I'd expect Cessna to provide more details on their Next Generation Piston prototype, perhaps nailing down the power plant (Lycoming, Continental, Thielert diesel?) along with a date when a certificated type might be available. Hey, this plane has three doors and it looks like they all close securely with a latching handle, too! For now, be content to drool over this titillating AvWeb video that reveals a few more details, like a G1000 panel and a control stick.
I suspect that Garmin will announce a new portable aviation GPS, seeing as the price on the 496 and 386 was recently lowered by $400. One improvement 496 users would like to see is an integrated GPS/XM remote antenna and fewer wires, which would make it easier to hook-up and remove. And what could Garmin add to the 496 feature set that isn't already there? A small, QWERTY keyboard perhaps?
Eclipse is set to display their AvioNG avionics suite, which was originally just called Avio and was to be made by Avidyne before they got cold feet. Cirrus will probably be on hand to show their Cirrus Jet mock-up and I bet Diamond Aircraft will display their D-Jet mock-up, too.
Pilots I know who've gone to Oshkosh always came back with lots of cool, free trinkets. Many of the vendors sell products at a discount, so good deals can be had all around. But to my mind, nothing could compare with the buzz of flying into Wittman Regional Airport, parking on the grass, pitching a tent next to your plane, and enjoying summer in Wisconsin.
Some day ...
4 comments:
I'd initially planned to fly the Yankee to Oshkosh from Seattle (and then on to New York) this year, but an opening in a summer course changed thing a bit. A new, next-generation Garmin unit would be pretty great, but didn't the 496 just come out last year? I didn't think they were self-obsoleting that quickly. Our Lowrance 2000c is doing the job for now, but an updated Garmin could find a nice home in the cockpit.
As for Cessna, they just struck a deal with Thielert, so my bet is on one of the new higher-horsepower diesels.
You ask what could be added to the 496. How about a simple radio? I am in need of both a handheld radio and a portable GPS and it's a little frustrating that I'll need to buy (and carry) two units. Yes, it would make such a model heavier/bigger than the 496 but that's a price worth paying if I want both devices anyway.
Hmmm, looks like my first attempt at a comment didn't work...wound up in the bit bucket :-)
Anyway, good for you, thinking about going to OSH John. It is the flying adventure of a lifetime. This will be my fifth year straight and I love camping in the N-40 with friends and absorbing everything aviation for an entire week.
We're less than two weeks from starting the trek from the Left Coast. I can't wait!
If you camp, you need something with a lot of DEET, trust me. Wisconsin mosquitos are the size of B-17s. And just as thirsty.
A lot of beer is good, too.
Happily, as a Wisconsin native, I can state that both are in long supply.
I'm really hoping the new Cirrus jet is there (strong rumors that it will be.)
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