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April
24, 2009 Volume 9,
Number 17 |
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EAA CONTINUES TO FIGHT
TSA AIRPORT SECURITY DIRECTIVE
 The
June 1 implementation deadline for the controversial TSA Security
Directive 1542-08F looms with no firm indication that TSA will adjust
its position in response to protests and concerns from EAA and other
general aviation groups. The directive applies to airports where general
aviation operations coexist with scheduled airline service, even where
the airline service is scant. Some details of the TSA directive started
coming to light late last year, as airport officials began advising
airport users to prepare for security changes. Read
more
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SPORTY'S HELPS YOUNG
EAGLES SOAR
New program provides logbook, access to online training
 EAA
and Sporty's Pilot Shop announced today at Sun 'n Fun a partnership to
enhance the EAA Young Eagles Program, a nationwide initiative that has
used general aviation to touch the lives of more than 1.4 million youths
since its inception in 1992. Through this partnership, young people who
receive an inspirational and educational introduction to personal flight
via the EAA Young Eagles Program will also receive from Sporty's the
tools they'll need to take the next steps in pursuing their interest in
aviation. Read
more
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LAKELAND DIGEST: EAA AT
SUN 'N FUN 2009
 The
Sun 'n Fun Fly-In in Lakeland, Florida, is living up to its name this
week, with a bright blue sky and sunshine…and lots of aviation fun.
Members of EAA's Publications and Photo staffs have been covering the
field to find interesting content for upcoming magazines, e-newsletters,
and web reports. Click
here for a quick update on some of what they've found new and
interesting.
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EAA'S SWEEPSTAKES DAY AT
SUN 'N FUN
 "Share
the Spirit Sweepstakes Day," held on Wednesday at Sun 'n Fun, drew
crowds to the EAA Welcome Center for a chance to win. And, as an added
bonus everyone that entered also received a free gift - the newly
updated Oshkosh: Spirit of Aviation video. Didn't make it to Sun 'n Fun?
Don't worry, you still have time to enter for your chance to win the
Flight Design MC light-sport aircraft, including a $10,000 Chevron
Alliance fuel credit plus 50,000 points in the FlyBuys
rewards program, or the RotorWay A600 Talon helicopter kit,
accompanied by a $20,000 student credit at RotorWay's Flight Training
Facility. Other sweepstakes prizes include a John Deere tractor, a Canon
Digital Camera, and a Bose Wave music system. By entering EAA's 2009
Share the Spirit Sweepstakes you not only have a chance to win, 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. Enter
the sweepstakes online.
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AIRCRAFT GROUPS GATHER
FOR OSHKOSH JOURNEY
Still time for pilots to be a part of some group fights to AirVenture
 As
aircraft from around the world again make their way to EAA AirVenture
Oshkosh this summer, hundreds of aviators gather together to arrive at
"The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration" in flocks of
similar aircraft, creating their own communities along the flight line.
Groups scheduled to arrive en masse at Oshkosh in 2009 include Cessna
150s and 152s, in honor of the Cessna 150's 50th anniversary; plus Beech
Bonanzas (Bonanzas to Oshkosh); Cessnas (Cessnas 2 Oshkosh); Mooneys
(Mooney Caravan); Comanches, and custom-built Van's RV airplanes. In
addition, groups of warbirds such as the T-6, T-28, T-34 and Nanchang
"Red Stars" will arrive as groups during the afternoon air
show on Monday, July 27. Read
more
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PLAY THE YOUNG EAGLES
CELEBRITY GOLF CLASSIC
 Entries
are now open for the second annual Young Eagles Celebrity Golf Classic,
scheduled for Friday, July 31 during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. The event,
which will benefit EAA's Young Eagles and youth programs, provides
transportation to Lawsonia Golf Course from EAA convention grounds for a
great day of golf with some of aviation's most notable flyers and other
golfing greats. Prizes go to the top golfer, top foursome, and a
hole-in-one at the 13th hole wins a Remos Light Sport Aircraft! Golfers
will return to AirVenture grounds in time to catch the afternoon air
show and join Tom Poberezny for the President's BBQ. Visit the special
sign-up page to learn more and enter your foursome!
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HOMEBUILDING HINT OF THE
WEEK: CUTTING AND FITTING A SONEX CANOPY
 In
this segment, John Monnett shows the basic steps of cutting and fitting
a canopy on a Sonex. John Monnett is the founder of Sonex Aircraft, is
an aircraft designer and builder, and is also a member of the EAA
Homebuilders Hall of Fame. Watch
the video.
