Sandel Avionics For King Air: Smart, Compact and Economical
Upgrading the avionics in your King Air has typically never been associated with the phrase "cost effective". Sandel Avionics is shifting that paradigm with a suite of products designed specifically for King Air aircraft.

Boasting an affordable price and fast installs, your King Air can now be upgraded to the latest technology using Sandel's products - without the expense and downtime of replacing an entire panel. With Sandel's new LED back-lit displays, pilots gain higher reliability and greater situational awareness with EHSI, moving map, weather, and traffic condensed into one display. The Sandel SN4500 Primary Navigation Display and Sandel SA4550 Primary Attitude Display are also compatible with Garmin WAAS receivers, providing a long awaited economical solution to upgrading to WAAS GPS approach capability. Sandel provides a smart option on products for price-conscious King Air owners, and when partnered with Woodland Aviation's professional avionics installation team and the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, there's never been a more cost effective solution to upgrade your King Air. Now is the time!

In addition to displays, Sandel also offers the SG102 AHRS. This new solid-state DG was designed to replace legacy electromechanical directional gyros with its digital and analog outputs. What is particularly noteworthy is this is approved as a primary heading reference!

Sandel products offer superior functionality and crisp display performance:

• 10,000 hour MTBF = high reliability, low ownership costs
• Bright, sunlight-readable, high resolution LED-backlit display
• 180 degree left-to-right and up-down viewing angle
• Solid-state AHRS certified for primary heading reference
• Minimal installation times

Chris Frick, Woodland Aviation's Avionics Department Manager says "Fast installs mean minimal wiring, fewer components to install, and generally fit into existing panel cut-outs, which eliminate the need to have new panels cut."

Keep in mind every install is unique, so contact Mike at Woodland Aviation for your personalized King Air / Sandel Avionics consultation and evaluation: 1-800-442-1333.

King Air / Sandel Avionics Demo Event:
Join Woodland Aviation and Sandel Avionics at Palo Alto Airport (KPAO) for an evening static display demonstration and presentation about Sandel Avionics for your King Air:


As a sidebar, check with your aviation tax consultant to review your qualifications regarding the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008; you may be able to substantially deduct the new Sandel equipment for your King Air in 2008. - J.Pilot

Ways To Manage Aviation Fuel Prices
Just reading or saying "fuel prices" drives emotions ranging from disbelief, fear, and even anger. If there is a dominating theme around right now it is the cost of fuel. The following are helpful tips to reduce your full-service fuel costs:
 
Tip 1: Plan Ahead.
Look on line and find the most competitive cost fuel and acceptable FBO for your travel location and start there. Watch for guaranteed fuel prices; ask if taxes are included in the posted price (and if the prices are current).
 
Tip 2: Negotiate.
Every FBO fuel stop has its liabilities in location which impact the cost of fuel such as local taxes, high fees, and location costs. However, asking basic questions will begin the dialog for discounts:

• Are any specials or coupons available.
• If you uplift a larger amount can you get a volume discount.
• If you can set up a special fuel price due to the amount of times you visit the same FBO.

If your fuel stop is high in price and no one will work with you, maybe it's time to research and look elsewhere. Take a moment to stop and review what you are paying extra for and decide is it worth the extra cost - or are there better alternatives.  

Tip 3: Get Creative.
Get together with other aircraft and get a special price for the group of specific tail numbers for some volume discounts. Let the FBO know you recommended others and give tail numbers to back it up.

Tip 4: Ground Review.
Flying there is part of the fuel costs. Look at where you are going on the ground once you arrive. Which is more cost effective? Drive a car fifteen more minutes or pay a dollar or more per gallon to save fifteen minutes in ground transportation.

Tip 5: Develop FBO Relationships.
Develop a relationship and communicate with your FBO to better understand when they may be adjusting or setting fuel prices. By calling ahead you may be able to lock in a price even though the FBO has posted a higher price before you arrive.
 
Tip 6: Be Smart.
Don't compromise to get a low fuel price at a minimal facility. Expect and demand both competitive fuel prices and quality facilities. Use caution in buying fuel at remote locations that are clearly well below market levels. It is an indicator of inventory that was purchased at a lower cost and could be old. A low fuel price means little when you have to have your system cleaned of algae or fuel of poor quality; ask to review the fuel quality assurance logs. If they don't have them or they are not up-to-date use at your own risk.
 
If you would like to discuss developing a fuel program specific to your needs with Davis Flight Support, or want to talk more in depth, please contact Gary Pelfrey: 530-759-8766. - J.Pilot

Pictured is Rudi, new owner of a 2007 Turbo Alley G36 Bonanza. Rudi purchased his new Bonanza, taking full advantage of the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008. He will he be able to deduct a substantial amount off the aircraft's value this year, and he's putting it on leaseback at Advantage Aviation at Palo Alto Airport (KPAO). His G36 will be a welcome addition to the flight line for those desiring a luxury turbo performance aircraft that can carry 4 adults, luggage, and fuel in comfort and style. Contact Advantage Aviation for the G36 check-out requirements: 650-494-7248. 

Aspen Avionics upgrade in Navion Aircraft
Work has begun on the first Woodland Aviation / Aspen Avionics upgrade in a nifty Navion. As the project unfolds, we'll keep you informed about comments from the Avionics Department about the installation. The project is currently in Phase I: old equipment being removed, and wiring harness clean-up. To find out more about Aspen Avionics, or to schedule a personal tour of this project, call Mike at Woodland Aviation: 800-442-1333.

Raisbeck Nacelle Wing Lockers for King Air
The WA crew has started installation on Wing Lockers on a King Air 350. Once completed, these lockers will provide an additional 16 cubic feet of storage for bulky items such as skis, golf bags and outsized baggage. Contact Shawn for details or request a tour of this project: 800-442-1333.

Raisbeck Dual Aft Wing Strakes for King Air
Another King Air project in process: installation of Body Strakes. Photo to the left shows them after initial installation. These Strakes eliminate or raise yaw damper limits, reduce drag, improve directional stability, increase climb and cruise performance, and reduce minimum control airspeed. Read about them in detail on the Raisbeck website, or contact Shawn through email/phone HERE.

Exterior Panels, Stucco, and Glass
All the glass is in for the doors and windows. The main entrance has a beautiful white coat of stucco and the silver exterior panels are up along the front. Forms are in place for new concrete walkways. The interior has been drywalled. Only 6 more weeks to go!