The advantages of the system include reduced noise levels, from 9.3 db on a four-cylinder Cessna 172, to 14.6 db on a Cessna 152. In addition, the tuned design of the exhaust reduces engine back-pressure, which in turn improves the available horsepower of the engine by reducing horsepower lost to exhaust back-pressure. This translates to more horsepower available, meaning more miles to the gallon.

One of the key features for stress relief in the exhaust system was the inclusion of integral slip joints. The slip joints were connected by dual springs, and further protected from loss should a spring fail by redundant cable retaining lanyards.

A variety of aircraft are covered by the product, including the previously mentioned Cessna 152 and 172, as well as the Cessna 150, Apex Aircraft’s DR400, and Rotax 912 powered aircraft.

The silencer portion of the exhaust system can be removed for service, with worn parts being replaced. The new system comes with a three-year warranty.

For more information, visit the company’s web page at www.Scai-Tech.com.

NEW COCKPIT CHART VIEWING WITH FX10
When we saw the FX10 portable aviation information manager at the SolidFX booth in Exhibit Hangar A, it was a nice surprise. The sunlight-readable 1,280 by 1,924 pixel display looked just like an instrument flight rules approach plate, without the paper or binders. This was probably a result of the display technology, which provides 16 levels of gray-scale control.

When we took a quick demo of the unit, we found that it was easy to zoom in and out of the selected approach plate, and similarly easy using the top tab structure of the interface, to select from charts on a “Favorites” list or to select other plates.

The 20-ounce FX10 unit retails for $1,595 and requires a yearly subscription to Jeppesen charts, which vary in price from $160 to $700, depending on the regional subscription that is desired. A 1 GB SD card is included with the unit, with larger cards available to meet the data storage needs, depending on the subscription.

The life of the built-in lithium ion battery is around 10 hours or 5,000 refreshes, which is more than long enough for most general aviation and commercial flights.

A Windows XP or Vista equipped computer rated at 800 Mhz or higher processing speed is required for updating the charts and charging the unit. The FX10 comes with a stylus, USB cable, owner’s manual, and quick reference guides, with options to add a protective cover, professional stylus, a power bundle with a wall and auto charger, and a lanyard and tether.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.SolidFX.com.

CIRRUS HIGHLIGHTS GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS
With an eye on growing its international market, Cirrus Design highlighted recent successes in forming strategic partnerships to expand its global sales and support network at the company’s Monday press conference.

“We can’t be specialists in everything,” said Cirrus President and CEO Brent Wouters, noting that partnerships with companies like Memphis-based API, which handles logistics and distribution of Cirrus parts around the world, “are extending our global enterprise and allowing us to improve customer service.” 

Wouters noted the company has sales representation in more than 50 countries, the latest coming on July 21 when the company established a distributor partnership in Japan.

Additionally, partnerships with technology companies like avionics manufacturer Garmin International, based in Olathe, Kansas, allow Cirrus to participate in product development for features its customers most desire, and “help us expand our universe of buyers,” Wouters said.

Duluth, Minnesota-based Cirrus is displaying its products at Booth 158.

CESSNA DEVELOPS UNIQUE SPORT/PRIVATE PILOT TRAINING PROGRAM
In parallel with the development of its all-new Skycatcher 162 light-sport aircraft, Cessna Aircraft has developed an innovative pilot-training system in partnership with King Schools.

Called the Cessna Sport/Private Pilot Course under the Cessna Flight Training System, this new web-based product will be available through Cessna Pilot Centers around the country. Cessna expects to expand the program to include an instrument rating course in the future.

The new training program is a key component of Cessna’s effort to make flying more accessible and to re-energize pilot training.

“We are very excited about this unique flight-training system, which will seamlessly integrate the sport pilot and private pilot certification processes and make learning to fly even easier and more fun than it already is,” said Julie Filucci, manager, Cessna Pilot Centers. “The major advantages of our proprietary system are that it’s web-based for maximum customer flexibility, and it’s fully customizable for maximum instructor flexibility.”

Student pilots pursuing a sport pilot certificate have access to all parts of the Cessna Sport/Private Pilot Course and can easily move into the private pilot-only segments of the course when ready. The web-based system keeps track of every aspect of their training, and they can access training materials from any location where they have access to the Internet. And since it is web-based, changes and updates can be made instantly, with no replacement materials to distribute.

The second innovation with the Cessna system is that an instructor can customize the program to meet the requirements of the local training environment while not compromising the integrity of the training system, Filucci said.

FORWARD VISION ANNOUNCES STC FOR CESSNA AIRCRAFT
From the business to business perspective, Forward Vision is partnering with a number of firms. American Champion Aircraft is using the Forward Vision System on its modified light fire bomber. The ability to see better through smoke helps firefighting pilots more-accurately deliver their loads. The company also was selected to provide the system to the AOPA Sweepstakes airplane for 2009, a Cirrus SR22. For more information, visit the company at www.Forward-Vision.net.