But recently I read a National Transportation Safety Board report about a fatal accident involving a 42-year-old Cessna 182 parked on a ramp in Cleveland, Tennessee. What happened is important, I think, because so many of us fly elderly GA airplanes with key-style ignition switches that may be faulty and not know it.

While his wife stood near the right cabin door, the husband performed a preflight check before their return flight home. She heard him just slightly move the propeller, and then the engine unexpectedly fired. The husband was fatally struck by the propeller.

One of the first things drilled into me (probably you, too) when learning to fly was “always treat any propeller as if it is ‘hot.’” If you’ve ever hand-propped an airplane you thought was securely tied down or with somebody unqualified at the controls, you won’t forget if it unexpectedly roared to life, scaring the hell out of you (and the person inside).

The reason a quick mag check at idle before shutdown is taught—or should be—is to ensure the mags are grounded and the switch works properly. This man who was killed had properly shut down his 182 with the mixture control and then turned the ignition key to “off.” But the switch—and the key itself—were old and worn. Investigators found the key could be removed (pulled out) of the switch in any position: “right,” “left,” “both,” or even “start.” That’s dangerous—and, in this case, fatal.

• READ MORE: There Was Just Something About Michael

So, next time you fly and shut down near the hangar, throttle way back to idle and briefly turn the switch to “off” and then back to “both.” And try removing it (gently) from the other positions. The accident airplane was only 30 hours out of annual. Sure, the mechanic should have checked that it was grounded, but…

Another good practice is repeating the “before-takeoff” run-up and mag check on the ramp before shutting down. It could save you from an unpleasant discovery on your next flight. Just be sure you’re not blasting something or somebody behind you.

Which brings me to a story about my friends at what was once the Hartzell Propeller Company in Piqua, Ohio. Cessna airplanes use McCauley props, so Hartzell once borrowed my Cessna 180 for tests when it applied for a supplemental type certificate to install its props on Cessnas.

In a promotion, Sporty’s Pilot Shop sent a pretty girl flying in, I think, a 172 to airports in the vicinity, including Piqua, with the gift of a large attractive clock for the hangar. The clock face had big ads for Sporty’s, Cessna airplanes, and McCauley props. Obviously, somebody hadn’t done their homework, because Hartzell would hardly hang a clock with a McCauley prop advertisement on its repair station hangar wall. The company thanked her, but declined and sent her on her way. The experience went even further south when, tailed into the open hangar, she fired up the 172 with a roar and blew everything all over the place.

Memories of Hartzell for me are simply joyful. Most involve a wonderful man, Jim Brown, who bought the company in the late 1960s from TRW. Things were in kind of a mess after multiple owners, but Brown rapidly put them right. From then on, Hartzell proudly lived up to its motto, “Built on Honor.”

Jim was a special person. After graduating from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as an engineer, he joined the Navy, graduated from Officer Candidate School, and trained in SNJs at Pensacola, Florida. When he’d earned his wings, Jim spent his career in the 1950s flying Panthers and Demons (the Navy’s first jets) from a straight-deck carrier, “the Bonny Dick,” (officially the USS Bonhomme Richard) in the Pacific. Meanwhile, Mrs. Brown was presenting him with several of their eventual five babies.

• READ MORE: Getting Tired of Tragic Accidents After Engine Failures on Takeoff? Yeah, Me Too

I met him in the early 1970s, when I flew an airworthiness inspector to Piqua to check a Top Gun school Jim and a friend who were planning to launch with a couple of T-34s. Blessedly, that enterprise never got off the ground, but it gave me a chance to talk to “Mr. B” about doing FAA safety seminars at the airport repair station and the impressively remodeled plant near town. He was enthusiastic, helpful, and, eventually, we did a bunch.

He had been an executive at Standard Oil and Austin Powder in Cleveland but jumped when he learned the historic Hartzell company in the cornfields at Piqua could be bought from TRW. It was an arrangement made in heaven. Jim was a fine pilot who loved airplanes and was an astute businessman who ensured quality and took care of his employees. Shortly thereafter, anybody who worked there came to love him.

He had a Beech A36 Bonanza and a SOCATA TBM for company trips and an AT-6, magically “converted” to an SNJ. A couple of wonderful and talented guys—Larry Zetterlind and Mark Runge—maintained and flew the airplanes while Jim often flew himself visiting suppliers and customers. He even sent employees who needed care to the Cleveland Clinic at the company’s expense in those airplanes.

Unchained from the FAA (praise the Lord), I frequently flew my 180 to Piqua and flew the SNJ (checked out by T-6 guru Bill Leff). It was heaven. Jim and I bought a Piper Cub, Mark kept my 180 flying, and I joined Hartzell’s flying club. Mr. B taught two mantras: “Go for it,” and “Break one rule every day,” which I’ve taken to heart.

