique and allure of flying for me. Since I originally learned in a classic J3 Cub and have owned and amphibian and enjoy playing the guitar, some of the images pulled at my heartstrings.

I hope you enjoy this as much as I did. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-wUPixCw2c

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