UPDATES TO ASA GUIDES, MANUALS
Private Oral Exam Guide by Michael Hayes, offered through ASA, has been updated to reflect the latest regulations and procedures, and includes a new chapter on scenario-based training by Arlynn McMahon, 2009 National Flight Instructor of the Year and recipient of the 2010 NATA Award for Excellence in Pilot Training. Using a Q&A format, the oral exam guide lists the questions most likely to be asked by an examiner and provides succinct, ready responses. Immediately following each question line is a reference to the specific FAA source from which the answer is derived.

Also from ASA, The Instrument Flight Manual by William K. Kershner has been updated (seventh edition) throughout to reflect current regulations, operating procedures, and technology. The manual is written for the pilot wanting to add an instrument rating, and for the instrument-rated pilot who needs a refresher. The book's five main sections cover airplane performance and basic instrument flying, navigation and communications, planning the instrument flight, the instrument flight, and a syllabus for the instrument student and CFII.

NASA HOSTS SOCIAL MEDIA EVENT FOR MARS LANDING
NASA is inviting its social media followers to the first-ever multi-center NASA Social on August 3 to preview the landing of the Mars Science Laboratory's Curiosity rover on August 6. NASA Socials are in-person meetings with people who engage with the agency through Twitter, Facebook, Google+, and other social networks. Events will be held simultaneously at six NASA field centers; participants will learn about the Mars Science Laboratory mission and their respective NASA field center. Registration for the five new NASA Socials opens at noon EDT, Friday, June 29, and closes at noon Tuesday, July 3. NASA will randomly select participants from online registrations.

TAMARACK LAUNCHES THROTTLE CONTROL FOR CIRRUS SR-20/22
Tamarack Aerospace has received FAA STC approval and a PMA for its new throttle quadrant upgrade for the Cirrus SR-20 and SR-22. The installation separates the single Cirrus "power lever" into two levers: one for throttle and the other to control propeller pitch. A third lever for mixture control is included. According to the company, flight testing with the improved system revealed a significant decrease in operational costs. Allowing the pilot to optimize manifold pressure and rpm settings will reduce fuel flow with a minimal impact on true airspeed. The separated controls also reduce engine vibrations and noise levels.

NASA GAME LETS PLAYERS BUILD, LAUNCH VIRTUAL ROCKET
With NASA's Rocket Science 101, a new game designed for computers and iPad users, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to launch a spacecraft. Players select their favorite NASA mission and choose from three skill levels for building a rocket to send the spacecraft into orbit. The Rocket Science 101 challenge provides players an opportunity to learn about NASA missions and the various components of the launch vehicles, including how rockets are configured and how they work together to successfully launch a spacecraft.