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I'm wondering: Will Honeywell’s announcement that it's acquiring airborne satcom system specialist EMS Technologies reignite calls for airlines to transmit live flight-data information rather than relying on what can be obtained from black boxes found at a crash site?

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Cirrus 10th Anniversary SR22

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At the risk of sounding like a certain evangelical radio preacher who made a prediction that didn’t pan out, I’m going out on a limb to proclaim that general aviation is on the cusp of returning to a period of sustained growth after two and half years of economic turmoil.

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When it comes to diapers, razors, and contact lenses, disposable is definitely the way to go. But disposable electronics? Great for Apple’s bottom line, maybe, but a worrisome trend that will eventually turn your new iPad loaded with all those electronic charts, logbooks, checklists and POH apps into a fancy paperweight.

A disposable product is one designed for cheapness and short-term convenience rather than long-term durability. Paper napkins are disposable. Toothbrushes are disposable. Electronic devices shouldn’t be.

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Peter Thiel, the hedge fund manager and PayPal co-founder, correctly foresaw the dot-com and subprime busts, so when he makes a prediction about the next big bubble that's likely about to burst, people would be wise to at least listen to what the man has to say.

So where does Thiel think the next spectacular fizzle is apt to occur? Hang onto your hats: It's that most sancrosanct of American Pie ideas, the notion that puting in your time to earn a four-year college degree will actually land you a decent job.

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