It’s difficult to describe how much Jim loved the company and its people. He’d walk through the plant, greeting each employee by name and asking about their kids. He bought a property next to the airport and named it “The Ostrich Farm” (the previous tenant had raised ostriches). It hosted employee picnics, company parties, and was command central for the biennial Friends of Harztell Airshow, with performers including Bill Bruns, Darrell Montgomery, Mike Goulian, Harold Johnson, Bruce Bohannon, Sean D. Tucker, Matt Chapman, Dale “Snort” Snodgrass, and Leff.

Jim Brown died in 2017. His sons Jim and Joe made lots of money, acquired related aviation businesses, and sold Hartzell to a venture capital firm in 2023.

I miss Jim very much, but I’m glad he’s not here. I’m afraid the sale would have broken his heart.

This column first appeared in the March 2024/Issue 946 of FLYING’s print edition.

The post The Man Who Saved the Iconic Hartzell Propeller Company appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Recently, FLYING had the opportunity to test the PJ2+ com radio from Sporty’s Pilot Shop. It’s the follow-on to the original PJ2 that won FLYING’s Editors’ Choice Award in 2020. The PJ2+ made points with me right off the bat because it has a direct plug-in for the headset. You don’t need a specialized adapter, which very often has gone missing. The direct plug-in allows you to communicate effectively through the boom mic.

Physical Parameters

The body of the PJ2+ measures 6 inches long and 2 inches wide. The antenna measures approximately 7 inches. That’s enough to communicate within the airport traffic pattern and on the ramp, but if you want to use the PJ2+ as a primary radio in aircraft, you’ll need an external antenna.

The PJ2+ weighs 1.12 pounds, which makes it easy to carry. For comparison, we placed it next to the Icom radio I have carried for years. The PJ2+ is larger, so there will be more space disruption in the gear bag.

You have options when it comes to a power source for the PJ2+. You can use six readily accessible AA batteries to power the device or make use of the USB-C port if your aircraft is so equipped. Sporty’s opted for the AA batteries because they are easy to find and relatively inexpensive.

You will appreciate this if you have ever had a handheld radio that required a specialized battery, charging station, or cord, and one of them went missing. Rechargeable batteries are not recommended.

If you use AA batteries, Sporty’s advises removing them from the unit when it is not in use for an extended period of time because when the batteries break down, it is often the end of the radio. Because I lost my Sporty’s SP-400 nav/com radio to hostile corrosion that could not be removed with a treatment of distilled vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice, I paid extra attention to this. I recommend designating a specific pouch in your flight bag to hold the batteries—and only the batteries—when not in use. Make reinstalling them and removing them checklist items.

Bonus note: You do not need tools to replace the batteries on the PJ2+. The battery cover is removed by sliding it up. The unit takes six 1.5 volt AA alkaline batteries. There is a diagram on the cover to show you where to put the positive (+) and negative (-) terminal markings inside the case.

• READ MORE: Sportys Unveils PJ2+ Handheld Radio

Features from the Top Down

The radio accepts standard twin-plug aviation headset jacks. When the jacks are not in use, they are covered with a rubber gasket. A similar gasket protects the USB-C power jack on the side of the device. Both rubber coverings are attached to the body of the radio on one end, so they will stay with the radio and not disappear into the bowels of your flight bag. In addition to standard aviation headsets jacks, the PJ2+ also features a 3.5 millimeter jack to accommodate wired earbuds or a computer headset.

The antenna attaches via a BNC connector on top of the device. The BNC is standard for use on aircraft radios, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to attach the device to an existing aircraft radio antenna through a coaxial cable. The on/off and volume knob is on top of the unit. The on/off function has the feel and sound of a “click,” so you know when the radio is on even if you cannot see the screen.

The LCD screen measures 1.5 inches by 1.63 inches, which makes it one of the larger handheld com screens on the market. There is a lot of room for data presentation, including a low-battery indicator and several lines of frequencies. According to Sporty’s, the PJ2+ is capable of 760 com frequencies from 118.000 megahertz to 136.975 MHz. Both the data screen and keypad are auto-lit. The screen boasts enough room for 20 visual memory channels.

The buttons on the keypad are larger than most found on handheld coms—and more spread out. There is a designated 121.5 function on the “2” button, and memory clear is found on “0.” Function keys UP and DOWN—along with RCL for “recall,” MEM for “memory,” CLR for “clear,” and WX for “weather”—allow the user to access the automated weather frequencies for the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). You can also scan the entire frequency range.

On the left side of the device you find the flip/flop button—identifiable with the double-sided arrow—that allows you to move back and forth between the current and last frequency. The next button is the push-to-talk (PTT), shaped like a holding pattern on an instrument approach plate.

