According to Garmin, the inReach Messenger Plus goes beyond cell service as the two-way satellite communicator has a lithium-ion battery that can last for 600 hours. The device can be used as a stand-alone tool or paired with a smartphone app, allowing the sharing of group texts, photos, and voice messages along with location information. 

The device has the ability to send an interactive SOS message to Garmin Response, an emergency assistance coordination center that is staffed 24/7. According to Garmin, inReach has contributed to more than 14,500 SOS activations.

“The new and enhanced messaging capabilities of the inReach Messenger Plus gives users a more personal and emotional way to communicate with friends and family when cell service isn’t available,” Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales of enhanced messaging and navigation, said in a statement. “Tell your family you’ll be home late, send a photo of the epic view to your friends, or simply exchange voice messages to hear the person on the other end of the line. Plus, with a rechargeable battery that can last for weeks, safety charging to help restore a depleted phone, and the ability to trigger an SOS message, the inReach Messenger Plus is an invaluable tool for any adventure.”

The Technology

In addition to the long-lasting battery, Garmin notes that when out of cell service range, the Messenger app will automatically switch to satellite technology. The device can send 30-second voice messages or texts with up to 1,600 characters, as well as emojis.

The inReach Messenger Plus can also be used to check weather and operate as a fully functional, stand-alone, palm-sized device. When paired with the Garmin Explore app on a compatible smartphone, inReach can be used to plan a trip, seek the route, and view a course showing the remaining distance to your destination.

The unit is temperature resistant and able to withstand incidental water exposure of up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes, according to Garmin.

The inReach Messenger Plus has a suggested retail price of $499.99. An active satellite subscription ($14.99 per month) is required to communicate using the device.

For more information be found here.

The post Garmin inReach Messenger Offers Off-Grid Emergency Connectivity appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

When I first visited in 1998 or so, my mind boggled at the incredible variety of flying rarities on display, and with my cheap film camera in hand, I pursued them all with ferocity. Now, having stalked and captured the most intriguing specimens—and having met new friends every year—AirVenture has become an annual reunion of some of my favorite people in the world.

Historically, I’d spend the week wandering around the grounds, either encountering friends entirely by chance or by arranging various meeting times and locations (1 p.m. in the shade beneath the Piaggio Royal Gull, for example). But now, with an airplane of my own, everything has changed.

Namely, I now make a point to create my very own underwing patio. A gathering place with cool shade, comfy chairs, ice-cold drinks, and pleasant company. Having set up and hosted such meeting spots for three years, I believe I’ve discovered some of the most crucial elements. 

Nemo Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair ($250)

When it comes to items that separate you from the ground, I believe it’s well worth spending a premium for the good stuff. Tires, mattresses, shoes, rock-climbing rope, and parachutes come to mind. This is a category where the cheapest options can create experiences that are miserable at best or disastrous at worst.

In the world of folding chairs, it seems quality is proportional to cost. After researching and sampling many various options, I’ve finally arrived at the Nemo Stargaze reclining camp chair. While pricey at $250, this is one of those items you buy once and enjoy forever. The perfect design and sleep-inducing comfort endure long after you’ve forgotten about the money you’ve spent. 

Like most folding chairs, the Stargaze packs down into a smaller zippered carrying bag. It doesn’t pack down quite as small as some chairs out there, but it’s a worthy price to pay for sublime comfort. It’s also quick and easy to set up, with no tricky fitments or overly tight tolerances to annoy you. At night, to prevent the chair from becoming soaked in dew, it only takes a few seconds to unclip the two anchor points and toss the fabric part into a tent.

I bought a couple of extras for friends, and everyone remarked about how comfy they were. With dedicated pockets for a drink and a phone, everyone settles in, and few look forward to getting back up.

Solar-Powered String Lights ($33)

On a warm summer night with a light breeze and sparkling conversation, it’s really nice to add just a bit of ambiance. In typical camping environments, a campfire is ideal—but with 40 or so gallons of 100LL just overhead, there are better options. 

I’m a fan of the Lepro brand string lights I found on Amazon. With solar power, the lights charge up during the day and then turn on at night. I hang mine up beneath the wing and simply set the small solar panel on top of the plane.

There is one downside. They won’t turn on until the photocell is convinced it’s completely dark out. This is annoying, as I find myself wanting the lights to turn on about an hour or two before they do. Accordingly, I have to use tape to cover the photocell as dusk settles in.

I put up with the annoyance, however, because unlike many string lights out there, the Lepros have a nice, warm, golden glow despite being LEDs. This creates a pleasant atmosphere that you really appreciate after seeing other LED string lights that have a high color temperature.

This year, for example, one camping neighbor’s harsh whitish-blue lights created an atmosphere every bit as charming as a vape shop in a strip mall, whereas my campsite was warm and inviting.

Pelican 30-Quart Elite Cooler ($250)

Icy-cold drinks are critical in hot, humid Wisconsin summers.

The first year I attended AirVenture as an airplane owner, I brought along a cheap styrofoam cooler to keep drinks chilled. It lasted about three days before cracking and being rendered useless.

The subsequent hunt for the perfect cooler was more complex than I expected. I wanted the perfect size—small enough to fit into my back seat for transport, yet big enough to hold a fair amount of beverages. I also decided I wanted one that performed well, as it would be sitting outside in the sun all day, every day.

I decided on the Pelican 30-quart Elite cooler. Compared to the equivalent Yeti, it has thicker walls, and I reasoned this equates to better insulation. It also has more robust latches and features some shallow cup holders on top that make it a decent side table or ottoman when closed.

I ordered white to better reflect the sun throughout the day, and it has performed beautifully. I typically add a small bag of ice once per day, which is more than necessary. Now, two years into ownership, I can’t find a single aspect to complain about.

