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January
23, 2009 Volume 9,
Number 3 |
CALL TO ACTION: EAAERS'
BATTLE FOR RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES CONTINUES
TSA proposals and new administration philosophy may clash
 EAA's
regulatory affairs representatives are urging the EAA community not to
relent in opposing the Transportation Security Administration's proposed
security requirements for operating large aircraft. In fact, they're
urging members to ramp up their efforts with communications to their
representatives in the House and Senate. Although statements and actions
from the Obama administration suggest the possibility of new avenues of
advocacy and debate, the public comment period's Feb. 27 deadline
remains unchanged and the TSA has indicated that it will continue with
the rulemaking process until instructed to do otherwise. Read
more
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'EXPERIMENTER' EXTREMELY
WELL-RECEIVED
New e-newsletter strikes a
chord with readers
 This
week's launch of Experimenter, EAA's new e-newsletter for
homebuilders, was met with enthusiastic approval. One of the hundreds of
comments received summed things up pretty well: "Overall, every
article I read had something that made me think or made me smile. KEEP
IT COMING!" We will... the
third week each month. For those of you who did not receive the
newsletter, see
it here. If you wish to to subscribe, you can do so here.
We apologize to any members that
experienced technical difficulties accessing Experimenter on Tuesday
evening. The supporting web pages are now fully functional, and if you
were unable to access the free bonus e-book, Custom Aircraft Building
Tips it can be downloaded here.
(Download size 10MB).
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BAHAMAS EXEMPTS GA FROM
406 MHZ ELT RULE
 Borne
from discussions between EAA and Bahamas CAA officials during AirVenture
2007 and 2008, the Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority announced this week
that it is exempting general aviation aircraft from the new ICAO
(International Civil Aviation Organization) requirement for installed
406 MHz emergency locator transmitters (ELTs) beginning February 1,
2009. That's when search and rescue satellites are scheduled to stop
monitoring the current 121.5 MHz standard. Read
more
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VIEW 51% RULE PUBLIC
COMMENTS ON LINE
In response to an EAA request, the FAA has made available for viewing
all public comments received regarding proposed policy and
administrative changes to the 51%
rule. Comments are posted to the
Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) in 11 volumes, with
approximately 200 individual comments per volume. To view the comments,
visit the government regulations
website.
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PIETENPOL AIR CAMPER
TURNS 80
Flight to Oshkosh, special activities planned for AirVenture
 In
the late 1920s, Bernard Pietenpol, of Cherry Grove, Minnesota, had the
dream of designing an inexpensive homebuilt airplane using commonly
available materials and powered by an auto engine. The result, after a
few iterations, was a simple, two-place open cockpit airplane of wood
construction and powered by a four-cylinder Ford Model A automobile
engine. Eighty years later, the Pietenpol Air Camper endures as a
popular homebuilt design built, loved, and flown by thousands of
aviation enthusiasts the world over. Read
more
Buy Now and Save! Advance tickets,
plus exclusive 2009 merchandise now available online only! Click
here.
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60TH ANNIVERSARY OF T-28
TO BE CELEBRATED AT AIRVENTURE
 EAA
and the Warbirds of America will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the
North American T-28 Trojan at AirVenture Oshkosh 2009. Several special
activities are being coordinated to commemorate the milestone, said Bill
Fischer, executive director of the EAA Warbirds of America. "We're
working with the North American Trainer Association (NATA) and T-28
groups to put together an exciting program," Fischer said.
"Those who own and operate T-28s, veterans who trained in them, and
those who simply admire these airplanes are invited to
participate." Read
more
Buy Now and Save! Advance
tickets, plus exclusive 2009 merchandise now available online only! Click
here.
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CHICAGO HEARING DRAWS 250
ANTI-LASP ATTENDEES
 Not
even double-digit subzero temperatures could keep about 250 concerned
citizens from attending Friday's Large Aircraft Security Program public
hearing held by the Transportation Security Administration near Chicago.
