Insight TAS 1000

Insight's new TAS 1000 True Air Data Computer System is a small, TSO'd panel-mounted air data computer for singles or twins. It's designed to work with GPS navigators with the common RS 232 interface. What the unit does is put a wealth of information-true airspeed, winds aloft, density altitude, and wind shear potential-at the pilot's fingertips. A companion one-inch display, the Windicator, gives pilots a graphical depiction of wind direction, speed and wind drift correction angle.

In addition to its wind/altitude/airspeed functions, the unit acts as a fuel computer, giving information on fuel used, fuel flow, fuel remaining and more. It can also serve as a backup altimeter, airspeed indicator, vertical speed indicator or fuel flow meter in case any of those instruments fail. Another useful feature: the unit displays a wind direction arrow and velocity figure on the moving map page of Garmin GNS 400- and 500-series navigators, taking all the guesswork out of wind calculations.

The TAS 1000 connects with the installed GPS, the pitot/static system and a fuel flow transducer, which Insight can provide to buyers who don't have a compatible one already installed. Cost of the TAS 1000 for piston-powered airplanes, including the Windicator, is currently on special for $3,495. A version for turbine aircraft is specially priced at $4,995. For further details, visit www.insightavionics.com.