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This flight planning Quick Tip shows you how to use iFlightPlanner's graphical AIRMETs, SIGMETs and TFRs depicted along your route.

Experts analyzing the timing and signature of a sound captured along with video footage during Felix Baumgartner's record setting freefall from 128,000 feet believe it is a sonic boom, Red Bull said Friday.  "The wave form of the sonic boom has been isolated and is consistent with existing 'sonic boom characteristics' data," the company said. Four different groups of observers that were present in different areas local to the jump heard the sound as Baumgartner accelerated beyond 833 mph in supersonic freefall, according to Red Bull. "Everyone all at once said, 'did you just hear that?' We knew exactly what it was."  The team is analyzing data in hopes of removing all doubt.

» WATCH ON YOU TUBE

Redbird Flight Simulations announced a new desktop flight simulation system specifically for the home market. The Jay inherits many design details developed for Redbird’s popular line of flight-school simulators, but has been simplified for ease of use without sacrificing durability.

Unlike the rest of the Redbird products, which are all certified by the FAA for flight training, the Jay is strictly for proficiency and enjoyment. The complete system includes the computer, wide-screen monitor, yoke with trim, power quadrant, rudder pedals and flap controls. It runs a licensed version of Microsoft Flight Simulator X with eight aircraft configurations.

Jays can be ordered now for $1995 from King Schools. Shipments start November 15, 2012.

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This flight planning Quick Tip shows you how to use iFlightPlanner's color-coded METARs and TAFs that are depicted along your route.

Obtaining a pilot certificate in popular training areas of the southwestern United States may get more expensive as a result of the FAA's decision to limit the number flight tests DPEs will be allowed to administer.  FAA spokesman Ian Gregor confirmed to AVweb's Russ Niles that the agency has capped flight tests for DPEs under the authority of the Scottsdale and Las Vegas flight service district office (FSDO).

"The FAA routinely reviews procedures, policies and programs to ensure they are operating safely, efficiently and properly," Gregor said.  "A review of our Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) program identified potential issues with DPEs who conduct a high number of pilot flight checks.  As a result, the FAA's Western Pacific Region is limiting DPEs in two locations; Las Vegas and Scottsdale to conducting 50 flight checks per quarter, or 200 per year."

» READ MORE on AVweb

This flight planning Quick Tip shows you how to save a favorite route for future use with the iFlightPlanner Flight Wizard.

When skydiver Felix Baumgartner stepped from the Red Bull Stratos on Sunday from 128,000 feet, he broke two records that stood for more than 50 years.  His was the highest-ever parachute jump and the highest manned balloon flight.  Baumgartner is reported to have reached Mach 1.24 during his 4:18 freefall.  While it was the fastest, it was not the longest duration freefall on record.  That record still belongs to Col. Joe Kittinger, who waited until the 4:30 mark to deploy his parachute in 1960.  Coincidentally, Baumgartner's successful jump took place exactly 65 years, to the day, after Chuck Yeager first broke the speed of sound in the rocket-powered X1.

This flight planning Quick Tip shows you how to find and use the quickest or most efficient altitude for your flight using the iFlightPlanner Flight Wizard.

We have created a new, printer-friendly flyer to help spread the word about iFlightPlanner!

If you think your fellow pilots would appreciate knowing more about iFlightPlanner.com, mobile.iFlightPlanner.com and iFlightPlanner for iPad presented by Sennheiser, print a copy and post it at your local airport or share the following short link via email or in your favorite online forum!

http://bit.ly/iFP-Flyer

The highest compliment we can ever receive is a personal recommendation from our members based on their experience with us.  We thank you for your continued support and encourage you to stay tuned - we have some exciting new features in the works thanks to your feedback!

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.™

iFlightPlanner will be traveling west for next week's AOPA Summit in Palm Springs.  If you'll be joining the iFlightPlanner Crew in California, be sure to check out the information supplied by the AOPA for general aviation arrivals and departures at Palm Springs International Airport (KPSP).

• AOPA Summit Pilot Information Package (Printer Friendly Version)
• AOPA Summit NOTAM, Special Flight Procedures
• AOPA Summit Letter to Airmen

iFlightPlanner will be with Sennheiser Aviation, our partner and presenting sponsor of iFlightPlanner for iPad, in Booth 610.  We look forward to seeing you all there!

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.™

This flight planning Quick Tip shows you how to find and use FAA coded departure routes with the iFlightPlanner Flight Wizard.