Goodies and Gadgets - March 2012

The Third Rail Portable Charging System

The Third Rail System is the world’s thinnest battery-enabled protective case that allows you to add extra power when you need it, and remove it when you don’t. The extra Smart Batteries can also be used to charge 100s devices.
 Initially for the iPhone 4/4S, the Third Rail System is comprised of a protective case (Slim Case) and a universal, removable battery (Smart Battery). The Smart Battery can be connected to the Slim Case when power is needed, and removed when it isn’t. It can also serve as a stand-alone universal charger for other devices.
Functioning as a protective case, a power case, a portable external charger and a power hub for charging multiple devices at one time, this universal power system replaces all existing charging accessories.  
Available at Airport Wireless, Techshowcase, select Inmotion store,  www.ThirdRailMobility.com and 855/3RD-RAIL.

Rain B Gon

Rain B Gon is a rain repellent, which will dramatically improve your wet weather flying, riding or driving visibility, whether in rain, sleet or snow. Rain B Gon rain repellent is a hydrophobic coating technology that forms a chemical bond and causes the raindrops to bead up and blow away from the windshield.
This new innovative technology is designed especially for plastic Acrylic and Lexan windshields, and has no alcohol which can harm plastic. It is safe to use on glass windshields also, for cars, RV’s, boats and trucks. It can be applied on painted surfaces, and aids in easy removal of salt, ice, frost, insects and mud.
Rain B Gon is available through Aircraft Spruce and can be found at www.aircraftspruce.com. For more information, please contact Aircraft Spruce at 877/477-7823 and reference part number 09-03487.

Motorcycles Take Flight

MotoPOD LLC has developed a motorcycle loading system for personal airplanes. A patent-pending collection of ramps and fixtures allows the pilot to load and secure a street-legal motorcycle while a built-in winch system, powered by a cordless drill, does all the work. After landing, it takes just a few minutes to remove the motorcycle and ride away in James Bond-style.
 Why carry a motorcycle? Most of the country’s 5,400 small airports don’t have ground transportation services. That’s a really big problem for personal aviation… or at least it was. By carrying a motorcycle, pilots can enjoy convenient ground transportation at every stop. MotoPOD customers travel more freely, visit new places and explore their destinations.
MotoPOD LLC President, David Shelton, says, “We’re trying to support a paradigm shift and change the way in which people use airplanes. Integrated air plus ground transportation achieves more of the utility that we demand from our automobiles and provides more places to go and things to do. What percent of every-day destinations just happen to be fly-in destinations? To a motorcycle pilot, they are all “fly-in” destinations.”
Tool or toy? MotoPOD says both. Mike Thornton of Texas, flies his Cherokee 6 for business, landing at small airports to quote jobs. He currently keeps old cars at several airports that he visits frequently, soon to be replaced by his MotoLOAD system. Steve Reed of Wisconsin, is looking forward to “the freedom of flying wherever I wish, whenever I wish, without worrying about ground transportation.”
MotoLOAD is manufactured from welded aluminum tubing and the entire system may be inserted or removed from an airplane in seconds. After loading the motorcycle into a wheeled “sled,” it’s tipped onto one side, then winched into the aircraft cabin. Once inside, additional fixtures guide the motorcycle into position and the entire package is secured with seatbelts.
Products are currently available for the popular Piper PA-32/34 series airplanes and the company has hinted that other models are on the way. It’s designed to haul the MotoCYCLE, a custom aviation motorcycle with folding handlebars, no-spill plumbing and other features. MotoCYCLE is lightweight, street-legal and provides highway performance for two. Complete packages cost less than $15,000; around the average price for a Harley-Davidson. It’s a little quieter in the rumble department but it can do what other motorcycles can’t… fly.   
For more information contact David Shelton at 847/651-4373 or visit  www.motorcyclepilot.com