IN THIS ISSUE: SUMMER 2010

Bonus Depreciation Update • Page 3

Turbine Operating Parameters • Page 6

Born to Fly: PC12 Owner Bob Duprey • Page 8

Not All Radar Images are the Same • Page 10

. . . and other features

It’s Overhaul Time.

Historically the world of
turbine engines was left up to the
professional flight departments
with full time managers, directors
of maintenance, and chief pilots.
Now we fast forward to a time
when highly reliable turbine
engines are used on owner flown
and entry level corporate aircraft.
The proliferation of single engine
turbines has brought terms like
hot section, time life items, and
turbine wheels to the forefront of
owner pilots’ minds. As more and
more of these airplanes march
toward overhaul, these owners
also move towards uncharted
territory.
In this issue we continue to
help unravel the mystery of
turbine aircraft ownership. As
you will see, careful planning,
good research and a helpful
maintenance provider can be the
keys to a successful experience.
Start early, take your time, and
ask lots of questions. If you have
a trusted maintenance provider,

PT6 Engine Overhaul:

they can be your best resource
when it comes to making this
expensive decision. Overhaul of

Behind the Curtain

a turbine engine is not the best
time to be making new friends.
As is the case for your flights,
To the uninitiated, the turbine engine over- right questions you can confidently navigate preflight planning is essential.
haul experience can seem like a daunting the overhaul process adhering to budget with
task. Even seasoned owner-operators take the least amount of down-time.
Skytech, Inc., publisher of this magazine
pause when faced with an impending over- is an aircraft sales and service company
haul. The myriad of tasks, choices and con- What really happens at overhaul time? with FBOs in Westminster, MD (DMW),
siderations can quickly overwhelm. What Rock Hill, SC (UZA – Charlotte Metro
really happens at overhaul time - what are The six weeks typical for most overhauls Area) and Administrative Headquarters in
Baltimore, MD (MTN).
my resources – and how much will it cost are appears mysterious without a basic under-
Your thoughts, suggestions, comments
the major questions that arise. It helps to un- standing of the process. They’re just tearing and criticism are important to us and
derstand the overhaul process by breaking it it apart and putting it back together…right? we will always welcome reader feedback.
into a sequence of major phases, establishing Well, yes – but they are also inspecting each Please respond to:
fantastic communication with knowledgeable of its various components with non-destruc- Mike Fitzgerald
Executive Vice-President
resources and planning ahead for schedule tive tests, hand inspections and precision
mfitzgerald@skytechinc.com
and budget. If you plan ahead and ask the instrument tolerances. There are hundreds
see PT6 Overhaul on page 4
 MAGAZINE STAFF