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TOM POBEREZNY TO SPEAK AT
WICHITA AERO CLUB JUNE FUND RAISER
 EAA
Chairman/President Tom Poberezny will deliver the keynote address at a
special fund-raising event sponsored by the Wichita Aero Club to raise
funds for more than 10,000 aviation workers in the Wichita area who have
been laid off or displaced in recent months. The "No Black
Tie" Black Tie Ball, in cooperation with the United Way of the
Plains, calls on attendees to save the money they would have spent on
tuxedos or evening wear and use it to purchase items at the silent
auction, thereby contributing to the United Way's Laid Off Workers Fund.
For more information, visit www.wichitaaeroclub.org.
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FAA WITHDRAWING REPAIR
STATION NPRM
The FAA has plans to withdraw a
controversial December 2006 notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that
called for new repair station ratings classifications, capabilities
lists and quality systems. The rule would have also required the
designation of a chief inspector and mandated permanent housing for
facilities, equipment, materials and personnel. "We are withdrawing
the NPRM because we have determined that it does not adequately address
the current repair station environment and because of the significant
issues commenters raised," the agency (FAA) said. Read
more
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EAA SPORTAIR'S EFFORTS
WITH EAA CHAPTERS, AIM SCHOOLS CREATES NEW SESSIONS
EAA SportAir Workshops is providing new
course opportunities for aspiring homebuilders and restorers through a
continuing alliance with EAA Chapters and Aviation Institute Of
Maintenance (AIM) Schools, reports Mark Forss, SportAir Workshops
coordinator. Read
more
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EAA' B-17 TOUR ROLLS ON
IN CALIFORNIA
 Northern
California residents will have several opportunities to see and ride in
EAA's historic B-17 bomber in the coming weeks. The annual tour visits
Hayward April 24-26, hosted by EAA Vintage Chapter 29; Stockton April
28-29, hosted by EAA Chapter 1432; and Napa, May 1-3, hosted by EAA
Chapter 167. To book your unforgettable flight at one of these stops, or for a
list of future events, visit www.B17.org
or call 800-359-6217. Watch
video.
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WHERE ARE YOU FLYING
THIS WEEKEND?
 "Runway
Gumbo" Lunch Fly-In - Gladewater Municipal Airport, Texas
EAA Chapter 972 is hosting a "Runway Gumbo" lunch fly-in on
the airport prepared by members of EAA chapters 1100 and 1300. Lawn
picnic table seating, fixins and liquids. Donations welcome, chatter
expected. Lies? Probably. New area for parking planes. Come on down. For
more information, visit www.eaa972.org,
or contact Bob Tippens, 903-574-3641. (Send
an e-mail.)
To learn more about calendar events, or
to find/submit others, visit www.EAAcalendar.org.
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EARNING HIS WINGS
Crosswind landings can be a real workout
 "In
my last lesson, we had a crosswind component of 6-9 knots (gusting
12-14). The first couple approaches were tricky, then I started to get
the hang of it. Then I started getting tired and they became tricky
again. I've never been more exhausted after a lesson.
With all landings, but especially in
crosswinds, I learned you constantly have to be making corrections to
stay directionally-aligned with the runway. It's really a fun challenge,
though.
I encourage you to watch the video to see
the learning curve I experienced in this lesson. Buckle up your seatbelt
though, there's a couple good bounces."
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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SIGN-UP NOW FOR EAA AIR
ACADEMY YOUNG EAGLES AND BASIC CAMPS
 Spaces
are going fast, but there is still room to sign up for the EAA Air
Academy Young Eagles and Basic Camps this summer. The EAA Young Eagles
Camp introduces ages 12-13 to the wondrous world of aviation, while
EAA's Basic Camp offers students ages 14-15 intermediate aviation
experiences. Small group activities and close counselor relationships
present aviation material through a unique combination of fun and
discovery in a science camp format. For more information, visit www.airacademy.org.
