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Cool Stuff | PRODUCTS THAT MATTER
 CHILD FRIENDLY TRAVEL GUIDES
Fodor’s has developed a fun new travel series called “Around The City With Kids,” which highlights family-friendly diversions in more than 10 cities, including New York, San Diego and Atlanta. Each title covers one city, and offers more than 60 kid-friendly tips for the town, as well as cool trivia questions designed to teach little ones about the area’s culture and history. Of course, you’ll also get Fodor’s mainstay information on where to go, what to eat, and sights to see. The books cost $11 each; find them at local bookstores and at www.fodors.com.
HANDS FREE LOOKING AT THE BRIGHT SIDE
One of the most frustrating aspects of working in a dark cockpit is trying to hold a flashlight and fly at the same time. Oregon Aero has a unique solution that lets you clip just about any AA flashlight to your headset quickly and easily, so you can illuminate maps or panel instruments simply by turning your head. The clip can be removed when not in use, and sells for $7 from www.oregonaero.com.
AAA TO THE RESCUE
You thought the AAA Auto Club wouldn’t help you as a pilot? Think again. Nearly all hotels offer substantial AAA discounts off regular room rates, and some AAA discounts rival the preferred, corporate rates negotiated by the local FBO. In fact, many conferences and trade shows negotiate rates that are higher than AAA rates, meaning you can easily recover the cost of your AAA membership on a single trip — whether or not you even own a car. Depending on the plans your local AAA chapter offers, you may be able to secure reduced car rental and insurance rates as well. Sign up online at www.aaa.com.
 MAKING CHILDREN MORE PORTABLE
Any parent knows the days of grabbing your toothbrush and a change of underwear as you head off for a weekend vacation are over; there’s no such thing as a quick getaway when you’re squeezing high chairs, baby chairs, strollers, playpens, and stuffed animals into a minivan. And forget about fitting all of that stuff into the airplane. But one enterprising mother has come up with a product that may help a little: The Ride-On/Carry-On ($49.99) is a rugged, portable child seat that can be strapped onto a rolling suitcase, turning it into a lightweight stroller for children weighing up to 40 pounds. The headrest doubles as a tray table. Check it out at www.rideoncarryon.com.
 THE ULTIMATE AIRCRAFT WRITE-OFF
If you’re itching for an excuse to buy a new plane, make the web site of Advocate Aircraft Taxation Company your next destination. The Indianapolis-based firm of attorneys and tax accountants, supported by many GA aircraft manufacturers, helps potential aircraft owners achieve the maximum tax savings when they buy a new craft. Given the substantial writeoffs available to buyers who purchase new planes before Oct. 1, the service could more than pay for itself. For more information, visit www.advocatetax.com, or call 317.581.4077.
LIKE "THE CLUB" FOR YOUR AIRPLANE
Thieves will think twice before trying to steal an airplane secured with the PropLock, the latest clampdown security device from  Wilson Locking Systems, renowned for its bright-green “boot” locks to secure illegally parked cars. The PropLock ($235) clamps securely onto your airplane’s propeller, making it nearly impossible for any unauthorized pilot to fly away. For more information, visit www.wilsonlocks.com.
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