Publisher
Mike Fitzgerald

Executive Editor/Writer
Justin Lazzeri

Consultant/Writer
Slow, But Sure Comeback.
As we move into the Summer of 2010, there has gles gained 2.6%, up three quarters in a row. In any
Leslie Chesley
never been a market so fractured, with so many other economy, we’d call that a trend. However,
Columnist ups and downs. Or, does it just seem that way after there is no way to tell how future buyers will adjust
Dave Conover a dismal 2009, when everything raced toward the to a market that has clearly moved off the bottom.
bottom – together? There are numerous influenc- The rising tide did not float all boats. If an air-
Art Director es, positive and negative, and each one is a worthy craft is too needy – poor paint, damage and ancient
Michelle Powell headline. Let’s start with the most important. radios – it’d better be really cheap.
Exports Revive GA. For years, we have Turboprops Flat, but Active. Another way
Artist
thought pitiful airline service was one of the best to put it is stability. After settling to an all time
Bruce Quade
drivers of general aviation. Though the airlines low, the Vref Turboprop Index has stayed there for
continue to send disgruntled customers our way, it one year. With steadily increasing activity, there
is the robust export market that has helped breath is the expectation of higher prices. However, the
life back into everything from Cessna 182s to Gulf- horde of inventory must thin out before any real
THE ADVANTAGE stream 550s. As offshore economies recover and price increase is realized. King Air B200s, one of
MAGAZINE STAFF grow, the U.S. remains the best source for private the industry benchmark turboprops, still has 12%
REQUESTS YOUR aircraft. of the fleet for sale. There has been little change
FEEDBACK! Personal Wealth Staggering! It is true that in that percentage for several quarters.
the personal savings rate in the U.S., Japan and Have we turned the corner? The general consen-
We would greatly appreciate elsewhere is not what it should be. However, for sus is, we have. However, there are way too many
hearing from you! Please tell us a certain upper percentile life has never been bet- airplanes for too few real buyers to sift through. To-
what you think of Advantage ter. Aircraft dealers estimate that nearly 90% of to- tal inventory levels are only down about 2% from
magazine and offer any day’s transactions are sans loan. This is just as true early last year. And, then there is still the lending
thoughts you have for improving for $500k Cirrus SR22 as it is for a $50M Global Ex- issue. The perception on the street is that money
this publication. Our goal press. That Wealth headline at least partially off- remains tight. Finally, the issue that trumps all oth-
is to provide helpful, sets one of the big negatives in the current market, ers – The Economy. When the Stock Market had
interesting information that Lending Standards Remain Tight. Potential its 1,000-point hiccup a few weeks ago, the aircraft
you enjoy reading. buyers, not in the upper percentile, continue to resale market got acid reflux disease – thankfully
complain loudly about higher down payments and just for a day. At this early stage of the recovery,
Your opinions, suggestions,
other restrictions which keep them out of the mar- consumer confidence is very easy to shake.
as well as ideas for new
ket. The Look Ahead: IF the U.S. recovery stays on
articles and content are
Huge Underclass Confounds Market! The track, and the European nations keep each other
important for continuing
large number of repossessed airplanes continue bailed out, and if banks loosen the purse strings
improvement and growth
to make the backend of the elephant seem pret- just a little – ok, a lot – we are poised for a slow, but
that will serve all our readers.
ty bad. Fortunately, today’s buyer is not going in sure comeback. •
Email us at: blind – in fact, most are more knowledgeable than
Advantage@Skytechinc.com ever. A professionally marketed, well-maintained
airplane can easily be worth 20 to 30% more than a WE KNOW THE VALUE
Thank you! derelict, or one that is perceived as such. By the OF A GOOD AIRPLANE!
time a buyer makes an offer on a Cessna Cardinal
RG of a Falcon 900, he or she has probably inspect- Vref Aircraft Price Guides
ed a dozen of them, and flown four or five. Most Accurate • Complete
The Pilot-In-Command is solely of today’s buyers can tell the difference between only $195 per year
responsible for the safe and proper a good value and a cheap airplane with a cover-up
operation of his/her aircraft and it is
the responsibility of the pilot-in- paint job. Order Line: 800-773-VREF (8733)
command to operate that aircraft in Piston Singles Advance! After a decade of Fax 913-879-2588 www.vrefpub.com
compliance with that aircraft’s Pilot’s
falling prices, eager buyers have moved in and
Operating Handbook and other
official manuals and directives. prices are moving up. The Vref Light Single Index
PO Box 23321 Shawnee Mission, KS 66283
jumped 4.4% in the recent quarter. Complex Sin-

