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February
20, 2009 Volume 9,
Number 7 |
GRIMES FLYING LAB FLYING
TO EAA AIRVENTURE
 The
Grimes Flying Lab, an airplane that played a key role in the development
of aviation lighting systems, will appear at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
2009. The highly modified Twin Beechcraft D18 will be displayed on
AeroShell Square, EAA's central showcase for the annual aviation event.
July 27-August 2. The Grimes Flying Lab was one of the airplanes used by
Grimes Manufacturing Company of Urbana, Ohio, to test aviation lighting
systems under actual flight conditions. Company founder Warren Grimes,
known as "Father of the Aircraft Lighting Industry," developed
the lighting systems for the Ford Tri-Motor in 1925 and formed his
company in 1933. He was also the inventor of the familiar red, green,
and white navigation lights found on the wing tips and tails of aircraft
and developed other aircraft fixtures, including landing, instrumental,
and interior lights. Read
more
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FAA RELEASES LSA
ASSESSMENT PROJECT UPDATE
The FAA recently provided a status report for its ongoing light-sport
aircraft assessment project with an open letter to the light-sport
aircraft industry. Assessment teams have visited 23 of 29 randomly
selected U.S. facilities thus far, and FAA evaluators expressed
confidence that LSA manufacturer's compliance can match that of the
commercial aviation manufacturers, further validating the use of
industry consensus standards and compliance self-declarations for the
LSA industry. Read
more
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SILVER DART REPLICA
PREPARING FOR MONDAY'S COMMEMORATIVE FLIGHT
 The
Silver Dart replica is in Baddeck, Nova Scotia, where it's being
prepared for the "Flight of the Century" on Monday, February
23, to commemorate the centennial of Canada's (and the British Empire's)
first powered flight. After successful
test flights a week earlier in Hamilton Airport, Ontario, the air
frame was disassembled and transported to the site of the Centennial
celebration where it was reassembled. It's being stored in a heated tent
provided by the Silver Dart Centennial Association. Jack Dueck, editor
of Bits and Pieces, EAA’s e-newsletter for Canada, will be in
Baddeck for the festivities, which begin Friday and run through Monday
culminated by the February 23 recreation of the first flight. Visit the
event website for a complete schedule and more information.
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PROGRESS PROMPTS
SUSPENSION OF EAA CALL TO ACTION
 Amid
vocal protest from the state’s aviation community, the two Nevada
state legislators who submitted a resolution calling for
county-government jurisdiction over national airspace have agreed to
suspend their legislative effort and instead work with local
general-aviation groups on airport-safety issues there. The hearing on
the proposed legislation slated for Feb. 17 was postponed, and EAA asked
members to stand down and await the outcome of talks among these Nevada
state legislators, state and county aviation officials, local EAA
chapters, AOPA, and the Clark County Aviation Association (CCAA). Read
more
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EAA SEEKS CANDIDATE FOR
HOMEBUILT AIRCRAFT COUNCIL
 EAA
is looking for a member willing to serve on the EAA Homebuilt Aircraft
Council. Formed in 1999, the HAC is a group of volunteers that helps EAA
staff by providing advice and counsel on issues that relate to the
homebuilt aircraft community. Council members are appointed by the EAA
president and serve in a volunteer capacity. EAA staff also relies on
council members to act as EAA ambassadors in the field. The council has
an annual meeting in Oshkosh each fall, and other meetings as needed.
Successful council members are active aircraft builders and fliers who
are interested in growing the homebuilt movement. If you have a passion
for the spirit of EAA and homebuilt aircraft, please apply by completing
the online
application form. Additional information or questions are welcome at
HAC@eaa.org.
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DEIMER NAMED
INTERNATIONAL AEROBATIC CLUB MANAGER
 Patricia
“Trish” Deimer has been named as manager of the International
Aerobatic Club, a division of the Experimental Aircraft Association for
those with a special interest in aerobatic flight and competition.
Deimer began her new duties on Feb. 16. Deimer comes to IAC after
serving as Program Manager for the National Association of Flight
Instructors since 2004. She first joined the EAA staff in 2001, and has
also worked in the EAA AirVenture Museum and with the EAA Young Eagles
program. Read
more
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HOMEBUILDING HINT OF THE
WEEK:
 Before
you can start covering your aircraft, you'll need to make sure your iron
is properly calibrated. In this episode, Carah Durell of Poly-Fiber,
located on Flabob Airport in Riverside California, shows you the
proper procedure to do just that.
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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INCLUDE YOUR LOVED ONE ON
EAA'S MEMORIAL WALL
 The
EAA Memorial Wall is one of the most cherished places on the AirVenture
grounds. Located on the edge of Pioneer Airport near the Fergus Chapel,
this solemn destination provides a place of dignity for EAA members to
honor departed loved ones whose support and passion for aviation
positively impacted not only their lives, but also the lives of others.
