I have tried most of the cell phone adapters available (as far as I know).  The latest unit I had was the second of the same type- the first packed up.  As it was “ok”, I bought another which also packed up and was sent back to the manufacturer who failed to fix it.

I did a Google search and found the Angel which appeared interesting.  I watched the online video which suggested it was worth a try.  I rang Greg of ComLinkPro and it sounded like just the thing.  Greg apparently had also tried all that was out there and after finding the options disappointing they decided to make their own- and what a great decision that was.  So I ordered one which was dispatched as promised within hours.

The ComLinkPro duly arrived and installation was as trouble-free as it is made out to be.  Everything necessary is “in the box” so it really is plug and play.

I must say there were a couple of issues that appeared that they had not catered for in the original design and I asked if these modifications could be done.  Within days the modifications were completed and upgrading the ComLinkPro was very simple using the instructions provided.  The modifications worked first time.

The Bluetooth side works really well and unlike all other units I had tried (both wired and Bluetooth), the Angel does not give any of the annoying feedback when you get the phone too close to the radio or the adapter.  The sidetone also works nicely whilst on the phone.

Callers are surprised to discover that I am talking from the plane, such is the clarity of the call.  The volume level on the phone can be set separately from the radio, so effectively each unit is still separate.  The aviation radio overrides the Angel very nicely so there is no risk of missing ATC communications.

So all in all the ComLinkPro Angel, in my opinion, is better than advertised.  Support has been fantastic- it’s prompt and answered positively.

Some might consider the Angel to be superfluous, however:

a)  it allows you to take calls on the fly saving you having to call back, etc.

b) one must see the safety side of having a cell phone available.  I have had times when ATC has been unavailable for whatever reason when I have been in a tricky weather situation and the ability to make a call makes all the difference.  I really do see it as an addition to safety.

Order one today, it is your best option.

Nick Whyte
Makandi Aviation,
Bvumbwe, Malawi

Superstition has no part in successful flying. Yet, some friends think that I shouldn’t fly this trip.

For three weeks now we have been trying to start the trip to Entebbe Uganda with the C-210 to deliver for our customer. While this is a very clean 1977 Centurion, it seems that one maintenance glitch after another has caused delay. None of them have been major problems; it’s just a lot easier to fix an airplane in the US than it is in Africa.

None of them have been major, except… I believe that the failure of the gear to come down could be considered major. At least it is when I’m the one flying.

It was the test flight for the ferry fuel system and time to land. The gear seemed to extend but was missing the green light indicating that the gear was safely down. Then the hydraulic pack overheated and popped the circuit breaker. Now the slipstream blew the gear halfway back up. Clearly the gear wasn’t locked down.

By “coincidence” I happened to be reviewing a new pilot communication tool called the Angel. One of its many features included a Bluetooth link between my cell phone and headset. This was most convenient today. A call to the mechanic brought him to the runway to inspect the gear during the flyover. Soon it was determined that full extension was being achieved but that the down locks weren’t engaging. It was really cool to have a crystal clear conversation so conveniently.

The solution was to fly at minimum speed and when over the fence at the end of the runway, reset the circuit breaker to fully extend the gear and land before it popped again.

Maybe next week will be a better time to start this trip. Already, today is a better day because of the Angel sitting on my left knee. Now I’m really motivated to explore everything that it can do. It has pulled my fat out of the fire once already. Will it do it again? I’ll let you know from Uganda.

Story: Bill Scott– Wings of Eagles Aircraft Delivery

Photo credits: Steve Hall – Wings of Eagles Aircraft Delivery