2
BONUS DEPRECIATION UPDATE.
On Monday June 21, 2010, Senate Finance This bill is a major victory for aircraft
Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and owners around the country because Florida
ranking member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is a popular destination both for personal
introduced a bi-partisan legislation that and business use aircraft. Orlando and
will extend 50% bonus depreciation for other cities in Florida are major tourist
2010. attractions and many pilots visit Florida
Bonus Depreciation Extension to Create annually for tradeshows like Sun N Fun in
Jobs Act (S.3513) will allow qualified Lakeland in April, or Simcom for recurring
taxpayers to deduct 50% of the cost of a training.
new business aircraft purchased in 2010. The new legislation goes into effect on
There is bi-partisan support of the bill in July 1, 2010 and it will allow non-resident
the Senate. The current language of the bill aircraft owners to visit Florida without
will extend bonus depreciation retroactive the risk of incurring a Florida use tax
to January 1, 2010 and it is scheduled to assessment:
expire on December 31, 2010. Within 6 months of purchasing an aircraft,
There is no consensus as to whether out-of-state owners will be able to visit
this bill will be passed by both Houses of Florida with that aircraft for less than a total
Congress and enacted into law, however, of 21 days for any purpose.
it may be wise to begin planning for the Aircraft purchased within the previous
purchase of a new business aircraft if you 6 months will be able to visit Florida
can benefit from the generous bonus for an unlimited amount of time for the
depreciation in 2010. With the tightening exclusive purpose of flight training, repairs,
of credit and the reduced production by alterations, refitting, or modification
most manufacturers, you may begin the purposes. and you take delivery of the aircraft in
purchase process so that you are in position Florida, this transaction will be subject to
to complete the purchase before the end of FLORIDA FLY-AWAY EXEMPTION Florida sales tax, regardless of how soon
the tax year if bonus depreciation returns. you remove the plane from Florida after
A word of caution in regard to taking closing.
FLORIDA SALES AND USE TAX UPDATE delivery of an aircraft in Florida: this Despite the enactment of the new
continues to be an area of concern for Florida legislation exempting non-Florida
Florida governor Charlie Crist signed a many aircraft owners. Florida does have residents from Florida sales and use tax,
bill which will allow out-of-state non-Florida a “fly-away” exemption which allows non- there are many scenarios where a lack of
resident aircraft owners to visit Florida residents to purchase an aircraft in Florida proper planning would result in a surprise
without fear of use tax being assessed. without being subject to Florida sales tax – tax bill from the State of Florida. •
Current Florida legislation states that provided that some detailed documentation Daniel Cheung, CPA,
an aircraft entering Florida within the first is submitted to the Florida Department of Member
six months of purchase will be presumed Revenue within the prescribed time frame
to be purchased for use in Florida and to claim this exemption. Aviation Tax Consultants (ATC) assists aircraft purchasers
may be subject to Florida use tax. This A little known fact about the fly-away in acquiring aircraft in a tax efficient manner. Our services
include the elimination or reduction of sales and use tax
bill does not affect Florida residents and exemption is that only aircraft purchased at the time of purchase, maximizing income tax savings,
other individuals that have economic and from a registered Florida aircraft dealer will controlling the cost of personal use of the aircraft, avoiding
passive activity loss rules and complying with Federal
business ties to the state of Florida. qualify for the exemption. Therefore, if you Aviation Regulations. Cooperation with client’s current
purchase an aircraft from a Florida resident tax and legal advisors is welcome and encouraged.

3
PT6 Overhaul certain to understand the details of your possible. They will guide you through each
continued from page 1
contract in terms of prices, campaigns and phase of the overhaul, and be your advo-
of parts composed of a myriad of materi- replacement parts, but there are some cate to help make decisions once your en-
als to review, repair and rebuild. The ma- knowledgeable resources who will be in- gine is on site with the overhauler. They can
jor phases include analysis of competing volved with you throughout the process even travel with you, or on your behalf, to
proposals, scheduling, engine removal, that can help significantly. the overhaul site to see your engine while
engine teardown, inspection and cost es- Typically people rely on their regular it is in process or review any scrap or com-
timate review, reassembly, test and finally maintenance provider to manage the over- ponents with you.
re-installation of the overhauled engine haul process. The two people who will be Most overhaul shops welcome custom-
onto the airframe. most involved with your engine once it ers for a factory tour and scrap review.
As with your aircraft itself, every engine ships will be your service manager, or ap- There is no substitute for being able to see
is different. Factors for its successful over- pointed expert at your maintenance facil- the physical characteristics of your engine
haul include your specific serial number, ity, and the administrator at the overhaul components with the experts on site. It is
campaign status, environment and hours/ facility. also impressive to see the specific machin-
cycles. Any of these items can affect both Your primary point of contact will likely ery, talents and test cells for the engines.
budget and downtime. A little planning be the service manager at your repair fa- The primary point of contact at the over-
and a brief understanding of the process cility. Where an individual owner typically haul facility is the administrator. Some-
and timeline help to allay any concerns will need to overhaul their engines once times this person is called a product sup-
about what is happening with your engine. every 8 to ten years, the service manager at port representative or customer service
your local facility oversees many overhauls manager. They are there to help guide your
What are my resources? every year. engine through the process at the facility
They can provide detailed information and and make certain they are keeping to the
Said another way: How do I make sure history specific to your aircraft and engine terms offered to you in its proposal.
that someone is looking out for me and to the overhaul facility, helping to take as
see PT6 Overhaul on page 5
my engine? Of course, you need to make much guess work out of the estimate as

