PERSPECTIVE GLOBAL CONNECT ON ALL NEW CIRRUS AIRCRAFT
New for 2012, all models of Cirrus Aircraft can be equipped with Perspective Global Connect, an avionics enhancement that provides worldwide weather, satellite phone, and text messaging features. The system provides access to the Iridium satellite network to obtain global communications and data. Weather information includes METARs, Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAFs), radar, lightning, winds aloft, and more. Phone capabilities allow phone calls to be made while in flight, enabling the pilot and/or passengers to speak and listen directly through headsets. Pilots and passengers can also send and receive text messages, which are displayed on the MFD. For more information, click here.

FINAL WEEK FOR LIGHTSPEED GRANT NOMINATIONS
Lightspeed Aviation Foundation is rapidly approaching the deadline for nominations and applications for the 2012 grant program. Nominations are open until January 31, and applications will be accepted until February 3. Aviation nonprofits committed to growing the pilot community, building awareness, and using their gifts for compassion and service to others are eligible to apply. Grant applicants should have a designated development director, website, Facebook page, and the willingness and capacity to regularly engage and actively reach out to new supporters. Nomination and grant application forms are available here.

TANIS PROVIDES HELICOPTER PREHEAT TO LIFEFLIGHT OF MAINE
Tanis Aircraft Products provided its aircraft preheat system to a fleet of Augusta helicopters operated by LifeFlight of Maine. Tanis preheat technology allows an operator to preheat critical driveline components and fluid reservoirs prior to flight, in addition to reducing electrical loads on cold engine starts and protecting moving components. LifeFlight of Maine, based in Bangor and Lewiston, operates the search-and-rescue/medevac/utility Augusta 109E Power helicopters to provide scene response and critical care transfer. For more information on Tanis Aircraft, click here. For more on LifeFlight of Maine, click here.

SPORTY'S THEN AND NOW: HOW AIRPLANES GOT THIS WAY
Aviation historian Phil Scott, who has written six previous books in addition to articles for aviation magazines, explores how airplanes evolved into the form and silhouette we see today in Then and Now: How Airplanes Got This Way. The book is a collection of humorous, historical essays that take apart aircraft throughout history and tell how, through a combination of science and art, all the pieces fit together to make a thing that worked - or didn't. Then and Now is available for $19.95 from the Sporty's website.

CHILDREN'S BOOK EDUCATES ABOUT AVIATION
Red Redmond and the Great Plane Adventure, a new book by Earl M. Furfine, follows Red Redmond and his dog, Pilot, as they sneak into the underbelly of an airplane, learning about all the important parts and how an airport and airplane work along the way. The book also serves to ease children's worries about flying on an airplane for the first time. For more information, click here.