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February
13, 2009 Volume 9,
Number 6 |
LASP COMMENT PERIOD
DRAWING TO A CLOSE
We're coming down to the wire - there are only two weeks left to submit
a comment on the Transportation Security Administration's Large
Aircraft Security Program (LASP) before the February 27 deadline. If
the program becomes reality, general aviation aircraft weighing 12,500
pounds or more will be subject to a host of costly and onerous burdens
that EAA and virtually the entire aviation community view as
unnecessary. That was especially evident in the five public hearings TSA
held throughout the country, at which not one person spoke in favor of
the LASP. Read
more
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EAA SEEKS TO HELP CLARIFY
AD/AMATEUR-BUILT AIRCRAFT CONFUSION
Do airworthiness directives (ADs) apply to experimental amateur-built
aircraft and experimental light-sport aircraft? That question has been
the subject of some concern, as the answer sometimes depends on whom in
the FAA you're asking. There have been some conflicting internal FAA
interpretations, but the historical paper trail has several examples
plainly stating that ADs are issued only for type-certificated (TC)
aircraft. Because of this EAA's position has always been amateur-built
aircraft and experimental light-sport aircraft do not have TCs, they are
therefore not subject to ADs. Read
more
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'NEW' FAA FUNDING BILL
INTRODUCED IN HOUSE
 A new FAA funding bill, one nearly identical to the 2007 House version
(H.R. 2881), was introduced on Monday by House Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman James Oberstar (D-Minn), and
Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Jerry Costello (D-Ill.). The previous
bill was backed by EAA and most of general aviation because it retained
the current funding method of fuel and passenger seat excise taxes, and
did not impose user fees. Read
more
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SILVER DART REPLICA MAKES
SEVERAL TEST FLIGHTS
 A
replica of the Silver Dart, the first airplane to make a powered,
controlled flight in Canada 100 years ago this month, successfully flew
several times over the past week at Hamilton Airport in Ontario. Bjarni
Tryggvason, a former Canadian astronaut, flew the historic replica (C-IIGY)
a total of six times Friday, February 6, and twice on Sunday, February
8, according to a report on the Silver Dart Project website. Read
more
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FOR THOSE 'GONE WEST'...
 Do you have a friend or family member who has "Gone West" that
you would like to honor for positively impacting the lives of those
around them through their spirit, dedication, and passion for aviation?
EAA has a very special way to do just that. You can submit an account to
EAA's website on the wonderful life they lived and the impact they made.
Following each entry is a memorial guest book for families and friends
to remember and honor their loved one. Entries marked "MW" are
also immortalized on the Memorial Wall located in on the EAA's grounds
by Fergus Chapel. If you would like to submit an obituary for a member
of the aviation community that has "Gone West," click
here.
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1909 WRIGHT MODEL 'B'
REPLICA TO FLY AT OSHKOSH
 A
replica of the Wright brothers' 1909 Wright "B" Flyer will
make its North American public flying debut during EAA AirVenture
Oshkosh 2009. The replica, dubbed the "Silver Bird" for its
silver-painted frame and white fabric, was built by Dayton, Ohio-based
Wright "B" Flyer Inc. It was the Wrights' first production
airplane and helped ignite the air racing era 100 years ago. Read
more
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HOMEBUILDING HINT OF THE
WEEK: OETIKER "EAR" CLAMP INSTALLATION/REMOVAL
 If you're working on a Rotax
engine, odds are you'll be faced with either installing or removing an
"Oetiker" clamp. In this week's "Hint," Brian
Carpenter of Rainbow Aviation Services demonstrates this technique.
Brian is an A&P aircraft mechanic with an Inspection Authorization
rating (IA), a DAR for light-sport and amateur-built aircraft, 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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TFR OVER CHICAGO AREA
FRIDAY-MONDAY
 President
Barack Obama will make a planned vacation visit to his hometown of
Chicago over the Valentine's Day and President's Day weekend - Friday,
February 13 through Monday February 16. In response the FAA released a notice
to airmen (NOTAM) creating a 30-nm temporary flight restriction
(TFR) and a 10-nm no-fly zone in effect from February 13th, starting at
4 p.m. until 9 a.m. Monday, February 16 (local time). The TFR is
centered on a point 16.6 miles north of the CGT VOR's 358-degree radial,
surface to 17,999 ft. MSL, affecting operations at more than 20 area
airports. Visit the EAA
Flight Planner for more information, and pilots who fly in the
Chicago area should familiarize themselves with the security procedures
and restrictions listed in the NOTAM. Pilots should also review the TFR
information contained in the AIM
manual, paragraph 3-5-1.
