 |
 |
 |
March
27, 2009 Volume 9,
Number 12 |
AOPA PRESIDENT VISITS EAA
 EAA
welcomed new AOPA President Crag Fuller to its Oshkosh headquarters
Thursday, where he met with EAA President Tom Poberezny and senior staff
members. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss issues of mutual
interest, such as security and user fees, and the promotion of general
aviation. "We also talked about how EAA and AOPA can collaborate
with many of the other fine aviation organizations, maximizing our
limited resources in addressing issues of concern in the best interest
of the aviation community and our members," Poberezny said.
|
AFFORDABLE FLYING EXPANDS
AT AIRVENTURE
Volunteers, examples sought
 Last
year EAA introduced the Affordable Flying Center at AirVenture Oshkosh
with the idea of tapping into the unique knowledge of EAAers so others
could learn about economical ways to personal flight in one convenient
location. This year, the emphasis on affordable flight expands inside
the new Aviation Learning Center, formerly Exhibit Hangar E. The new
location will provide more overall space, a specially dedicated forum
area, and both indoor and outdoor displays. The Aviation Learning Center
is supported by Chevron Global Aviation and will also house the Fuels
Education Center. Read
more
|
CESSNA: SKYCATCHER LSA
REMAINS PRIORITY
 Cessna
Aircraft Company reaffirmed its full commitment to its LSA program in
response to the aftermath of last week's crash of Cessna's second
prototype Model 162 SkyCatcher light-sport aircraft during
flight-testing, "The need for a modern, cost-effective two-seat
trainer aircraft has never been greater, and we believe we are well
positioned to meet that need," said Jack Pelton, Cessna chairman,
president and CEO, in a company news release on Wednesday, March
25. Read
more
|
HOMEBUILDING HINTS OF THE
WEEK: MAKING A FILE HANDLE & MOTOR MOUNT FABRICATION
 This
week we're featuring two video "Hints," the
first featuring Charlie Becker sharing some quick, inexpensive, and
practical ways for anyone to make a file handle. Charlie is director of
Member Programs at EAA and is in the process of building a Sonex.
Our second
featured Hint was originally highlighted in the March edition of the
Experimenter e-newsletter and features Earl Luce showing how to make a
simple jig that will greatly simplify the task of motor mount
fabrication. Earl is an EAA SportAir Workshop instructor and a volunteer
EAA Technical Counselor. He also offers plan sets for the Wittman
Buttercup.
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.
|
VIRGINIA PREPARES FOR
FLIGHT FESTIVAL WITH FREE PICNIC
 The
Virginia Aviation Council will again sponsor a free picnic and volunteer
orientation and training session in preparation for the 12th Annual
Virginia Regional Festival of Flight. The picnic is slated for May 2, 11
a.m.-1 p.m. at the Suffolk Executive Airport (SFQ), and the event will
be held May 30-31. Committee chairmen will be available to answer
questions, and those attending will have an opportunity to meet new
aviation friends, walk the field, and have direct input to this year's
planning. An overview of the field layout is now available at www.VirginiaFlyIn.org,
along with a user-friendly volunteer sign-up page. There is still time
for exhibitors to sign up for the fly-in. Contact Fly-in Manager Judy
Sparks at 703-590-9112 or JHSparks@comcast.net.
|
FOUNDERS WING IN NEED OF
CHAPTER ITEMS FOR EXHIBIT
 A
new phase has begun in the progress of the Founder's Wing project in the
EAA AirVenture Museum. The museum staff have finished designing and
started the construction of the exhibits that will be part of the new
space. An important section of the new exhibits will be devoted to EAA
Chapters, and this is where the museum needs the help of all EAA
chapters. The exhibit will feature chapter patches, chapter logos, or
chapter pins. (Duplicates are okay.) EAA has put out the call to
chapters for these items, which will be considered for display in the
exhibit. Anything not immediately displayed will become a part of the
museum's permanent collection. Please send your contributions to Ron
Twellman, EAA AirVenture Museum, 3000 Poberezny Road, Oshkosh, WI 54902.
If you have questions please contact Ron at rtwellman@eaa.org.
Deadline for submissions is June 1, 2009.
|
NEED A RIDE TO
AIRVENTURE? CHECK OUT 'RIDESHARE'
 Maximize
your annual trek to EAA AirVenture by using RideShare, a free, online
service that pairs people looking for transportation to Oshkosh with
those who may have a spare seat available. At www.airventure.org/rideshare,
you can view all the rides offered and all the rides requested. Or use
the 'Quick Search' buttons to focus your search your search, or search
by state. If you wish to post your information and have a ride to offer,
or are looking for a ride, click the 'Offer/Request a Ride' link to fill
out a form with your information. Your personal information will not be
shown on these pages. Instead, a link to contact you is provided. An
e-mail will be sent to you from the interested party, and it is your
option to reply or contact that party.
|
SEND US YOUR AIRVENTURE
WAYPOINTS, FUEL STOPS
 Airport
facilities who provide special offers to EAAers traveling to and from
AirVenture Oshkosh are invited to send us their information so we can
share with AirVenture travelers. If you have a landing facility and
would like to be on the list, send an e-mail to webmaster@eaa.org
and include the name of the business, airport, phone number, e-mail
address, and any special offers you'd like to announce. We'll be
continuously updating the
online list in the days, weeks, and months leading up to the World's
Greatest Aviation Celebration.
|
WHERE ARE YOU FLYING
THIS WEEKEND?