Its centerpiece: a monument made up of thousands of stones brought to
Oshkosh from EAA members' home states and countries. EAA honors new
inductees at the annual dedication service held during AirVenture. If
you would like to have your loved one included in this year's ceremony
(set for Sunday, August 2, at 11 a.m.), your order must be received by
Friday, April 10, 2009. To learn more, visit the
AirVenture website, e-mail development@eaa.org,
or call toll-free, 800-236-1025.
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EAA'S COMPASS HILL A
STRIKING TRIBUTE TO FREEDOM OF FLIGHT
 Compass
Hill was designed to celebrate EAA's values of quality, innovation, and
the freedom of personal flight that we all share. Located near Pioneer
Airport adjacent to the EAA Memorial Wall and Fergus Chapel, Compass
Hill features a sculpture by Larry Anderson, "Directions,"
depicting a family that symbolizes the love of flight passed between the
generations. Benches at the summit surround a compass rose of bricks and
serve as resting places to overlook the spectacular scenery. Express
your enduring love of flying with an engraved brick for yourself, or as
a lasting tribute to family members, friends, or a special occasion. To
be a part of this year's dedication ceremony for newly installed bricks
(scheduled for Wednesday morning during AirVenture - July 29), orders
must be received by May 15, 2009. Participants receive a beautifully
framed mini-brick replica. To learn more, visit the
AirVenture website, contact EAA's Development Department at
800-236-1025, or e-mail development@eaa.org.
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EARNING HIS WINGS
Written Test: PASSED!
 "All
the hours of study paid off this week. I took and passed the sport pilot
knowledge test! I scored 93%. There were about 6-7 questions on the test
I had never seen before, but overall I felt I was well-prepared for it.
It feels really good to have this milestone behind me. Now I can fo cus
on refining my skills in the air and making sure I understand the
practical application of everything I've been learning.
If you have any advice as I move into
this next phase of training, please leave me a comment on the
blog. I can't wait to get back in the air!"
Brady 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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EAA, AVIATION GROUPS
ISSUE CLIMATE CHANGE PAPER
 EAA
has joined 19 other aviation organizations in releasing a paper that
offers a constructive set of principles regarding aviation and climate
change. Its purpose, according to the paper's executive summary, is not
to advocate any particular legislative, regulatory, or other solutions,
but to offer "a constructive set of principles to frame the
discussion of policy tools" to address the issue.
"The undersigned stakeholders,
representing hundreds of manufacturers and airports, thousands of
commercial and private operators, and millions of employees, work hard
to connect our world and are committed to working just as hard to
protect our planet." To read the paper, click
here.
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ENTER EAA's 2009 'SHARE
THE SPIRIT' SWEEPSTAKES
 How
would you like to win a Flight Design MC light-sport aircraft with
$10,000 worth of aviation fuel credit? Or how about a RotorWay Talon
helicopter kit? A John Deere tractor? A Canon Digital Camera? A Bose
Wave music system? By entering EAA's 2009 Share the Spirit Sweepstakes
you not only have a chance to win any of these, but you're also helping
support EAA programs, which allow members to share the spirit of
aviation among fellow enthusiasts and the next generation of aviators!
Sweepstakes drawings will be held on August 2, 2009, during EAA
AirVenture Oshkosh. To get your entries click
here.
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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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EAA'S FANTASY FLIGHT
CAMPS REGISTRATION FORMS NOW ONLINE
 EAA's
Fantasy Flight Camps offer aviation enthusiasts a once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity to learn about and fly in a vintage airplane. Hosted at the
EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, each of the four weekend
camps is expert-led and involves a detailed study of a specialty
subject. Aircraft this year include the Bell 47 Helicopter, Ultimate
Warbird Trainer, EAA's Ford Tri-Motor, and EAA's B-17 Aluminum Overcast.
The camp fees include instruction, materials, meals, and lodging in the
EAA Air Academy Lodge (double occupancy with shared bathroom
facilities), and your flight experience. For rates and booking
information click
here.
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EXPERIMENTER: 22,000
SUBSCRIBERS AND COUNTING!
 This
week the second issue of Experimenter, EAA's e-newsletter for
homebuilders, was sent to more than 22,000 people! For those of you who
did not receive the newsletter but wish to subscribe, you can do
so here. Featured in this month's issue is a "how-to" for
accurate woodcutting for aircraft construction; a look at the ELLIPSE
propeller; the story of one man's Kitfox IV-1200; a handpicked article
from the past by EAA founder Paul Poberezny; homebuilder hints, and
more! To see the newsletter online, visit the
EAA website.
