The 2022 model is the “fastest to date featuring sleeker wing and tail surfaces and redesigned wheel pants, resulting in true airspeeds of up to 9 knots faster,” company officials reported. “The new model’s ice panel transition seams are smoothed and wheel pant tolerances tightened to reduce drag. These aerodynamic refinements contribute to both reduced fuel consumption and faster flight segments.”
Aircraft
Garmin Smart Glide now available for G3X and G5
Garmin’s Smart Glide technology, a safety tool that helps pilots in loss of engine power emergencies by automating tasks to reduce pilot workload, is now available as a free software update for the G3X Touch and G5 electronic flight instrument in certified aircraft equipped with a GTN Xi series navigator. Experimental aircraft with G3X Touch and a G3X autopilot can also enable Smart Glide technology.
Picture of the Day: A breakfast ritual
Sam Presley submitted this photo taken by Alan Ainley and note: “A little formation flying to Morrelton, Arkansas, for our Saturday morning breakfast ritual. Got to love the Aeroprakt airplanes — Kenny Davenport’s new plane. Our little breakfast group is affectionately referred to as the Breakfast Waffe.”
Spending on drones ‘set to explode’ in U.S.
The new study projects that the U.S. will integrate drones into the National Airspace System within the next decade. Worldwide, spending on civilian drones will top $121 billion in the next 10 years, the study predicts.
New owner for Phoenix FBO
Jackson Jet Center is poised to take over operations at Swift Aviation at KPHX Jan. 26, 2022.
Picture of the Day: Lonely plane
Gary Lanthrum submitted this photo and note: “I flew my Maule MX7-180C to the Alvord Desert to camp under the stars. After I arrived, a storm front moved in and I spent two nights in high winds, rain, and snow. During the day it would improve so I stayed two nights hoping the daytime improvements would last. There is no cell phone coverage here, so I couldn’t get weather updates. Despite the lousy weather, it is incredibly beautiful and hauntingly quiet here.”
Affordable aviation: Can you find an aircraft that meets your budget?
Can you really find an affordable aircraft? And where’s the best place to find one? Our LSA expert Dan Johnson says the answers to both of those questions are “yes,” and he gives you several examples of affordable flying machines to check out.
Zenith brings its hands-on workshop back to Texas
Zenith Aircraft’s two-day kit aircraft building workshop will be at Boerne Stage Airfield Feb. 11-12, 2022. A regional fly-in gathering for Zenith aircraft owners and enthusiasts will also be held on Feb. 12 at the airport.
Picture of the Day: STOL Bandit river run
Jon Humberd submitted this photo and note: “Our group of STOL Bandits fly together regularly and go on some epic flying adventures together in East Tennessee and North Georgia.”