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TEXAS 'TONY BINGELIS SCHOLARSHIP'
APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE
The Tony Bingelis Scholarship Fund - formerly The Texas Fly-In - is now
accepting applications for 2009. Scholarships of up to $2,000 are now
available to Texas' youth ages 16-22 to pursue flight training or the
expenses involved with college tuition. Awards are granted on a
competitive basis upon the review of a completed application, a written
statement describing the applicant's plans and motivations, and letters
of recommendation. Applications forms can be downloaded
online.
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AERO FRIEDRICHSHAFEN
COMING SOON!
 One
of the largest general aviation shows in Europe, AERO, will be held
April 2-5 at the Messe in Friedrichshafen, Germany, and EAA members will
receive free admission as special invited guests as a result of a new
alliance between EAA and AERO. With 11 exhibit halls, AERO will host
most than 500 exhibitors from 23 countries. Four halls are specifically
dedicated to exhibits of microlights, very light aircraft (VLA) and
light-sport aircraft (LSA), while business aviation is also heavily
represented at the show. New this year is a hall for helicopters and
other rotorcraft along with an E-Flight Expo, which will feature
electric-powered aircraft, new solar technologies, and innovative
propulsion concepts highlighting the demand for environmentally friendly
aviation. Read
more
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BID AND YOU COULD WIN A
HARLEY OR
AFRICAN SAFARI
 EAA's
auction of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and an authentic 10-day African
hunting or photo safari is now in progress and runs through February 20. Proceeds benefit
EAA's youth education programs and activities. Get in on the action through EAA's
secure website and you could cast the winning bid for either a great
American motorcycle or an unforgettable safari.
 Generously
donated by Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the motorcycle is a 2008 limited edition, 105th
Anniversary Harley-Davidson V-Rod retailing at $17,000. The 10-day authentic
African safari for two takes place in the Limpopo Province of South Africa.
Donated by SS Pro Safaris, it retails for $10,000. For complete auction details,
visit the EAA website.
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DOES AN ACCIDENT MEAN
HIGHER INSURANCE COSTS?
By Bob Mackey, EAA Aircraft Insurance
Plan Representative
Ever see the commercial that coins the phrase, "accident
forgiveness"? It begins with a car accident, followed by images of
the at-fault driver shaking his head with a bewildered look on his face.
Up comes the official spokesperson to tell you how his insurance company
will not raise your premiums after one accident, and that you should
"do business with us!" So, is this for real? If you have an
accident that results in a claim will the insurance company raise your
premiums? I can't speak for car insurance, however I can tell you that
if you have an accident with your airplane and there's a claim, the
answer is a definite…maybe. Read more
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WHERE ARE YOU FLYING
THIS WEEKEND?
 Saturday,
February 14 - Angelina County Airport, Lufkin, Texas
Come join EAA Chapter 1219 for their Fajita Fly-In! Texas-style fajitas
will be served in a friendly atmosphere in the airport café. The event
runs from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. For more information visit www.EAA1219.org
or call Don Lymberry at 936-225-0422.
Saturday, February 14, 2009 -
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Join EAA Chapter 419 for their bi-monthly breakfast fly-in this
Valentine's Day at the MTSU Aerospace Maintenance hangar, located on the
north end of the aircraft parking area. Young Eagles rides will be
given, weather permitting. The fly-in runs from 7:30 a.m. - 13:30 a.m.
For additional information contact Chat Gehrke at 615-848-3254.