Alps Mountaineering Camp Table ($80)

A good underwing table is the least exciting item on the list but also arguably the most useful.

Whether used to brew coffee, prepare meals, or simply keep everyday items in a handy, orderly state, it earns its keep every day. The trick is finding one that is perfectly sized for GA camping.

At 28 inches square and 27 inches tall, the Alps Mountaineering Camp Table fits the bill. Even better, it quickly collapses into a 7.5-by-4-by-28-inch pouch for transport and, with its aluminum construction, weighs only 6 pounds. The top can be easily removed and hosed off if needed, and while parts of it are plastic, everything appears to be relatively robust and durable.  

I’ve found that a good camp table isn’t truly valued until you’ve used it—and then you have to go without it. Suddenly, things like food, phone chargers, sunscreen, and all the random miscellanea that one compiles throughout the day begin to collect on the ground and in various corners of the aircraft cabin. It’s one item I’m happy to have along on any camping trip.

Anker Power Station ($329-$600)

As airplane campsites at AirVenture lack any kind of power, keeping devices charged has always been a challenge.

Historically, my strategy was to use two small 20,000 mAh power banks, leaving one plugged into a communal charging station overnight—unattended—while using the other. While this did keep my phone charged, it became annoying to monitor the charge levels of each, hoping to find an available outlet at the charging station…and then hoping it wouldn’t grow legs and walk away.

This year, I went nuclear. Not literally, although the power output of my big Anker C1000 1,056 watt-hour (Wh) charging station sometimes has me guessing. While expensive, there is another option at $600, only $100 more than the next smaller option, and I like to err on the side of more capacity.

I wasn’t sure about how much capacity I’d actually need. I knew I’d have a guest in their own tent next to my plane for the week, and I knew that we both wanted to keep our devices fully charged. I also knew that, as a good host, I’d like to be able to offer a top-off to friends stopping by for a visit.

For nine days, I did all of these things—and ended up using less than half of the C1000’s total capacity of 1,056 Wh. So, I clearly overbought. The upside? Now, I know I can run a couple of small fans at future AirVentures to keep cool and keep mosquitos away.

So, based on my own mission requirements, the smaller $500 Anker C800 Plus, with 768 Wh of capacity, would easily suffice while saving me money. For just one person, the even smaller Anker 535, with 512 Wh of capacity, would likely be just fine.

Regardless of which model you choose, having all the power you need right at your airplane for a week or more is a total game changer. 

The post 5 of the Best Pieces of Gear for Epic Underwing Camping appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Levi’s Men’s Faux Leather Aviator Bomber Jacket: It’s warm and features multiple pockets with snap closures, upper zipper pockets, welt pockets, and a hidden interior pocket.

Oakley SI Jupiter Squared Aviator Sunglasses for Men: The lenses provide optical clarity and razor-sharp vision as well as clarity and protection against impact and UV light.

SOJOS Retro Aviator Sunglasses for Women: The lenses filter out sunlight reflected glare and protect eyes from long term damage by blocking UVA and UVB rays.

Four-Channel Remote Control Airplane for Beginners: This classic airplane has a simple operation mode that only needs to press the switch and pull the stick to easily control the aircraft’s aerobatics. (Only good on 7/16)

MiiKARE Airplane Travel Essentials Phone Holder: This essential travel phone holder is designed to free up your hands and enhance your travel experience. It features multi-directional and 360-degree rotation.

Protective Hard Shell for MacBook Air: This shell from SoonJet fits snugly like a second skin, allows easy access to all ports and ensures smooth opening and closing. (only good on 7/16)

Small Portable Charger with Built-in Cables: Sethruki boasts that this is the slimmest and the smallest of portable chargers with cables, weighing only 122 grams and shaped like a credit card. (only good on 7/16)

Editor’s note: This article is not intended as an endorsement of the products listed, but rather as a list of options that may be of interest.

The post Top 7 Prime Day 2024 Deals for Pilots appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best aircraft hand-held radio options on the market, considering factors such as performance, features, and affordability.

6 Best Aircraft Hand-Held Radio Options

• Best for extended range: Icom A25N
• Best for battery life: Icom A16
• Best for compact size: Yaesu FTA-250L
• Best for built-in GPS: Yaesu FTA-850L
• Best for ease of use: Sporty’s L6
• Best for affordability: Yaesu FTA-550AA

Top Aircraft Band Radios

The choice of a hand-held radio depends heavily on your mission. Whether your priority is ease of use or extended battery life, we’ve amassed a list of the best hand-held radios with popular features to help you make the right choice for your needs.

Icom A25N

The full-featured A25N radio is Icom’s flagship radio with all the bells and whistles. The large liquid-crystal display makes menus easy to navigate. Given the A25N’s 6 watts of power, it can transmit anywhere from 8-to-15-plus miles at altitude, making it one of the best radios for extended range operations.

Best for: Extended range

Features:

• Type: Comm/Nav
• Power: 6 watts
• Memory: 300 channels
• Battery: Lithium-ion battery provides up to 10.5 hours of operating time.
• Additional features: Bluetooth, GPS, and VOR navigation available, LCD and key backlight for nighttime operations
• Included accessories: Belt clip, wall charger (115 volt), antenna, rechargeable battery pack, headset adapter, and carrying case

Disadvantages:

• One of the most expensive radios on the market. The comm-only Icom A25C ($499.95) radio may be a more affordable substitute.
• Bluetooth connection can be complex.

Price: $539.11

Icom A16

The Icom A16 is built tough and rugged. This comm only radio is packed with 6 watts of power and an extra loud speaker, however, it is the unit’s massive 17-hour lithium-ion battery that makes it stand out in the battery life category.