The last button has a stylized light bulb on it, as it is used to activate the backlighting for the screen and keypad. When used in combination with the “clear” key, it can enable and/or disable the auto-light feature to put it into night mode.

To get the most out of this radio, you will want to read the manual first. I know that is anathema to pilots that pride themselves on their ability to gronk their way through things, but to really get the most out of the device, spend a few minutes learning about its functions.

Test Flight

Our test began at a nontowered airport on a busy Sunday. We started off by engaging the search mode. When scanning for a frequency, when a broadcast signal is found, the word “search” flashes, and the unit stops on that frequency. If the broadcasting signal is cut off for more than two seconds, the search feature resumes until it picks up another signal in the 118.000 MHz to 136.975 MHz band. Pressing the “clear” key ends the search. You can reverse the search direction by pressing and holding the “UP” or “DOWN” key (whichever is appropriate) for one second.

You can put frequencies into memory by using either the search mode or adding them manually. Once they are in, they can be saved by pressing the “memory” key. Pull up the frequency by pressing the “recall” key and cycling through the channel numbers as they appear on the screen.

The 121.5 emergency key on the “2” gave us pause until we noted that you have to hold down the key for two to three seconds for the PJ2+ to automatically go to 121.5.

The search for the NOAA weather frequencies was easy and an excellent supplemental tool for our weather briefings. This was followed by a search for local frequencies. We listened to the weather and then accessed the CTAF. A radio check came back loud and clear.

We typed in the CTAF and a few ATIS and tower frequencies and saved them for use. The frequencies were visible in direct sunlight. To transmit, press the PTT button at any time while tuned to a com frequency to broadcast over the one you’ve selected. You know you are transmitting because the screen displays a “TX” beneath the frequency. When using the headset with the unit, the PJ2+ com’s internal microphone will be deactivated and the microphone on the headset may be activated by either pressing the PJ2+’s PTT or an inline remote PTT.

We flew three aircraft for the test: two Cessna 172s and a Cessna 182. On the first flight, we could hear Seattle Approach, but it could not hear us, nor did we expect it as the PJ2+ com transmitter power, as tested, is a relatively low 1.5 watts—normal for handhelds. We could hear Seattle, and therefore knew when to expect someone near us. It was a different story when we got closer to the towered and nontowered airports. Our transmissions were received loud and clear.

According to Sporty’s, the unit’s maximum transmit power is 6 watts, which is the maximum allowed by the Federal Communications Commission for portable radios. As noted by Sporty’s, “the real measure is how much a radio typically puts out in day-to-day use. We’ve tested the PJ2+ and the L6 and found they routinely put out 1.5 to 1.8 watts, which is a lot more than the 1.2 to 1.3 watts we see on other radios. More power obviously means more range.”

Some Challenges

One of the Cessna 172s had a RAM mount used to hold the device. The second Cessna 172 had a side pocket that worked great. The Cessna 182 has no cockpit pockets, so the PJ2+ was slipped into the side pouch of the bifold kneeboard I was using. It took a little experimentation to find an angle that didn’t have the antenna hitting the yoke.

One thing I would have liked is a more physically robust push-to-talk switch because a few times the PTT kind of quit during use. When I held my finger on the button, the button sort of disengaged. Several of my learners also attempted to use the device and reported the same thing—it was as if your finger slipped off the switch although you had the pressure on.

This story first appeared in the September 2023/Issue 941 of FLYING’s print edition.

The post Test-Flying Sporty’s PJ2+ Com appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Barns has known he wanted a career in aviation since high school and considered attending a college-based aviation program, but instead joined the U.S. Marine Corps. Following his service, he attended Millersville University, where pursued an aspect of his interest in aviation by earning a bachelor’s degree in meteorology.

Barns will be using the Sporty’s $2,500 Pilot Training+ Scholarship to earn his private pilot certificate at Reigle Field (58N) in Palmyra, Pennsylvania. The airport, located near Hershey, was established in 1942 by Chas and Ada Reigle and still has that vintage aviation vibe with a flight school that offers training in a J-3 Cub and 1943 Fairchild PT-23 as well as a Cessna 172.

• READ MORE: 6 Tips for Winning Aviation Scholarships

“The $2,500 award would be enough for me to pay for a tailwheel endorsement at my training airport and join the local gliding club,” said Barns. “I would then have the opportunity to earn glider ratings and build time toward my commercial certificate as a tow pilot.”

Barns noted that the local glider club always needs tow pilots, and he looks forward to building his hours through towing and gliding.

About Sporty’s Pilot Training+

Sporty’s Pilot Training+ is an all-inclusive membership that unlocks Sporty’s complete library of video-based courses for one annual fee. Membership also includes the opportunity to apply for three $2,500 scholarships, which are awarded annually.

To enroll as a Sporty’s Pilot Training+ member, visit sportys.com/pilottraining.

