Great links and resources on the

To start things off, here's a link for a splendid layman's explanation of how an airplane flies (it includes a link to a NASA java applet that acts as a virtual wind tunnel allowing you to create various wing shapes and test the corresponding effects of lift/drag): http://travel.howstuffworks.com/airplane.htm/printable

A great flight school in the San Francisco Bay Area called, Nice Air. Click the picture of the building which appears above, to learn more!

A great fellow who is also a CFI, CFII at RHV. I haven't flown with him, but he seems like he'd be a great instructor to have! Check out his website! pete@iflypete.com

The National Association of Flight Instructors recently awarded Max Trescott the Master CFI designation, now held by only three CFI's in the San Francisco Bay area.

I recently had the opportunity to hear Max do a presentation during a Wings Safety seminar. While I had known of him and his website I had never seen or heard him in-person. If you get a chance to hear this fellow, he's a pleasure to listen and learn from. While I've never had him as a flight instructor, I wouldn't expect that he would be anything less than absolutely, phenomenal in that regards, as well. One of the locations he teaches out of is Squadron2 which is just 'down-the-isle' from the FBO that I fly out of. It is clear after hearing him speak, why he has that Master CFI designation.

Max has an excellent laminated guide for providing San Francisco Bay Tours which includes a colorful sectional on one side with important sights labeled as well as labeled arrows that show typical routes flown and associated altitudes. On the back of the laminated aid, is text explaining departure instructions for popular local bay area airports when requesting "Bay Tour" from your local controller. It also has helpful information for arrival procedures at the same airports listed as departure points... and more. I believe he charges a modest $15.00 for the aid and it is well-worth every penny! I bought one as soon as I saw it at his presentation. Local pilot stores will be stocking it, but if you don't see them there then email www.sjflight.com and arrange to get one of these SF Bay Tour Guides!

Click the picture of the guide to go to Max's information on the Bay Tour and how to get one of these great guides!

This CFI's site has a wealth of information on flying and learning to fly! He also sells a great Ultimate Pilot Library CD available - updated Practical Test Standards, plus hundreds of other documents on CD, FAR, AIM, all up to date and including for the first time the new Airplane Flying Manual and Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. Special price for NAFI, AOPA and EAA members. He teaches out of Reid-Hillview, though I've never had him as an instructor.

Zdravko Podolski
Reid Hillview Airport
2575 Robert Fowler Way
San Jose, CA 95148 zdravko@goodflying.com

It had only occurred to me recently that I didn't have a link to this website, despite the fact that I it is an incredibly valuable resource created by flight instructor, Gene Whitt. It is a text only website, but it is a virtual 'treasure trove' of aviation information on learning to fly and beyond!

"Pilots of the Caribbean is my personal website containing some of my aviation exploits in
and around the State of Florida.
I have compiled a list of pictures and a few videos to share with those that might have a common interest.
Please understand that this site is designed for broadband users, and that all others may experience lengthy downloads/page loads.
This is not a commercial site and it is purely a for fun website.
If there is anything that anyone would like to see added, I am always open to suggestions. "

I just recently discovered this 'gem' of a website. This pilot has worked his way up from learning to fly to teaching others to fly as a CFI. Great site and content!!!! I found it very inspirational, 'cause I am headed the same route that he has already finished (i.e., to get my CFI).

Chris Houston's aviation photography web page is an incredible collection of aviation photos taken with his digital camera. WOW! You MUST check this out!

Great fellow pilot and CFI/CFII with a website with LOTS of flying adventures including Angel Flight missions!

In the process of learning to fly you will be exposed to many instructional materials that speak to the mechanics involved in learning to fly, but you should also take a little time to read a few books that speak to the 'spirit' of flight, itself - the 'why' of why we are 'up there'. A couple of books I would recommend have their covers displayed following this text. I know that they are available from Amazon and some of the other online book dealers, as well.

AOPA, is a great source for a variety of types of information about aviation. It was the first aviation organization I joined upon starting as a student pilot. It has many resources for not only pilots, but information and support for those who are thinking about pursuing their lifelong dream of learning to fly.

