2019 TBM 910 Gets G1000Nxi Avionics, Automatic Deicing

Daher is adding a multitude of avionics, safety, and interior upgrades to its 2019-edition TBM 910, the French aircraft manufacturer announced Tuesday at Sun ‘n‘ Fun 2019 in Lakeland, Florida. These enhancements include Garmin G1000NXi avionics and an automatic icing detection system, the latter of which is also on the new TBM 940 that was unveiled last month.

When icing or ice accretion is detected by an externally mounted sensor, the TBM’s automatic icing detection system will activate deicing for the airframe, windshield, propeller, and engine particle separator. “This added protection is part of our constant drive to use intelligent functionality in further improving safety and operability, and are firsts for production aircraft in the TBM’s category,” said Nicolas Chabbert, senior v-p of Daher’s airplane business unit. “These new standards redefine the ultimate private aircraft: user-friendly, safe, and efficient for both pilots and passengers.”

Meanwhile, the TBM 910’s improved G1000NXi avionics suite adds ground-based anti-collision system Surface Watch, Baro Vnav approach capability, and visual approach assistance. In the cabin, Daher has incorporated redesigned seats that are more ergonomic, added thermal insulation for the cabin sidewalls, and incorporated a new central shelf that can hold tablet computers. In addition, the cabin also includes 115-volt electrical outlets and more USB ports, bringing the latter to ports to six for passengers and three for pilots.

Continental Rebrands as Continental Aerospace Tech

Mobile, Alabama-based and Avic-owned Continental engines, now Continental Aerospace Technologies, is undergoing a sort of rebirth, and the company came to Sun ’n‘ Fun 2019 his week with an OEM partnership with Piper Aircraft and some new engines and accessories. 

Foremost in the announcements at Sun ’n‘ Fun was the partnership with Piper Aircraft to launch the Pilot 100 and 100i training aircraft. Piper has selected the certified Continental Prime IO-370-DA3A engine for its new piston-single trainer.

For the experimental homebuilt market, the company offers its Titan line of engines, which includes a direct replacement for the Lycoming IO-540 in various horsepower configurations. The company also announced a “shower of sparks” ignition system kit—which includes an STC'd installation of two magnetos, ignition harness, airframe-specific vibrator kit, and mounting hardware—to replace Bendix or Slick magnetos typically installed on Lycoming 540 engines. This kit eliminates recurring mandatory 250- or 500-hour impulse coupling inspections affecting these magnetos. “Shower of sparks” technology improves starting capability, particularly when the engine is hot.

Signature Flight Support Offers Crew Shuttles at SNF

This week at the Sun ‘n‘ Fly-In and Expo in Lakeland, Florida, Signature Fight Support is providing a pilot shuttle service from the transient aircraft parking areas to the registration or other parts of the show grounds.

“We are pleased to offer a pilot shuttle hospitality service for general aviation pilots visiting Lakeland for Sun ‘n‘ Fun,” said Signature v-p of marketing Patrick Sniffen. “Air-conditioned SUVs transport pilots to and from the transient aircraft parking areas to the show ground, significantly reducing the walking distance to get to show center. We are also proud to once again sponsor Sun ‘n' Fun and the Aerospace Center for Excellence as part of our commitment to STEM and aviation education.”

In addition, Signature is providing ground support and sponsorship for the D-Day Squadron commencing immediately after the airshow as these historic C-47s and their crews begin their preparations for the historic D-Day re-enactment next year.

“Signature’s mission is to support all aviators regardless of the aircraft they fly, and we are proud to be a part of this week-long celebration of aviation in Lakeland,” concluded Sniffen.

D-Day Squadron Flies at Sun ‘n‘ Fun 2019

Though abbreviated in length, the significance of a flight in a Douglas C-47 that dropped paratroopers into Normandy, France, on D-Day during World War II was not lost on the passengers who signed up for the privilege yesterday at Sun ’n‘ Fun 2019. It was a bumpy morning, according to passenger Dave Shellbetter. “The captain decided that it was better to keep everyone in his or her seats and keep the flight short,” he said.

The C-47 and DC-3 aircraft of the D-Day Squadron participating in formation flights this week at the show include C-47s Placid Lassie; That’s All, Brother; and Tico Belle, as well as the DC-3 Flabob Express. Sponsor Aircraft Spruce & Specialty has pitched in with the Tunison Foundation to help return the C-47s and DC-3s to the skies over Normandy this summer for the 75th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. The group will travel via the original Blue Spruce routing, from Oxford, Connecticut, to Duxford Airfield north of London.

Once arriving in Duxford Airfield, the D-Day Squadron will join with its European counterpart, Daks over Normandy, to participate in multiple events on June 2 to 5. The combined fleet of historic aircraft will cross the English Channel on June 5, fly over Normandy, France, and participate in multiple events at Caen-Carpiquet Airport from June 5 to 9.

Top Cub, XCub in Cubcrafters Part 23 Certified Line Up

Cubcrafters John Whitish smiled as he looked out from his booth (N-092,093) at the clearing skies on the first afternoon of Sun ’n‘ Fun 2019. Was it the weather or the excellent stable of airplanes, both experimental and certified that he was smiling at? “Both,” he said. As the skies cleared attendees at the show began clustering around the amphib (a kit-built FX-3) and certified XCub in front of the pavilion. It was time for Whitish to get to work.

Cubcrafters is living up to its promise from last year to increase its production of Part 23 certified airplanes such as its Lycoming 0-360 180 hp, two-place XCub. The XCub is known for speed, pushing 145 mph at 75 percent power with a useful load of 1084 pounds, and doing so safely with heavily redesigned G-series ailerons, push-rod controls, flying struts, a radically flared cowling, and clean spring steel landing gear. Inside the modern panel holds a Garmin 3X Touch and the seating and accoutrements are all about comfort.

“We are expecting to produce about 25 more XCubs in 2019,” Whitish told AIN at the show, which is about a 20 percent increase from last year. Those interested in E-LSA or amateur-built kits can order the XCub’s littermates, the SX, the FX-3, and the EX Cubs.