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CALLING ALL MUSICALLY
INCLINED FANS OF FLIGHT
EAA AirVenture Band Forming Again
 If
the third time's the charm, the EAA AirVenture Band will surely charm a
lot of folks at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2009. About 100 volunteer
musicians, under the direction of Elton L. Eisele, EAA 216273, will
perform several selections to kick off the Wednesday evening program at
Theater in the Woods on July 29. Read
more
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EAA 'TIMELESS VOICE OF
THE WEEK': CLEON
THOMTON
 Cleon
Thomton was a member of the Minnesota National Guard's 34th Infantry
Division, waiting to board the SS Normandie in New York Harbor to ship
to the UK in preparation for fighting in North Africa, when the
Normandie caught fire and capsized in the harbor on February 10, 1942.
As something to occupy his time during the wait for another ship, Cleon
visited the local Army Air Corps recruiting station and took the exams
to join the Aviation Cadet program. Before he could receive the results,
he was shipped overseas to Northern Ireland. While there he received
orders to report to 8th Air Force Headquarters in London-he had passed
the tests and was an Aviation Cadet. In short order he was shipped back
to the U.S. for pilot training. Trained as a P-47 Thunderbolt pilot,
Cleon returned to England, where he was assigned to the 61st Fighter
Squadron of the 56th Fighter Group in May, 1944. As a new replacement
pilot, Cleon was assigned to Robert "Shorty" Rankin (Shorty's
interview) as his wingman. He flew his first mission on May 12,
1944, and would complete 87 by the end of his combat tour. Watch
the video.
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ONE WEEK ONLY! EAA
MEMBERS SAVE EVEN MORE ON SELECT MANUALS AND LOG BOOKS
 Save $3 when you order the 1932 or 1933
version of Flying and Glider Manual by February 18th. Providing an
historical background on plane building, these manuals are excellent for
light plane designers and builders. Regularly selling for $6.95 each,
get yours for the special price of $3.95 each. Or, are you in need of an
EAA Log Book? Get the Engine Log Book for only $3.99 - a savings of $3
off the regular, non-member price, or order the Pilot Log Book,
Propeller Log Book, or the Ultralight Log Book and receive a $2 discount
off each book. But you better hurry. These specials are available this
week only. Order
online or by calling toll-free, 800-564-6322.
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Q
& A:
Question of
the Week
For EAA
Information Services
A friend and
I built a stock RAF 2000 gyroplane two years ago,
certificated in the experimental amateur-built
category. After hearing a lot of discussion about
the stability of these aircraft, we decided to add a
professionally manufactured (Air Command) horizontal
stabilizer, as a number of RAF 2000 owners have
done. The install is complete, and we’ll perform
an updated weight and balance and new hang test (c
of g). What
additional paperwork is required? Do we have to file
a 337 and have an IA inspect it?
I am an A&P and held an IA for years
before I let it lapse when I was no longer active in
aviation maintenance.
Answer:
Since
your gyro is registered as Experimental
Amateur-Built, FAR part 43.1(b) applies, which
states: "This part does not apply to any
aircraft for which the FAA has issued an
experimental certificate, unless the FAA has
previously issued a different kind of airworthiness
certificate for that aircraft." Therefore,
337's do not apply, and an IA is not required,
either. The owner can perform all the aircraft's
maintenance, repair, or alterations; however the
annual condition inspection must be performed by the
holder of the Repairman Certificate (if one has been
issued) or by any licensed and current A&P that
is authorized to work in that particular
category/class.
As
far as paperwork is concerned, go to the operating
limitations that were issued with the airworthiness
certificate. Since installation of this stabilizer
qualifies as a major change, the operating
limitations should direct you to contact your FSDO,
and expect at least a five-hour test period, during
which the initial Phase 1 flight test requirements
should apply. You will want to state the proposed
test area in your FSDO notification.
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.
FEBRUARY
2009
EAA
Desktop Calendar
Evektor America's SportStar flies into the setting
sun. Shot during the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo in
Sebring, Florida, in late January. Photo by EAA
Chief Photographer Jim Koepnick.
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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TELEDYNE CONTINENTAL
RECALLS 9,600 CYLINDERS
Teledyne Continental Motors, Inc. (TCM),
announced Thursday that it is issuing a voluntary recall of certain
aircraft piston engine cylinders produced since November 2007. Robert
Mehrabian, chairman, president and chief executive officer, explained
that cracks were found in cylinder head castings in 36 cylinders on
engines exceeding 400 hours of use. "Nonetheless, as a
precautionary measure, approximately 9,600 fielded cylinders will be
replaced. New cylinders will be provided at no cost to Teledyne's
affected customers," he said. Affected cylinders were cast on a
specific production tool and shipped since November 2007. Head castings
from such cylinders may be subject to developing cracks at the top of
the cylinder head near the fuel injector and spark plug bosses. TCM has
simultaneously issued a Federal Aviation Administration approved
Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB09-1) regarding the identification and
replacement of these cylinders. Dedicated service numbers have been
established: 888-200-7565 (U.S) or 251-436-8665 (International).
