AeroShell Oil Sport Plus 4 for light sport and very light/ultralight aircraft 4-stroke engines

Aeroshell have put all of their 100 years experience in aviation lubricants and engines into AeroShell Oil Sport Plus 4. The Aeroshell lubricant research specialists, working in Shell laboratories, both in Europe and the USA, have worked closely with major engine manufacturers to produce the world's first specifically developed engine oil for light sport and very light/ultralight aircraft 4-stroke engines.

In The Past

Historically - operators of these types of engines have had to rely on commercially available motorcycle oils. This may lead to issues, such as formulation changes that follow the needs of the motorcycle market. These formulation changes can be made without notification to the aviation community, because motorcycle oils are not required to meet the same specification as aviation oils. Motorcycle oils also tend to have limited ability when dealing with leaded fuels used in aviation - Avgas 100LL.

Innovation

By working with the major engine manufacturers, Shell Aviation has produced the Sport Plus 4. For the first time, across the world, aviators will be able to obtain a true aviation oil specifically suited for light sport and very light/ ultralight aircraft 4-stroke engines.

4-Stroke Engines - Why Is The Oil Important?

Because most 4-stroke engines now come with integrated gearbox and overload clutch systems, the same oil is in contact with all the moving parts, so it must be capable of coping with the engine, overload clutch and gearbox simultaneously. AeroShell Oil Sport Plus 4 is ideal; as it is extremely resistant to the immense sheer forces that occur in areas of high-pressure contact such as high-speed gearboxes, valve trains, bearings, pistons and liners. This is where the blend of base oil and additives is most crucial.

AeroShell Oil Sport Plus 4 is made up of a blend incorporating synthetic technology and high performance additives to help provide long lasting protection.In addition, detergents in the oil are designed to keep important areas, such as the pistons and cylinders, clear of carbon based particles that tend to adhere to these surfaces.

So when you change your oil to new AeroShell Oil Sport Plus 4, you are not only helping to remove dirt from your engine, you are also replenishing the additives designed to protect your engine during normal operation.

AeroShell Oil Sport PLUS 4 - At A Glance

• Multigrade oil designed to be used in any climate, anywhere in the world.


• Additive technology, which perfectly suits the requirements of integrated gearbox and overload clutches (ROTAX® 912 & 914 Series).


• High thermal stability for longer-lasting and safer lubrication.


• High evaporative stability to lower engine oil consumption.


• Better cold flow characteristics for easier starts and quicker protection.


• Advanced anti–corrosion and anti-wear additive package. These additives work as a protective barrier to prevent critical parts from being slowly degraded by corrosion or wear, especially when an aircraft is used infrequently. This protection is crucial for critical internal parts, especially during engine start, reducing the likelihood of premature damage.


• Powerful anti-oxidancy action to help protect and clean parts for longer periods of time.


• Strong dispersants to help prevent build up of sludge and varnish.


• Specially selected base oils incorporating synthetic technology to help prevent sludge problems when operating with leaded fuels. This also provides excellent sheer stability.


• Anti-foaming additives designed to maximise lubrication effectiveness. This is extremely important for those engines which operate with an integrated gearbox.


• Excellent elastomer compatibility to help protect hoses and seals.


• Special additives to neutralise acid build-up.


• Can be used with both unleaded fuels and Avgas 100LL.


• Please refer to Operators Handbook/Manual for the correct oil drain interval when operating on different fuels.

AeroShell Oil Sport Plus 4 is the world's first truly specific aviation engine oil developed for light sport and ultralight aircraft engines. This is an oil which is available throughout the world, backed by the proven history and dependability of the AeroShell family, and preferred by the majority of General Aviation pilots and engineers alike.

Mid-Continent Instruments unveils 2-inch instrument pack

Mid-Continent Instruments have now completed work on providing a complete 2-inch pack of primary or standby instruments and have achieved full TSO certification for all three components including the 4200-10 Horizon, the MD15 two-inch altimeter and the MD25 two-inch airspeed indicator. Their small size saves space in crowded panels and provides either primary or standby instrumentation for any general aviation flight deck.

The MD15 is a two-inch, three-pointer altimeter offered in a 20,000-ft. model, with a barometric scale in Mb and a right hand baro set knob. The instrument is FAA TSO-C10b certified.

The MD25 2-inch Airspeed Indicator is offered in multiple ranges: 160, 200, 260, 300, 350 and 400 knots. Range markings can be added to meet specific aircraft requirements. ( range marking incurs an additional charge and may take two extra weeks for delivery) The instrument is FAA TSO-C2d certified for fixed-wing or rotorcraft operation.

Both the MD15 and MD25 instruments feature anti-reflective glass to enhance visibility and reduce pilot fatigue. Units have a field-replaceable light-emitting diode (LED) or incandescent light tray available in 5, 14 and 28 VDC. The MD25 and MD15 are typically rear-mounted and can be installed individually or as part of a three-unit standby package — with the 4200 attitude indicator.

The new 2-inch instrument pack is designed to meet the growing demand for smaller standby instruments in glass panel flight decks these days. The Mid-Continent standby package provides the time-proven information that pilots require without taking much panel space.