The thermometer outside read -20, but inside the Crowne Plaza Chicago
O'Hare, temperatures ran red hot against against the proposed security
program that would impose numerous extra requirements on aircraft
weighing 12,500 pounds or more. "It was a unanimously negative
comment session - nobody supported it or was even neutral on it,"
commented Rick Siegfried, president of the EAA Warbirds of America and
one of the presenters. One person called it "a one-stop shopping
deal that just doesn't fit." Read
more
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CUSTOM CAR AUCTION
BENEFITS EAA YOUNG EAGLES PROGRAM
 Through
the generosity of EAA member Marc Holmes (EAA 600764) and car remodeler
West Coast Customs, EAA's Young Eagles and youth educational initiatives
were recipients of a $100,000 donation during last week's
Barrett-Jackson Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. Holmes, of Custom
Rod Gauges and a member of EAA Chapter 376 in Fresno, California, saw to
it that proceeds from the sale of a 1967 Hemi Barracuda during the
nationally televised auction on Saturday, January 17 were donated to the
EAA programs. Auctioneer Tom "Spanky" Assiter declared,
"Sold!" after bidding for the car - plus lunch with EAA Young
Eagles Chairman Harrison Ford - reached $200,000. Read
more
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EAA SEEKS ONLINE
COMMUNITY MANAGER
Later this year EAA will be unveiling an
exciting new online community called "Oshkosh365." An
aviation-based social network containing message boards, groups, events,
and other useful tools, this will connect EAA members all around the
world. To help us implement "Oshkosh365" we are seeking a full
time Online Community Manager to lead day-to-day operations of the
online community. Duties will include the management of a team of forum
moderators who will engage and encourage a positive culture of
participation. The Manager will also play a key role in encouraging
member participation to ensure that the community is achieving its
objectives. To learn more about this exciting new position, please visit
the EAA website.
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EAA SKIPLANE FLY-IN SET
FOR SATURDAY
Happy Birthday, Audrey (and EAA)!
 With
ample snow cover and sunshine forecast this weekend, things look
encouraging for this weekend's annual EAA Skiplane Fly-in at Pioneer
Airport. As of Thursday afternoon, 37 pilots had called for flight
briefings, reports Sean Elliott, EAA director of flight operations.
Pilots can still register to fly-in by calling Sean at 920-426-4886, but
not later than Friday, he said. People arriving by ground are welcome to
come celebrate EAA matriarch Audrey Poberezny's birthday as well as the
56th anniversary of EAA. Enjoy a chili lunch beginning at 11 a.m.,
followed by birthday cake, and plenty of hangar flying throughout the
day.
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HOMEBUILDING HINT OF THE
WEEK
Oil Filter Removal, Inspection, and Installation
 Brian
Carpenter of Rainbow Aviation Services returns this week to demonstrate
how to remove and inspect an oil filter. (Watch
now.) 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.
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 HELPS OUT STEMME
MOTORGLIDER OWNERS
 In
the summer of 2008 Thierry Thys (EAA 201819) of Oakland, California, and
members of the Stemme Motorgliders Owners Group (SOG) discovered a
potentially expensive barrier between them and their passion for flying.
Written subtly in the Stemme owner’s manual was a provision that
required a mandatory time between overhaul (TBO) of 1,000/1,200
operation hours and 10/12 years from first operation of the Rotax 914
FS/21 engine. “This requirement went unnoticed by most of us until the
10-year point began to approach for some of our members,” Thys said.
“While most other aircraft TBOs are a recommendation, the rule for the
Stemmi was mandatory.” Read
more
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EAA MEMBERS TAKE
ADVANTAGE OF FREE WEEKEND DAY OFFER FROM HERTZ
 Now
through March 31, 2009, EAA members can enjoy one free weekend day when
renting Economy through Full-size class cars at Hertz. Just using the
code, PC#127595, when making the reservation. (One redemption per month
is permitted.) Visit the Hertz
website for more information.
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NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR
EAA HOMEBUILDERS, ULTRALIGHT HALLS OF FAME
Nominations are now being
accepted for the EAA Homebuilders and Ultralight halls of fame class of
2009. These prestigious groups provide permanent recognition for the
designers, builders, educators, pioneers, record-setters and others who
made a substantial impact on the homebuilding and ultralight movements.
Induction ceremonies will take place in the fall of 2009 at the EAA
Aviation Center in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The nomination deadline is March
1. Nomination forms are available on the EAA
website (Homebuilders) and the Ultralight
website. Or you can request that forms be mailed to you by
contacting Jennifer Bork at 920-426-6830 or via e-mail at jbork@EAA.org.
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WHERE ARE YOU FLYING
THIS WEEKEND?
 EAA
Chapter 902 Pancake Breakfast Fly In, St. Lucie Int't Airport, Fort
Pierce, Florida - Great Breakfast, good conversations, planes to
look at and we are right on the runway. Hot breakfast at good price.
Drive-ins welcome, too. Visit http://www.eaa908.org
for more information, or contact Ron Knaggs, 772 429 1241, or send
an e-mail.
EAA Chapter 165 Fly-in Lunch, Chapter
hangar at NLR Municipal, North Little Rock, Arkansas
Monthly fourth Saturday, Chapter lunch/cookout at the Chapter hangar,
west ramp at NLR. Chapter members and anyone with an interest in
aviation is welcome - fly or drive in. Contact Doug McDowall for more
information,,501 758-1668, or send
an e-mail.