Overhaul Timeline
One – Six Weeks Before Schedule with Shop, Request detailed quotes,
Plan for other maintenance/downtime

One Week Before Confirm schedule, Make travel arrangements

to/from facility

Day of Arrival at Remove engine, Ship to overhaul facility

MaintenanCE FACILITY

Day of Arrival at Un-crate engine, Send to pre-inspection Communicate,

Overhaul Facility check log books

First Week of Overhaul Complete tear down, Final cost estimate, Receive tear
down report, Send accessories to appropriate tests

Second Week of Overhaul Parts to detailed inspection/ndt

Third / Fourth Week of Overhaul Parts back from repair

Fifth / Sixth Week of Overhaul Reassembly, Test, Ship to maintenance shop

for installation

4
PT6 Overhaul - Major campaigns that may be optional, Do I have any choices here? Yes – it is
continued from page 4
but recommended your engine. You will have choices to make
- Separate line item for testing regarding new or used parts, exchange
How much will it cost? - Separate line item for accessories or parts or optional service bulletins. Work-
outside vendors ing closely with your trusted service man-
This answer depends on the particular - Rental Engines ager to ensure the proper choices are
variables of your engine. After you have •Airframe related expenses: These made can have a profound effect on the
provided your serial number, campaign are usually billed through your regular final cost and effectiveness of your project.
status and basic maintenance information, maintenance provider, so you will need to Important points to consider when making
a more detailed quote can be provided. make certain you have an understanding of budget choices are, warranty, performance,
Usually overhauls are quoted as “time and any airframe related maintenance that is compatibility and the next hot section in-
material” or “flat rate”, but all quotes will required at the time of the overhaul. spection.
contain similar key elements. You will find that quotes from different
vendors can appear vastly different, but fre- Successful Overhaul
Key price elements for any overhaul are quently say the same thing. It is important
as follows: to consider all the factors when reviewing When the six weeks are up, you will have
your quote – an upfront quote that doesn’t a safe, well-performing up-to-date engine;
•Labor: This covers everything from include a critical (but not legally required) adding value and life to your aircraft. Take
taking it out of the crate all the way to campaign may appear less expensive than time to read the details, know the shop and
final inspection. Usually quoted as a flat a more inclusive quote. So – read the fine full advantages of all the resources that are
rate. print. available to you and you will have a smooth
•Parts: these are the specific parts (new So what is a flat rate anyway? Some over- experience with your PT6 overhaul. •
or used) to be replaced in your engine haulers will offer a flat rate, usually at a
•Consumables: fluids, small gaskets premium, for taking on some of the risk for
and other small parts required to scrapped parts. They typically include all
reasemble your engine. Sometimes of the labor, consumables and known parts
quoted as a flat rate. for your particular dash model and se-
•Exchange parts: parts that have long rial number range. Even though flat-rated,
repair turn-around times and are most exclude major components, so again
replaced with like parts, but not the - read the fine print. For example, often-
originals times replacement CT blades are excluded
•Other items that may be included from the flat rate.
or should be considered:
- Freight costs for getting the engine
to/from the facility
- Travel cost for seeing the engine while
in production