Aeroshell Oil Sport Plus 2

AeroShell Oil Sport PLUS 2 is the first oil specifically developed for light, very light and ultralight 2-stroke engines such as the ROTAX ® air and water-cooled series engines, as well as premix and separate oil injection systems.

These types of engines commonly encounter intense operating conditions such as full power take off, cruise, descent and idle conditions. A 2-stroke oil formulation is ideal for the varying power outputs and higher operating temperatures experienced by 2-stroke engines.

It also helps reduce the formation of deposits and protects the inherent exposure to corrosion and potential ring sticking in 2-stroke engines. AeroShell Oil Sport PLUS 2 provides full performance with both unleaded and leaded fuel types, and this oil also can be used in most climates.

The new AeroShell Oil Sport PLUS 2 for light, very light and ultralight 2-stroke engines is backed by 100 years of experience in aviation lubricants and engines. Its launch comes shortly on the heels of Shell Aviation's earlier introduction of AeroShell Oil Sport PLUS 4, also the first dedicated aviation oil for 4-stroke engines in light sport aircraft. Both products were developed and tested specifically for use in aviation.

Historically, 2-stroke engine pilots have relied on commercially available oils intended for ground or marine based applications, which are not wholly suitable for all aircraft. For example, motorcycle oils are subject to formulation changes that follow the needs of the motorcycle market and are not subject to aviation specifications or notification requirements. Further, motorcycle oils tend to have limited ability when used in conjunction with leaded aviation fuels such as Avgas 100LL.

Now, pilots in light to ultralight planes have fuels and lubricants provided by Shell Aviation that are designed specifically for their class of aircraft. Additionally, Shell Aviation is the only company whose aviation lubricant products have the endorsement of ROTAX.

This manufacturer recognizes the benefits of AeroShell Oil Sport PLUS 2 and AeroShell Oil Sport PLUS 4, which are dedicated products that are highly resistant to the immense shear forces that occur in areas of high-pressure contact such as bearings, pistons, rings and liners. This is where the blend of base oil and additives is most crucial, and another reason to use products that are specifically designed for 2 stroke engines.

AeroShell Oil Sport PLUS 2 - At A Glance

• First specific oil for Light Sport and Very Light/Ultra Light 2 - stroke aircraft engines


• High film and shear strength formulation specifically designed for strenuous operating conditions experienced by these types of aviation engines


• Promotes engine cleanliness - protects engine parts such as pistons, rings and exhaust ports from excessive (or harmful) deposits - coking


• Outstanding performance in regard to ring ‘sticking’


• Excellent ‘clean burn’ performance


• Helps to protect engine parts from corrosion during engine shutdown and storage


• Helps engine achieve TBO (Time Before Overhaul)


• Suitable for use in oil injection and pre-mixed oil/fuel systems


• Protects highly stressed engine parts against scuffing and wear


• Can be used in most climates


• Superior performance compared to synthetic 2-stroke products when used in the aviation application


• Advanced anti-rust and anti-wear package


• Dyed green for better recognition

New Airport Directory Data for Gramin GPS

Garmin have announced a new source for airport directory information globally. AC-U-KWIK data is available today and contains over 7,800 airports with runways longer than 3000 feet, worldwide. ACU-KWIK’s airport directory contains hard-to-find information for preflight planning in North America, Europe, Asia, Central America, the Caribbean, South America, Africa and Australia. Pilots have detailed information at their fingertips – information like FBOs and handlers, fuel providers, customs information, ground transportation, charter companies, catering services and more. Available for select portable products, AC-U-KWIK data provides a great option for pilots wanting Airport Directory information all across the world.

Any Garmin aera 550 and Garmin 695 portables shipped to Europe or Asia will be pre-loaded with the appropriate Atlantic or Pacific AC-U-KWIK data, respectively, beginning the second quarter of 2011.

Primary airspace restrictions for south-east England

Airspace restrictions will be placed around all 2011 Olympic Games venues in the South East of England. The major airspace restriction will be centred on London and the Olympic Stadium. These will be in force from 13 July 2012 to 12 September 2012. Airspace restrictions around other Games venues will only be in place for the duration of the event at each venue, in line with those used for major sporting events. Extra security restrictions may be placed on flights at any time. All restrictions are from ground level to the base of controlled airspace.

Prohibited Zone: Aircraft will not be allowed within the Prohibited Zone unless they are IFR traffic and have undergone crew, passengers and baggage screening in accordance with the relevant aviation security programme, and inbound to or outbound from Heathrow, London City, RAF Northolt, Biggin Hill and under the control of those airports or NATS TC or Thames Radar. They must also meet all the requirements to enter the Restricted Zone.

Restricted Zone: Aircraft will be allowed to enter the Restricted Zone if they can comply with a set of requirements defined by aircraft type (see How to use the restricted zone).

