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Cool Stuff | PRODUCTS THAT MATTER
 ADVENTURES OF ARTIE THE AIRPLANE
Leave it to a seasoned pilot to find a new way to help children learn values and build character through aviation. Capt. Chuck Harman, a designated pilot examiner for American Airlines, is the author and illustrator of the “Artie The Airplane” series. The books feature illustrated airplane characters such as Alister P. Airstream, Grandpa Cubbie, Alice the Air Ambulance, and Cousin Piper, who help teach the importance of helping others, honesty, keeping rooms clean, not judging people (or airplanes) by their looks, and other value-based themes. “Capt. Chuck” makes regular appearances at schools across the country, using his experiences as a 767 captain to educate children and discuss values. Check out this great series online at www.artietheairplane.com.
AND YOU THOUGHT THE AOPA WATCH WAS COOL
 Check out these aviation-themed watches from the Cockpit Company. Both the attitude indicator and altimeter watch faces are spitting images of their respective instruments, and their hands mimic those of other panel instruments. Each watch features a rotating bezel to indicate different time zones for major cities, and offers analog and digital modes. Priced right at $39.95, from www.cockpitcompany.com, or your favorite online retailer.
 GOT THE TIMER?
Isn't it time you ditched that junky timer you bought at Radio Shack during your IFR training? Here’s a handy flight timer from ASA that not only includes many of the features pilots use in day-to-day flying, but looks great, too! Three separate timing modes – including approach, fuel timer, and clock mode – as well as intuitive, well-placed feature buttons, visual and audible alarm modes, and a large, backlit display make this an ideal cockpit partner for any pilot. There’s even a built-in memo feature for plugging in squawk codes and frequencies. Priced at $49.95, this adaptable model can even serve double duty in the kitchen between flights. Available from www.asa2fly.com.
 BUSINESS-FRIENDLY FLIGHT BAG
Whether you do the GA commute or use your airplane for business travel, the Apollo Flight Attache from Sky High Gear is just your bag. This padded nylon satchel combines the best features of a lightweight flight bag with a notebook computer bag, consolidating two pieces of luggage into one. Cleverly designed compartments hold all your flight gear, including a hand-held radio, headsets, charts, sunglasses and flashlights, while larger pockets hold a notebook computer, folders and other business paperwork. Priced at $90, the bag is water-resistant and comes with a five-year warranty. Available online from www.skyhighgear.com.
 FLIGHTCOM TOY HEADSET
Instill a love of flight in your children at an early age with this indestructible plastic version of one of the industry’s leading aviation headsets. This durable toy is modeled on FlightCom’s Denali headset, and is designed for children as young as age 3. Priced at $19.95, available from www.headsettoys.com.
 SAFETY FIRST
Every pilot cruising today’s cluttered airspace could use an extra pair of eyes. The TrafficScope from Surecheck is better than a front-seat passenger; it can spot potentially threatening aircraft from up to five miles away. The self-contained device comes in two models: the Vr which provides range and trend information for identified aircraft, and the Vrx, which adds altitude information to the mix. Both units provide visual and audible warnings of other airplanes, and can be a lifesaver in the crowded skies around busy airports. If nothing else, the TrafficScope helps pilots and passengers figure out where to look for oncoming traffic. Available for $1,195 or $695, depending on the model, from www.surecheck.net.
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