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January
16, 2009 Volume 9,
Number 2 |
INTRODUCING 'EXPERIMENTER'
A Hands-on Newsletter for a Hands-on Community
 Be
on the lookout next week for the Experimenter e-newsletter,
EAA's newest member benefit! This monthly e-mail publication focuses on
homebuilders and their projects, but also includes priceless information
of interest to restorers, craftsmen, or aspiring homebuilders. You'll
get articles, how-to info, helpful links, and other resources every
month, right at your fingertips!
All members who
have an e-mail address registered with EAA will received the first copy,
but to continue receiving it, you need to sign-up. Those who register to
receive Experimenter will also receive a bonus e-book, Custom Aircraft Building Tips,
for free!
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EAA TEAM PREPARES FOR
SEBRING EXPO
 Several
EAA staff members are preparing to escape the frigid north next week for
the fifth annual U.S. Sport Aviation Expo, which takes place January
22-25 at the Sebring Regional Airport in Florida. The event, one of the
nation's most popular showcase events for the light-sport aircraft
industry, will feature more than 150 exhibitors, including many LSA
manufacturers displaying their latest product offerings to potential
buyers. Read
more
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OBAMA'S PRE-INAUGURATION
RAIL JOURNEY CREATES TFRs
 As
foreshadowed last week, several notices to airmen (NOTAMs) have been
issued announcing temporary flight restrictions and no-fly zones for
Saturday, January 17, as President-Elect Barack Obama travels from
Philadelphia to Wilmington, Del., and Baltimore (Perryville), Md., prior
to the January 20 inauguration in Washington. His route retraces the
last leg of Abraham Lincoln's inaugural train ride to Washington in
1861, creating a series of TFRs along the railway corridor. Read
more
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EAA SEEKS NEW
PUBLICATIONS LEADER
EAA has an excellent opportunity for an Editor-in-Chief
to provide leadership across the organization's entire range of print
and electronic publications. The Editor-in-Chief will play a key role in
implementing an exciting strategic vision for EAA's future. This will
include a reshaping of EAA's print publications, while also developing a
closer interrelationship with rapidly growing electronic publications,
websites, and online communities.
This is a unique leadership position
within EAA, responsible for formulating and implementing editorial
policy, managing related budgets, and developing a world-class team of
staff and outside contributors. Click
here to learn more.
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FLYING 'SKYCAR' BEGINS
ADVENTURE
 A
flying car created by a British inventor and his engineering team took
off from London on Wednesday, January 14, on what's being billed as
"A unique journey from London to Timbuktu." Their invention,
the Parajet "Skycar," is a street-legal, four-wheeled vehicle
resembling a dune buggy, powered by a 140 hp Yamaha R-1 1000cc
motorcycle engine that gets lift from a flexible parachute like those
used by powered parachutes. A continuously variable transmission powers
either the rear wheels on the ground or a large pusher propeller for
flight. The vehicle also has a ballistic parachute system for added
safety. Makers claim a top ground speed of 110 mph and 70 mph in flight,
with a cruising altitude of 2-3,000 feet. Skycar is the brainchild of
Giles Cardozo, inventor of the Para-motor aircraft that made a world
altitude flight over Mt. Everest in 2007. Pilot during the expedition is
well known adventurist Neil Laughton. The planned route from London will
run through France, Spain, across the Straights of Gibraltar, Morocco,
the Sahara Desert, and on to Timbuktu - more than 3,700 miles total.
They hope to arrive in Timbuktu by late February. Learn more about the
Skycar and follow the journey at www.skycarexpedition.com.
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SPEAKING OF 'FLYING
CARS'...
Terrafugia 'Transition' Test Flight Could Happen in February
 With
the completion of high-speed taxi testing in Plattsburgh, New York this
past December, hopes are for the proof-of-concept Transition "roadable"
aircraft from Terrafugia to make its frost flight in February. CEO/CTO
and co-founder, Carl Dietrich, said the Terrafugia team would again have
an exhibit at EAA AirVenture 2009 this summer, July 27-August 2.
Depending on where they're at in the testing program, an Oshkosh flight
demonstration is not out of the question. Read
more
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FORD MOTOR COMPANY
CREATING ANOTHER ONE-OF-A-KIND VEHICLE FOR EAA
Proceeds sale to support youth and education programs
 Ford
Motor Company, EAA's exclusive automotive partner for the past decade,
will again design and build a "one-of-a-kind" Ford Mustang
that will be auctioned off during this year's Gathering of Eagles
fundraiser held during AirVenture Oshkosh. Last summer Ford designed and
built the unique Mustang AV8R, a one-of-a-kind automobile inspired by
the P-51 Mustang and the F-22 Raptor. The car fetched a record $500,000
when sold by Barrett-Jackson auctioneer Spanky Assiter at last year's
"Gathering." Read
more
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SPEAKING OF CUSTOM
CARS...