Best for: Battery life

Features:

• Type: Comm
• Power: 6 watts
• Memory: 200 channels
• Battery: Lithium-ion battery provides 17 hours of operating time.
• Additional features: LCD and key backlight for nighttime operations, extra loud speaker for clear communications, rugged and water-resistant construction, compact size
• Included accessories: Wall charger, charging base, belt clip, lithium-ion battery, wrist strap

Disadvantages:

• No built-in Bluetooth capability, but the compatible Icom A16B ($399.95) offers Bluetooth connectivity for hand-free operation.
• Difficult unit menu navigation

Price: $269.95

Yaesu FTA-250L

The Yaesu FTA-250L is an affordable, comm-only, rechargeable hand-held radio. This is one of the smallest hand-held radios on the market, making it a perfect flight bag staple that won’t take up much space.

Best for: Compact size

Features:

• Type: Comm
• Power: Five watts
• Memory: 250 channels
• Battery: Lithium-ion battery
• Additional features: Rugged exterior case, NOAA weather, backlit keypad and display with dimmer
• Included accessories: Lithium-ion battery, 110 volt and 12-volt-DC charge with cradle, antenna, belt clip, and headset adapter

Disadvantages:

• Programming is complex. The radio comes with a large user manual.
• Headset adapter usage may require a screwdriver.

Price: $209.95

Yaesu FTA-850L

The Yaesu FTA-850L hand-held radio was engineered to meet the requirements of top aviators. It is a full-featured hand-held radio with a large color display and a built-in GPS.

Best for: Built-in GPS

Features:

• Type: Comm/Nav
• Power: 4 watts
• Memory: 400 channels
• Battery: Lithium-ion battery provides12 hours of operating time.
• Additional features: Color screen, Bluetooth capability, VOR, LOC, ILS, GPS navigation available, loud audio output, PC programmable
• Included accessories: Lithium-ion battery, 110 volt and 12-volt-DC charger with cradle, alkaline battery tray, antenna, belt clip, headset adapter, USB cable

Disadvantages:

• The unit is one of the most expensive radios on the market. The slightly less advanced Yaesu FTA 750L ($429.95) offers similar capabilities at a lower price.
• Complex programming requirements

Price: $449.00

Sporty’s L6

Sporty’s L6 radio allows pilots to unplug their headset from the panel and plug it directly into their backup radio. It is one of the simplest comm-only radios to operate, making it a top contender in the ease-of-use category. 

Best for: Ease of use

Features:

• Type: Comm
• Power: 6 watts
• Memory: 20 channels
• Battery: Six AA batteries
• Additional features: Six-pin jacks on top to power LEMO-equipped headsets, 3.5-millimeter jack for earbuds, USB-C power port, backlit screen and keypad, dedicated squelch and volume knobs for precise adjustment
• Included accessories: Alkaline battery pack, wrist strap, antenna, belt clip, power cable, wall adapter

Disadvantages:

• For users with the twin-plug GA headset interface, the Sporty’s PJ2+ ($249) radio may be a better fit.
• It’s a larger and heavier unit than other radios.

Price: $279.00

Yaesu FTA-550AA

The Yaesu FTA-550AA is packed with features, yet very affordable. With an oversized liquid-crystal display, the FTA-550 hand-held radio provides full communication capabilities, as well as VOR and localizer navigation features. Its great features and attractive price make it a top contender in the affordability category.

Best for: Affordability

Features:

• Type: CommM/Nav
• Power: 5 watts
• Memory: 200 channels
• Battery: Six AA batteries
• Additional features: Large display, NOAA weather, loud speaker, backlit keypad and display with dimmer
• Included accessories: Alkaline battery pack, wrist strap, antenna, belt clip, power cable, wall adapter

Disadvantages:

• The AA batteries don’t last as long as the more modern lithium-ion battery powered devices. As an alternative, the Yaesu FTA-550L Pro-X ($349.95) offers a lithium-ion battery and charger as an upgrade.
• Radio programming complexity radio

Price: $229.95

Pilot Radio Laws and Regulations

There are several requirements and things to consider when communicating over the radio in U.S. airspace. The FAA requires aircraft operating in most controlled airspace to be equipped with a two-way radio capable of communicating with ATC on appropriate frequencies for that area. 

Therefore, most U.S.-registered aircraft have a working VHF radio that is part of the aircraft equipment, and in such cases, the purpose of a hand-held radio is to serve as a backup device in the event the primary radio fails. 

The following are requirements and best practices to ensure smooth radio operations.

Licensing and Certification

FAA certificated pilots operating VHF radios and flying within the U.S. do not require any aircraft radio licensing or operator’s permit. Private or commercial pilots who wish to fly outside of the U.S., however, need to obtain a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Frequency Use

Most radios used in the civil aviation sector operate in the VHF and UHF frequency ranges. VHF frequencies span from 108 to 137 MHz. Right above the VHF radio spectrum are UHF frequencies, which span from 300 MHz to 3 GHz. Comm radios are used to transmit and receive communications and operate in the 118-to-137-MHz VHF frequency range. 

Nav radios are used for VOR navigation only (not to be confused with GPS navigation) and operate in the 108-to-117.95-MHz VHF frequency range. ILS radios can have the localizer (108.1 to 111.95 MHz) and/or glideslope (329.3 to 335.0 MHz) capabilities and operate in their respective VHF and UHF frequency ranges.

Radio Procedures and Phraseology 

Radio communication between pilots and controllers is a critical link in the ATC system. It is essential, therefore, that pilots acknowledge each radio communication with controllers by using the appropriate aircraft call sign, keep the contact brief and to the point, all while using the appropriate phraseology.