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EAA 'TIMELESS VOICE OF
THE WEEK': MIKE WHALEN
 Mike
Whalen was an Aviation Cadet pilot trainee in the U.S. Army Air Corps
when he was washed out due airsickness during aerobatics. He was sent to
radio operator and gunnery schools and assigned to a B-24 Liberator
crew. Once overseas, the crew was assigned to the 506th Bomb Squadron of
the 44th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force based at Shipdham, England. They
began flying missions in August of 1944. Mike finished the war with 43
combat missions, including two low-level supply drops during Operation
Market Garden and the Rhine Crossing. Watch
the video.
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EAA MEMBERS SAVE $40
ON THE ALUMINUM OVERCAST MODEL!
 Add
this hand-painted model to your collection. The scheme with authentic
markings are done to look like EAA's B-17 Aluminum Overcast. Each model
has two coats of lacquer and a solid mahogany stand, along with
specifications of the airplane. Wingspan measures 23 inches; nose to
tail measures 17 inches. EAA members pay only $189.99 if you order by
February 2 - a savings of $40 off the regular, non-member price. Order
online or by calling toll-free, 800-564-6322.
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Q
& A:
Question of
the Week
For EAA
Government Relations
Prohibited
Area "P-49" was created to protect the
Bush ranch in Texas. Now that George W. Bush is no
longer president, when will P-49 be canceled?
And when will it be removed from the San Antonio VFR
sectional?
Answer:
The FAA says it is in discussions with the U.S.
Secret Service (USSS) on this issue and expects P-49
to remain for a "few months" - until the
USSS reviews that site's security needs, and when
ex-President Bush decides where his permanent
residence will be.
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 this weekend 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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GARMIN ANNOUNCES GDU
370/375 MFD'S
Garmin unveiled this week the GDU 370 and GDU 375 multi-function
displays (MFDs) for the light-sport and experimental aircraft markets.
Both units feature large, seven-inch portrait displays. The GDU 375
includes an XM WX Satellite Weather receiver that provides next
generation radar (NEXRAD), aviation routine weather reports (METARs),
terminal aerodrome forecasts (TAFs), temporary flight restrictions (TFRs),
lightning, winds aloft, turbulence forecasts, PIREPs, icing forecast
information, and several other important weather products. The weather
data may be laid directly over the unit's navigation and topographic map
databases, similar to the GPSMAP 696. The GDU 370 does not include XM WX
Satellite Weather. Both units are expected to be available in March 2009
for an expected street price of $3,295.00 and $3,995.00, respectively.
For additional information about the GDU 370 or GDU 375 visit www.garmin.com.
SPORT PILOT
MAINTENANCE COURSE FOR A&P MECHANICS
Sport Aviation Specialties' new online course "LSA Maintenance
& Inspection for A&P/IA" has been approved by the FAA for
IA refresher training credit. The 8-hour course, which is conducted via
video and audio conferencing via the Internet, is aimed at Airframe and
Powerplant mechanics with or without Inspection Authorization who may
have been reluctant to offer LSA maintenance and inspection services,
based on a lack of knowledge of the rules, the equipment, and potential
pitfalls.
Courses are scheduled in January and February. For more information,
call 904-206-0522, email SportAviation@gmail.com
or visit www.SportAviationSpecialties.com.
PLANE POWER'S
GENERATOR-TO-ALTERNATOR CONVERSION KIT
Plane-Power, Ltd. has received STC/PMA approval for its new Gear Driven
Generator to Alternator Conversion Kit. The ER14-50 replaces the
existing generator and generator regulator on many small block
Continental engine equipped aircraft such as those powered by C-85,
C-90, C-125, C-145, and other engines. The Plane-Power ER14-50
alternator kit allows aircraft owners to replace old, heavy,
poor-performing generators with a factory-new alternator that offers the
benefits of high output at low engine RPMs, lighter weight (6.9 lbs.),
and greater reliability. Learn more at www.plane-power.com
or call 877-573-5700.
TRAINING IN THE 21ST
CENTURY
"The Pilot's Manual: Access to Flight," provides the
information you need to learn how to fly under both visual flight rules
(VFR) and instrument flight rules (IFR). The book's private and
instrument curriculums are integrated in this training approach, so
pilots flying technically advanced aircraft learn to intrinsically
manage the combined skills of aircraft control, task management, systems
management, and the complex flight environment of today's busy airspace;
a different approach from traditional maneuver-based flight training.
The hardcover, 816-page book includes more than 800 full-color
illustrations. Learn more at www.ASA2Fly.com.
AVEOAIR BALL VENTS
FROM AS&S
AveoAir Ball Vents are perfect for small panel spaces, are lightweight
with sturdy machined-aluminum alloy construction, and are now available
at Aircraft Spruce & Specialty. Anodized in your choice of five
finishes, these vents offer simple installation with two-piece threaded
construction. Aircraft Spruce's complete product line is available at www.AircraftSpruce.com,
or by calling 877-477-7823.
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