Page 38 - Volume 20 Number 9

SI ix Things You Simply M by David Miller
t’s not Christmas yet, but I’ve been thinking about many hours wondering which side of the course I was the kind of presents every pilot should have in his/ on, it would make your gyro spin. Today, the phrase, her cockpit. Things that dramatically improve our “where the heck am I?” is seldom heard in a full EFIS-
ability to safely operate our flying machines. Most of the items on my list didn’t even exist twenty years ago. Here we go:
1FADEC
This one and something every turbine operator should have. Having a virtually fool-proof “second pilot” to set the proper power setting without
exceeding engine limitations is extremely helpful. And although we are still ultimately responsible for engine operation, FADEC allows us to focus more attention outside the cockpit, especially on takeoff. I can still remember pulling out the laminated performance charts every 10,000 feet to check temperature and set power. So eighties! Once you experience FADEC you will likely never go back.
2EFIS
Some of you have never flown a non-EFIS airplane. This makes me feel very sad. And very old. Prior to the flat screen display, I spent so
equipped airplane. Twenty years ago, that was usually the first thing I said after takeoff. It went something like this. “Power set, airspeed alive, rotate, gear up, where the heck am I?” From a safety standpoint, the reliability of these non-vacuum pump systems has increased safety immensely. I can’t imagine flying
SIRIUS XM/NEXRAD WEATHER
When was the last time you called Flight Service from your airplane? Are they still in business? We used to take off with outdated
ithout EFIS.
w3
weather and land with the latest outdated weather. No news was good news. Until it wasn’t. Today, I have virtually unlimited access to METARS, TAF’s, PIREPS, SIGMETS, AIRMETS, even Patty’s grocery list. It’s mind boggling. I can study the composite radar picture a thousand miles from my destination while still on the ground, and make strategic route decisions from my cell phone in the FBO bathroom. Don’t tell me you haven’t done this.
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10,000 sq ft Hangar and 6,000 sq ft office and storage
located at the Monterey Peninsula Airport (KMRY). Previously used as an Aircraft Maintenance Facility. Door opening is 84 feet wide by 19.5 feet high.
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36 • TWIN & TURBINE SEPTEMBER 2016