Tips for Choosing the Best Aviation Hand-Held Radio 

There are several questions one should ask themselves when shopping for a hand-held radio:

• What is your primary reason for buying a radio?
• How often do you plan to use it?
• How tech savvy are you?
• What is your budget?
• What features are important for your needs?

There is a hand-held radio for every mission. Here are some items to consider when narrowing down your list:

• Comm only vs. Comm/Nav: While CommM/Nav capability was important 20 years ago, when GPS arrived, it took the flight deck by storm. Backup nav for most pilots comes in the form of a GPS installed on the aircraft, an iPad with an ADS-B receiver attached to it, and/or the cell phone in your pocket.
• ILS: ILS capabilities are not all created equal, so make sure to really look at the radio’s features to verify whether it provides localizer navigation, glideslope navigation, or both.
• Memory channels: More memory isn’t always better. When there are 200 memory channels, you must have a way to recall them. Some more complex radios with memory banks available can be difficult to access.
• Battery type: Although rechargeable batteries are great for high use, they aren’t convenient as a backup source because their charge must be maintained.
• Weight and size: While glider pilots prefer small and lightweight radios, linemen may require loud radios. There’s a radio for every mission, so make sure you pick the one that meets your unique needs.
• Simplicity: Although some state-of-the-art radios may seem attractive because of their many added features, there’s  beauty in simplicity—especially when dealing with an emergency.
• Know before you go: Learn how to use your radio before you really need to use it. An emergency isn’t the time to be fumbling through a user manual. 

Play it Safe With the Right Hand-Held Aviation Radio

Although a hand-held radio isn’t strictly required, it does offer a level of communication and navigation redundancy when conditions deteriorate. Because aviation is naturally a high-risk environment, having a backup is always a good idea. Find the radio that’s right for your mission and never get caught unprepared. 

FAQ

Is there an app for listening to aviation frequencies?

LiveATC.net provides live ATC broadcasts from control towers and radar facilities around the world. The LiveATC app is available for both iPhone/iPad on the App Store, as well as for Android devices on Google Play.

Do military aircraft talk to civilian ATC?

Military aircraft have transponders that can reply to civil ATC radar and TCAS interrogations.

What is the range of the airband scanner?

Airband scanners can pick up signals from 30-50 miles away with a clear line of sight.

The post Best Hand-Held Aviation Radio Options appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Having been a flight sim enthusiast in the decade before, but inactive since Microsoft Flight Simulator X and X-Plane 9, I decided to launch into building my own home flight simulator with the goal of pairing it with the freshly launched Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 (MSFS2020). My goal was to create a cockpit that featured the avionics equipment that I wanted to learn when I could eventually go back to flying in real life, and I wanted my simulator to replicate all the switches and buttons found in most GA aircraft. After three years of building and customizing, my flight simulator reflects the missions and aircraft I like to fly while also allowing the practice of basic maneuvers and procedures at home. 

When the opportunity came to review the Yawman Arrow, I was apprehensive about an all-in-one hand controller designed for a mobile or minimalist home flight sim setup that seemed a world away from the cockpit I had purposefully built. 

The Yawman Arrow team took on the audacious challenge of condensing all of the major flight controls that flight sim pilots have in their home cockpits down into a single hand-held controller. It features two Vernier-style sliders on the bottom center. On the bottom left of the controller is a trim wheel. All the way to the right side are two conventional throttle sliders. Above them is the “six-pack” of black buttons. On the top left of the face is a thumb stick used for the yoke. Directly below and in the center-left position is a five-button switch, and a multidirectional hat switch sits in the center-right position, directly below the six-pack of buttons. At the very top of the controller is the most novel component of the Yawman Arrow—two rudder controls operated by each of your index fingers that are linked together like the rudder controls of a real airplane. When you depress one side, the other side moves in the equal and opposite direction. Two additional buttons near the rudder controls can be assigned to various tasks like the parking brake or for changing Yawman Arrow menus so that more than one function can be paired to a single button. 

While plugging in the controller and jumping into a quick flight is possible, I recommend spending time getting acquainted with the controller’s default button assignments. The Yawman Arrow website has pre-built these so you can print them out, or you can keep them on a second screen as a helpful reference for your first flight. Note that it is best to double-check the button assignments in the control options menu in MSFS2020 (and the equivalent location in X-Plane 11 or 12). I found that some default control assignments differed from the printable document available on the Yawman website. 

To effectively fly with the Yawman Arrow, I needed to spend time sitting in my home flight sim cockpit seat, looking at my controls and then making a plan to determine what assignment to give the most important buttons and sliders. Sitting in my cockpit allowed me to make a visual inventory of the controls, assign them, and then verify the assignments in the MSFS2020 control options menu to make sure I completed the process correctly. It went quickly once I had determined what controls I wanted to assign to the Yawman Arrow. I kept as many of the default settings as I could, only editing what I needed. 

• READ MORE: Setting Up Your Sim

For my first flight, I loaded into the Cessna 172 at KPWM and planned for some basic maneuvers out over the waters of Casco Bay, east of the Portland International Jetport in Maine. I used standard weather and light winds to minimize external factors influencing the aircraft. Preflight and taxiing were no problem once I set the necessary buttons for wheel brakes, parking brake, and flaps. Taxiing using the rudders was enjoyable. The linked rudder controls were my favorite feature of the Yawman Arrow. As a habit, I squeezed both rudder controls at the same time to bring the airplane to a stop near the end of the taxiway before remembering that I needed to use the braking button I had previously mapped. 