The post Sporty’s Flight Scholarship Awarded appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The Classics: Headsets, Gear bags, and Watches (Oh My!)

Quality Headset

Many pilots begin their training by renting a headset from the FBO or borrowing a hand-me-down from another pilot. If you’d like to give that pilot a headset of their own, there are plenty from which to choose.

The David Clark Company (the headsets with the distinctive green ear cups) has been protecting pilots for decades. The model H10-30 is still a beginning pilot favorite, and at less than $400 it does the job. On the higher end, you’ll find their automatic noise reduction models available from $745 to $895.

The two most popular ANR headsets on the market are the Bose A30 and Lightspeed Delta Zulu. Both will set you back about $1,200, which isn’t cheap, but both are aviation safety wearables, and most pilots will tell you they are comfortable, even on long flights. The Lightspeed also features a built-in carbon monoxide detector. The Bose and Lightspeed headsets also come with protective cases.

Pilot Gear Bags

They come in many shapes, sizes, and materials, but all have the same job—to hold the pilot’s supplies. You can find them in man-made fabrics that resist tearing and are relatively easy to repair, as well as in leather. The bag should be large enough to hold a headset, kneeboard, iPad, notepad, water bottle, writing implements, E6-B flight computer, and anything else your pilot needs or carries with them on flights.

Look for a bag with multiple pockets and compartments to keep the pilot organized. Some bags come with specially designed spaces for personal electronic devices. Some are designed to be carried with a shoulder strap like a duffle bag, while others are backpacks. Some are a hybrid of the two.

Prices start around $75 and go up from there. Companies that carry them include ASA, Sporty’s, and Flight Outfitters.

Pro tip: Look for a bag that has a reinforced bottom or corners because it’s going to be put down on cement ramps. You may also see if there is an option for monogramming. Most of the bags are black and tend to look alike, so do what you can to set your aviator’s gear apart from the rest.

Watches

There is a running joke that you can always tell a pilot by the size of their watch, but that has morphed into that you can tell if someone is a pilot because they wear a wristwatch rather than use their cellphone as a time-check device. The higher-end watches, like the Breitling designs, sell for $2,000 and up, and are beautiful chronographs. They are often worn by military demonstration teams.

Garmin D2 varieties continue to be popular. The Garmin D2 can help you check weather, monitor your vital signs, navigate via GPS, and when paired with your smartphone, take and make calls and send texts.

The Garmin D2 Mach 1 Pro does all these things and more, and has a built-in LED flashlight with white light, strobe, and red light for flight deck operations. For the sports minded, it has multiple functions to keep your training on track. The Garmin watches sell for $500 to $1,399.

For women, the Abingdon Co. continues to produce beautiful aviation-inspired timepieces (the bezel doubles as a flight computer) that look good on a slightly smaller wrist. Designed for women by a woman, they start at $485 and go up from there. This year, the Abingdon WASP watch to honor the Women Airforce Service Pilots is creating a lot of buzz in aviation circles.

Flight Jacket

No, you don’t really need a special jacket to be a pilot, but we all want one. It becomes our most prized possession and often a family heirloom. Fabric jackets such as the nylon MA-1 with its baseball styling is an aviation classic and available for around $90. The interior of the jacket is come-find-me-now orange, which could come in handy if the wearer has an unscheduled off-airport landing and needs to be spotted from the air.

The leather jackets, notably an A-2 look-alike from a department store will run you about $140, while an A-2 military spec flight jacket from companies that specialize in them (Sporty’s Pilot Shop, U.S. Wings) starts at about $250. The jackets with the sheepskin lining are considerably more, $930 and up for the real thing, but boy howdy, will they keep a person warm.

Pro tip: When it comes to the flight jacket, always order one size up from what the person usually wears. That way they will be able to layer it in the winter.

Hand-held Radios

There is a reason that so many pilot gear bags come with a pocket specifically designed to carry an aviation radio. It is a good item to have, providing a pilot with a backup should the aircraft’s radio fail in flight and providing a flight instructor the means to monitor a learner’s first solo flight from the ramp.

Sporty’s PJ2+ Com ($249) is a popular unit this year. If you would rather go with ICOM, expect to pay $269.95 to $579.95.

Pro tip: Remove the batteries from the device if it won’t be used for a while. This keeps it from going critical and corroding.

Tools

Oil Dipstick Remover

It’s one of those gifts most pilots don’t think to get for themselves, but there will come a time when everyone needs one. Usually this is after someone with gorilla-like strength has put the oil cap back on and tightened it with such force that you would think it insulted their parentage. Instead of wrestling with the recalcitrant cap or using a tool not designed for this purpose, resulting in damage to both the tool and cap, reach for the specialty tool.

