Goodies and Gadgets - April 2011

New Interlocking Drip Pan Design from DripPansUSA Protects Floors Better Than Ever

There’s nothing quite like oil, fuel or other drips to ruin a shop floor or worse yet, cause a safety hazard. Minneapolis-based DripPansUSA offers their new, interlocking drip pans for $29.95.

Whether used for truck fleets, busses, in public works buildings or aircraft hangars, the interlocking design allows users to join multiple drip pans along their edges, protecting floors in an infinite arrangement of shapes and sizes. The sturdy, yet lightweight drip pans are easy to set up and clean up. 

The drip pans are made of black polyethylene and are available in two sizes.  18” x 48” and 24” x 30” sizes.  Each is approximately .125” high and they are light and durable.

“By far, DripPansUSA are the best drip pans. I’ve owned an aircraft hangar for years and haven’t found anything that protects my hangar floor quite like our drip pans,” said Greg Herrick, pilot, inventor and owner of DripPansUSA.

DripPansUSA guarantees customer satisfaction or they will refund the purchase price. They are  made in the U.S.A. and available at www.DripPansUSA.com or by calling 800-461-0294.

Flight Sound X Adapter Connects Your Pilot Headset to your PC

The Flight Sound X is an adapter that allows you to connect your aviation headset to a computer through a USB connection. Flight Sound X is designed for ease of use - no additional software, batteries or external power sources needed. The unit connects with one standard USB cable (supplied), which provides plug and play operation. Pilots, gamers or any aviation enthusiast can use their aviation headset with any computer. When finished using the Flight Sound X, simply unplug it and the computer reverts to the original audio settings.

Flight Sound X allows the user access to Flight simulator programs, iTunes or even Skype. The adapter comes in either GA 2 connector version (PJ-068 & PJ-055B, $82) or helicopter version (U-174, $92 ) single connector.

This adapter is available wherever DRE Headsets are sold. For more information visit www.drecommunications.com.

New Teledyne Alphabeam LED Landing and Taxi Light

The AlphaBeam LED Landing and Taxi Light is FAA-PMA approved, and it meets all of the environmental requirements of RTCA DO-160-F.  Maintenance costs are reduced with this unit as there is no need to modify the existing incandescent mounting on the aircraft.  It has a significantly longer life than traditional incandescent bulbs with a rated life of 5000 aircraft hours!  The patented optical design of the AlphaBeam prevents any dimming or loss of intensity across voltage ranges of 11 VDC to 30 VDC, all the while drawing less power and using less LEDs than other LED based bulbs.  These units incorporate optimized LEDs and drive electronics for maximum life and brightness.  The AlphaBeam LED Landing and Taxi Light is ruggedized for aircraft shock, vibration, and temperature ranges.  The AlphaBeam LED Landing and Taxi Light is a drop-in replacement for many traditional PAR36 incandescent lights (4313, 4509, 4591, 4594, 4595, 4596, Q4631, Q4632). 

The AlphaBeam LED Landing and Taxi Light is priced at $325.00.  Volume pricing is available.  For more information contact Aircraft Spruce at 1-877-477-7823 or 951-372-9555 and reference part number 11-08459. Or visit www.aircraftspruce.com.

EZ-Clear Cleaning Kit - Garmin and AOPA Recommended

The EZ-Clear Cleaning Kit product meets the Garmin G1000 Pilot Guide specs for cleaning, and it is safe to use on glass panels. This kit provides a safe, effective way to remove fingerprints and dust from glass panels, instruments and more. The kit contains three EZ-Clear cleaning packs and one polishing cloth.  These items have been specifically paired together to ensure safe and effective screen cleaning. Per the instructions, the user wipes the surface with the cleaning pack and then dries the area with the polishing cloth. The cleaning packs are ammonia free, aviation-grade and will not remove or damage any anti-reflective coating. The polishing cloth is washable. This kit will last between three to four months depending upon frequency of use. 

The EZ-Clear Cleaning Kit is available for $12.95.  For more information, please contact Aircraft Spruce at 1-877-477-7823 or 951-372-9555 and reference part number 09-02394 or visit www.aircraftspruce.com.

Aircraft Spruce’s complete product line is available on their website where you can request your complimentary copy of the company’s free 800 page catalog.

Adel Pliers Make Easy Work of Installing Padded Clamps to Secure Wires and Tubes

Adel clamps are used to secure wires and tubes to engine mounts and the airframe, avoiding chafing or interference with moving parts. The clamps are metal strips that are drilled at both ends and the inside of the clamps are lined with rubber. Unfortunately, they can be very difficult and time consuming to install.

With a set of Adel pliers, however, the perspective changes and the task of installation becomes quick and easy. The tool securely and simply clamps the entire assembly together and leaves the hardware holes lined up for bolting.

Wicks Aircraft Supply is offering Adel clamp pliers for $35 a set. To order visit www.WicksAircraft.com or call 800.221.9425; overseas call 1.618.654.7447.