Customers can learn if their engine is affected through a web-based
inquiry management center at www.tcmlink.com/cylinders.
ICON COMPLETES PHASE ONE
FLIGHT TESTS
Phase I flight testing for the ICON A5 light-sport aircraft is complete.
A series of 27 flights covered the full performance envelope of the
prototype. "This test phase included assessing a wide range of
speed, weight, center of gravity, altitude, and sea state. There are
areas still to be optimized, as always, but overall the A5 has performed
as designed," said Matthew Gionta, chief technical officer and vice
president of engineering. The prototype was flown from minimum weight to
gross weight in various sea states from glassy water to 9 inch waves. It
was tested across all flap settings and up to density altitude of 5000
feet. All flights originated and terminated on water to verify the
hydrodynamic performance and handling qualities. Test pilot Jon Karkow
commented that the A5 "cuts through waves very well and is not
prone to 'porpoising' like so many seaplanes are." With the hull
shape verified, the landing gear will now be integrated into the
prototype during Phase II testing, which will continue throughout 2009.
Learn more at www.IconAircraft.com.
CESSNA; BEECHCRAFT
PROMOTE BUSINESS AVIATION
Cessna Aircraft Company has created a new initiative to address
misinformation on the business use of general aviation aircraft and to
provide a more accurate picture of the value of business aircraft as a
resource that makes companies more competitive. Cessna's campaign will
begin with advertisements featuring pro-business themes encouraging
operators to keep flying business aircraft to demonstrate leadership in
the face of economic challenge. The ad campaign will target national
business newspapers and magazines as well as aviation trade
publications.
"We think it's time the other side
of the story be told, and that support be given to those businesses with
the good judgment and courage to use business aviation to not only help
their businesses survive the current financial crisis, but more quickly
forge a path toward an economic upturn," said Jack J. Pelton,
Cessna chairman, president, and CEO. For more information, visit www.CessnaRise.com
Meanwhile, Hawker Beechcraft
Corporation's latest advertising campaign features its King Air 350
as a sensible alternative designed to win over even the staunchest
critics. The business aviation industry came under scrutiny when Detroit
auto manufacturing CEOs flew private jets to Washington to testify
before Congress. Beechcraft ad claims the King Air 350 would have
arrived in D.C. roughly 15 minutes later, yet saved approximately 220
gallons of fuel and thousands of dollars in operating costs.
"Our industry not only offers
valuable business tools that dramatically increase efficiency, it also
contributes $150 billion annually to the U.S. economy and employs more
than one million Americans," said Charles Mayer, vice president of
marketing. For more information, visit www.HawkerBeechcraft.com.
KITFOX CLASSIC IV
RETURNS
The Kitfox Classic IV is coming out of retirement to help celebrate
Kitfox's 25th anniversary. Twenty-five Classic IV kits will be produced
with custom serial numbers for the anniversary. Thousands of the Kitfox
Classic IVs have been delivered, with several names and variations. From
the Model IV-1050 to the 2-place ultralight trainer known as the Lite
squared, the poster plane for light-sport aircraft (LSA). The Kitfox
Classic 4 remains suitable for both the two-stroke and four-stroke Rotax
engines, although builders have adapted many other engines choices. For
more information, visit www.KitfoxAircraft.com.
CONFERENCE SET FOR
AEROSPACE ENTREPRENEURS
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh's Council for Innovation is bringing
together innovators and venture capitalists for a two-day event to help
promote innovation in northeastern Wisconsin. AeroInnovate will be held
on the UW-Oshkosh campus May 13-14, allowing innovators and
entrepreneurs in the aerospace industry to network and pitch their
products and services to individuals looking to invest in such ventures.