Takeoff proved to be more challenging than I anticipated. As I am used to using a realistic, full-size VirtualFly yoke, I needed to acclimate to the relatively small control deflection offered by the thumb stick of the Yawman Arrow. Add to that the effects of P-factor on the aircraft when under full power during takeoff, and my fingers were dancing between the action of rolling the trim wheel, pulling back the yoke hat switch and moving the rudder controls. It was an exercise in small movement motor control, which didn’t take long to get used to. In subsequent takeoffs, I spent time dialing in the yoke/hat switch control sensitivity settings and keeping an eye on my Air Manager display to double-check how much trim control I was using. I was challenged to find the control harmony on takeoff and believe there is more work to be done between dialing in the default sensitivities “out-of-the-box” in MSFS2020 on the Yawman Arrow and simply spending more time getting used to the way aircraft must be flown using the controller.  

Once airborne over the practice area, the 172 was stable, and I found the control harmony between the yoke and rudder controls on the Yawman Arrow was sufficient for slow flight and recovering from power-on and power-off stalls. Satisfied after completing a few basic maneuvers, I returned to the airport to practice a visual approach to a full-stop landing. I set up for a 5-mile, straight-in approach to Runway 29, having flown it before as an active private pilot in real life. I enjoy coming in over the waterways surrounding the city of Portland and MSFS2020 provides some great visual landmarks. 

On a 2-mile final, I set the power for the remainder of the descent and focused on fine-tuning the pitch using the trim wheel. Backing up my trim inputs again visually using the trim display instrument on Air Manager definitely helped. Setting the trim is a critical ingredient of a stabilized approach, and being able to do this consistently is key to making the Yawman Arrow an enjoyable companion or primary controller. The landing was satisfactory, and I felt that I had adequate control authority. Landing provided a good place to try the controller, as it combines relatively slow air speeds with a need to have your fingers near the trim wheel, on the yoke, on the throttle, and up at the rudder controls. This is easier than it sounds given the controller’s natural position in the hand and the thoughtful location of the aforementioned controls. It made me curious to see what a larger version of the Yawman Arrow would feel like, with just a bit more room for hat switch, trim wheel, sliders, and buttons. 

Yawman Arrow founder Jon Ostrower and I discussed the trim wheel in one of our exchanges, and he recommended using it when flying most GA aircraft but to then map the electric trim controls to the second hat switch if flying an aircraft that primarily uses electric trim controls—such as a Cirrus or any small, medium, or large jet—to better simulate how those controls would be moved in the real aircraft. It didn’t occur to me that the trim wheel could be set as a dial for other control uses, such as changing the settings of the autopilot or tuning radio frequencies. It was a reminder that the Yawman Arrow can be set to control nearly any function you need. Other buttons can serve as menu buttons that can be held so that the same button can have more than one function. Here’s where spending time with the default button layouts from the Yawman Arrow website and manual, watching a few how-to videos for tips, and really working through your own customized setup will pay dividends in terms of finding the correct controls at your fingertips when you need it. 

Since I mainly fly GA aircraft in my flight simulation adventures, I loaded up a few of the landing challenges in MSFS2020 that didn’t feature strong crosswinds, so I could better acquaint myself with the Yawman Arrow as a primary controller for jet aircraft. The Aspen, Colorado, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming, landing challenges are favorites of mine and served as good test flight profiles as controlling airspeed is the primary objective once the aircraft is lined up correctly on short final. If flying jets will be your primary use for the Yawman, be sure to set controls for the landing gear, speed brakes, flaps, thrust reversers, and other key controls that you’ll need to execute your landings.

Final Impressions  

Overall, I believe the Yawman Arrow controller is a good value for the cost—especially if you’re the type of user who must have a minimalist cockpit setup based on your budget, or you’re someone who travels a lot and desires a portable sim solution. Like any new flight sim equipment, I continued becoming more comfortable as I flew with it, even though I wish I had spent a bit more time with button assignments. I never managed to get the takeoff behavior harmonized to my liking, but I recognize that we’re still in the early days of the Yawman Arrow, and I know that the team behind its development and the flight sim community will begin sharing their collective knowledge to help tune the sensitivity of the yoke and trim settings and make it a bit more intuitive right out of the box in MSFS2020. Note that I limited my testing to MSFS2020 as I currently don’t use X-Plane 11 or 12, so controller sensitivity and differences in the aircraft’s flight model behavior can vary widely between both flight sim software titles. 

Although this is just a nitpick, I would have preferred a grippier outer surface and potentially a larger form factor, like an “XL” size. Given Ostrower’s deliberate design choices, I am sure these factors were given considerable weight, and they amount to subjective personal impressions of my time flying with the Yawman Arrow. Also, I suspect that the controller would pair well with popular head tracking units, such as TrackIR or Tobii Eye Tracker, which would allow those small glances around the cockpit to check the trim and flaps settings. Using them compliments a minimalist setup and would increase immersion. I relied on my copy of Air Manager running on an adjacent screen to help me verify my trim wheel inputs. 

Although the Yawman Arrow won’t be my primary controller, it does offer even the most hardware-obsessed among us the chance to break it out for quick, casual sightseeing flights. It also provides a chance to use your flight simulator while you’re traveling and  to do more intense jet flying with it if you’re committed to learning the control bindings. It is priced at $199.99 and available at Sporty’s Pilot Shop. That price is $79 below that of a Honeycomb Alpha yoke and about in the middle of the cost range of popular joystick HOTAS options. 

Default settings for Yawman Arrow can be found here. 

Pros:

• Best feature is connected rudder controls.
• The Trim wheel is  a novel addition to the hand controller. 
• There are two options for throttles (vernier style or slider).
• Basic camera movement and autopilot controls worked effectively.

Cons: 

• Since there is no wireless function, it must be plugged into your PC or laptop.
• Yawman Arrow does not work with Xbox. 
• A grippier outer material and potentially larger form factor would be preferable.

The post Taking a Virtual Flight with the Yawman Arrow appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

It’s always a good idea to have at least two flashlights in your flight kit—one with a white light for preflight inspections, the other with a lens tinted red, green, amber, or blue for use in the dark because these colors do not destroy night vision.

