Incorporates Advanced Anti-Accidental-Start Technology

ANN 04.01.07 SPECIAL EDITION: Building on the enthusiastic market response to its automotive-inspired Remote Keyless Entry option, Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing has announced its latest aero-innovation: remote start.

"Often, you don't want to wait inside a hot airplane cockpit while waiting for our automatic cabin climate management system to bring temperatures down a bit... or, in the winter, you don't want to shiver before the heat kicks in," Columbia VP of Marketing and Business Development Randy Bolinger told ANN. "This option allows pilots to start their Columbia aircraft from inside the comfort of their FBO, while at the same time impressing others with their wise selection of a truly class-leading aircraft.

"Oh, and startling ramp attendants is always fun, too," Bolinger added.

Utilizing the existing keyless entry fob, pilots need only press the "unlock" button four times within seven seconds while standing within a 50-foot radius of their plane... then press the button another five times within nine seconds... followed by holding the fob over their heads with their left hand and press the button 17 times in precisely 24 seconds, while simultaneously rubbing their stomachs with their right hand in a counter-clockwise motion... to start the aircraft.

"We wanted to insure pilots didn't inadvertantly trigger the remote start option," Bolinger explained. "Nothing like walking out to the ramp after a long hangar-flying session, only to discover you've run the tank dry by accidentally engaging your aircraft's engine."

Before starter activation, an electrically operated parking brake secures the aircraft, and the aircraft's strobe and beacon lights are switched on. A clear vocal warning then alerts those nearby of an impending engine start, through a cowl-mounted Bose high-projection speaker.

"We thought a long time about what message and voice would best alert others to step away from a turning propeller blade," Bolinger said. "After extensive testing, we selected [actress] Fran Drescher announcing 'Clear Prop!' at 135 decibels."

Once the motor is engaged, optimum throttle settings for engine warmup are automatically dialed in, and the appropriate climate control settings are selected from sensor readings obtained by the aircraft's outside air temperature probe. The keyless entry system also unlocks the pilot side door, and activates interior cabin lighting and exterior step lighting.

Similar to automotive remote-start systems, the engine will disengage if someone enters the aircraft and attempts to disengage the parking brake, or move the throttle lever, without first inserting the key into the aircraft's ignition switch and turning to "Both."

"For the low price of $47,955, this option is sure to encourage buyers to fly Higher, Faster, Farther, and Safer in a Columbia aircraft," Bolinger said.

FMI: www.flycolumbia.com/remotestart