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EAA 'TIMELESS VOICE OF
THE WEEK': KRISTY KIERNAN
 Kristy
Kiernan has always wanted to be an astronaut. She kept after that goal,
majoring in neuroscience at Brown University and learning to fly in the
university's flying club. To continue flying and build time, Kristy
joined the United States Coast Guard in 1992, where she became a HU-25
"Guardian" Falcon Jet pilot. Kristy then became a flight
instructor and standardization officer at the Coast Guard Aviation
Training Center at Mobile, Alabama. In 2000 she and her husband had a
daughter, and a year later the Coast Guard solicited for two
positions-an internship with NASA and an opening at test pilot
school-both routes to becoming an astronaut. Kristy found herself and
her goal at a crossroads-to find out what happened, watch
the video.
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EAA MEMBERS SAVE $20 ON
THE SET OF BINGELIS BOOKS
 EAA
members who buy the complete set of four Tony Bingelis best-selling
books save $20 off the regular, non-member price. Now available for only
$69.99, the set includes: Engines - a treasure of information for
all aircraft builders, restorers and mechanics; Firewall Forward
- engine installation for amateur-built aircraft; Sportplane Builder
- construction methods for amateur builders; and Sportplane
Construction - an essential handbook for light-aircraft
homebuilders. Order
online or call our toll-free number, 800-564-6322.
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Q
& A:
Question of
the Week
For EAA
Information Services
I need to
form cable and control fairings for my Waiex. Any
tips on how to go about it? I do have a small (18in)
bending brake. I can order plastic ones but would
rather make them out of aluminum.
Answer:
The easiest way is to use some cardboard from an
empty cereal box to make a template. Make sure the
control cables are hooked up so you know how to get
the correct angle, then just cut and fold your
template until you get what you want. Be sure to
leave enough space so that the cable does not bind
throughout its complete range of travel.
Also,
make sure you have enough material on the flanges
that attach to the fuselage side skin that you can
rivet easily and maintain proper spacing and edge
distance of the rivets.
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.
May
2009
EAA
Desktop Calendar
Our featured
calendar image for May is Tom Wathen's beautiful
replica of the Rider R-4 Schoenfelt Firecracker, a
plane that won many races during the Golden Age of
air racing. The plane is also featured in EAA's
World of Flight 2009 Calendar. (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.
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CESSNA SKYCATCHER TO
RE-ENTER DEVELOPMENT
Cessna Aircraft Company announced at Sun 'n
Fun this week that development of the Model 162 SkyCatcher program
continues. A production SkyCatcher, built in Wichita, Kansas, was
involved in an incident during a flight test on March 19. The aircraft
was undergoing an aggressive spin test regime, power on and
cross-controlled, when it entered a spin that was not immediately
recoverable. This spin test was one of more than 500 flown to date using
various combinations of center-of-gravity positions, power settings,
flap settings, and control inputs. The pilot deployed the airframe
parachute in accordance with the flight test procedure and emerged from
the aircraft unhurt after it touched down. In coming weeks, Cessna will
gather additional wind tunnel data. That information, combined with data
from recent spin testing, will be used to refine the configuration
before spin testing will be resumed. www.cessna.com.
HAWKER BEECHCRAFT
SUSTAINABLE FUEL TEST FLIGHTS
In a partnership with Teledyne Continental
Motors (TCM) and Swift Enterprises, Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC)
has completed the industry's first successful test flights on unleaded
aviation fuel and Swift Sustainable Fuel. Using a Beech Bonanza G36, the
accomplishment represents a step toward the future of unleaded,
sustainable fuel-powered aircraft. "We project that Swift Fuel will
extend aircraft range through increased efficiency and could cost up to
50 percent less per gallon than 100LL,” said Jon Ziulkowski, Swift
Enterprises vice president of renewable fuels. “This will be a big
boost to piston aircraft operators and something we are proud to be
involved in." For more information, visit www.hawkerbeechcraft.com.
CIRRUS NEWS; 'FIKI'
APPROVAL, ONLINE FORUM LAUNCHED
Cirrus Aircraft has received final FAA approval for the newly designed
Known Ice Protection system for Cirrus Aircraft SR22 and Turbo models.
Developed in partnership with CAV Ice Protection Ltd., the newly
designed system allows "flight into known ice" (FIKI) using
CAV's fully integrated TKS "weeping wing" technology in
laser-drilled panels on the leading edges of wings, horizontal, and
vertical tail surfaces and elevator. Learn
more.
GARMIN REBATES AND
MORE
Garmin is offering a limited time, $5,000 "Spring Special"
retrofit rebate on the G600 all-glass avionics system. Simply purchase a
G600 system to qualify for this rebate. This $5,000 rebate may also be
combined with the Garmin incentive program where customers can earn up
to an additional $4,000 in rebates off of a G600 package when they
purchase selected Garmin aviation panel products (up to $9,000 in total
rebates available). The rebate period began on April 21, 2009, and
extends through June 30, 2009.
