Month: November 2014

SwitchBox Free App Controls Aircraft Pre-heat with New Technology

NEW YORK, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 21, 2014 – SwitchBox introduced its SwitchBox app for remotely controlling electrical devices with a new industry-first technology. Specifically designed for pilots, SwitchBox offers a simple, affordable and safe way to remotely turn on/off an aircraft’s pre-heat system and other electrical devices. The newly revised app offers expanded capabilities and greater convenience. It’s available free for use on iOS and Android devices, as well as Web browsers.

Pilots frequently drive to the airport hours before a flight to turn on engine pre-heaters, computers, lighting, coffee makers, space heaters, etc. With SwitchBox, these electrical devices can be easily controlled from a smart phone, simplifying the flying routine. Similar to a cold engine start, sensitive avionics need to be protected while operating in extreme temperatures. With the addition of a remotely switched on cabin heater, avionics and other frozen surfaces, such as cockpit seating, can be warmed and ready on arrival.

The SwitchBox app adds new technology and a host of features. These include an industry-first, Internet enabled phone and text message commands allowing the SwitchBox to be controlled from iPads, tablets and any computer connected to the Internet. Users can now visually manage their outlet status, reception strength, account balance/alerts, and custom security lists. More advanced users will appreciate the app’s improved flow for adding new SwitchBox devices, synchronization of properties between devices, refresh of data from cloud storage, and timer capabilities.

SwitchBox was originally developed to provide a safe and efficient means for aircraft owners to preheat their aircraft engines during wintertime operations. Its functionality has been greatly enhanced with the addition of the free SwitchBox app, available for immediate download on the Apple and Google stores. The SwitchBox device, a smart power outlet, sells for $299. It is budget smart, and provides an alternative to leaving heat plugged in all winter, or for extended periods of time. SwitchBox saves on electricity consumption and can prevent corrosion caused by temperature variations and moisture accumulation in an idle engine. The free app is a great improvement for sharing a Switchbox across multiple airplane partners and devices.

Customer Jaden Rosenau stated, “Love it. Switchbox works way better than any other one, especially for me and my aircraft partners.” Another user of SwitchBox, Phil Switzer commented, “Excellent App. This app is the answer we have all been looking for as SwitchBox owners. Syncs across my Android phone, iPad and computer at home.”

SwitchBox is a remote control device with integrated cell phone communications for powering on/of any electrical device simply, affordably and safely. The company is an innovator in convenience solutions for pilots and others who lead an active lifestyle. SwitchBox comes with a 1-year manufacturer parts and labor warranty, and a 30-day money back guarantee. SwitchBox can be found at Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co., McFarlane Aviation Products and online forums for Beechcraft, Cirrus, Cessna, Piper and Vans RV aircraft.

For further information, contact SwitchBox, Inc. at 347-871-4353; or visit www.switchboxcontrol.com.

– SwitchBox –

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, NOVEMBER 14, 2014 – Alamo Liaison Squadron announced its members performed a flyby routine during “Salute to Veterans,” a Veteran’s Day celebration that took place today on Fort Sam Houston’s MacArthur Parade Field. The flight of four L-birds, or liaison aircraft, included two contemporary Legend Cubs along with vintage Piper L-4 and Taylorcraft L-2 aircraft.

The Salute to Veterans event commemorated military veterans with a full regalia color guard, a firing detail, a naturalization ceremony, a presentation of the French Legion of Honor to 19 World War II veterans, and the flyby. The event was hosted by U.S. Army North (Fifth Army). Over 400 were in attendance.

Alamo Liaison Squadron (ALS) operates and maintains vintage WWII aircraft. The organization is designated by the Texas Historic Commission as a bona fide flying historical museum. ALS appears at airshows, parades, fairs, and other population gatherings serving to promote aviation education and safety. The group was founded on the mission of keeping alive the memory of the forgotten heroes, the Liaison Pilots, who provided vital functions such as observation, spotting, artillery fire control, forward air control, communications, command and control, medical evacuation, plus many other functions that just “needed done” on the battlefield.

ALS operates from historic Cannon Field, established in 1981, by Hardy Cannon and a group of men in San Antonio, Texas. Cannon, a veteran himself, was a Master Mechanic who in 1982, led the complete restoration of a 1941 Stinson L-1, a 1941 Taylorcraft L-2, a 1942 Aeronca L-3B, a Piper L-4, a 1942 Stinson L-5, and a 1942 Interstate L-6. In 1984, Cannon published a book, Box Seat Over Hell: The true story of America’s Liaison Pilots and their light planes in World War Two. This book tells the story of courageous men and their romance with the sky… of men who flew in combat armed only with a pistol who attacked the enemy in aircraft made of tubing, wires and fabric.

The Legend Cub is an airplane with origins in the Sport Pilot movement, created 70 years after the vintage Piper design—widely recognized as one of the most prevalent and useful aircraft at the onset of general aviation. It is a versatile aircraft design that remains a wildly popular and has been repeatedly imitated. Today’s Legend Cub is a recreational flyer’s wish list, built as a traditional slow flying, docile handling airplane with modern airframe enhancements and comfort features. It is known for dependable, safe flying.

American Legend Aircraft Company manufactures the Legend Cub and Super Legend, both FAA-certified aircraft for sport, recreation and training. American Legend Aircraft Company is located in Sulphur Springs, Texas (KSLR). Alamo Liaison Squadron operates and maintains a flying museum of L-birds, and modern aircraft, from its base at Cannon Field (53T).

For further information, contact Alamo Liaison Squadron at 2352 S. Loop 1604 W. San Antonio, Texas 78264; call 210-624-2226, or log on to www.als-cannonfield.com. Alamo Liaison Squadron is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.

– Keep ‘Em Flying –