OLATHE, Kan./April 8, 2010/ Business Wire — Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced that it will soon include synthetic vision in the G300 and G3X, the avionic platforms for Cessna’s Skycatcher and other experimental and light sport aircraft (LSA), respectively. The G300 and G3X’s synthetic vision, SVX, is specifically for experimental and light sport aircraft. SVX will be included with newly purchased G300 and G3X systems, and will be available for download for those who are already flying with the avionics.

“Synthetic vision is one of the most useful, safety enhancing features that we offer and it makes a world of difference in how you aviate,” said Gary Kelley, Garmin’s vice president of marketing. “G300 and G3X pilots will appreciate the added situational awareness in 3D as they fly.”

With SVX on the G300 or G3X, the primary flight display (PFD) illustrates a clear 3D depiction of terrain, obstacles, runway designations, airport sign-posts and more – all shown in relative proximity to the aircraft. Instead of a flat blue-over-brown flight display, pilots will see an in-depth perspective view of realistic terrain features rising into the sky. G300 or G3X systems with a single display will be able to view SVX in split screen mode with PFD information on the display’s top half and multi-function display (MFD) information on the display’s bottom half.

In addition, aircraft that are equipped with a Garmin GTX 330 transponder or other compatible traffic receiver will display traffic alerts that use standard traffic symbology represented in 3D.

The G300 is a glass cockpit exclusively for the Cessna 162 Skycatcher. The Skycatcher is a two-place, single-engine piston, high-wing aircraft in the LSA category. The G300 presents information as a split-screen PFD and MFD, or as two full-screen displays with an optional second screen.

The G3X, like the G300, is a customizable PFD and MFD combination and features one, two or three all-glass displays; magnetometer; ADAHRS (combined air data and AHRS unit) and engine monitoring. Thanks to its building block design, customers can create a high performance panel that is tailored to their experimental or light sport aircraft.

Garmin anticipates the availability of SVX during Sun ‘n Fun 2010 and customers will be able to download it from www.fly.Garmin.com. For additional information visit www.Garmin.com.

“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

To quote Mac McLellan in a recent Flying e-newsletter, “It is clear that the present administration in Washington, in the midst of the greatest economic crisis in 70 years, doesn’t care one wit about the future of business aviation. Over the past several weeks it has lumped all private airplanes used for business into a category of spending that is so wasteful it cannot be tolerated. And now it continues to press ahead with its Large Airplane Security Program (LASP) that piles more cost onto business flying and robs those airplanes of a huge chunk of their usefulness…rules that may make some sense for public transportation using aircraft that weigh hundreds of thousands of pounds are absurd for the typical business airplane that its owners use to visit the thousands of airports around the country that are not served by any airline.”

You can join this letter writing in just a minute or two by following the link http://www.nbaa.org/advocacy/contact/ to NBAA’s website.  There, upon entering your name and address, you can review and personalize a letter to your congressperson that NBAA will forward to the right person for you.  It took me less than one minute to send this letter and support the NBAA.

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 not require him to use the aircraft battery, and could:

a. utilize solar energy for fuel instead of liquid fossil fuel
b. be stored and carried in one bag or case, by one person
c. be charged by AC power when available
d. provide durable, long-term independence from the power grid.

We assembled a portable solar panel-battery system that included the following components:
a. high-quality 12-volt, sealed lead acid battery
b. regulated 12-24-volt step-up DC-DC converter with a peak output power of 700 watts (29 amps)
c. two 42-watt foldable solar panels
d. 7-amp solar charge controller
e. proper fusing and wiring
f. 3-amp, automatic, 12-volt, AC-powered lead acid battery charger
g. proper connecting adapter that mates with the aircraft DC power port.

The step-up DC-DC converter was chosen over a second portable battery in order to save on weight. A second 12-volt battery could easily be substituted for the DC-DC converter, connected to the first battery in series, and provide 24 volts. This would be less expensive, though heavier than the DC-DC converter. The pilot chose the DC-DC converter option.

The entire system could be housed in either a heavy-duty tool-carrying case, a military tanker’s tool bag, or in a hard case such as those manufactured by Pelican, Hardigg, and HPRC.

The above portable power system can power up the aircraft avionics silently, without smoke, and without wasting aircraft fuel. The unit can be used for approximately 90 minutes before the portable battery required recharging. Ninety minutes of power was more than sufficient time to plan a flight, check weather, etc. During these preflight checks the aircraft engine does not have to be running, nor does the aircraft battery have to be used. To recharge the portable battery when low on charge would require 3-4 hours of good sunlight when using two 42-watt solar panels. The solar panels can be draped and secured over the aircraft wing, and left in place while the aircraft is parked on land until the next flight. When not in use, the portable system can be stored inside the aircraft until it is needed again.

To find out more information on Powerenz you can visit their website at Powerenz.com.