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IT HAPPENED AGAIN!
By Bob Mackey, EAA Aircraft Insurance
Plan Representative
 I
recently spoke at a gathering of EAA members attending a builder's
workshop at Sonex Aircraft in Oshkosh. I spent some time touching on a
few important tips for getting the right airplane insurance at the best
price and also answered several questions. Afterwards a gentleman - who
has built a Sonex - approached with a question. "My instructor told
me that before he can give me my flight review he needs to be named as a
pilot on my insurance policy. Will this cause the cost of my insurance
to go up?" I replied with a question of my own: "Why does the
instructor feel he needs to be named on your insurance as an approved
pilot?" to which he answered, "Well, he said that if he was
named on my policy then he would be covered by my insurance." I
told him that it doesn't quite work that way. (I also thought to myself,
"It's happening again!") Read more
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WHERE ARE YOU FLYING
THIS WEEKEND?
 Flight
of the Silver Dart Centennial, Alexander Graham Bell Museum, Baddeck,
NS, Canada
2009 marks the 100th Anniversary of the first powered flight in Canada
and the British Empire by pilot J.A.D. McCurdy and a team of inventors
led by Alexander Graham Bell. Baddeck, Nova Scotia, will play host to
aviation enthusiast from all over the world as they celebrate this
centennial with events and activities throughout 2009. Don’t miss out
on experiencing this piece of Aviation History! Visit the
website, call Leanne Beddow at 902-488-3256, or send
an e-mail.
EAA Chapter 297 Cure the Cabin Fever,
Winter Fly- In, Stag Air Park, Burgaw, NC
EAA Chapter 297 invites you to their Annual Cure the Cabin Fever Winter
Fly-In at Stag Air Park on Saturday, February 21. Lunch will be served
from 12 noon until 1:30 pm at the No Whining Saloon. Come on, fly in
your experimental, antique, spam can, LSA, warbird, blimp or whatever -
just get here for a great winter doldrums break.
Young Eagles flights will be available
from 9 until 10 a.m. and from 1 until 3 p.m. While this is a public rally,
the flights are by appointment only. http://www.eaa297.org/winterflyin.htm
Contact: Tom Goodwin, 910 791 1855, or send
an e-mail.
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MIDWEST AIRLINES OFFERS
AIR FARE DISCOUNTS TO AIRVENTURE
 People
planning to attend AirVenture Oshkosh can save up to 12 percent on
Midwest Airlines air fares, as the airline is again offering special
discounts for EAA members and other aviation enthusiasts. The discounts
are good for all Midwest arrival cities in Wisconsin as well as
Minneapolis from all Midwest service markets in the U.S. Read
more
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PRE-PURCHASE YOUR
AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2009 TICKETS!
 Advanced
tickets are now available for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, "The World's
Greatest Aviation Celebration," which is coming July 27-August 2,
2009, at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The advance
purchase system allows EAA members and non-members to pre-purchase
AirVenture admission tickets via a secure website. Both daily and weekly
admissions are available, as is the ability to join EAA and immediately
receive the best possible admission prices available only to EAA
members. To access the advance ticketing area, click
here. Full instructions and answers to frequently asked questions
are available at that site. Advance AirVenture tickets are scanned and
redeemed for the appropriate wristband at AirVenture gates.
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EAA 'TIMELESS VOICE OF
THE WEEK': SAM
BEATTY
 In
1940 when he was 17, Sam Beatty lied about his age and joined the
Alabama National Guard. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he took the
exam to join the Aviation Cadets and was accepted into flight training
in March 1942. Sam graduated from multi-engine Advanced Flight Training
at Ellington Field, Texas, in December 1942, and was sent to B-25 school
in Greenville, South Carolina. From there he was assigned to the 69th
Bomb Squadron of the 42nd Bomb Group, 13th Air Force. Sam flew 62 combat
missions in the South Pacific Theater of Operations during the war. Watch
the video.
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SAVE NOW ON NEW POLISHED
COPPER BIPLANE WEATHERVANE
 Add
some aviation ambience to your yard with this handcrafted, polished
copper biplane weathervane. And for this week only (while supplies
last), EAA members can buy the stylish ornament for $99 - that's a 40
percent savings 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
Information Services
I have a private pilot certificate single-engine
land (SEL) with a glider rating. I have a current
BFR taken in a glider. Will the one BFR cover all
the privileges of my certificate or will I need to
get another BFR for the SEL portion? Will a SEL BFR
cover the glider rating?
Answer:
A pilot needs only one flight review in any aircraft
for which he/she is rated. Your flight review in a
glider would be valid in all aircraft for which you
are rated, including powered airplanes. The opposite
would also be true, so your flight review in a
powered aircraft would be valid in your glider as
well.