From Aircraft Spruce: $13.95

Flashlights

Aviation flashlights with multiple-colored lenses are always appreciated. Some are designed to clip on to something so they can be angled. Some are so bright they can turn night into day. Some have the ability to strobe. Expect to pay around $12.95 to $99.95 for one, depending on the size and options you choose. Don’t forget to include batteries.

Screwdrivers

Screwdriver sets, Phillips or flathead or those with replaceable bits or with a magnet or claw tip, are always appreciated, as they tend to grow legs. Brass screwdrivers that can be used to swing a compass are particularly valued by avionics technicians.

Aircraft Spruce has a selection available.

Gift Cards

Tool Supplier Gift Cards

Because most mechanics are very particular about their tools, going with a gift card from their favorite tool supplier, such as Snap-on or Matco, is always in good taste.

Time Gift Certificates

If the flight school or FBO allows it, put some money on account for your aviator to use toward their training. It doesn’t have to be a lot. Pilots who are doing all sorts of things to economize, such as living off of ramen and hot dogs so they have more money to pay for flying, will appreciate this. Caveat: Before you do this, check to see if the flight school has an administrative fee for money on account. If the learner has to drop out of training for a time, it is very discouraging to learn that $300 that was put on their account has been eaten up by administrative fees. This is not uncommon when the school is known for questionable business practices.

Aviation Supply Gift Cards

You can’t go wrong with a gift certificate, as this allows the person to make their own selection, be it apparel, book, model, fuel strainer, or even parts for the airplane they are building in the hangar. They might even use it toward the purchase of an online ground school.

Go for the Whimsy

For the more fanciful gifts, Sporty’s has its Wright Bros. Collection. Colorful and comprehensive, it is a good resource for history buffs looking for that perfect gift from the dawn of aviation to the space program. You’ll find T-shirts, artwork, models, and books, and you’ll find a nice selection of holiday decorations as well, including the inflatable Santa in an airplane and the aviator nutcracker.

You can even find aviation-appropriate nonseasonal decorations. Let’s be real here. Who among us has not dreamed of having a hallway runner that looks like a runway or table lamp that looks like a runway light?

The post Holiday Shopping Ideas for Aviation Fans appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

“Sporty’s is honored to have been selected by LIFT Academy as an online training provider,” said Sporty’s president John Zimmerman. “Sporty’s courses, paired with LIFT’s on-site flight training, will provide LIFT students with a premier learning experience as they prepare for their aviation career.” The partnership gives LIFT Academy attendees access to a wide range of training resources, including Sporty’s Learn To Fly Course, Instrument Rating Course, Commercial Pilot Course, and Garmin G1000 Checkout Course.

Each course includes hours of video content with flight deck perspectives and sophisticated 3D animations. The instruction can be accessed on Sporty’s dedicated mobile apps for iPhone, iPad, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV, and downloaded for offline viewing.

• READ MORE: Sporty’s Launches 2024 Learn to Fly Courses

“LIFT chose Sporty’s as the course provider for our students for the feature-rich and modern courseware that will complement our innovative, industry-leading training program while providing students with the skills they need to succeed,” said Edward Bagden, director of LIFT operations and academic programs. “The flight school management tools provide our team with the tools they need to provide LIFT students with the best training possible.”

The partnership includes access to Sporty’s test prep tools, allowing users to create unlimited study sessions and practice exams through access to the company’s proprietary database of thousands of test questions. The exams can be randomized or focused on specific areas to help the users address soft spots in their knowledge to customize their learning experience.

LIFT Academy will use Sporty’s CFI Portal and Chief CFI features to monitor and track student progress within the courses. These tools allow LIFT instructors and management to better ensure that learners are staying on track to meet their training objectives.

About Lift Academy

LIFT Academy is headquartered in Indianapolis and has additional training facilities in Texas and South Carolina. The academy utilizes Diamond DA40 and DA20 single-engine aircraft and DA42 multiengine designs as well as advanced aviation training devices (AATDs) from Diamond Simulation and Frasca International to enhance the learning environment. In addition, LIFT utilizes virtual reality immersive training devices (ITDs) crafted by Vertex Solutions.

For more information, visit  the LIFT website.

The post Sporty’s Pilot Shop Partners with LIFT Academy for Training Courses appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

It’s time to think about a way to protect your airplane with a cover.

Don’t Go Cheap

You’ve probably heard the joke that copper wire was invented when two pilots found the same penny. We are, by nature, frugal since flying as a hobby costs quite a bit, inspiring some aircraft owners to cut corners with $500 buddy annuals, deferred maintenance, and jerry-rigged aircraft covers made from blue vinyl tarps and bungee cords.

While this relatively low-cost solution is somewhat easy to implement and better than nothing, it is often not in the best interest of the airplane because the tarps don’t easily conform to its shape. If the breeze gets under a tarp, it can slap against the aircraft, resulting in scratched paint and windows. Also, tarps don’t interface well with antennae.

