The vision to become the premier avionics provider in Southern California began in 2003 and by 2004 Neal Aviation was formed.

Building the company from the ground up, Neal Aviation started as a one man show focusing on general aviation avionics installations.

Neal Aviation now leads the way in bringing customers the latest and greatest technology to their aircraft.

With an elite team of technicians, Neal Aviation's focus is to bring their customers creative and innovative custom panels. From sales and professional installations, to troubleshooting your old systems, Neal Aviation has got you covered.

As an FAA Certified Repair Station, we pride ourselves on quality, craftsmanship, and meticulous attention to detail - All panel work is done in-house and guaranteed.

You can count on a friendly face and excellent customer service. Neal Aviation brings true art from to their work.

Expect to be blown away with Neal Aviation's talent, capability and quality! Garrett Neal, founder and creator, offers a real pilot's perspective, as he is a certified commercial pilot.

With his hours of flight time, complimented with an FAA Certified Repairman Certificate, he genuinely understands the needs of his customers.

The team he has created has been hand selected and are well-known in the industry.

The sky's the limit for this shop!

We are proud to be one of Garmin's Top-Rated Southern California Dealers.

Currently, we have excellent deals and various options for upgrading to the Garmin G5OO & GTN Series. Call (619) 663-1000 for more info!

- advertisement -

Pilots can now plan their mountain flights using new 3D raised-relief aviation wall charts.

These FAA Sectional Charts are precisely molded to the shape of the terrain, allowing pilots to see and understand how the high and challenging terrain relates to airspace and flight plans. 3D AeroCharts are 30" x 20" and when displayed on the wall of a hangar, office or home, provide both a functional and beautiful display.

They make a great reference tool for planning new flights in the mountains or recalling past ones. Private pilots, FBOs, and flight schools will find lasting value in these 3D charts.

Summit Terragraphics prints standard FAA Sectional Charts (using the standard 1:500,000 scale) on a rigid plastic film and then thermoforms the chart to the precise terrain shape.

The terrain elevation model comes from the USGS database and provides extreme detail and accuracy.

The charts are available either unframed (poster style) or mounted and framed with either metal or wood moldings. 3D AeroCharts are available at select pilot shops or directly from http://summitmaps.com.

Since Summit introduced the first 3D AeroChart of Los Angeles/Southern California three years ago, the line has expanded to include charts of:

• Los Angeles/Southern California
• San Francisco/Central California
• Southern Sierra (and western Nevada)
• Colorado Rocky Mountains
• Seattle/Pacific Northwest
• Portland/Pacific Northwest

3D AeroCharts make great gifts for pilots, providing a unique and attractive item that is valued for years to come. 3D AeroCharts are intended for general reference and training only, and not for navigation.

Contact Summit at 301-788-6612 or mail to: sales@summitmaps.com for more information.

- advertisement -

The Torgoen line has been available in Europe for many years but first became available in the USA about 12 or 15 years ago when they introduced the T-1 thru the T-5 line to the American marketplace.

This watch manufacturer is an incredibly High-Quality line of watches that in our opinion, has the quality of a Breitling! The Torgoen was way ahead of their time in that they were one of the first to offer the Larger Cases for men, usually between 42 and 45mm.

You may have noticed in just the last couple years, almost all manufacturers are now offering very large watches, including ladies watches.

Torgoen offers a very diverse lineup of watches from a simple, GMT type, offering a 24 Hour Hand in addition to the regular hands, to some beautiful Chronographs as well as Chronographs with GMT 24 hours hands. Their Cases and Bracelets are just Beautiful!

Torgoen is one of the only Aviator manufacturers that actually offers ladies models which are the T5 models which are GMT type watches. Their sizes are approx 32 to 36mm in Diameter.
Torgoen calls these Unisex models as they can actually be worn by both, Men and Ladies.

To name a couple of the Torgoen models, the original T1 is a Chronograph with an E6B Calculator Bezel offered in an All Black ION Stainless Steel case with either a Leather or Rubber/Neoprene Strap. The T5, is a no frills but elegant GMT type model with the GMT/24 Hour hand and as just mentioned, is offered in Men's and Ladies sizes as well as many colors and band options.

The T8 series is a unique offering of watches with three separate time zones right on the face! Perfect for the traveler that goes between a number of time zones on a regular basis.

Our favorite and the top of the Torgoen list is the new T7, which is a very attractive Chronograph as well as offering an 2nd analog time zone in its own subdial. This model has a very impressive face and case and offers a number of colors and bands.