Custom Car's
Auction Proceeds To Benefit Young Eagles
 Tune
into the SpeedTV cable channel this weekend for live coverage of
the annual Barrett Jackson Car Auction from Scottsdale, Arizona. There
are several items of interest to EAA members, including the auction of a
1967 custom built Hemi Barracuda, whose sale proceeds will benefit the
EAA Young Eagles program. The time of the Barracuda auction (lot #
1306.2) is 7 p.m. CST on Saturday, January 17. The auction is being
broadcast live by SpeedTV from 6-11:00 p.m. Check your local
listings for channel availability.
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HARRISON FORD A LIVING
AVIATION LEGEND
 EAA
Young Eagles Chairman, actor, and pilot Harrison Ford will be honored at
the 6th Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards on January 22 in
Beverly Hills, California. Ford will receive the Legends of Aviation
Legacy Award "for his countless hours of service introducing
thousands of young people to flight." Also honored will be Sir
Richard Branson of Virgin Atlantic, who will receive the Lifetime Aviation
Entrepreneur Award. For more information including ticket information,
visit: www.airportjournals.com/legends.
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'EARNING HIS
WINGS' UPDATE:
A different point of view
 Ground
School - "This week I met with another local flight instructor to
review what I've learned so far. It ended up being more than a review. I
have a gre at
instructor, but hearing things explained from another instructor in a
slightly different way really helped clarify things and made other
concepts make more sense. I definitely recommend students meet with a
second instructor during various phases of the training. - BradyBrady Lane, EAA
multimedia journalist,
is taking flight lessons in pursuit of his sport pilot certificate, and
he's sharing the experience in real time on EAA's website, "Earning
My Wings: A Video Blog About Learning to Fly."
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HOMEBUILDING HINT OF THE
WEEK
'Aeroquip Hose End Fabrication & Removal'
 In
this segment, Brian Carpenter of Rainbow Aviation Services demonstrates
how to fabricate an Aeroquip hose end. Brian is an A&P aircraft
mechanic with an Inspection Authorization rating (IA), a DAR for light
sport and amateur built, a Sport Pilot Instructor Examiner, an FAA
Certified Flight Instructor, and an EAA Technical Counselor/Flight
Advisor. Watch
the video.
If you have a hint to share with your
fellow EAAers, we'd love to hear from you! Drop us a note at Info@EAA.org,
and please put "Hints" in the subject line.
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EAA AIRVENTURE TO
CELEBRATE CANADA'S FIRST FLIGHT
 Thousands
of Canadian aviation enthusiasts annually trek to Oshkosh to participate
at EAA AirVenture because of their passion for flight. This year they'll
have another reason to be here, as EAA commemorates the 100th
anniversary of Canada's first successful powered flight. On February 23,
1909--John Alexander Douglas McCurdy flew the Silver Dart at Baddeck
Bay, Nova Scotia, marking the first flight in the British Commonwealth.
EAA is planning to commemorate the occasion with a number of aircraft
and activities. Read
more
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TIME
TO ADD YOUR EVENTS TO WORLD'S LARGEST AVIATION CALENDAR
 It's
the time of year many chapters finalize their calendars of events for
the year, which means it's also time to enter those aviation events into
the EAA Calendar of Events, www.eaa.org/calendar.
EAA's is the world's largest aviation events calendar and welcomes
listing all aviation-related events (EAA as well as non-EAA), including
fly-ins, pancake breakfasts, chapter meetings, Young Eagles rallies, air
shows, award ceremonies, and other activities that center on flight. EAA
and non-EAA events are listed among the hundreds of calendar entries.
Thanks for helping to make this asset for
grassroots aviation even better. Attention-EAA Chapters: If you'd like
to put a banner ad on your website to link to EAA's Aviation Calendar of
Events, click here.
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WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW CAN
HURT YOU!