Today, aviation is competing with other recreational activities. Therefore, we want you to feel welcome. We must share the opportunities available and invite you to the multitude of EAA events that showcase aviation at its best. Whether you are interested in building, buying or owning an airplane; seeing the world's greatest air show performers; meeting aviation personalities; or just enjoy being around airplanes . . . EAA is the place for you.

Click the picture link to learn how to make your dream of learning to fly a reality!

Great source for Pilot training products (videos, software, books), and pilot supplies! Most of the training supplies I bought came from King Schools. John & Martha have a wonderful 'folksy' teaching style in their videos that allows you to be exposed to lots of information without feeling like you have an information-overload 'concussion' :-)

Call them and ask for a free catalog. All their sales staff are pilots and very friendly to deal with! Click on their logo to go directly to their website.

Rod's Private Pilot Handbook is a MUST have for your training library. Check out his audio and video samples and I'll bet you end-up purchasing one of his humorous and informative videos. In fact, I've found Rod's videos a great way to show non-pilots some of the joy of this glorious thing we call aviation and 'recruit' some new pilots into the 'flock'.

I've had the pleasure of seeing him in-person during an AOPA Expo that I was attending and he was as nice a fellow in person (got to chat with him a little bit) as he projects in his videos/appearances. In fact, he learned to fly at the same airport I completed my flight training at (i.e., Reid-Hillview Airport, in San Jose, CA).

In the process of learning to fly, you will be exposed to LOTS of information, but Rod's books and videos help make it an enjoyable learning experience. What follows are some of Rod's books that I have enjoyed and strongly recommend (click on the books for more information from Rod Machado's website):

Quite simply, if you have a PocketPC and are a pilot this software is a MUST have! I use it and I LOVE it and you will too! ..... and no, I don't have any stock/investment in this company - I'm just a very pleased and impressed customer. :0)

The owner of this software company is a great guy and a fellow pilot and CFI/CFII! His company, produces an exceptional product called WingX and it runs on your PocketPC and performs e6b calculations and SO much more! See below for samples of screens and description of functionality from the Hilton Software Website:

    We now accept credit cards (securely)!  No PayPal account required.
    WingX has been awarded Palm Flying's Choice Award
    WingX User Manual now available! Click here! (PDF - 2.3 MB)

WingX Version 1.7 released!
[formerly known as WingX Version 1.6.5, but we added so many great new features, we called it WingX Version 1.7]

"WingX really sings!" - AOPA Pilot, July 2005

XL Edition Pro Edition

Weight and Balance with over 370 pre-defined models, popup menus, and the CG Bar Display option.

Route Planning includes over 20,000 airports, navaids, fixes...

A/FD Information: Get airport, navaid, and fix information quickly!

Powerful E6B with headwind, crosswind, TAS, IFR climb rates and climb angles, fuel consumption and endurance, and even wind chill.

Documents include Part 1, 43, 61, 91, 119, 141, NTSB 830, AC61-65D endorsements, Pilot/Controller Glossary, FSS Phone Number and much more.

Integrated Help for every page, help with the menu system, and more.

All XL Edition features, plus...

Dynamic Flight Navigator walks you through the route, leg by leg, while showing frequencies, Morse codes, three closest VORs, and more.

Expiration Dates - remember your medical, tailwheel, night, IFR, BFR, GPS Database and many more expiration dates

Sunrise/sunset times - don't be late getting home when you're no longer night current.

Now just $49.95 Still only $79.95

Download Version 1.7 now - Version 1.7 Pro Edition is a free upgrade for registered WingX users.

Latest additions: Many Bonanzas, Cessna 210s, and the Piper Warrior III     See list (over 370 and counting...)