5
 Turbines, Torque and
Temperature.
One of the most appealing aspects of power setting parameter. All other engine before-overhaul. Operating your engine
stepping up to turbine powered aircraft parameters are only monitored to verify per the power settings set forth in the
from pistons is the simplicity of operation they are within acceptable limits. The POH POH is the manufacturer’s way of ensuring
they afford. In a lot of ways flying a turbine / AFM contains power setting information no undue harm is inflicted on engine
is as easy as lighting the engine, pushing the which must be used to determine the torque components, thus limiting the chances
power lever forward to go fast and pulling setting for all ratings which vary according of making the book power throughout
back to slow down. Although that isn’t too to altitude, ambient temperature and the engine’s life. Even though exceeding
far from reality, as with all airplanes there aircraft weight. This is important because torque limits for brief periods of time
are certain parameters and limits that a the P&WC rating philosophy is based on may seem harmless when I.T.T limits are
turbine pilot needs to adhere to for safe, the engine being operated per the POH / adhered to, the cumulative effect of heat
reliable and cost effective operation. AFM and maintained in accordance with will catch up. It is for this same reason that
A misnomer sometimes heard amongst the Engine Maintenance Manual and many corporate operators choose to start
turbine pilots is that any power setting Aircraft Maintenance Manual (EMM / AMM) their engines while connected to a Ground
is safe as long as you don’t exceed Inter- including all applicable periodic inspection Power Unit (GPU). The added power boost
Turbine-Temperature (ITT) limits. This recommendations by P&WC. of the GPU allows the engine to spool
belief is wrong and can lead faster, resulting in cooler starts
to costly repairs or worse. through a minimum amount of
Whether the confusion heat exposure.
stems from a deficiency Furthermore, even though
in training or a simple a certain “dash-number”
misunderstanding, there are PT6 may be used on several
several resources available to different aircraft models, that
educate and deter operators doesn’t mean that it can be
from knowingly crossing the operated the same across
power setting boundaries set the board. Variations in the
forth in their airplane’s POH. cooling architecture, amount
A recently released Pratt & or type of engine driven
Whitney Service Information accessories and many other
Letter (S.I.L. NO. GEN PT6A- aspects are airplane specific.
028) addresses this subject Only that particular airplane’s
in detail. power setting chart accounts
“In conjunction with for installation variables.
the Aircraft Manufacturer Turbine aircraft are
(OEM), a mission profile is extremely reliable when
established for every PT6A operated properly. Not
engine application. This adhering to manufacturers’
mission is used to analyze and recommendations is asking
establish engine component for a handful of problems.
lives and durability factors Proper torque settings are
such as Low Cycle Fatigue essential in limiting the
(LCF), Creep, Oxidation and engine components’ exposure
Vibration. Using this data and taking into Operating the engine beyond the to destructive temperatures and stress.
consideration airframe influences such recommended power settings in the POH Conditions such as blade creep, fatigue,
as bleed extraction, accessory loading / AFM for a prolonged period will result in vibration and other issues can make
and inlet efficiency, the power setting accelerated margin deterioration due to hot for costly (and sometimes pre-mature)
information is established and then section component distress and will affect maintenance events. In some extreme
published in the POH and Airframe Manual engine reliability and durability. This effect cases, the effect of operating an engine
(AFM). is cumulative and will lead to the engine outside of acceptable parameters is much
P&WC’s power rating philosophy is to prematurely reaching an operating limit more sudden; leaving the pilot to explore a
ensure the maximum likelihood that your (usually ITT) before the recommended new realm of flight in a surprisingly engine-
PT6A engine will deliver the power specified power is produced.” less airplane. Clearly the best procedure is
in the POH / AFM throughout its overhaul In short, engines are designed from to follow your POH, adhere to the indicated
life. To achieve this, all PT6A engine the factory to produce a certain amount torque settings and enjoy all the benefits
installations use torque as the primary of power throughout their specified life- your turbine engine provides. •

