New TX56/57 NAV/COM from Trig

A new arrival that completes the Trig stack product line. The TX56 is a slimline unit, that’s only 33mm, which saves valuable space in any avionics stack.

The TX56 uses a bright high-resolution display, and has a customisable frequency database, which holds more than 200 com and an additional 200 nav frequencies, loaded via a USB stick.

Dual Watch allows the monitoring of two com frequencies at the same time. Monitoring of a second Nav VOR is also possible – improving navigational accuracy. Trig’s popular ‘Say Again’ feature is a single touch button which instantly s the last received transmission, meaning you don’t have to transmit, ‘say again’. The Nav/Com includes a two- place intercom, with support for stereo music. All TX56 models have a built-in digital course deviation indicator (CDI). The Nav supports VFR and IFR navigation, including ILS approaches. Trig’s TI106, Course Deviation Indicator is also available, as the ideal panel mounted companion to any TX56 model.

The list price of the TX56 is £ 3,690 and the TX57 is £ 4,230. www.trig-avionics.com

Laa Agm

New Safety Sense leaflet on ditching

Ditching is a deliberate emergency landing on water, and it is not an uncontrolled impact, so

New cowl options for Van’s RV’s

James Aircraft, famous for after-market cowling for RV kitplanes displayed new cowlings for the RV-10 and RV-14. Designed to work with Van’s baffle kits, the price for either cowling is currently $1,650. While James Aircraft cowls are approved for some UK Permit RV’s, interested buyers of these new cowls should check with LAA Engineering with regard to making a change tn the RV-10 or RV-14. www.jamesaircraft.com says the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Its latest new and updated Safety Sense Leaflet on ditching has been released as part of the ongoing updates to its Safety Sense leaflet range of documents. Designed to provide guidance on ditching light aircraft on water, the leaflet is primarily focused on fixed-wing pilots, although much will be applicable to helicopters. tinyurl.com/safetysenseditching

CubCrafters offer new engine

Developed as part of a long-standing collaboration between CubCrafters and Lycoming, a new new CC363i F/P engine is being offered exclusively for the homebuilt Carbon Cub series of aircraft including the EX-2, EX-3, FX-2, and FX-3.

The new engine is fuel injected instead of carburetted, and develops almost 5% more horsepower than the original CC340 used in Carbon Cub models, but for only a 7lb increase in weight. The company also expects that the new engine will be more tolerant of mogas and the next generation of aviation fuels than similar higher compression ratio engines.

In addition to the typical fixed pitch wood/ composite propellers previously offered with the CC340, the new engine can optionally be fitted with newer ground adjustable propellers, such that pilots can quickly optimise the aircraft for climb or cruise missions, without having to change to a completely different propeller.

CubCrafters notes that the new CC363i F/P engine is still in the final phases of flight testing at its HQ in Yakima. Following the completion of the flight test programme, new engines should begin shipping to customers as early October. UK builders interested in the Carbon Cub should check with LAA Engineering as to the approval path for this engine in future.

A reminder that the LAA AGM will be held at Turweston on Sunday 23 October. We will also have a Zoom hybrid meeting capability and electronic voting, allowing members to participate even if they are not able to, or wish to, attend in person. Notices of Motion of any kind for the AGM must be received at LAA HQ no later than Sunday 4 September 2022. A full list of Motions and the AGM Schedule will be circulated with the October Light Aviation magazine.

More LAA courses coming up

More LAA Training courses have been arranged, most taking place at the LAA Training facility at LAA HQ, Turweston Aerodrome (unless otherwise stated). Courses available include:

● Monday 19 September: Fabric covering course presented by Polyfiber agents Aircraft Coverings. £150.

● Saturday 24 September: John Barrott hosts a course on the installation and operation of the fuel-injected Rotax 912iS and 915iS engines. £120.

● Tuesday 27 September: Building in Wood. Dudley Pattison presents a course on the skills of building with wood at his workshop near Swindon. £120 including lunch.

● Tuesday 11 October: Caring for your Gipsy Major – a new course presented by acknowledged DH Gipsy engine aficionado Dennis Neville. The course will explain the ins and outs of these vintage aircraft engines including how to solve those starting difficulties. £120.

● Tuesday 18 October: Dudley Pattison presents another course on the skills of Building in Wood at his workshop near Swindon. £120 including lunch.

Course information is available on the LAA website at www.laa.uk.com via a tab on the main menu. Please check regularly as additional courses are being added.

Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided throughout the day. There is an additional £20 fee for non-LAA members who wish to take part in these course, so why not put this towards joining LAA?

To book a course please call LAA HQ on 01280 846786, extension 2.

Robert ‘Bob’ Gardiner 1935-2022

Bob was a lifelong aviator of vast experience, a serial aircraft builder, a PFA-LAA Inspector and test pilot for many enthusiasts.

Born in Northern Ireland, Bob’s first foray into flight was with model aircraft. Sadly his first effort disappeared on the

LAA Partner Content maiden flight! At the age of 19, while working at Short Bros and Harland in Belfast, he learned to fly Tiger Moths with the company club, followed by Chipmunks and piston Provosts with the Queen’s University Air Squadron, with the intention of joining the Auxiliary Air Force. As the latter was disbanded he decided on a career in commercial aviation.

With a commercial licence gained both by correspondence course and exams he began his career flying joyrides with a Miles Messenger at Weston, then as First officer to ex-bomber pilots in DC-3s with Derby Airways.

While living in Bahrain with his young family, he flew a Heron for Gulf Aviation from desert strips, where he sometimes had to take off on three engines to airstart the fourth – and then land to take on the passengers.

Back in temperate climes he flew Short Skyvans with Emerald Airways, which were troublesome, and then with BKS bloodstock division carrying racehorses.

Bob had been the intended Captain of the Airspeed Ambassador which crashed at Heathrow due to metal fatigue, but was replaced as he was out of hours. His career moved on to BEA and BA with Viscount, Scottish island hopping, Comet 4b, Tristar and B737 and, after airline retirement, to the Sharjah ruler’s flight.

His first homebuilt was a Bede 5 followed by a Sonerai 2, then a Long-Ez and a Colomban Luciole. The BD-5 eventually flew under the Irish flag.

Latterly he set up an idyllic airstrip in upper Clydesdale with his usual quiet efficiency and welcomed many visitors.

As an Inspector Bob was in demand because of his affability, enthusiasm and knowledge.

His flying experience over 54 types and 14,300 hours, ranging from EoN glider to Tristar and B737, and every class between, made him the ideal test pilot for many first flights. He also mentored builders on flying their aircraft, with great patience. He was sure he was meant for flying as he was always very light in weight.

He was recently predeceased by his wife Jan, and leaves a son, also an airline pilot, a daughter, and three grandchildren.

Neil Geddes