Even brief exposure to white light can zap your night vision, and it can take 30 minutes (or more) for your eyes to readjust to low light. That’s an awfully long time to be flying blind, so choose cockpit light carefully. And since pilots tend to accidentally blind themselves when they reach for a flashlight—or their smartphone with the flashlight–in order to find the tinted flashlight they just dropped—use one designed to be clipped or strategically held to avoid that scenario.

The first design from Flight Gear to be tested was the Bite Light, which, as the name implies, is designed to be held in the pilot’s jaws to position the beam. There is a silicon ring on the base of the flashlight that provides a better grip and is more comfortable and less damaging to teeth than a metal flashlight. I must admit when I read this I had a flashback to the dumpster-diving scene in the 1978 movie Animal House, the John Landis-directed college parody movie that finds a member of the titular fraternity holding a flashlight in his teeth as he scours carbon copies of tests pulled from the trash looking for the psychology course midterm.

A Greener Flashlight

For those who hate the idea of the trash created by spent batteries, this flashlight can be recharged with a USB type-C rechargeable battery. As someone who probably could finance a type rating on what I have spent on batteries over the years, I have become increasingly appreciative of flashlights with the USB recharge feature.

Both Red and White Lights

The Bite Light boasts a bright white light to be used for preflight inspection and finding things dropped on the dark ramp. The button is labeled with a “W.” The white light’s intensity is controlled by how many times you press the button—three times creates maximum illumination; one more time turns it off.

Pressing the button with the power symbol and “red” underneath it activates the red light. One press activates the light, a second press brings it up to maximum intensity, and a third press turns it off.

The lights are independent of one another—you are either using red or white. Turning one color of light on automatically turns the other off.

The Bite Light is made of aviation-grade aluminum and, according to the manufacturer, can withstand drops. We inadvertently tested this twice from the top of a Cessna 172 wing and found the manufacturer assertion to be accurate. The flashlight is also supposed to be water resistant. It doesn’t weigh much, as it is light to the point that you wonder if it has a battery in it and are pleasantly surprised to find it does. 

• READ MORE: How Many Flashlights Do You Carry in Your Flight Bag?

Flight Gear Universal Aviators Light

Headlamp flashlights allow you to focus the beam wherever you look. They are held in place with a headband or clip that attaches to your headset or ball cap. The Flight Gear Universal Aviator’s Light provides both options.

It features a dual rotating axis and clip to help secure it. It is light enough that you don’t feel like you are wearing it even when employing the headband. It also clips to a kneeboard without unbalancing it.

Like the Bite Lite, it has both white and red lenses. The light is powered by two AAA batteries.

A single press of the “W” button will turn on the white light at max brightness. To dim the light, press the “W” button again within the first five seconds of turning on the light. This will bring the white light to medium intensity. Another press of the white button within five seconds will reduce the intensity of the light to low. Using low intensity will provide the maximum runtime on one set of batteries. While in the low setting, or after the level of light has been on for more than five seconds, the next press of the “W” button will turn it off. 

The red lights are activated in the same fashion by pressing the “R3” button.

I liked the versatility of the Universal Aviator’s Light. I could wear it as a headband or attach it to my ball cap or collar for best position in the cockpit. 

If you are a pilot who prefers a flashlight that can double as a blunt-force weapon, both of these are probably too little. You barely notice them in your pocket. Both flashlights feel as though they were designed for the space program, where weight saving is everything. 

The Bite Light sells for $49.95, the Universal Aviators Light sells for $29.95.

Both are available from Sporty’s Pilot Shop. 

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I remember the first time I wore an ANR headset. I had thousands of hours underneath a pair of 1980s-era David Clarks—when I hit the power-on button, there was a noticeable reduction in noise, and transmissions became more clear.

I understood why the Bose A20s were so popular with pilots. That was back in 2010. The latest generation of Bose headset, the A30, was released in late March, and FLYING had the opportunity to test the headset before release.

My review started with an assessment on the ground, and then time in flight focusing on the volume and clarity of the transmission. Although it may be hard to believe, the A30 shows improvement over the A20 it replaces in several ways.

The Weight

Right out of the bag, the A30 is slightly lighter than the A20. How much? According to Bose, the A30 tips the scale at 14.2 ounces, and the A20 is 14.46. While that’s not much of a difference according to the company, the A30 has less clamping force. That’s because its weight is distributed differently along the headband.

And Bose styled that headband in a different way on the A30 than on the A20: The A30 features a pivot spring rather than a hinge found on the A20. Also, the headband padding on the A30 is more streamlined and effective than the faux fur-like band of the A20. Both result in less clamp force, which gives the impression that the A30 is significantly and noticeably lighter than the A20. The cups on the A30 also sit lower on the ears, giving the wearer a feeling of stability.

The battery compartment for the A30, like the A20, is easily accessible without the need for tools. On the exterior of the battery compartment, there is a switch to adjust the sensitivity of the headset using a scale of high, medium, and low modes.

High mode is recommended for louder cockpit environments, such as the propeller-driven aircraft that dominate the training fleet. The medium mode, designed for business jets, wasn’t quite enough for the situation in a piston trainer. There is also a low mode, recommended for commercial airliners and jets, or when a pilot needs to engage in interpersonal communication outside the intercom.

When the high and medium modes are engaged, the A30 has tap control for talk-through communication. Tapping an ear cup twice reduces the noise canceling in that ear to the low setting, so you can hear your copilot without having to remove the ear cup altogether.

The operation switch functions are located inside the battery compartment. The switches vary from model to model. There are Tap Control, Priority, Intercom, Auto Off, and Auto On switches. You need a small tool to press these switches, such as a pen or tiny screwdriver.