"Wow!! With this last release your software deserves nothing but the greatest compliments for a real aid to the pilot -- no sloppiness here and no corners cut -- you guys have definitely nailed it when it comes to producing an excellent software package for pilots!" - Karl

"The wind and IFR ft/nm calculations are a really good addition to the e6b page. I was using it to check a student's work and the calculations were right on. As an examiner this is another feature that allows me to quickly and accurately check a students work rather than estimating it. I really look forward to every new release to see how you can top the last one." - Matt (Part 141 Chief Pilot)

"You guys are awesome. Intersections are a great addition as I fly IFR much of my flying time. Thanks again!" - WingX user

"Great piece of software. Unbelievably intuitive. A real pleasure to use, and very user friendly." - WingX user

"I've been checking out the program and have been more than pleased with its intelligent and thoughtful layout. The design of the program's display interface is well-reasoned and most intuitive. One would be hard-pressed to find a similar program that provides more features with out-of-the-box functionality right from the point where you press the 'on' button on your handheld PocketPC." - WingX user "I love WingX. In fact, I bought my Dell Axim just to run WingX - it's a renter's dream!" - WingX user "I just bought WingX yesterday, registered it today, and love it already." - WingX user "What a great platform, and great foundation that you have with this software. I am a flight instructor and have been looking for a great piece of software to run on my iPAQ. I also do a lot of contract flying around the country. You guys are for sure on the right track with things. Can't wait for the next version update!" - CFI and WingX user "You folks have been most helpful with this new software. I have been looking for this type of software for my new iPAQ to take over for the same software that I have used on my old Handspring Palm for several years." - CFI and WingX user

Hilton Software is proud to announce that King Schools customers can now download and register WingX directly from King Schools - click here for more.

Aircraft
WingX keeps a database of the aircraft you fly, their type, year, and other useful information. By associating an aircraft with a type, for example N9968B is a Cessna Cutlass RG, WingX uses the Weight and Balance information for a Cessna Cutlass RG when calculating N9968B's Weight and Balance (see below).

The columns are user-configurable. So if the user wants to see a column of the aircraft years instead of the model name, the visible columns can be changed.

Moreover, the columns can be sorted. One very use of this feature would be to sort the aircraft by their useful loads. The user can then select the aircraft that most suits his or her needs. Since several aircraft with the same aircraft model can have different useful loads depending on the installed equipment such as radios and air-conditioning units, WingX quickly let's you see which particular C172N at your FBO works for any particular flight. You can sort by the aircraft by N-number, useful load or any other column simply by clicking on the appropriate column header.

Weight and Balance
Ever wondered what your weight and balance was when a passenger didn't mention an extra bag, or you found the gas tanks full instead of only filled to the tabs? WingX allows you to quickly enter information and it graphically displays the W&B information. WingX immediately red-flags over-gross, out-of-CG, and exceeded baggage limit conditions.

In the example shown on the right, we are flying a Beechcraft Duchess with two people in the front seats, one person in a rear seat, 40 pounds of baggage and fuel tanks filled. WingX knows how many gallons each tank holds so that you don't have to do the math. Using these numbers, as well as the fuel burn during taxi and flight, WingX displays the total weights, below gross weights, and the CGs on the ramp, on takeoff, and on landing.

If we were to exceed the maximum zero fuel weight, the maximum ramp weight, maximum takeoff weight, or maximum landing weight, or if we were outside the CG envelope for any of those three phases of flight, WingX would display a red error message warning the pilot of the out of bounds conditions.

WingX makes extensive use of popup menus - the entire W&B example (on the right) was done without 'tapping' a single digit. Also note the dotted Zero Fuel Weight line.

Route Information
Route planning is easy. You enter the airport, VOR, or NDB identifiers, and WingX calculates the distances between points, the magnetic or true course, your Estimated Time Enroute (ETE) and your Estimated Time Arrival (ETA). You can configure WingX to display any number of these columns. WingX will also calculate Wind Correction Angles if you enter the wind direction and speed.

In our example to the right, we are flying from San Jose International Airport down to Santa Monica Airport via the Salinas VOR, Paso Robles Airport, the San Marcus VOR, the Ventura VOR, and direct to Santa Monica. To denote a VOR or NDB, prefix the identifier with a period ".". To display the True Course, just click on the "Mag" heading and the numbers will change to their True equivalent. Using the True Airspeed and wind direction and speed, the ETE and ETA times are calculated and displayed for each leg.