AeroInnovate will highlight cutting-edge
technologies, entrepreneurs, emerging companies, investment trends, and
other recent developments in the aerospace/aviation sector. The event
begins at EAA headquarters with a dinner and a keynote presentation by
Granger Whitelaw, founder of BlueCar Partners, and president & CEO
of the Rocket Racing League. A discounted rate of $395 is available for
EAA members. Register at www.AeroInnovate.org.
REGISTER SOON FOR HELI-EXPO
2009
HELI-EXPO 2009 will open on Sunday, February 22 with the annual general
membership meeting and breakfast, where Matt Zuccaro, president, and
Patrick Corr, chairman of Helicopter Association International (HAI)
will deliver remarks. The event provides learning, networking, and
socializing events, including a job fair and the "Salute to
Excellence" awards banquet. To register or learn more about the
event, to be held at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim,
California, February 22 - 24, visit www.HeliExpo.com/register.
AVIAT AIRCRAFT
UPGRADES HUSKY A-1C
Aviat Aircraft has introduced several new upgrades for the Husky A-1C,
allowing owners to equip new or existing Huskys with the Garmin G-600
IFR panel. Aviat is the first OEM to offer the G-600. Two-inch round
backup instruments include an altimeter, artificial horizon, airspeed
indicator, and a backup battery. In addition, it is possible to install
an Electronic Instruments MVP50 color engine instrument monitor. For
more information, visit www.AviatAircraft.com
or call 307-885-3151.
CLYDE SMITH JR TO LEAD
AIRCRAFT RESTORATION SEMINAR
American Legend Aircraft Company is hosting a fabric aircraft
restoration seminar presented by Clyde Smith Jr. Known in aviation
circles as "The Cub Doctor." Clyde serves as an advisor and
author for the Cub Club and has
given countless seminars on aircraft restoration. The February 20 - 22
seminar, for owners and builders of any general aviation or recreational
aircraft, presents skills that can be applied to repair and maintenance
on many aircraft. Topics range from basic skills to advanced techniques,
including sheet metal work, electronics and avionics, composite
materials, and fabric covering. For more information, call 903-885-7000.
SAVE $1000 ON VAN'S
FUSELAGE KITS
To help all the RV-6/6A builders continue their projects and eventually
finish their airplanes, VAN'SAircraft, Inc. has lowered the price of
RV-6/6A Fuselage Kits by offering $1000 off. Both Standard and
QuickBuild kits are included in this offer. Hurry, orders and deposits
must be received by May 4, 2009. Learn more at www.VANSAircraft.com,
call 503-678-6545, or e-mail info@VANSAircraft.com.
NAVAWARE'S FLIGHTPLAN
2.5 FOR GOOGLE EARTH
NavAware has enhanced its line of Portable Synthetic Vision products
centered on Google Earth with FlightPlan - a complete 3D solution
incorporating FAA Airspace, navaids, obstacles, airports, runways,
pilot-contributed waypoints, NEXRAD radar, and more. "What you see
in FlightPlan is exactly what you will see out the window, only
enhanced," said Paul Mace, NavAware president. The addition of 3D
airspace and other aviation-related data to Google Earth's database,
Mace explained, offers pilots unprecedented awareness of challenges they
will encounter along their routes of flight. Videos of NavAware
FlightPlan in action are available at www.NavAware.com.
GLOBALAIR.COM ADDS
WINDS ALOFT
GlobalAir.com has added Winds Aloft to its National Weather section in
the site's Airport Resource Center (ARC). Winds Aloft is a forecast in
terms of wind and temperature at specific altitudes. The pilot tool is
available at www.GlobalAir.com/airport/weather.aspx#tabview=tab12.
ELIMINATE WAAS MYSTERY
WITH SPORTY'S PROGRAM
Instrument pilots know that WAAS-enhanced GPS approaches are the future
of instrument procedures, and Sporty's has produced a program that
explains it all. WAAS Approaches simplifies the technology and
demonstrates how to fly several different types of WAAS approaches on
both the Garmin G1000 and the Garmin 430W/530W. Like all Sporty's DVDs,
WAAS Approaches includes real-world flights, so you'll see step-by-step
how to set up and fly three different GPS approaches with each system.
Learn more at www.Sportys.com or
call 800-776-7897.
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