The headset cable can be mounted on either side of the headset without using tools. It can be reset to dress left or right by unplugging and plugging it in on the other side, similar to unplugging or plugging in a smartphone on a charger. For pilots who don’t like cables all over the cockpit, this is a bonus. The cable has two clips to secure it in place no matter which side of the cockpit you want it on.

The carrying case for the A30 is designed for maximum protection and minimal space disruption in your flight bag. It is smaller than that of the A20 and has a zipper pouch for extra batteries. The zippers move easily, and you do not have to wrestle the headset into the bag.

Headset plugs and cables take a beating, especially at the flight school level. Bose recognized this and, during a press conference at the Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, assured media members that the headset went through no fewer than 145 tests to determine its durability over the five years it was under development.

As I finished up my own initial assessment in flight—a few laps in the pattern—I found there were no issues. It was time for more advanced testing.

The Real Flight Test

For the first test, I flew a 1976 Cessna 172 from the left seat. The aircraft, known as “Babe,” belongs to Jack, one of my learners. It is loud inside the cockpit as it has minimal interior soundproofing. Jack did the flying while I focused on communications. We went out for a scenic flight on a “chamber of commerce” blue sky day—it was the first one we had in Seattle in a long time, so everyone, it seemed, was taking advantage of the good weather. Everybody and their dog and their dog’s dog was up flying. This was not a day to miss or drop a transmission.

The first task was to launch out of Pierce County Thun Field (KPLU), a nontowered airport, and head west toward Tacoma Narrows Airport (KTIW), a Class D facility. It is a short flight; ergo it is radio intensive. I wanted the experience of serious tower communications. KTIW is a busy reliever for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (KSEA) and has several flight schools, and they all seemed to have people in the air that day. I had no issues hearing the tower, and they did not have issues hearing me at either the towered or pilot-controlled airport.

I experimented with the high, medium, and low modes en route. My copilot could hear me on all three modes, but I heard him best on high.

The next day I took the A30 into the “family” Cessna 182. Justin, one of my airport sons who is a CFI, assisted. The 182 is a more powerful and louder airplane than the 172, but I am pleased to note I did not have to make significant adjustments to the A30. We headed to the south practice area and pulled up Seattle Approach to keep an ear on traffic. Although we did not obtain flight following, we listened for ATC clearing aircraft to the IFR fixes in our vicinity. I experimented with the tap controls and found them most effective.

• READ MORE: Bose Gives A30 Update at NBAA-BACE

The Devil Is in the Details

We take headset testing very seriously at FLYING, so I put it in every possible configuration I could think of. I started with the A30 wearing a baseball cap with one of those annoying buttons on the top—and then flying with a cap sans the button. On some headsets, the headband catches on the button, and this makes the ear cups fit poorly. The A30 did not have an issue when worn with either cap style.

You can get the hood-style view limiting device over the A30 with minimal effort, or wear the foggle-style devices. The sunglasses test was next. I have sunglasses with around-the-ear wires and bayonet-style earpieces. Both styles interfaced nicely with the A30.

Because of the reduced clamp force, I was concerned the headset would take leave from my ears in turbulence—some vigorous side-to-side head movement as if searching anxiously for traffic did not dislodge the headset in any cap/sunglasses combo.

There is a Bluetooth option to allow wireless connection to mobile devices, audio systems, and electronic flight bags. Users can configure it to audio with intercom audio or have intercom transmission muted. Users can mix Bluetooth audio with intercom audio or have intercom transmissions mute Bluetooth temporarily.

The much-loved A20 will not be available after current stock in the hands of distributors is exhausted. However, Bose will continue to support the headset throughout its lifetime. The A30 appears poised as a worthy successor to the Bose brand.

This review first appeared in the July 2023/Issue 939 print edition of FLYING.

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Lazzarini succeeds Lightspeed founder Allan Schrader, who will remain with the company as its CEO and chairman of the board of directors. According to Lightspeed, Lazzarini will be responsible for day-to-day operations while Schrader will focus on “developing adjacent market opportunities utilizing existing and evolving technologies.”

“I’m excited to turn over our ongoing business operations to Heider,” said Schrader. “Heider’s experience, combined with his passion and energy, provide the perfect accelerant for our expanding business opportunities.”

Lazzarini comes to Lightspeed from a position as vice president of marketing for Axiometrix Solutions brands Audio Precision, GRAS Sound and Vibration, and Imc Test & Measurement. The company noted that he brings two decades of executive experience in general management, marketing and product sales in consumer, commercial, industrial, and military/government sectors. Lazzarini holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Oregon.

“With decades of being first to market with audio and now piloting safety solutions, I believe that Lightspeed has a tremendous opportunity to deliver new value for its customers and partners,” said Lazzarini. “I am very excited to be joining this seasoned team as the company continues to evolve its latest technology platform to enhance the flying experience for the aviation market worldwide.” 

• READ MORE:  Lightspeed Aviation Releases Delta Zulu

Lightspeed launched its first headset in 1996 at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. In 2022, it unveiled its latest model, called Delta Zulu, which introduced features including a built-in carbon monoxide detector and app-controlled audio equalization system.

The post Lightspeed Aviation Names New President appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Features to Look For

Here are a few elements that make a bag useful for a broad range of pilots. 

Interior as well as exterior pockets 

Organization is key for a pilot. A bag should have securable exterior pockets for the things you will be reaching for during the flight, such as the E6-B flight computer, water bottle, or iPad, and interior pockets for the things you want to keep more secure—your logbook or wallet.

Material that is easy to clean, easy to repair

Fabric gear bags (usually nylon or canvas) are easier to clean than leather ones. This will be important if someone needs to “call pterodactyls” during the flight and barfs in your flight bag. Fabric bags tear more frequently than leather ones, but can also be easier to repair, as finding a shop with a needle strong enough to go through leather can be a challenge.