To assist pilots in determining their eligibility for Part 61 Certification requirements, the status bar shows the total distance of the flight, the maximum leg length (between airports), the maximum line distance from the point of origin (SJC in our case), and Great Circle Route information.

Tapping on the Dynamic Flight Navigator button brings up a color-coded screen that steps you through an entire flight. It truly is information-rich displaying each identifier and whether it is an airport, VOR, NDB etc. Pertinent tower or VOR frequencies are also displayed and for VORs, the morse code is even displayed - no more digging around in the sectional while trying to ident the VOR. Tapping on "SJC" iin our example displays SJC's communications frequencies, phone numbers, and times of operation. Then tapping the Rwy button displays runway information. All very simple, very quick, and right at your fingertips!

Sunrise and Sunset Information
Did you know that the Federal Aviation Regulations define three versions of 'night' for different reasons? Specifically, did you know that position lights are required after sunset and before sunrise, and that night flight is logged according to civil twilight as defined in the Air Almanac, and that your currency for night flight with passengers uses the sunset plus one hour and sunrise minus one hour rule? Relax - WingX will calculate all three 'night' times for any airport in the United States quickly and easily and for any date. So when you're out getting your $100 hamburger and need to plan your flight home, WingX will calculate the applicable 'night' times. Moreover, look below for the 'Expirations' page!

In the example on the right, we're using South Lake Tahoe (TVL). The six times mentioned above are calculated and displayed. In addition, WingX displays a note that assists the pilot remember why the times are relevant. The popup menu shows a list of recently-used airports.

By checking 'Z' checkbox in the top-right corner, Zulu times, instead of local times are displayed. The 'nearest city' information is also shown - in our example, South Lake Tahoe Airport is 3 nautical miles southwest of South Lake Tahoe.

E6B Calculations
The E6B page can convert temperatures, distances, weights, volumes, and pressures. ATIS temperatures are given in degrees Celsius - can you convert to Fahrenheit? How about converting distances from statue miles to feet? Weight of 47 gallons of 100LL or Jet A? No problem.

The image on the right shows several images, each one is scrolled further down the E6B page. This allows you to see all the excellent functionality of the WingX E6B page. The first image shows a conversion from 90°F to 32.2°C. Note that WingX automatically propagates the calculated temperature of 32.2°C down the page. Since RNO was the last airport used, WingX uses its altitude of 4415' as the assumed pressure altitude and shows the Density Altitude as being 7330'.

On the second image, the users has entered their TAS, Track, Heading, and Ground Speed. In addition, the area is entered as RNO. This allows WingX to calculate the winds aloft relative to True North. Other PDA applications may simply hide the fact that they can only calculate the winds aloft relative to Magnetic North which isn't too useful since FSS reports winds aloft in True.

Headwinds, crosswinds, distance, ground speed, times are also calculated. Note that the time calculated is automatically propagated to the fuel consumption/endurance line. Required IFR Climb Rate and Climb Angle as also available as is wind chill factor and frost bit prediction.

The final image in the sequence shows the Thumb Control screen to allow pilots to continue to operate the WingX E6B page in turbulence and/or while wearing gloves (military pilots).

Expirations
The FARs are full of expirations. For example, your medical lasts 6, 12, 24, or 36 calendar months depending on the type of flying you're doing as well as your age. In addition, pilots have recency requirements to carry passengers. Sectionals, AF/Ds, and instrument approach charts have expiration dates, and your renters insurance usually lasts one year. If you own an aircraft, the required aircraft inspections must be done on time. This all adds up to a lots of dates to remember. WingX does this for you in a very user-friendly way.

On the right is a screen shot of our expirations sorted chronologically by clicking on the "Sort by Expiration" button. This format only shows expirations that the user has selected; a single-engine only pilot wouldn't select AMEL. We see that our Second Class medical expired 14 months ago (fortunately it's just an example), our AF/D expired 4 weeks ago, and we have 22 days before our sectionals expire.

WingX knows the FARs! Simply enter the date on which you had your medical examination, and WingX will figure out when each class of medical expires. Similarly enter the date on which you took your BFR and WingX will calculate the date on which that BFR will expire.