One of the newest releases is the new T22, which is almost more like a designer watch with its amazing color coordinated dials, faces and straps, all offered in Leather Straps.

The newest model is the new T30, offering a Chronograph and GMT/24 hour hand in a simple but sturdy Black ION Stainless case and all offered with a lightweight Neoprene Strap.

To get a good look at each of these models, please go to www.hmewatch.com or contact them at by email (watch@hmewatch.com) or by telephone at 888-464-6660 and they can answer any questions you might have about the Torgoen line or any other Aviator type timepiece.

- advertisement -

Headsets Inc. of Amarillo, Texas is pleased to announce the new model DRE 8001 active noise reduction headset with Bluetooth¨.

This new headset is Made in America and integrates a new ÔLYNX' Bluetooth¨ audio controller into the existing DRE 6001 headset to create more capability & value for today's aviator.

The LYNX is a complete audio/comm/power controller providing Bluetooth¨, Hi-Fi amplification of audio input, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries plus traditional E6B functions.

Recharging can be accomplished via one of three methods: plug into 110v AC (charger included); plug into a computer USB port (cable included), or from aircraft power via the cigarette lighter adaptor (included). The 1700ma battery will power the DRE 8001 for 12 to 15 hours.

The controls are straight forward with buttons large enough to allow for confident operation. The full color screen provides for easy to read data in direct sunlight.

The screen and back-lit buttons are self-dimming. The menu driven interface is simple and easy to navigate.

The Lynx is available in a stand-alone version with adaptor plugs for use with existing headsets, or it may be hard-wired into existing headsets. Factory installation is recommended for hard-wired installations. Call for details.

Additional features of the DRE 8001 include:

* playback devices - if Bluetooth¨ equipped can be controlled by LYNX.

* direct dial - dial on the LYNX keypad, no need to fumble with your cellphone.

* voice dial - dialing from a contact list.

* missed calls - caller ID viewed from the Lynx.

* auto-mute - phone calls and music are auto-muted when receiving ground communication. Auto- mute function may be disabled if desired.

* input jacks - available for legacy (non-Bluetooth¨) cell phones and audio devices.

* fail-safe operation - in the event of power failure, radio & intercom communication remain unaffected

*stereo output jack - allows recording of all communications.

Introductory pricing is set at $599 through June 30, 2012! For more information contact Headsets Inc., 800-876-3374 or www.headsetsinc.com.

- advertisement -

San Diego County Airports continues to seek opportunities to reach out to the communities we serve surrounding our airports.

Each year we strive to bring our neighbors into our airports to see what we're all about; this year is no different. Borrego Valley Airport will host national and international aerobatic champions at the Borrego Hammerhead Roundup between April 12 & 14.

Come check out the exciting, difficult flying maneuvers by some of the world's best aerobatic pilots. Also in April is the Fallbrook Airpark Open House coinciding with the Fallbrook Avocado Festival - bring the family out on April 15 for RC Flyers, airport tours, water drop by Sheriff's helicopter and BBQ.

Head east on June 2 & 3 for Wings Over Gillespie, enjoy reenactments, pyrotechnics and historic bombers on display. On September 22, join us in the center of the county for Ramona's Open House.

This family airport event includes many different types of aircraft displays, lots of fresh food, along with an exciting Formation Flyers of America flying clinic. Other County Airports public service improvements include more daily airline connections from Palomar Airport to Los Angeles with convenient low cost auto parking.

If you're in the Carlsbad area, stop by for a great bite to eat at the Landings restaurant. Whether it's a business trip, touch-and-go's or a weekend getaway, County Airports can get you there: golfing, hiking, camping, swimming, surfing, meetings or just hiding from the workweek.

Business centers, restaurants, four-star resorts, and rustic campgrounds and within minutes of one or more of our eight County owned and operated airports.

County Airports is committed to being a good neighbor and these events and improvements to services are just a small part of that commitment.

Come check us out: www.sdcounty.ca.gov/dpw/airports.html.

- advertisement -

You are invited to join the local aviation community for a free day of aviation at the Elko, Nev. Skyfair, to be held at Elko Regional Airport (KEKO) on Saturday, September 8 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Participating pilot incentives can be viewed on line at http://ELKOSKYFAIR.com. Last year's attendance was just under 7,500.