By Bob Mackey, representative for
the EAA Aircraft Insurance Plan,
Administered by Falcon Insurance Agency
 Have
you ever heard someone say they had a minor "fender bender"
but decided not to tell their insurance agent or insurance company? When
I hear this, I always ask why? The usual answers are "I don't want
my insurance to go up"…"I don't want to lose my discount for
no claims."…"I don't want my insurance to be canceled or
non-renewed." People just don't like to talk about insurance
because of one or more of several reasons. Read
more
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EAA 'TIMELESS VOICE OF
THE WEEK': WILLIAM
AND VIRGINIA SHANK
 William
Shank was the son of early aviator Robert F. Shank. Robert served as a
flight instructor during World War I, and was later one of the first
airmail pilots in the Midwest. In 1927 along with Harold Brooks he
co-founded the Hoosier Airport, less than a mile east of the
Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In 1944 he built a new field nearby called
Bob Shank Airport. When William returned from service in the Navy after
World War II, he and wife Virginia helped his father run the airport
until Robert’s retirement in 1957, at which point William and Virginia
took over the operation. Over the years William became involved in
various restorations, including a 1929 Travel Air E-4000 open cockpit
biplane that his father had owned. That airplane was eventually donated
to EAA, and now carries hundreds of passengers every year at EAA’s
Pioneer Airport. William and Virginia shared their experiences with
Pioneer Airport volunteer pilot Fred Stadler in 2006. Sadly, Virginia
passed away in May 2007 and William followed in December 2008. This
is their story.
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LAST CHANCE TO GET YOUR
2009 WORLD OF FLIGHT CALENDAR!
Save 40% while supplies last
 EAA's
World of Flight Calendar features stunning aircraft photographed in the
famous EAA style. This calendar highlights some of the world's finest
aviation photography and is the perfect size for recording your
appointments. Now only $7.79 - a savings of 40% off the regular price.
But hurry, this offer is only available while supplies last. Order
online or by calling our toll-free number, 1-800-564-6322.
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Q
& A:
Question of
the Week
I believe I want to
build a Wittman Tailwind. I need to know where to
start as far as paperwork and documentation. I have
been an EAA member for about 20 years, and it's time
to try building. Any info on the tailwind would also
be helpful. Or should I just contact the FAA?
Answer:
Congratulations on choosing to build your own
airplane! As far as paperwork and documentation, you
have two choices: Contact your local FSDO and they
can also supply you with the paperwork you need; or
EAA has a step-by-step certification guide which
includes all the necessary forms, an instructional
manual, the required "EXPERIMENTAL"
sticker - even transfer labels and placards for your
instrument panel - for $12.99. You can buy online or
just call EAA member services at 920-426-5912 and
ask for the Amateur-Built Certification Kit.
Additional
info on the Tailwind design can be found by
searching the back-issue archives of Sport Aviation
in the Members Hangar section of the www.eaa.org
website. There's also a very active Tailwind forum
group on Yahoo.
Have a question?
To ask a question regarding government issues,
e-mail govt@eaa.org.
For questions about registration, airmen, aircraft
and medical certification, safety records,
performance, or any other matter, e-mail infoserv@eaa.org.
JANUARY
2009
EAA
Desktop Calendar
EAA's Skiplane Fly-In and 56th anniversary
celebration of the association is scheduled for
January 24 at Pioneer Airport. Photo from the
2007 fly-in by Bonnie Kratz.
Download
this wallpaper image at the EAA
website, where you can choose among several different
resolutions to suit
your screen...or select an image from the archive.
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'FIKI' CAPABILITY,
OPTION PACKAGES ANNOUNCED BY CIRRUS
Cirrus Aircraft announced several new
features, upgrades, and option packages to its SR20, SR22, and TURBO
model aircraft lineup for 2009 during a web conference Monday. New
aircraft features include the introduction of "Known Ice
Protection" on SR22 and TURBO models; packaged options available on
all models; a new 'X-Edition' premium interior and exterior upgrade
package; and CMX, Cirrus' new maintenance and service program.
Buyers of new SR22 and TURBO models will
have the option for "flight into known icing" (FIKI) thanks to
the new system developed with CAV Ice Protection Ltd. (formerly TKS).
"Known Ice Protection completes the
picture for many when it comes to reliable, personal
transportation," said co-founder Alan Klapmeier. "It can allow
operations on marginal weather days when icing forecasts would otherwise
preclude travel."
The three new option packages - S, GS,
and GTS - each offer a collection of standard features and equipment. In
addition, all Cirrus aircraft are now available with Cirrus Perspective
by Garmin. X-Edition is a new premium options choice available on all
three aircraft models. Learn more about the new Cirrus offerings at www.cirrusconnection.com.