Multiple compartments

The trick to organization is having items sorted in compartments. One holds your handheld radio, another has the flashlight and extra batteries, and another holds your sunglasses, for example. Compartments that can be zipped up or closed with velcro are prized.

A padded pocket for a headset

A pilot headset is a very expensive piece of equipment. While some headsets come with their own padded carrying case (for example, Lightspeed and Bose), others have a carry bag with minimal protective padding—if they have any protection at all. When the headset costs upwards of $300, spend the money to get a gear bag that has a specialized pocket for it.

A padded pocket designed for iPad or tablet

If the idea of your iPad bouncing around unsecured in your flight bag bothers you (and seriously, it should), find a gear bag with a designated pocket for an iPad or tablet—and its charging cords.

Pen and pencil holders

Nothing ruins a bag—or the gear in it—quicker than a pen exploding. It is unsettling to reach into your bag and discover the interior looks like an octopus panicked. Designated pockets prevent this.

Pocket for flashlight and batteries

Searching for a flashlight or batteries is not something you want to be doing in a dark cockpit. Many bags have a designated and sized pocket for a flashlight and a separate zip-up compartment that will hold spare batteries. Pro-tip: keep the batteries in a compartment of their own and in the original packing, or install painter’s tape across the contact points of loose batteries to prevent them from arcing.

Reinforced bottom

Gear bags hold a lot of weight, and when placed on hard, rough surfaces (like the ramp) on a regular basis, the bottom of the bag, specifically the corners, tend to wear out. You want a bag that has reinforcement in its construction, especially in the corners. Some bags have a hard-surface lower bulkhead, which can also make them more resistant to damage.

Adjustable and padded shoulder straps

Some gear bags can be worn like backpacks. Others have a single shoulder strap. Look for one that is padded and adjustable. Note the buckles and possibly velcro that hold the strap in place. Ideally, once the straps are set to where you want them they should lock down and stay there.

FLYING Picks

Jeppesen Student Pilot Bag

This one’s often the first gear bag a fledgling pilot gets. The bag’s dimensions of 16 inches by 11 inches by 5.5 inches make it a perfect device for carrying all the books necessary for Part 141 training. Cost: $40

Crosswind Flight Gear Bag

According to Sporty’s Pilot Shop, this bag was designed around function and finances—as they say, “Put more cash towards flight training and less towards gear with the Crosswind Flight Gear Bag.” The bag has padded pockets for both the headset and iPad as well as a “cavernous compartment” for everything else. As with most Sporty’s bags, there’s the option to have the top entry flap embroidered for an extra price. The bag comes with a three-year warranty. Cost: $59.95

Flight Outfitters

If you are looking for versatility in a flight bag in terms of size and form, check out the offerings from Flight Outfitters. The Flight Outfitters Lift Flight Bag is very popular with beginning aviators. Black with orange trim, the external dimensions of the bag measure 12 inches by 10.5 inches by 9 inches. The interior of the bag is easily accessible thanks to all-the-way-around zippers, so it is easy to get into and out of the bag. The interior pocket is fleece-lined and holds a headset with ease, and there are two external pockets perfect for paper charts or a notepad. The bag also has fleece-lined pockets for your electronic gadgets, such as tablets or GPS, along with four internal mesh organizers to keep the cables and charging cords for these devices from turning into a tangled mess. The headset pocket has elastic loops to give you a place to put those extra batteries if you have an ANR headset. The lining of the Lift Flight Bag is bright orange—I mean ‘‘spot me in the woods/come get me now’’ orange—handy if you have to get someone’s attention after an unscheduled off-airport landing. You can also get the FLYING logo placed prominently on the front.

The carry handle is braided reinforced wire with metal hardware and has ergonomic padding for ease of carry. There is also a shoulder strap. Flight Outfitters has other designs—the Lift Flight Mini for the pilot who doesn’t need that much room, to the Lift XL Flight Bag and Flight Bag Pro for the pilot who has a lot to carry. For the aviators who prefer a backpack style to carry their supplies, Flight Outfitters has the Flight Outfitters Sling Pack and the Waypoint Backpack. Cost: $69.95 to $129.95

ASA AirClassics Flight Bag

Aviation Supplies and Academics has been facilitating pilot education since the 1940s, and a big part of that is helping them carry their gear. The ASA Flight Bag is made from water-repellent 600D polyester, with reinforced corners and a large central pocket with repositionable dividers for a customized configuration. The bag has zippered pockets on both ends that are large enough for headsets or tablets. On the back of the bag is an open pocket that doubles as a sleeve to slipover a roller bag for easy transport. Cost: $74.95

Leather Flight Bag

When you’re ready for leather, Sporty’s is ready for you with its Flight Gear series. The bag is made from black calfskin and has exterior pockets for a headset, GPS, and transceiver (there is also a special pocket for storage of the antennae) along with two side pockets and an organizer section for pens, keys, flashlight, sunglasses, etc. The interior main pocket of the leather Flight Gear bag is large enough to stow a headset in its case. The bag has a loop on the back, making it easy to attach to a rolling suitcase if you wish. Cost: $249.95.

Brightline B7 Flight Bags

If you are obsessive about organization—and need a ballistic gear bag—the folks at Brightline have something for you: the Brightline B7 Flight Bag. The bag is like what happens when an overnight bag and an accordion have a lovechild—this bag expands, and I do mean expands. There are so many pockets on this bag that all can be secured with a zipper. When unzipped, the bag opens up like, yes, an accordion for ease of access. Cost: $254

This article was originally published in the March 2023, Issue 935 of  FLYING.

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