Covers Made for Aircraft

Pilot shops often carry canopy covers for both low- and high-wing aircraft. These are usually made of fabric lined with microfiber on the inside and water-repellent fabric on the outside. Held in place with adjustable straps and plastic buckles, they can cost as little as $300 and head north from there, depending on what you purchase and the extras, such as having the aircraft registration number emblazoned on them. Some covers come with a storage bag to hold them when not in use.

Sporty’s Pilot Shop offers several models of covers for both designs. The low-wing canopy covers have a shock cord enclosed in the hem to help keep it tight against the airplane. If wind gets under the cover, that means rain and snow can get under it too, making it next to useless.

The high-wing canopy covers have a wraparound style that covers the windshield, side, and rear window area. It is a one-piece design that secures with Velcro. 

Most covers are designed to prevent water intrusion. This is often detected by the presence of wet carpeting or condensation on the instruments, then you have to determine where it is getting in. There is some experimentation involved. Other covers are designed to protect the aircraft from the unrelenting sun.

“Climate dictates the cover you need,” said Bruce Perch from Bruce’s Custom Covers, based in Morgan Hill, California. Perch’s line ranges from dust covers and cowl plugs to full aircraft covers, with nearly 15,000 products out in the world.

“I know it’s hard to believe that so many products could be available just to cover and protect airplanes, but it’s true,” Perch said. “The amazing thing to me, though, is that we’re still coming up with new designs to satisfy our customers’ requirements worldwide.”

Most covers begin with fabric, according to Perch.

“Almost all are synthetics,” he said. “Some polyester, some acrylic, some nylon, some vinyl. Depends on the end use, material performance under conditions, and customer preference. The largest volume of the material we use is produced just for us. Over the years, we have developed several laminated materials, either fabric or film, that are designed specifically for aircraft protection.”

In the winter months, Perch’s business produces a lot of insulated engine covers. When paired with a heat source, like an engine block heater, a properly fitted engine cover is “extremely effective in preserving the engine in cold conditions,” he said. “… We also produce covers for hail protection. You’re probably aware of this: A serious hail storm can completely total a plane in minutes. We can protect against that.”

Getting a Good Fit

Finding the right cover for your aircraft begins with type. Since the details such as antennae and probes can vary from frame to frame, the company supplies customers with specific forms they can use and instructions on how to take measurements. If someone is having an issue, a telephone call to the shop can be placed and step-by-step instructions will be provided.

Jack Schoch is one of those aircraft owners who, after a weather challenge, decided it was time to buy covers. Full disclosure: I fly with Schoch on a regular basis. Since 2018, he has been the proud owner of N733NF, a 1976 Cessna 172N he named Babe in honor of his late wife.

The aircraft is kept on the ramp at Pierce County Airport-Thun Field (KPLU), some 21 nm south of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (KSEA). The nontowered airport features several flight schools and a robust general aviation community. Hangar space is at a premium, and there is a waitlist for the waitlist.

“For four winters she sat outside, and I didn’t have any covers,” Schoch said. When he found water inside the aircraft, he went on leak safari and installed Dri-Z-Air dehumidifiers, although they are not recommended as they contain salt, and that can lead to corrosion if the salt water spills, yet many pilots use them anyway.

Schoch has four units in his aircraft in spill-proof saucers that he very carefully removes before each flight. He dumps the water before replacing the units.

“I have a total of five of the pots, two up front, two in the passenger area, and one in the baggage compartment,” he said. “Some folks have said that’s too many, but she’s my bird.”

Schoch decided on the full package from Bruce’s Custom Covers—wing covers, canopy cover, engine cover, and air vent plugs. Although we don’t get much snow in this part of Washington state (not much by East Coast or Midwest standards anyway), we do get a fair amount of rain. Thus far, the covers have kept the aircraft dry.

Put It On, Take It Off

The first time you install the covers there will be a bit of a learning curve—especially right out of the box. I helped Schoch when he first installed the covers on Babe. It was not my first aircraft cover encounter, and it took two of us and a stepladder to do it the first time, in part because it was windy and cold. It was difficult to get the covers over the top of the airplane (that is where the stepladder came in), because Mother Nature was fighting us, and our hands were going numb. We covered the aircraft, took the covers off, then recovered it again to make sure learning took place.

“Covers are color coded or graphically marked to help users figure out which way is forward,” said Perch.

Perch refers customers to the company website (www.aircraftcovers.com) where there are more than 10,000 photos of most of its covers installed. Pro tip: You can also cheat by writing notes on the underside of the cover with a laundry marker, like “Nose,” “Left Side,” etc. 

More than Covers

According to Perch, his company sports more than 20,000 specific aircraft protection products—and that number continues to grow.