CESSNA DEBUTS 350
CORVALIS AND 400 CORVALIS TT...
Cessna Aircraft Company recently introduced its 350 Corvalis and 400
Corvalis TT (twin turbocharged) at its annual sales meeting in Wichita.
Formerly the Cessna 350 and Cessna 400 respectively, the aircraft have
been renamed as part of Cessna's acquisition of certain assets from
Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing Company in 2007. At a maximum cruise
speed of 235 knots, the Cessna 400 Corvalis TT is the fastest fixed-gear
single-engine piston aircraft on the market, according to a company news
release. The Cessna 350 Corvalis, equipped with a 310-horsepower
Teledyne Continental TCM IO-550N, has a certified ceiling of 18,000 feet
and a maximum cruise speed of 190 knots.
...WHILE REMAINING
FOCUSED ON NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Cessna continues to move forward on new product development projects
including the Citation Columbus, the Citation CJ4, and the Model 162
SkyCatcher. "Despite the uncertainty of the world's economic
environment, we believe it is critical that we not compromise our
future. Our new product development programs are proceeding on
schedule," said Cessna Chairman, President and CEO Jack Pelton. The
SkyCatcher light-sport aircraft is nearing final ASTM compliance
certification and deliveries are planned to begin later this year. Visit
www.Cessna.com for more information.
MICRO VORTEX GENERATOR
KITS FOR CESSNA 170
The FAA has issued an STC approval for the installation of micro vortex
generators (VGs) on the wings and horizontal stabilizer of the Cessna
170. While the VGs have no effect on high speed performance, they do
enhance slow speed maneuvering, providing a 10 percent reduction in
stall speed, improved aileron response in slow flight, and a reduced
takeoff and landing roll. The overall effect is improved flight
characteristics in slow flight along with improved crosswind control.
The kit includes 76 vortex generators for just aft and above the leading
edge and another 36 for the underside of the horizontal stabilizer. Made
of 6063-T6 aluminum, they measure 1-inch long, 1/4-inch high and are
curved to fit the contour of the wing. For more information, visit www.MicroAero.com
or call 800-677-2370.
TEMPEST INTRODUCES
AA1000 ENGINE PRESERVATION SYSTEM
Tempest's AA1000 engine preservation system for Teledyne Continental and
Lycoming engines is a patent-pending design that removes condensation
within the engine. It does this by utilizing a specifically designed
pump that draws outside air through a chamber containing a desiccant
material. Dry air is then pumped into the engine through a hose attached
to the oil filler tube. The desiccant material will turn from blue to
pink, at which time it needs to be reconstituted through a simple baking
process, and the material may be reused for up to 20 cycles. For more
information, visit www.TempestPlus.com,
or call 800-822-3200.
ILLINOIS ULTRALIGHT
& LIGHT PLANE SAFETY SEMINAR
The 29th Annual Illinois Ultralight & Light Plane Safety Seminar
takes place on Saturday, February 28, 2009, in Springfield, Illinois.
This year's topics include Competition Flying, New Procedures for 2009,
Annual Inspections, and Rotax 912 Maintenance. Aircraft will be on
static display along with dealer and manufacturer displays. Attendance
is free. Learn more at www.Safety-Seminar.com.
FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR
REFRESHER CLINIC AT WAI CONFERENCE
An ASA-sponsored Flight Instructor Refresher Clinic (FIRC) will be held
in conjunction with the 20th Annual Women in Aviation Conference at the
Hyatt Regency in Atlanta, Georgia. Directed by John Teipen, 2005 Flight
Instructor of the Year, this FAA-approved FIRC is for flight instructors
whose certificate expires in February, March, or April 2009. Cost for
the FIRC is $159 for WAI members and $199 for non-members. Sessions run
from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on February 25 and 26, 2009. Register for the FIRC,
and the WAI conference, at www.WAI.org/09conference.
TUSKEGEE AIRMEN TO
APPEAR AT FUNDRAISER
Tomorrow's Aeronautical Museum (TAM) will host a fundraising dinner and
silent auction featuring legendary Tuskegee Airmen Col. Charles McGee
and Lt. Col. Lee Archer on January 23, 2009. Proceeds will support TAM's
youth programs and the Los Angeles chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.
scholarship fund. The event will be held at the Proud Bird Restaurant in
Los Angeles, California. Contact TAM at 310-618-1155 for ticket
information. Learn more at www.TAMuseum.org.
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