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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SFRA NOW OFFICIAL IN
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Pilots flying in the Washington, D.C., area are reminded of the special
flight rules area (SFRA) that went into place on February 17, 2009. A notice
to airmen (NOTAM) covers the flight restrictions and pilots are
advised to read it carefully before flying in the area. The FAA has
codified the Washington, D.C., Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ)
into a permanent special flight rules area despite EAA and other
aviation organizations' efforts to eliminate the DC ADIZ or minimize the
impact of these airspace restrictions and other operational limitations
on general aviation since the ADIZ was created after 9/11.
GAMA, NBAA LAUNCH 'NO
PLANE NO GAIN' CAMPAIGN
Looking to reinforce the value of business aviation to American workers,
policymakers, companies, and communities across the U.S., the National
Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and General Aviation Manufacturers
Association (GAMA) unveiled a comprehensive joint advocacy campaign:
"No Plane No Gain." The campaign will utilize a multi-faceted
approach, including paid advertising through various channels, a No
Plane No Gain website, and webinars to educate audiences about the need
for business aviation. "The contributions of business aviation to
our nation's employment, commerce, competitiveness, and health are
profound but not always well understood," said GAMA president and
CEO Pete Bunce. "We are launching this new multimedia educational
campaign to get the word out that business aviation is working for
America." Learn more at www.NoPlaneNoGain.org.
GAMA REPORTS FIRST
AIRPLANE DECREASE IN FIVE YEARS
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) announced that
2008 year-end worldwide shipments of general aviation airplanes
decreased for the first time in five years. Industry billings reached
$24.8 billion, a 13.4 percent increase over 2007. The positive billings
numbers reflect the fulfillment of orders placed for turboprops and
business jets during the strong economic years of 2006 and 2007.
Conversely, 2008 year-end worldwide shipments of general aviation
airplanes showed a decline with a total of 3,969 units, a 7.1 percent
decrease over the previous year's total of 4,272. The piston airplane
segment was down 20.8 percent in 2008, while turboprops experienced the
strongest growth with shipments up nearly 17 percent. "While our
industry is challenged in the current economic climate, we are focused
on planning for a stronger future," said Mark Van Tine, president
and CEO of Jeppesen and GAMA Chairman. "The world's economy depends
upon a robust air transportation system and general aviation is
absolutely a vital component of that global system." Learn more at www.GAMA.aero.
SAVE $1,000 ON EVS-100
FOR CIRRUS
Forward Vision Systems, Inc., provider Enhanced Vision Technology (EVS),
now offers an incentive for owners and pilots of the Cirrus SR20 and
SR22 aircraft to purchase the company's EVS-100 STC package. The package
includes both camera and in-cockpit display, is ready to mount, and is
upgradeable. "We are offering the already cost efficient EVS-100
STC package, with display, to Cirrus owners and pilots with an instant
savings of up to $1000 USD, starting immediately and effective though
March 15, 2009," said Patrick Farrell, Forward Vision CEO.
Learn more at www.Forward-Vision.net/cirrus.
TEXAS CUB GOES
INTERNATIONAL
Texas Sport Aircraft Company has completed its first international
delivery of a Texas Sport Cub aircraft kit. The kit was delivered to
Luiz Claudio Gonçalves, an aircraft builder in Sao Paolo, Brazil.
Claudio is an experienced builder of kit aircraft, having bought,
produced, and sold numerous kit aircraft. He is also general manager of
FLYER Indústria Aeronáutica Ltda., a provider of flight training and
aircraft support services with representatives throughout Brazil. Learn
more at www.TXSport.aero.
CALL FOR ENTRIES:
AEROSPACE TEACHER OF YEAR AWARD
The National Aviation Hall of Fame is taking submissions for the annual
A. Scott Crossfield Aerospace Education Teacher of the Year Award. The
award, celebrating its 23rd year, is a juried competition to recognize
and reward teachers for outstanding achievement in aerospace education.
The award is open to current classroom teachers from grades K through 12
from any public, private, or parochial school. A review committee of
aerospace industry and education professionals will examine nominations
for documentation of a teacher's effectiveness, creativity, and ability
to maintain high standards for their students and themselves, with
aerospace being the core subject matter or their curricula.
The deadline for nominations is May 1, 2009. Learn more at www.NationalAviation.org
or call 1-888-383-1903 x11.
NEW LED LIGHT FROM ASA
The new AirClassics LED Flightlight from ASA is durable, compact, and
bright, ideal for the flight bag where space and convenience are a
priority. The flashlight has both white and green bulbs, making it an
effective tool for preflight, night flying, and chart reading. The
4-inch, lightweight design features aluminum alloy casing, a rubberized
on/off and color selector switch. Order at www.ASA2Fly.com.
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