Goodies and Gadgets - January 2013

New Aviator Light Pen Sheds Light Where You Need It

When you need to write, and there is no light available, or when you don’t want to lose all your night vision, or when you don’t want to disturb those around you, the old solutions used to involve writing blind (and trying to decipher it later) or holding a flashlight in your “spare hand,” or even in your mouth. Technology presents a better solution, and Wicks Aircraft Supply has it: a pen with a lighted tip.

This good-looking ballpoint pen, with the Wicks phone number always handy on its barrel, writes with standard black ink, right where its own light is shining, allowing you to see and write in otherwise pitch-darkness. It is also possible to use this pen without turning on the light, to save the long-life batteries for when you need them. It is also useful as a micro-flashlight.

Scott Wick, President of Wicks Aircraft, says, “This new pen has a LED light which shines from the tip directly to the surface you are writing on. It is perfect for the pilot who flies at night and needs to write down a clearance or needs to see or make a mark on their map. Now you don’t have to hold a flashlight in one hand and write with the other.  Nor do you need to move your map under a cockpit light to be able to see it. I wish I had one of these years ago.”

The wait is over. The Wicks part number is WF14101B, and the Aviator Light

Pen is available immediately, priced at $9.99. Visit www.wicksaircraft.com to order.

Satcom Direct Launches FlightDeck 360

Satcom Direct has launched FlightDeck 360 mobile application, which enables customers to view real-time flight data and utilize datalink communications before and during a flight using an Internet connection and iPad.

FlightDeck 360 is a mobile flight data management system, and it is an extension of FlightDeck Freedom, Satcom Direct’s on-board flight data management system. The two datalink services can work together or can be used separately. For aircraft that do not have an on-board flight management system, FlightDeck 360 offers datalink functionality using only an Internet connection and an iPad.

The FlightDeck 360 application allows customers to access messages in flight, pre-departure clearances, oceanic clearances, flight plans and support documents before powering up the aircraft. It also integrates with in-flight weather apps such as ForeFlight and enables operators to request technical support from Satcom Direct while in flight. The only thing needed to run the app is an Internet connection.

FlightDeck 360 is currently only available for the iPad. The app is compatible with all iPad models and is available for download through the App Store.

Satcom Direct customers who subscribe to FlightDeck Freedom can receive FlightDeck 360 at no additional charge, or the app can be purchased on its own for those who do not have a FlightDeck Freedom subscription.