Document Database
Using advanced file compression, FARs can be accessed and displayed within a fraction of a second. Each FAR is easily selected by choosing, for example, "Part 91", then selecting "Part 91.107" from the list of Part 91 subparts. The FARs are formatted just like you're used to in your Jeppesen or ASA FAR/AIM. When the FARs are updated, there's no need to update your WingX - simply dock your PDA and tap Tools and Download Document Database. Within seconds, you have the latest documents.

The following documents are currently included:

FAR Part 1 -- Definitions And Abbreviations
FAR Part 43 -- Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, And Alteration
FAR Part 61 -- Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, And Ground Instructors
FAR Part 91 -- General Operating And Flight Rules
FAR Part 119 -- Certification: Air Carriers And Commercial Operators
FAR Part 141 -- Pilot Schools
FAR Part 830 -- Notification And Reporting Of Aircraft Accidents Or Incidents And Overdue Aircraft, And Preservation Of Aircraft Wreckage, Mail, Cargo, And Records
AIM Preflight Briefing
AIM Flight Plan Form
AIM Aircraft Equipment Suffixes
AIM PIREP Element Code Chart
AIM Light Gun Signals
Pilot/Controller Glossary
AC61-65D -- Certification: Pilots and Flight and Ground Instructors (including Sport Pilot endorsements)
NWS Contractions
FSS Phone Numbers (both toll-free and local)

WingX's New Integrated Help System
WingX is extremely intuitive to use - just see the user comments at the top of this page. However as we have continually added more and more functionality to WingX, we felt that it was necessary to add an Integrated Help System. This allows a pilot to display help for any page within WingX, display for the WingX Menu System, and many more.

WingX's many help pages will guide you through WingX superb feature set, and if for any reason you cannot figure something out, you need help with something, or perhaps you have a great new idea you'd like to see in WingX, email us at support@hiltonsoftware.com or call us at 1-866-42-WINGX.

Note: Images on this website may be slightly different to what you see on your Microsoft Pocket PC 2002 or Microsoft Mobile 2003.

Disclaimer: 14 CFR 91.3 says that you, the PIC, are responsible for the safety of the flight. WingX is intended to assist you in your preflight activities. While Hilton Software makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of its calculations, Hilton Software cannot absolutely guarantee the accuracy. By using WingX, you agree to hold harmless Hilton Software and those persons acting on its behalf for any and all, but not limited to, liability, bodily injury, and/or property damage arising from the use of WingX.

Copyright © 2003-2005 Hilton Software LLC All rights reserved.
WingX™ and Dynamic Flight Navigator™ are trademarks of Hilton Software LLC
Microsoft™, Windows™, .NET™, .NET Framework™, Pocket PC™, and Mobile 2003™ are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Sporty's has a variety of pilot supplies and training videos/software. Yet another great resource and good service!

Yeah, I know everyone thinks David Clark,,,, but you will find the quality of product, service and price exceptional. In fact, if I were to recommend a first headset to get for your training I wouldn't hesitate to suggest the Lightspeed QFR Solo. You can get it for less than $150 and the quality and comfort is exceptional. Their customer service, I can't stress enough,,, is exceptional! I'm a very happy customer! Sorry to sound like an advertisement, but I think one should let others know about the companies that are going above and beyond the call of duty, when it comes to their customer service. I'm currently using the 20 3G ANR headset for my primary headset and a 20XL ANR headset as a passenger headset. I've become a great fan of ANR (automatic noise reduction), though I want to stress that it isn't a 'must' if you are just starting out. The QFR Solo, served me well throughout my training as well as the Softcomm C-50 when I was just starting out.

Here's a link to the airport that I learned to fly at (same one Rod Machado started at too!). It has information on the history of the airport as well as local services and some pictures. There is also a link on the website where you can hear LIVE tower audio direct from Reid-Hillview Airport.

Jeff is a great graphics artist AND a pilot! One of the cartoon graphics I use come from his Cartoon Clipart CD which you can buy on-line. He also has some great aviation wear and mugs with colorful graphics in the way that only The Wizard of Draws, can do! Click the picture above to go to Jeff's site.