The City of Elko, PACE Coalition and El Aero Services, along with a number of hardworking volunteers and local sponsors, will join together to create this event. The Utah Confederate Air Force is slated to bring several WW II vintage warbirds - possibly a Corsair, a TBM Avenger, OV-10 Bronco and many others.

We also plan to offer rides in the speedy T-6 and PT-17 Stearman biplane.

This year we will be raffling Avenger, T-6 and biplane rides as well, selling them at a discounted rate before Sept. 8th, and full price on the day of the event.

One of the most popular aspects of this event is the Young Eagle Program. The Carson City EAA will fly to Elko once again and join forces with the Elko EAA club to introduce young people between the ages of 8-17 to the world of aviation. We plan to operate 6-8 planes for the free Young Eagles program.

At last year's Elko Skyfair event, 120 local youngsters received their Young Eagle certificates, with 70 additional kids who signed up, with a promise to get their Young Eagle flights at a later date.

Additionally, there will be a number of unusual and local planes that will be on static display. We plan to offer Souvenirs for sale, food vendors, a display of the Radio Controlled aircraft and quite possibly even a hot air balloon if the weather is right.

The main entrance to the event is the walk through gate located at the new El Aero Building on Murray Way, next to the Old Airport Terminal. Mark your calendar, save the date and come out and enjoy a day of aviation fun September 8th.

- advertisement -

It's confirmed! The Rancho Murieta Airshow is back!

May 19th, Armed Forces Day, at Rancho Murieta Airport, Rancho Murieta, Calif. Performers Julie Clark, Bill Stein, Eddie Andreini, Dan Buchanan, Vicky Benzing and other airshow veterans will perform.

There is some history here. The Rancho Murieta Airshows that took place in the mid eighties are legendary.

Rancho Murieta airport owner, Bradley Beer, is looking to bring back the magical mix of top notch talent and military might that makes this airshow memorable and recognizes our troops on Armed Forces Day.

"This is going to be an annual event." Beer says, "Look for us every May on Armed Forces Day. ThereÕs not another show that I know of in our area on Armed Forces Day.

"It's the right day to showcase our military with an airshow."

Beer says the show has history, and is being built by volunteers, largely from the airportÕs EAA group 1476 that have staged an annual Airport Day over the last five years on Armed Forces Day.

"We'll honor our men and women in uniform with Military demoÕs and fly-bys. P-51Õs, Sea FuryÕs, and other classic warbirds will be on display and thrill spectators with the sounds of round motor fly-bys. Reno great, Sandy Sanders, longtime announcer at the National Championship Air Races, will be giving play by play announcing along with very special guest, internationally known, veteran airshow performer Wayne Handley."

Gates open at 8:30, Saturday, May 19th. Fly-ins are welcome but check NOTAMÕs. The airport will be closed between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Hampton Inn and Suites in Folsom is offering discounted rooms and is running a shuttle between the hotel and the airshow. Parking (autos and aircraft) is free.

General admission $12 in advance, $15 at the gate, and kids general admission is free. Bring a chair and plenty of sunscreen, no ice chests. Also available, V.I.P. seating in the Performer's Tent.

These tickets include show center seating, catered lunch, hosted bar, and shade all day. Tickets are offered in advance at $100.

A portion of all proceeds will benefit the U.S.O. and other organizations that support our military. You can purchase tickets in advance, by calling 916¥354¥9889, or for more information, check the web at http://ranchomurietaairport.com and check events.

- advertisement -

"Strega", a highly modified P-51 and dominant 8-time class champion at the Reno Air Races -- will be among the special attractions at the Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show.

There's nothing quite like the Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show - Half Moon Bay, California's massive celebration of mechanical ingenuity, power and style.

It's a whimsical, fascinating, amusing, curious and absolutely unique show and tell spectacle featuring 2,000 magnificent flying, driving and working machines from the 20th and 21st centuries. The spectacular 22nd annual show is expanding to two days in 2012 - April 28-29 - from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Half Moon Bay Airport, located in the picturesque seaside town of Half Moon Bay about 20 miles south of San Francisco.

One of the west coast's biggest shows, hundreds of aircraft are expected to be on display - stylish homebuilts, classics from the 40's and 50's, exceptional vintage warbirds, and sport and ultralight aircraft.

Highlights include "Strega," a highly modified P-51 and dominant eight-time class champion at the Reno Air Races, "Mustang Madness," a spectacular display of America's Premier World War II Fighter, the Estrella Warbird Museum's historic Douglas C-47 (regarded as the World's Greatest Aircraft of its time), YAK Russian fighters and an impressive array of T-6 and T-28 military fighters and trainers, many doing fly-overs during the show.