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/

Candidly, the entire industry was holding its breath this year to see what the turn out at Airventure would be and boy were they all surprised. Let’s face it, most industry folks expected the price of gas to cause alot of people in aircraft or in recreational vehicles to choose not to attend. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

You can read EAA’s review or its article claiming Airventure: A shot in the arm for aviation to get a feel for the exuberance around this year’s event. I’ve attending probably 10 years at Oshkosh and I can definitely tell you that the place was a busy as I’ve ever seen it. The RV camping areas were packed all the way to the gills and one of our group got turned away on Tuesday trying to fly in…they said they were out of aircraft partking at OSH, Appleton and Fond du lac! That’s busy!

So what to make of all this. Well, I can only offer my opinions and they are worth what you pay for them. I think that the convergence of technologies represented in “Glass Aircraft” has the industry really humming on several major fronts. First the Personal Jet and Very Light Jet space is booming. Clearly the combination of the type of technologies we highlight here on GlassPilot are pivotal to his area. Second Glass Avionics Technology is driving all other sectors from Light Sport to Certified to the retrofit market. Light Sport, after a slow start does appear to be gaining a bit of traction.

As I’ve said before it is going to be a very exciting time in aviation for the next five years. We look forward to bringing you more info, reviews and commentary as the market plays out.

I’ll make a prediction…I predict the second half of 2008 will be running strong in all sectors of the general aviation business. The factors driving sales will be the value of modern technologies, tax incentives and a more favorable oil price outlook that we’ve enjoyed in the first half of 2008.

Stay tuned…its time to fly!

GlassPilot.com

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As seen on ANN Propwash…

Diamond To Display D-Jet,
Austro Engine At AirVenture 2008

Full Range Of Pistons On Display As Well

Diamond Aircraft invites customers and prospects to come to its AirVenture exhibit in Oshkosh to see the D-Jet, which will be on static display, along with the D-Jet mockup. Diamond’s display will also include its full range of piston aircraft, from the DA20, to the DA40 CS, DA40 XLS, DA50 and DA42.

In addition, Diamond will also be displaying an AE 300 Austro Engine — a Jet-A fueled, 170 hp turbo-diesel engine which will soon be available on the DA42 Diamond twin. Customers are invited to explore the 53-ft expandable, air-conditioned trailer, where several video and avionics displays provide more information about Diamond and its line of aircraft.

“Diamond is proud to be the only company to offer a full range of aircraft, from a two-seat trainer to four-seat and five-seat piston singles, to a modern, composite light twin and a Personal Jet. Our display at Oshkosh will showcase the full line up – a family of aircraft which can take new pilots from their first lesson all the way to a jet type rating,” said Heike Larson, Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

The static display D-Jet is one of Diamond’s aerodynamically conforming prototypes. It will be displayed next to the full-scale D-Jet mock-up.

Diamond’s second featured display is sure to attract its share of attention, as well… particularly from current owners of Diamond DA42 twins, powered by Thielert diesels. Slated to replace those engines upon its certification, the AE 300 Austro engine is billed by Diamond as a next-generation turbo-diesel, offering 26% more engine power than the Thielert engine currently on the DA42, for better performance across the board: take-off performance, climb performance, singleengine performance, and speed.

Developed with key technology partners including MB Tech (Mercedes Benz) and Bosch, the engine is slated for European certification in fall 2008. It incorporates many improvements over previous diesel powerplants, including a gear box without a clutch, a cast-iron crankcase, integral oil/coolant heat exchanger and improved turbocharger air induction and cooling systems.

FMI: www.diamondaircraft.com

PS: If you are interested in detailed reports on the D-JET and its development contact GlassPilot.com via our website form and we can can provide you the detailed reports the manufacturer has provided us.

Just as there have been advancements in the cockpit, we’ve seen equally amazing developments in the supporting technologies for pilots. Specifically, the iPhone has brought an amazing new level of information and capabilities to the fingertips of pilots.

Specifically, the iPhone is unique at the moment in that it has the ability to truly provide a wireless web experience that is useful just short of amazing. Using Foreflight.com with an iPhone you can access weather data, airport information, diagrams and radar displays that even loop just like on your computer.

Our favorite feature of all is the ability to file a flight plan quickly and easily from the iPhone while on the go. I’ve even had the instance where I called from the taxiway for my clearance and my IFR plan had timed out because I was running behind that day. No worries…I simply whipped out my iPhone and tapped a few “keys” and refiled. I gave it 30 seconds and called back on the radio and sure enough the guy said, “Yep, I’ve got it now!”.

We’ve had computer based access for weather from DUAT and DUATS for some time along with great flight planning tools such as www.fltpln.com. The difference is many of these services have not been able to implement an easy to use and pleasing interface for the mobile user because the limitations of the hand held devices. Foreflight has optimized the service and information for the iPhone and really hit a home run.

Take a look at the video and I think you’ll understand why this new tool from www.Foreflight.com is a GlassPilot.com favorite. Here are just a few of the many screens available via the iPhone and Foreflight.

GlassPilot.com