6
 for everyone
who ever got the
— short end —
at trade-in time.
revenge

m IntroducIng the PIlatus above & beyond trade m

Pilatus just authorized its dealers to offer you more for your current aircraft trade-in than anyone else. But
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800-394-1334
PA,MD,DC,VA,WV,NC,SC,TN,KY,OH
Born to Fly:
Bob Duprey Obtained His Goal
with Hard Work and Detailed Planning.
From early on Bob Duprey knew where receiving his license Bob went to work Step 1: Obtain Pressurization and
he wanted to be. At 7 years of age, Bob’s on his IFR rating. Flight Level Experience – Piper
Uncle introduced him to a world that never A new goal and associated plan was Mirage
left his mind. In one day Bob received put in motion about this time – Bob
his first airplane ride in his Uncle’s V-tail wanted to own and fly a Pilatus PC12. After owning a 1981 fixed-gear
Bonanza and then embarked on what Knowing you can’t jump from a fresh Saratoga for the purpose of obtaining his
many would consider a ride-of-a lifetime private pilot rating to the left seat of a instrument rating, Bob set his sights on
in his Uncle’s P-51 Mustang! How is that PC12, Bob mapped out a path with the gaining the experience needed to move
for an introduction to flying! insight of various industry professionals up the aviation ladder. First stop was
The thought of obtaining a pilot’s to help him achieve his goal in the most a new 2005 Piper Mirage to gain high-
license was omnipresent, but like so time and cost effective manner possible. altitude, weather and pressurization
many others can attest to, finding the Airplanes are vital aspects of Bob and experience. At 350 hours total time,
time was a different story. On July 2nd of his wife Margaret’s active schedule this required flying with an instructor
2004 Bob’s calendar opened up through which includes a second career running for a pre-determined period to get the
retirement of his at times 80+ hour a week a successful farm for show and race necessary insurance blessing. One week
career. Eight days later on July 10th Bob horses as well as raising Black Angus and 56 hours later he was ready to go. In
started flight training. 27 Days later Bob cattle to sell genetics to other breeders two years of owning the Mirage Bob made
Duprey was a Private Pilot! That should throughout the country. The ability to many trips from his East Coast base of
only come as a shock to those who don’t visit multiple cities in a day and quickly Chester County, Pennsylvania including
know Bob. When he sets his mind to change direction are imperative to Bob West Texas, San Diego, Denver, Florida
accomplish a task, a plan is created and and his wife in support of this endeavor and a weekend New Mexico hunting
executed through to completion. In this and Bob knew the PC12 would offer the excursion where Bob, an avid hunter,
case the plan called for flight training 2 rare combination of range, speed and discovered that two Antelope cleaned
times a day, 6 days a week with 2 hours payload that they desired. and dressed in a cooler can fit in the
of ground each day. Immediately after Mirage’s nose baggage just fine.

8
see Born to Fly on page 9
Born to Fly passenger loads that weren’t possible Veterans Airlift Command
continued from page 8
before. This airplane was put to the
Step 2: Gain Turbine Experience – test as Bob racked up 600 hours in 18 One day while standing in line at an
Piper Meridian months of ownership. Just recently, Bob airline security screening checkpoint,
took delivery of a brand new 2010 Pilatus Bob witnessed a Military Veteran
Bob purchased a 2007 Piper Meridian PC12/47E NG. The smile on his face undergoing a demeaning search of his
as a logical step to gain the necessary (coupled with the around 30 hours in two prosthetic limbs courtesy of the TSA
turbine experience needed to get him weeks since delivery) tell you everything and knew he had to do something to
one step closer to his goal. The Meridian you need to know about whether he likes help these returning Heroes travel in the
represented a perfect first-time turbine the airplane. The transition from the /45 dignity they deserve. The Veterans Airlift
opportunity and was an easy transition to the new NG was a smooth one for Bob, Command was exactly the avenue he was
coming from the Mirage. The airplane because like all other facets in his life he looking for. Founded by Walt Fricke, a
was very reliable and offered great went into the process prepared. Among Vietnam Veteran whose helicopter was
performance, but Bob’s missions needed other obvious differences (including shot down and spent six months in a
more size and range than the Meridian the advanced Honeywell avionics hospital far away from home recovering,
could offer. package), Bob points to improved low the Airlift Command strives to transport
speed take-off and landing handling Veterans to their families, treatment
The Goal is Realized characteristics, increased payload and centers or any other location that can
power as noticeable improvements over help with the healing process. Bob
In the fall of 2008, with all the insurance his previous Pilatus. The PC12’s abilities speaks very highly of this organization
requirements met, Bob became have created opportunities in other and the effectiveness of their missions
the owner of a well maintained and areas that Bob has taken on with the through multiple personal experiences;
equipped 2001 Pilatus PC-12/45. It was same dedication that every other aspect saying it is “one of those things you can
the right airplane and made possible of his life commands. do with an airplane that can really make
non-stop flights to destinations with a difference”. For more information
on how to join the growing number of
volunteer pilots visit www.veteransairlift.
org. In addition to the Veteran’s Airlift
Command, Bob participated, like many
PC12 owners, in the relief efforts after the
devastating earthquake in Haiti.

