Sun 'n Fun Report

2023

1) Hartwig reports continued difficulty in getting subassemblies built for their Monarch fuel caps. While the story at Oshkosh was promising, those sources did not work out, so they are still unable to manufacture these products. They continue to pursue options. https://www.monarchcaps.com/

2) Powerflow now has the reusable Champion filters available. These can be washed and reused multiple times, reducing ongoing costs and avoiding issues with availability of replacement filters. They seem to be machined from a billet of aluminum, and have a very appealing look and feel. They also reported improvements in their material supplies, improving their product delivery cycle times. https://www.powerflowsystems.com/

3) Vantage Plane Plastics is looking for good samples of gear leg tunnels from which to build forms to make this product available to us all. Some connections were made during Sun 'n Fun, but if you have examples you can share please let Dale at Plane Plastics know. We look forward to this expansion of their products.

4) Airforms has been purchased by McFarlane Aviation, but all indications are that they will remain in their facility in Alaska. New equipment has been purchased to improve production speed and repeatability. No news yet on any new products to help us.

5) Aerospace Welding, now owned by Hartzell Engine, shared some information on the new vs repaired question. They can rebuild a system from a single part, such as a flange, but they can't cut apart a single stock system to create several repaired systems. The founder, Tom Heid, says that's a quick path to wearing an orange jumpsuit. This is why we need to send in our old systems for rebuild.

6) An iPad overtemp warning on Keith's trip down had him looking at iPad cooling systems. The system from Xnaut looks like an outstanding solution. Powered by batteries or a micro-USB, it comes in versions covering all iPad models, unless some of their competitors. It mounts a standard RAM ball on the back, and is think enough to not seem bulky in flight. A clever Y cable is available to power both the iPad and it's cooling base from the same USB-A supply. Direct, from Sporty's or through Amazon. https://x-naut.com/

7) Bose announced their A-30 headset, on a new digital hardware platform. This does not translate into any substantial new services, initially, but they reported having some ideas for future product enhancements. They are proud of being the TSO'd active noise cancellation product, but acknowledge that this limits their ability to deliver a lifelike voice sound. https://www.bose.com/

8) Lightspeed was showing their new Zulu Delta, which includes audio equalization to tune the headsets to each individual's ears. Several CFO members were seen taking their hearing test, resulting in a learning profile chart. Sample audio showed the impact of equalization, really quite impressive. These headsets also monitor CO levels in the cockpit, a very useful safety enhancement. https://www.lightspeedaviation.com

9) Hartzell reported improvements in their supply chain for new propellers, saying they should be able to supply demand in the near future at least. This has been an ongoing challenge, both for supply and pricing, but they have hopes for continued improvement. https://hartzellprop.com/

10) Concorde reports that battery production continues to increase as they work to fulfill the increasing demand. They recommend that their retailers place standing orders long in advance to keep their inventories intact, as lead times have increased. https://www.concordebattery.com/

11) Wilco reports strong interest in the new Parmetheus G3 headlights from Whelen, and reminds us that there is a trade-in refund available on older models. Debbie reported that these brighter lights came to her attention at Winter Haven, providing dazzling visibility even in daylight. Mike Hattrup also shared that he is ordering batteries from Concorde far in advance, so should remain an excellent source for batteries in the future. https://www.wilcoaircraftparts.com/

12) Neville Aviation is an aircraft shop in the panhandle of Florida who has some Cardinal experience. They offer installations of Powerflow, Electroair ignition systems and SystemX ceramic coatings, along with general maintenance. They are working to build some Cardinal expertise in that part of the world. We welcome member reports on your experiences with this promising new shop. https://nevilleaviation.com

13) Minimax Aircraft Tugs was in attendance, perhaps their first time. They offer a tug powered by a battery drill, but based on a tire driven platform which is easier and more flexible than their competitors. They demonstrated a system which will work for the Cardinal FG and RG and provides the pivoting action required by our nose gear design. This looks like a promising alternative in this class of product. https://www.minimaxtugs.com

14) Method Seven is offering a solution for aging aviator eyes, with a special progressive sunglass reader grind to provide coverage for the full panel, rather than the normal narrow magnification range. They will measure your eyes and allow you to mark your panel location on a pair of test glasses to assure appropriate coverage. Fully prescription glasses are also available, along with standard sunglasses with a specially designed coating system for pilot use. Titanium frames and an excellent repair policy make these very interesting: Keith may share more once his custom pair arrive. https://methodseven.com/

15) Scheme Designers presented a forum on how to build your own paint scheme which was very interesting. Several examples of good and bad designs were shared, providing excellent examples of how small things can make a huge difference. For many of us this simply reinforces the understanding that we all need help on the scheme when the time for paint arrives. https://schemedesigners.com/

Keith and Debbie Peterson