 6th
Annual Alternative Engine Round-up and Experimental Aircraft Fly-in
Spend the weekend with us at Jean Sport Aviation Center, Jean
Airport (0L7), Jean, Nevada. Enjoy homebuilt aircraft and alternative
engines. This is a free, grass-roots event, complete with forums and
flying. The uncontrolled airport and the lack of an air show makes this
an ideal venue for flying fun.) For more information, visit the
website or contact Patrick Panzera at 559-584-3306. (Send
an e-mail.)EAA Chapter 1326
Fly-In Breakfast Shelbyville Airport, Tennessee
Come to Shelbyville for one of the best fly-in breakfasts in Middle
Tennessee! There's always plenty of eggs, biscuits & hot pancakes.
For more information, visit the
web, or contact Susie Henderson, 931-619-0010. (Send
an e-mail.)
To learn more about calendar events, or
to find/submit others, visit www.EAAcalendar.org.
|
ANNUAL EAA QUILT BLOCK
CONTEST OPEN FOR ENTRIES
 The
EAA Airplane Quilt Block Contest continues to accept entries for this
year's 8th annual competition, and dedicated quilters have until June 1,
2009, to submit their work. The contest showcases quilters from around
the world who sew colorful pieces of fabric into aviation-themed quilt
blocks. The winning entries are framed and put on display for a full
year at EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Entries must be no
larger than 12 inches square (including binding). Complete contest
details, including an entry form, are available on the
AirVenture website.
|
ENROLLMENT OPEN FOR EAA
AIR ACADEMY BASIC CAMP
 The
EAA Air Academy Basic Camp is a hands-on camp designed to interest and
challenge kids age 14-15 with the fascinating world of aviation. Small
group activities and close counselor relationships present intermediate
aviation material through a unique combination of fun and discovery in a
science camp format. Activities include designing, building, and flying
a hot-air balloon model, building and flying a model rocket kit,
learning about aviation history and flight, and experiencing flight in
an airplane AND a helicopter! For more information, visit www.airacademy.org.
|
EAA 'TIMELESS VOICE OF
THE WEEK': STEVE HINTON
 Steve
Hinton is one of the premier warbird pilots in the world today. He
literally grew up around the airplanes. As young boy he became best
friends with Jim Maloney, son of warbird collector Ed Maloney, founder
of the Planes of Fame Air Museum in Chino, California. Together Steve
and Jim went from washing the airplanes to flying them. Steve flew his
first P-51 at age 20 in 1972. Two years later he was ferrying an F-86,
T-33, and P-51 for Bob Hoover. In 1975 he flew his first unlimited air
race and has never looked back. Watch
now.
|
SAVE UP TO $23 ON KIDS'
RIDE-ON TOYS
 Fly
with Elmo! Your little pilot can hear all kinds of fun phrases when
Elmo's ride-on toy is ready for take-off. Turn the propellers for a cool
ratcheting sound, or push the button to make them spin and light up. The
plane's eyes move and its entire "fuselage" lights up as well.
Also the L'il Propeller Plane rocking toy sings a song, has a
spinning prop that lights up, and airplane sound effects. Both ride on
toys are available for only $49.99 while supplies last, regularly priced
at 65.99 and 72.99, respectively. Order
online or by calling toll-free, 800-564-6322.
|
|
|
Q
& A:
Question of
the Week
For EAA
Information Services
I own a
special light-sport aircraft (S-LSA) and I want to
add a vertical card compass and back up
"dial" altimeter. I would buy the units
and have my A&P mechanic install them. Do I have
to get permission/approval from the manufacturer to
have this done?
Answer:
To keep your S-LSA airworthy, you do have to get
permission/instructions from the manufacturer before
making any alteration to your aircraft, even
something as simple as what you are contemplating.
The
specific FAR that applies to your situation is FAR
91.327 (b)(5). You do not need to have the work
done at their factory, unless they specifically
mandate that. Also, get their approval and any
detailed instructions for compliance/ installation
IN WRITING as well. That documentation must be kept
as part of the logs of the aircraft.
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.
April
2009
EAA
Desktop Calendar
An immaculate - and unique - P-51D restoration, the Quick
Silver,
is owned by Paul Hunter and Bill Yoak and piloted by
Scott Yoak. This month's featured calendar aircraft
also appears as the April airplane in EAA's World of
Flight 2009 Calendar, which can be ordered through EAA's
online store. 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 - including three new wide-screen
sizes...or select an image from the archive.
|
|
|
 |
WHOOPING CRANES RETURN TO
WHERE THEY LEARNED TO FLY
The first wild whooping
cranes of the spring season have returned to their nesting grounds in
central Wisconsin. The Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership (WCEP) reports
that 11 reintroduced cranes have arrived at Necedah National Wildlife
Refuge. The endangered birds were taught to fly and guided southward by
WCEP partner Operation Migration using ultralight aircraft. They winter
in the Chassahowitzka NWR on the Gulf coast of Florida. There are now 86
migratory whooping cranes in the wild in eastern North America. For more
information visit www.bringbackthecranes.org.