Full Circle

Now with almost 3000 hours, Bob is

Single and Multi-Engine Commercial,
Instrument and Single-Engine Sea rated
(oh yeah – he added the seaplane
rating for a BFR one year to spice things
up). He set a plan to achieve owning
and flying a Pilatus PC12 and uses
the airplane’s versatility to promote
his multiple business, personal and
volunteer endeavors. When asked for
what advice he would give to someone
that is starting out who aspires to climb
the aviation ladder, Bob offered this:
“Set a goal, create a plan, rely on trusted
professionals to get you where you want
to go efficiently, be flexible if the plan
isn’t working, but stick to the plan.” We
at Skytech know that Bob has a choice
of where to purchase and service his
airplanes and are thrilled to call him a
loyal customer. The 7 year old boy who
discovered flight one day with his Uncle
is living the dream –and yes the Uncle
has received a ride on Bob’s PC12! •

9
Radar Images: The Devil is in the Details.
Whether planning or conducting a flight, form the Base Reflectivity radar image. Reflectivity scan, but for pilots provides
knowing the capabilities and limitations of This lower level sweep typically gives you very critical information of precipitation
all essential information you are viewing is a good picture of what is happening on the and storm development. This upper-
paramount in ensuring a safe outcome. The ground with regards to precipitation. Its atmosphere depiction is extremely
old saying of “the devil is in the details” is scan can detect precipitation as low as important as during the development of
very accurate in aviation context. Radar a couple hundred feet when measured strong to severe thunderstorms areas of
images, both those used on the ground close to the station. This low level focus light to no precipitation at lower levels
for pre-flight planning and in-cockpit fed, makes Base Reflectivity scans the favorite can be indicative of strong updrafts.
are not all created equal and knowing the for ground based activity subjects. Golfing, Essentially, the Composite image is a
variety you are viewing can make all the boating and cookouts all would be keenly “worst case” scenario and gives pilots
difference when the storms start building. interested in this type of scan. For that the information to avoid such areas of
There is no question that viewing reason, many popular weather venues intense weather. If one were to only check
NEXRAD radar maps to get an overview of depict Base Reflectivity scans as their the Base Reflectivity images these areas
the weather affecting your intended route standard radar. The Weather Channel, could be missed leading to penetration
is a major benefit for pilots. Radar images Intellicast, and surprisingly WSI (both of intense weather. A comparison of both
are generated thanks to a nationwide the ground weather station and in-flight Base and Composite images can be found
network of individual WSR-88D NEXRAD variety) all fall into this category. For pilots, on the Aviation Digital Data Service ADDS
Doppler weather radars with overlapping viewing this information is only half the website (http://adds.aviationweather.noaa.
coverage. In simple terms, these sites picture as we are flying at altitudes placing gov). For in-flight storm information, XM
shoot a very narrow beam to scan their us significantly higher than the intended provides Composite images that highlight
surrounding area and wait for returns returns of the Base Reflectivity scans. the information pilots would be interested
to paint their picture. These returns of in for most situations. Caution should
transmitted power to the radar receiver are Composite Reflectivity always be taken to consider the age of the
called “Reflectivity” and are measured in data to ensure accuracy.
dBZ. Two types of Reflectivity are provided Each radar site in the nationwide network It is clear that determining which type of
and knowing which one you are viewing is completes scans of various tilt angles to radar depiction you are viewing is critical
very important. take a broader picture of the atmosphere to knowing the effect weather will have on
and capture returns of the corresponding your flight. Base Reflectivity may be useful
Base Reflectivity intensity. The strongest returned energy for low level information, but Composite
for each elevation angle in a volume scan is Reflectivity is a much more detailed view
Each radar site is capable of varying the complied into one image called Composite of the higher flight levels that we traverse.
tilt angle of their scan to capture returns Reflectivity. The Composite Reflectivity As with all information, the details are
at various levels in the atmosphere. The image needs information from all the tilt extremely important and the decisions
returns from the lowest NEXRAD antenna angles to determine the maximum return. made with the information can make or
tilt angle (0.5 degrees above the horizon) This takes a little more time than a Base break a flight. •

Base Reflectivity COMPOSITE Reflectivity

10
Visit Skytech’s New Website.
Skytech’s website recently underwent a complete
overhaul and is now fully operational. Some of
the highlights of the new site include:

• A “Site Search” bar to make finding specific

information easier than ever

• Current inventory listings complete with photo

galleries and downloadable specification sheets

• Translation features enabling English to

Spanish, Portuguese, German and French with
one click

• Past Advantage Magazine downloads

complete with issue highlights

• A look at Skytech’s dynamic history

• Linked access to Skytech’s Facebook page

• And much, much more!