“For the 172, for example, I currently offer 67 products as shown on our website, with dozens more specialty items for that aircraft that are not published,” he said. “As for how many aircraft models we have designed for, that number is over 1,200 right now, and it includes the oldest aircraft flying to the newest designs, including spacecraft and drones.”

The post Protecting Your Investment appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Your instructor will often guide you to the apps that will best correspond with the training syllabus and course outline. However, your learning style can also determine which program will work best for your needs.

Over the years, we have found that the companies listed within this article have provided quality aviation training materials and have now delivered the same quality in mobile formats. The apps in this roundup should get you started navigating the aviation training landscape.

Quick Look: Best Apps for Pilots in Training

• Best for mobile access to online courses: King Schools
• Best for test prep: Sporty’s Pilot Shop
• Best for online ground school: Gold Seal
• Best for comprehensive aviation library: ASA
• Best for modern aviation training: Angle of Attack
• Best for flight simulation: X-Plane Flight Simulator
• Best for post-flight debriefs: CloudAhoy
• Best for digital aviation training content: Boldmethod
• Best for digital logbook: Smart Logbook (iOS/Android)
• Best for pilot proficiency: Pilot Workshops

10 Top Pilot App Options

Kings Schools

Best for: Mobile access to online courses

The King Schools KING Ground School Companion App enables students to download and watch videos plus answer the video lesson questions for most of the King Schools ground school courses. Students can download their next lessons while connected to a Wi-Fi service and then interact with them offline. Once they reconnect, all their progress is synced with the servers and available the next time they access their course. The app is compatible with iOS devices.

The King Schools KING Test Prep App provides students with three ways to prepare to ace their FAA written test, including question reviews, flashcards, and practice exams. Preparation materials can be downloaded, allowing students to use the app when offline. The app is compatible with KING Ground School and Test Prep courses for most certifications and ratings. The app is compatible with iOS and Android devices.

Sporty’s Pilot Shop

Best for: Test prep

The Sporty’s Pilot Shop Sporty’s Pilot Training app brings various aviation training courses to one location. The Learn To Fly Course, for example, covers private pilot certification, while the Instrument Rating Course focuses on the instrument rating prep. All courses provide comprehensive content and tools to enhance the student learning experience. Sporty’s Study Buddy apps offer learning, flashcard, and test modes to prepare students for the private, instrument, sport, and remote pilot FAA written tests. All apps are compatible with iOS and Android devices.

Gold Seal

Best for: Online ground school

Gold Seal offers online ground school training with a revolutionary approach. They offer courses for private, instrument, and remote pilots. Their approach provides fully interactive lessons, industry leading amination, integrated ground and flight training, true knowledge transfer, and guaranteed success.

After certification completion, Gold Seal also provides a flight review course to help pilots renew their credentials every two years and a means for “rusty” pilots to get current again. Courses can be accessed from any desktop, laptop, or mobile device, anytime, and anywhere.

Aviation Supplies & Academics (ASA)

Best for: Comprehensive aviation library

Aviation Supplies & Academics (ASA) hosts a wide range of pilot training apps, from FAA knowledge exam prep (i.e., Prepware apps) to practical exam prep for each certificate and rating. Geared toward those who want a comprehensive system, with digital and printed versions of most titles, ASA is a great starting point to orient a potential pilot. ASA apps are compatible with iOS and Android devices.

Angle of Attack

Best for: Modern aviation training

Angle of Attack offers a new, fresh, and modern spin on aviation training. They focus on blending the latest in learning technology, visual learning, and modern flight techniques to make every student’s study time exceptionally efficient. They offer private pilot and instrument online ground schools, as well as checkride prep. The Angle of Attack app is compatible with iOS devices.

X-Plane Flight Simulator

Best for: Flight simulation

In late 2019, Laminar Research, parent to the well-known X-Plane flight simulator software, released a mobile app called X-Plane Mobile. The app gives pilots the flexibility to choose from any of 30,000 different airports around the world, 11,000 of which Laminar says come with rich, locally realistic scenery. For a monthly fee, the app also offers pilots the chance to fly a variety of airplanes, including a Beech Baron, a King Air, a Boeing 737, military fighter jets, and more. The X-Plane app is compatible with iOS and Android devices.

CloudAhoy

Best for: Post-flight debriefs

CloudAhoy is a flight debriefing app for pilots. CloudAhoy’s newest version of the software offers the CFI Assistant feature that scores students’ maneuvers based on Airman Certification Standards. Each flight is also automatically analyzed and broken down into segments to easily evaluate student performance. A free trial is available to help users determine if the system is useful for them. The CloudAhoy app is compatible with iOS devices.