MAF TAKES DELIVERY OF
KODIAK 100
MAF (Mission Aviation
Fellowship) recently took delivery of its first Kodiak 100, the first of
the next-generation bush planes to be produced under an arrangement
between the ministry and the manufacturer, Quest Aircraft Co. of
Sandpoint, Idaho. MAF is a faith-based, nonprofit ministry that serves
missions and isolated people around the world with aviation,
communications and learning technologies. Over the next few years, MAF
will replace 20 of its Cessna 206s with planes that operate on jet fuel,
either Kodiak 100s or Cessna Caravans. Learn more at www.MAF.org.
POWER FLOW SYSTEMS
CELEBRATES FIRST DECADE
It has been 10 years since
the first Power Flow Tuned Exhaust system was shipped from Daytona
Beach. The company has since shipped another 3500 units. To celebrate,
Power Flow Systems will provide a 5 percent discount on all orders
submitted before the end of August 2009. All systems come with a 60-day
money back guarantee and a 1-year/500-hour warranty, which can be
extended. visit www.powerflowsystems.com
to learn more.
STEARMAN FORMATION
FLIGHT TRAINING
Stearman Flight, a newly
formed formation flight training organization, is dedicated to enhancing
safety and proficiency in the Stearman formation flying community. The
group is compliant with the Formation and Safety Team (FAST) National
Formation Standards and is sanctioned to offer formation training and
conduct check rides for FAA certificated pilots. Pilots who successfully
complete the Stearman Flight training program will receive a
"FAST" card and be authorized by the FAA to fly formation in
waivered air space (airspace normally closed to other pilots, such as at
air shows). Clinics are scheduled in cities across the United States.
Learn more about the first one, to be held May 28-31, 2009, at Creve
Coeur Airport (1HO) in St. Louis, Missouri, by calling Rod Hightower at
314-302-8174.
ROTORWAY EXPANDS
As part of RotorWay
International's recent acquisition of PMC manufacturing, Rotorway and
PMC will combine operations resulting in a 20 percent net increase in
employees in the United States. The combined company will eventually
consolidate its four U.S. locations into one large ISO/AS certified
manufacturing environment. The intermediate step will be to combine the
manufacturing and assembly buildings into one location. Rotorway
continues to expand despite the down economy; the company has outgrown
its new Chandler facility and is looking for larger premises. Learn more
at www.Rotorway.com or call
480-961-1001.
REVISED SERVICE
INSTRUCTIONS FROM ROTAX
Rotax has released
SI-912-003 R2 / SI-914-005 R2: Oil Connections with UNF Threads (AN-8)
for Rotax Engine Type 912 and 914 series engines. A new UNF thread
(AN-8) fitting with an 8-degree slope is now available. This fitting is
designed to be placed at the bottom of the crankcase for oil return line
connection to the oil tank. This fitting allows more clearance and
routing options for the connection of standard Aeroquip or Stratoflex
oil lines. The fitting can be ordered as a spare part, or as an optional
configuration on a new engine. Visit www.Rotax-Owner.com
to learn more.
AVIAT HUSKY FITTED
WITH P.K. AMPHIBIOUS FLOATS
P.K. Floats has completed
the certification process for a new amphibious float design that can be
used on all Husky 180- and 200-hp aircraft. The aluminum floats,
reportedly the lightest in class in the float industry, weigh 409
pounds, but add just 295 pounds after the landing gear is removed. The
PK2250A floats do not require a ventral fin, saving owners $3,600 and
re-installation every season. P.K. Floats has also completed flight
testing and applied for a gross weight increase that will boost the
Husky from its current 2,200 pounds to 2,400 pounds. For more
information, visit www.AviatAircraft.com
or www.pkfloats.com.
$99.9K BUYS A LEGEND
CUB
American Legend Aircraft
Company announced limited availability of its Legend Cub at the reduced
price of $99,895. The Legend Cub is a certified light-sport aircraft and
will be available at the reduced price in a ready-to-fly configuration
for the next five order positions. The offer is being promoted as "Aeronomic
Stimulus" for pilots seeking ways to fulfill their passion for
flying in these economically challenging times. Learn more at www.Legend.aero.
SAVE UP TO $500 ON
OREGON AERO SMARTCUSHION
Until May 31, production
aircraft owners and pilots can get $250 off any single Oregon Aero VK
SmartCushion Seat Cushion Upgrade and $500 off two single Seat Cushion
Upgrades. The company also is working with Aircraft Banking Centers,
Inc. of Locust Grove, Georgia, to provide competitive financing and
refinancing for VK SmartCushion Upgrade customers or for those choosing
a complete aircraft interior upgrade from Oregon Aero. Visit www.OregonAero.com
or call 800-888-6910 to learn more.
|
|
|
