AccuWeather, Inc. is offering a new aviation weather service called the AccuWeather Aviation Weather Center. The new service provides users with color radar, weather depictions, surface observations, visible and infrared satellite imagery, and DIFAX charts. Access to the FAA Flight Plan filing system is planned. Users can access a free version or try a premium subscription service ($4.95 per month, $39.95 per year). A 30-day free trial is available for the premium site at www.accuweather.com.

Eau Claire, Wis.-based Delta Technology (www.flightplan.com) has rolled out version 4.0 of its Destination Direct flight planning package. The new 32-bit, Windows 95-compatible software has expanded features, such as SIDs and STARs, and a weight and balance module that suggests fuel adjustments when passengers and baggage exceed c.g. limits.

The economy is doing fine and flight hours are up significantly. Therefore, business aircraft operators that are planning on major maintenance, interior and paint work should schedule their appointments now for work to be performed three to five months from now. That's the word from shops we contacted.