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From: jeq@laidbak.UUCP (Jonathan E. Quist)
Newsgroups: net.aviation
Subject: Re: Sony Air-8
Message-ID: <154@laidbak.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 12-Aug-85 21:36:40 EDT
Article-I.D.: laidbak.154
Posted: Mon Aug 12 21:36:40 1985
Date-Received: Sun, 18-Aug-85 22:26:40 EDT
References: <748@infopro.UUCP>
Reply-To: jeq@laidbak.UUCP (Jonathan E. Quist)
Distribution: net
Organization: LAI Chicago
Lines: 62

>While I haven't gotten a chance to use or see it personally, Satellite
>Technology Services recently introduced a scanner that, on specs alone,
>should obsolete not only the Air-8 but also the Terra, TR-720, etc.
>It scans a full 720 channels, storing 10 frequencies, has a rubber-ducky
>antenna, cigarette lighter adapter, nicad battery pack, 90 day money back
>guarantee, 3 year warantee, and 24-hour service, and costs just $299.50.
>
>Oh yes, it also *transmits*.

I purchased one of these shortly after they were introduced,
and have very few regrets.  The STS 7600 has proven quite
reliable, and the only problems so far are that accessories
such as headsets (it does not use standard jacks, and the
headset connector pinout doesn't match that of other handhelds)
are not yet available.  STS claims the end of August...

There were quite a few of these radios on the Oshkosh flight
line this year.  I have to admit that having mine produced
a strong temptation to ask Concorde to execute a snap roll during a fly by.
(Yes, in fact, I must give the SST at least honorable mention as the
most beautiful aircraft.  If you had seen it doing touch and goes
at Wittman field, you might agree.... but, I digress.)

CFI's take note:

A few months ago I returned to flying after a 2 year layoff
with only 16 hours logged.  The first time my instructor
stepped out of the plane, I pulled my radio from the back seat
and handed it to him.  Knowing that we could converse,
and getting advice for improvements each time around the
pattern gave me loads of extra confidence.  He immediately
recommended that his flight school purchase at least one
to solo new students with.

My one regret:
Narco introduced a handheld (the HT830) at Oshkosh this year with
a nav receiver that also displays your bearing from the VOR.
It's twice the price of the STS (list for the HT830 is $695),
but if I were flying a homebuilt or classic with no electrical system,
it would be my first choice.  (It would also make a more
suitable backup for IFR flight.)

Alternate subject:  Re: Trainers

My first 16 hours were in C-152's.  Since then I've logged
4 hours in a C-140 and 40 in C-172's.  The 172 seems to
be, in general, the most docile of the 3.  I think this makes
the 152 more suitable for learning general flight proficiency.
The 140 is pretty easy to fly, but will tell you in
no uncertain terms if you are doing something wrong.
It took a lot of concentration to get my turns coordinated.
As most of my time left before my checkride will be
working on proficiency maneuvers, I plan to do it in the 140.
(I have to admit, I am one of those who beleives that the
very existence of tail tie-down ropes proves that airplanes
should not sit on their respective noses.  Flame on.)

"P-40's may be ugly, but they're beautiful."

Jonathan E. Quist
ihnp4!laidbak!jeq
``I deny that this is a disclaimer.''