Thrilling rides will be offered in helicopters, vintage biplanes, Beech 18 and T-6 military trainers and the P-51 Mustang.

In addition to the aviation wonders, the world's coolest cars of every era and style, Model T fire engines, vintage buses, custom motorcycles, tricked out trucks, sleek streamliners, and antique engines and tractors will be among the mesmerizing displays.

Spectator admission is $20 ($30 for 2-day pass) for adults, $10 ($15 for 2-day pass) for ages 11-17 and 65+, and free for kids age 10 and under. Tickets are available at the gate only. Half Moon Bay Airport, at 9850 N. Cabrillo Highway, is located on Highway 1, about 20 miles south of San Francisco and five miles north of Highway 92.

The show benefits the Coastside Adult Day Health Center.

For information call (650) 726-2328 or see www.miramarevents.com/dreammachines.

- advertisement -

Photo credit: Miramar Events

Flying in from around the U.S., about two dozen B-25 Mitchell bombers will converge on Urbana, Ohio's municipal airport, Grimes Field, beginning Saturday, April 14.

The largest gathering of B-25s since World War II, the Grimes Gathering of B-25s will lead into the 70th Anniversary Doolittle Tokyo Raiders Reunion at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force (NMUSAF), near Dayton.

For the 68th Reunion in 2010, 17 B-25s gathered at Grimes Field. The 70th Anniversary Reunion ceremonies, April 17-20, will commemorate the famed April 18, 1942, bombing raid on Japan by 16 B-25s and their brave crewmen, under the leadership of Lt. Col. James H. "Jimmy" Doolittle.

The five surviving crewmen of the raid will participate in the reunion, including being the guests of honor at a private breakfast at the Champaign Aviation Museum at Grimes Field. The Grimes Gathering of B-25s, April 14-16, will allow the public to get a close-up look at the twin-engine medium bombers while they are on static display - and meet their crews.

Also while in Urbana, the B-25s will fly around the area. Rides will be available for purchase on as many as six of the aircraft.

At 7 a.m. Tuesday, April 17, the B-25s will begin a dramatic departure from Grimes Field, taking off one after the other for the NMUSAF, where they will take part in ceremonies honoring the surviving Doolittle Tokyo Raiders.

Visitors can gain ramp admittance for close-up viewing of the bombers from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 14-16, for a $5 donation, which will help defray costs of the event, including fuel for the bombers. A variety of World War II era military vehicles also will be on display.

Flights will be available for purchase on up to six of the aircraft. Flight reservations can be made from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 14-16 in the Champaign Aviation Museum at Grimes Field.

The Western Washington air show season kicks off on Father's Day Weekend at the celebrated Olympic Air Show, hosted by the Olympic Flight Museum at the Olympia Regional Airport.

This 14th anniversary event, held June 16-17, will feature tactical demonstrations to include a U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet Tactical Demonstration! Featured also is B-17 Sentimental Journey from the Commemorative Air Force - Arizona Wing.

This heritage aircraft will offer ground tours and ride opportunities, and reservations are being accepted now on the museum's website. The Olympic Air Show is recognized for its wide variety of military aircraft, from nostalgic vintage bi-planes to high-performance jets.

As the largest warbird-only gathering in the Pacific Northwest, the show features three hours of outstanding aerobatic performances by visiting aircraft, in addition to the low-level aerobatic demonstration by the museum's own P-51D Mustang, American Beauty. The museum will also exhibit helicopters from its collection, including a UH-1H Huey, AH-1 Cobra, OH-6 Cayuse "Loach," and the only flying example of a Kaman HH-43 Huskie.

Military aircraft and displays are represented from all military branches and eras from WW II, Korea and Vietnam.

In addition, other event features include a WW II encampment with authentic military vehicles and uniformed personnel, and an operational Vietnam Landing Zone. The Budweiser Beer Garden, food and merchandise vendors, and a variety of youth activities will be onsite as well.

This weekend event promises to deliver the excitement of heritage aviation that visitors anticipate.

GA camping and RV's are permitted with advance reservations.

AIRMEN: Check NOTAMS.

Early hotel reservations are highly recommended. For final performance schedule and information about the 14th anniversary Olympic Air Show, the Olympic Flight Museum, or ticket information, please visit www.olympicflightmuseum.com or call (360) 705-3925.

- advertisement -