Boldmethod

Best for: Digital aviation training content

Boldmethod specializes in shareable digital aviation training content, with a sharp focus on flight training. The power behind its programs lies in the daily engagement, quizzes, video stories, and instructor tools to supplement their lesson plans. A series of apps features content from their online courses, covering VFR publications, aviation weather, airspace, and more. Course progress uploads to the Boldmethod cloud for users of the program. The Boldmethod app is compatible with iOS devices.

Smart Logbook

Best for: Digital logbook

Smart Logbook makes logging flight hours fast and easy. When applying for a new rating or attending a job interview, pilots can easily access their flying totals, over any span of time, in any type of aircraft. The first 50 logged hours constitute a free trial, with in-app purchases to give pilots the customization they need for their unique missions. The Smart Logbook app is compatible with iOS and Android devices.

Pilot Workshops

Best for: Pilot proficiency

Pilot Workshops provides pilots with courses and manuals that enhance their VFR and IFR flying skills, while maximizing the utility of their pilot certificates. Of particular interest are the company’s courses and tips on flying on instruments and using flight simulation at home to supplement training and flight currency. Pilot Workshops courses and manuals are available through Sporty’s Pilot Training app, which is compatible with iOS and Android devices.

Train on the Go With the Best Flying Apps

We’ve explored several aviation apps that can enhance and accelerate your flight training. From completing ground school on the go to logging flight training in real-time, there is an app to assist you along each step of your journey. To stay informed on all the latest aviation apps, subscribe to FLYING Magazine today.

FAQ

What apps do pilots use for weather?

Aviation apps such as ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot, FltPlan Go, WingX, Stratus Insight, and FlyQ offer great options for weather briefings. Pilots can overlay their flight plan route on different weather maps for enhanced situational awareness.

What apps do most pilots use?

Most pilots use apps such as ForeFlight Mobile, Garmin Pilot, MyRadar, Sporty’s Pilot Training, StationWeather, FlightAware, Infinite Flight, ForeFlight Passenger, Sporty’s E6B, CloudAhoy, FlyQ EFB, LiveATC Air Radio, LogTen Pro, AOPA, X-Plane, FltPlan Go, Skytimer, SkyDemon, Cloud Topper, and RadarScope.

What is the best flight companion app?

ForeFlight Mobile is an all-in-one pre-flight and in-flight app that includes moving maps, approach charts, terrain awareness, weather graphics, weight and balance, fuel planning assistance, flight plan filing, a digital logbook, flight playback, and a whole lot more. The app has even replaced paper chart resources and portable GPS units for a lot of pilots.

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With the Coronavirus outbreak causing the drawing down of in-person flight training in some areas of the country this spring, you can look to providers like Sporty’s Pilot Shop, Redbird Flight Simulations, Aviation Supplies & Academics, King Schools, and others to help keep you focus on your aviation goals.

Sporty’s has launched its latest addition to its online training portal, the Commercial Pilot Test Prep course. For those who want to remain on track toward a professional pilot career, including becoming a flight instructor, the commercial certificate is a key milestone to push towards. According to Bret Koebbe, vice president of catalog sales for Sporty’s, “it’s the first of its kind to incorporate maneuvers training for chandelles, lazy eights, eights on pylons, etc.” Set up a study session based on a topic, or randomized to simulate an actual exam.

Redbird Flight Simulations suggests a round-up of its blog posts to help you outline your own program for proficiency or skill development using your home flight simulator—especially if you lose access to the one you use at your local flight school during a period of social distancing. Check out posts that start with setting up your own home flight simulator, then move on to staying instrument current, knocking off your three favorite instrument approaches, and brushing up on VFR emergencies. Redbird’s Josh Harnagel, vice president of marketing, reports that their team is also producing a weekly seminar to help pilots stay connected: Here’s the link for more information, including the class schedule.

Aviation Supplies & Academics (ASA) hosts a series of knowledge test preparation materials, and right now offers significant opportunities for both students and flight schools to leverage those materials during this challenging time. “Effective immediately, and for a limited time, Prepware School (regularly $295.00) will be offered to qualifying schools for free and Prepware Online (regularly $39.95 for any student database) has been reduced to $19.95,” according to a company news release. “One hundred dollars has been taken off Online Ground School courses bringing the price of Private Pilot Online Ground School down to $79.95, and Instrument Pilot Online Ground School, down to $99.95.” Prices will be honored through May 31, 2020.

In other training news, King Schools has confirmed that it is 100-percent operational at this time, with customer service and technical support available. It’s offering a 21-percent discount (use the code SPRING20 at checkout on the KingSchools.com website) for its full gamut of online training for those pursuing just about any level of achievement, from student pilots to ATPs, and turbine training to remote-piloted aircraft. King Schools recently announced the recipient of its 2020 Martha King Scholarship for Female Flight Instructors, Anna Stanphill, with a value of $18,000.

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