Garmin has unveiled a new eLearning
computer-based training program that walks customers through their
Garmin products step-by-step. The eLearning Program is available on CD.
The 696/695 will be the first training CD available, and customers can
purchase it from Garmin dealers at Sun 'n Fun.
The Garmin Pilot My-Cast offerings are
growing; AOPA's Airport Directory and Canadian weather data are now
available on your cell phone with Pilot My-Cast by Garmin. This content
is in addition to the U.S. weather and flight filing data already
available on Pilot My-Cast. Pilot My-Cast is compatible with many
popular phone models, such as BlackBerry and Windows Mobile devices, and
is available from all major wireless carriers in the U.S. including
AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, Alltel, and more. Visit www.Garmin.com
to learn more.
FIRST CROSSING OF THE
ALPS BY A SOLAR AIRPLANE
Ninety-nine years after the first crossing of the Alps made by an
airplane, Eric Raymond has piloted the solar-powered Sunseeker II on the
first crossing made by a solar airplane. The flight marks a significant
achievement for solar powered aircraft and further demonstrates the
viability of electric vehicles and renewable energy sources. Solar
Flight's team is engaged in a flying tour of Europe with the Sunseeker
II. For more information, visit www.solar-flight.com/europetour.
INTRODUCING STORM
CENTURY LSA
The Storm Century LSA, built by Storm Aircraft of Italy, is now
available and being represented in the US by Air Elite Aviation, Inc.
Available in tricycle gear or taildragger, the low wing Century, an
all-metal design, includes specs such as max cruise 120 knots, climb
1,000 fpm (with 100-hp Rotax 912S), never-exceed speed 167 knots,
take-off roll 360 feet, and nearly 1,000 mile range with 32 gallons of
fuel. For more information call 269-273-8441 or visit www.AirEliteAviation.com.
FAA BIRD STRIKE DATA
AVAILABLE ON FRIDAY
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will make its entire Bird
Strike database available on a public website this Friday, April 24.
Portions of the database have been available since the information was
first collected in 1990, but the public will now be able to access all
of the database's fields. The FAA is also withdrawing a proposal to
protect the data, after a 30-day comment period closed earlier this
week. The FAA has determined that it can release the data without
jeopardizing aviation safety. Access the database on the FAA
website.
ECi ANNOUNCES TITAN
EXP CYLINDER ASSEMBLIES
ECi now offers a new cylinder head for the experimental market, the
Titan EXP Anger Valve cylinder for 360, 480, and 540-series engines with
downdraft exhaust systems. ECi is providing the experimental market with
a cylinder that features a venturi intake seat for better breathing and
a choice of 14mm or 18mm spark plug bosses. The cylinder is available in
wide deck or narrow deck barrel patterns as well as long reach or short
reach spark plug bosses. Learn more at www.eci.aero/exp/cyl_anglevalve.aspx.
SPORT PILOT SUMMER
CAMP FOR TEENS
The US Flight Academy will offer high school students an unusual concept
for summer camp. Teens over the age of 17 will go home with a sport
pilot certificate at the end of three weeks. Each three-week class,
starting on June 15, will provide students with the ground school needed
to pass the written exam and all the hours required to achieve
proficiency to pass a flight test. Cost of the program is $6,250.
Options are available for younger students, as well. Learn more at www.USSportPlanes.com
or call Justin Shelley at 940-383-2484.
TECNAM
DONATES NEW PLANE TO EMBRY RIDDLE
Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam Srl. and Michael and Lynne Birmingham,
US distributors for the Tecnam aircraft line have donated a 2009
Tecnam P-92 Echo Classic, a light-sport aircraft valued at $125,000, to
Embry-Riddle's Daytona Beach flight team. The flight team will be the
first in the nation to fly the new plane in the upcoming National
Intercollegiate Flying Association's SAFECON 2009 competition May 17-29
at Parks College of St. Louis University. The P-92 can cruise at 114
knots at 75 percent power, burning less than four gallons of fuel per
hour. It has a 100-horsepower Rotax engine, with a basic weight of 710
pounds and a maximum takeoff weight of 1,320 pounds. Learn more at www.EmbryRiddle.edu
or www.Tecnam.com.
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