AOPA Pilot Magazine - April 2013 - 84

P&E

AVIONICS
From my unobstructed front-seat perch in the
RV–4, each of the simulated power-off approaches
flown by Beattie and Lawler looked high—particularly those made to long runways. Meyer said that
impression is nearly universal for two reasons:
First, idle power produces some residual thrust and
approaches are significantly shallower than actual
engine-out glides.
Also, pilots are taught to touch down on the first
one-third of any runway surface regardless of how
much distance they actually need to stop, and Xavion
WEB

makes a different calculation—it directs pilots to the
place on the runway that maximizes the safety margin.
For an airplane such as an RV–4, which typically uses
about 1,000 feet of runway on landing, Xavion’s aiming
point is 500 feet short of the middle of the runway (or
2,000 feet down a 5,000-foot runway).
“We try to center the rollout so that you have the
same amount of runway in front of you as behind you,”
Meyer said. “It’s a concept pilots aren’t taught and don’t
train for. But the computer can visualize and enhance a
pilot’s ability to find that point.”
AOPA

For more information, visit the websites (www.xavion.org; http:verticalpower.com/vp-400).

Portable ADS-B traffic
SkyVision Xtreme lets you take it with you
B Y D AV E H I R S C H M A N

THIS IPAD screen

shot shows all
airborne traffic
including headings, altitudes,
and airspeeds.
Aircraft with
ADS-B Out (such
as the DHL jet)
also show flight
numbers.

84 | AOPA PILOT April 2013

A COMMON REFRAIN among pilots fortunate enough to fly with traffic warning systems is that they suddenly feel vulnerable in aircraft
without them. Now, with SkyVision Xtreme, pilots can bring their
traffic systems with them. SkyVision is a portable, self-contained
ADS-B In system that provides a full traffic picture showing aircraft equipped with transponders, as well as ADS-B equipment.
It’s an uncertified system designed for aircraft renters and pilots
who fly multiple aircraft, and its components are upgradeable in
the future as a permanent, installed solution that can comply with
the FAA’s coming mandate.
I recently flew with a SkyVision portable unit at AOPA’s home
base in Frederick, Maryland, and the hour-long flight showed the
system’s promise—and the capabilities we can expect in 2020

and beyond when ADS-B will be required
nationwide. SkyVision ($3,595) also shows
subscription-free ADS-B weather.
SkyVision comes in a rugged, 7-pound
plastic case. The box is sturdy and substantial to protect the electronics inside:
a Navworx universal access transceiver
(UAT), Wi-Fi station, and internal battery.
Three external cables connect these components to a GPS antenna, power cord, and
UAT antenna. I strapped the box in the rear
seat of my Vans RV–4, attached the UAT
antenna to the canopy with a suction cup,
placed the GPS antenna where it had a good
view of the sky, and plugged in the power
cord (and audio cable).
After starting the engine, I turned on
my iPad and launched the SkyVision app,
which quickly connected to the WiFi station in the rear seat. Then I flew in the busy
airspace between Washington, D.C., and
Baltimore, Maryland, in search of aerial targets, and there were many of them. Airliners
on approach to Dulles International Airport
formed a long line at about 8,000 feet as they
descended heading south; others flew east at
about 7,000 feet on their way to BaltimoreWashington International Airport. A trio of
general aviation trainers practiced ground
reference maneuvers at much lower altitudes just north of the Potomac River.
All were plainly visible on the iPad long
before I could see them through the canopy.
An icon showing an airliner or light GA aircraft provided a strong hint about the type,

http://www.xavion.org

AOPA Pilot Magazine - April 2013

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of AOPA Pilot Magazine - April 2013