Visit www.skytechinc.com to see for yourself!

New WAAS Approach at

Skytech’s DMW Location
Lowers Minimums to 200-3/4
Pilot’s flying into Skytech’s Carroll County Regional Airport FBO,
Service Center and Sales Facility now have the benefit of lower
minimums when using the RNAV (GPS) RWY 34 WAAS approach.
The LPV DA for this approach is 200-3/4, which is a marked improve-
ment from the previous LNAV MDA of 400-1. This precision ap-
proach requires WAAS certified equipment and offers a 3 degrees
glideslope with a straight final approach course. Both runways at
DMW are now served by WAAS precision approaches.
Located just north of Baltimore outside of the Washington ADIZ,
Carroll County is ideally positioned to serve the Baltimore – Wash-
ington Metro Area.
As always, consult proper navigation aids prior to flight for com-
plete information. The information provided here is for reference
purposes only – not for actual navigation.
 Presorted
First Class
U.S. Postage
PAID
200 Airport Drive B.L.S.
Westminster, Maryland 21157

by Dave Conover

Insight on the Recent 121.5 ELT Announcement.

While the initial words might have been into account. First of all, when was your Currently the Civil Air Patrol and US Coast
scribed on the wall in 1992 when Technical existing ELT manufactured? ELT’s have Guard use 121.5 DF equipment for rescue
Standard Order, TSO-C126 governing ELT’s consistently improved since they were missions. Additionally, there is an FDC
was adopted; the entire GA community was initially mandated in 1973. The initial ELT notam requesting that all aircraft (if able)
caught off guard by the FCC’s announcement activation rates after a crash were below monitor 121.5 to provide another layer of
in June announcing a prohibition of 121.5 25% and 97% of the activations were false detection. Lastly, review your overall flight
MHz ELT use. Fortunately, it appears alarms! With the newer units manufactured operation and perform a risk assessment.
that the logistical log jam that would have after 1985, the activation rate improved Basically, the likely hood and timing of
resulted from an estimated 220,000+ to just over 73% and false alarms were your ELT signal being detected can be
aircraft utilizing 121.5 has been halted. reduced. With the latest version ELT’s correlated to where you are flying.
At this time, it looks like the FCC rule, at manufactured after 1992, the activation While the FAA and the FCC try and
least in its current form, will not proceed rates increased to 83% and continue to coordinate their efforts – AOPA, AEA and
down the path to the Federal Register. improve. Secondly, where does my signal EAA (among others) are all watching for
However, what is not clear is that despite go? Satellite monitoring of the 121.5 MHz any developments and will alert their
opposition from virtually all the major signal ceased in February 2009. The COPAS- memberships of any news. However, with
aviation organizations, whether or not the SARSAT satellite system is in its 28th year what appears to be a bit of breathing room
FCC and FAA will actually coordinate efforts and has recorded over 28,000 rescues (Sea, – it is probably safe to assume there is a
to formulate a united plan. Aviation and Terrestrial) worldwide since least a possibility that we will see some
Regardless of whether there is ultimately implementation. In addition to a burst of type of new requirement pertaining to
some sort of ELT upgrade requirement data every 50 seconds or so on 406 MHz, ELT’s at some point. With this in mind, it
imposed on us or not, it has certainly many 406 MHz transmitters also transmit may be prudent to review your existing
sparked a renewed interest by owners a continuous 121.5 signal to provide ELT requirements and obtain a quote from
to review the benefits of the 406MHz additional directional finding capability your service center for possible upgrade
transmitters. When considering a possible as well as options to interface with GPS, options. •
upgrade there are several factors to take to send out lat/long position reports.