Airfields within the Prohibited Zone, and airfields within 3nm of the outer boundary of the Restricted Zone, may apply for certain exemptions to the restrictions subject to specific conditions to be agreed with the appropriate authorities. The following airfields have been identified as potential examples of these. Prohibited Zone: London City; Northolt; White Waltham; Denham; Fairoaks and London Heliport (Battersea). Restricted Zone: Duxford; Shuttleworth (Old Warden); Halton; Dunstable Downs; Lashenden (Headcorn); Earls Colne; Booker and Weathersfield. Applications will be considered on a case by case basis.

What sort of impact will this have on General Aviation?

Martin Robinson (AOPA) identified the main issue facing GA as one of capacity in the restricted area and sought guarantees that no aircraft that qualified for entry would be refused access. There are no such guarantees; while NATS says it will recruit extra staff and do its best, it says it has no realistic way of estimating traffic requirements and cannot guarantee entry - indeed, it is possible that at peak times, access will be denied.

Essentially, most aircraft will have to file a VFR flight plan on Afpex or AFTN between 24 hours and two hours prior to take-off. If the flight is approved they will be given an access code, to be quoted on first contact with ATC, and they will have to follow their flight planned route. Radio contact must be maintained, and a squawk will be given - Mode S, C or A. For the duration of the restriction, the requirement for an altitude-encoding transponder in the Stansted TMZ will be lifted. Circuits will be allowed at affected airfields without the need for a flight plan, although a transponder will be required. Gliding, hang gliding and paragliding can continue from sites notified to the authorities, as long as aircraft fly no more than 3nm from the site. Cross-country glider flying can be arranged, but will be treated the same as powered aircraft - flight plans must be filed and adhered to, radios and transponders must be carried.

Details of the restrictions, are now available on http://www.airspacesafety.com/olympics. As well as the main restrictions in the south-east of England, other venues throughout the UK will be subject to temporary restrictions notified by NOTAM. The umbrella group, the Airspace Safety Initiative, is seeking ‘Olympic airspace ambassadors’ to distribute literature and assist with the briefing programme. The services of AOPA’s regional representatives have been offered, subject to a full explanation of what will be required, so members should be able to contact them for more details.

Thank you for 25 great years.

2011 marks the mile stone 25th anniversary for Transair. In the 25 years that Transair has been in the aviation business it has grown to become much more than a provider of pilot supplies in the UK. Now stretching across the globe, providing quality flight equipment to GA pilots, flight training centres, the airlines and military in more than 100 countries around the world with over 90,000 orders despatched each year!

Transair has come a long way since Tom Moloney started the company back in 1986. When a young Tom Moloney started learning to fly he took to it like a duck to water, even toying with the idea of a flying career. It was then, while working in Canada and America that he saw how much less expensive pilot supplies were, and among other contacts he met Sporty's founder Hal Shevers, with whom he has maintained good relations, and from whom he's learned a lot. This was in the days, of course, when a GA pilot who owned a headset was the exception. You used a hand-mike for RT, the distorted voice of ATC crackled from a speaker in the roof, and instructors shouted a lot and went deaf. "I dropped my mike on my first solo," Tom recalls. I was turning final and scrabbling around under the seat for the mike. Not a position you want to be in." Tom started importing headsets from the USA, took a classified ad in Pilot magazine and Transair was born!

In 1986 Transair was incorporated and the product lines began to expand. The first Transair item had been Telex headsets; David Clark Headsets, followed soon after, and every month Tom tried to add something new. It was a red letter day when Transair moved into a rented nursery unit in the Green Business Centre in Staines. It's first employee was Shaun Mullins, its second was secretary Kay Gunston, now Mrs Kay Moloney, who still works for the company. As we ran out of room, we'd simply rent the unit next door and knock through. In 1990 we outgrew five units and moved the whole operation to a wooden hut at Fairoaks and in 1999 finally settle at Shoreham, with a new 20,000 square foot warehouse and office complex. Transair pioneered catalogue selling in the UK, and over the years we've published millions of catalogues and they've found their way to faraway places, and of course e-commerce makes it as easy to order from those places as from the UK.

Customer service has always been the cornerstone of Transair. Whether it's providing same day despatch or real-live customer service help, Transair has always thrived to treat customers the way we would want to be treated and going that extra mile to help them get what they need. Transair is mainly staffed by pilots of all levels from PPL right through to ATPL's, so we know a thing or two about the products we sell because we use them.

A passion for General Aviation has always been the driving force behind Transair and it is this passion that drives the whole Transair team to give you what you deserve. On hand 7 days a week to offer in-depth knowledge of our flight equipment range, we understand the industry and talk the pilot's language. This coupled with a vast and ever expanding product range as well as the best customer service in the industry!

Thank you for your continued support, here's to the next 25 years!

Goodbye Flight Simulator?

Is this the end of Microsoft Flight Simulator as we know it?

Lockheed Martin has licensed the software and the intellectual goodies that go with it, marking the end of the line for one of the most successful game series in the history of computing, spanning almost 30 years since the original in 1982.

Microsoft has also disbanded the Aces video-game studio responsible for the Flight Simulator franchise and handed over the core simulation technology to Lockheed, which now sells the software to flight training device makers as a low-cost sim platform. Lockheed Martin’s eventual goal is to further develop the Flight Simulator software (now called Prepar3D) to the point that it can be used to train military pilots and UAV operators.