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May
29, 2009 Volume 9,
Number 22 |
JUNE 1 TSA SECURITY
DIRECTIVE DEADLINE STANDS
EAA Continues to Urge Withdrawal or Modification
 EAA
has been urging the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to
withdraw or substantially modify Security Directive 1542-04-08F,
commonly referred to as "8F", which would require background
checks and photo identification for any pilot needing unescorted access
to participating airports that serve commercial airlines. But during a
conference call with industry organizations this week, TSA reaffirmed
the Monday, June 1 deadline for final implementation.
Although TSA initially delayed the
deadline by several months, there has been no substantive rewrite of the
policy or change in direction by TSA in the interim. EAA has actively
opposed 8F since its release late last year, drawing attention to its
profound operational impact on general aviation activities at airports
with any level of commercial air carrier service. Read
more
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E-LSA TRAINER ISSUES
BEING ADDRESSED
 During
this spring's Sun 'n Fun Fly-In in Lakeland, Florida, there was
considerable discussion about the upcoming January 31, 2010, deadline
for using converted experimental light-sport aircraft (E-LSA) as
trainers. If no action is taken, authorization to use those
ultralight-like aircraft for flight training will expire on that date,
and pilots of ultralights and low-mass/high-drag LSA (which are limited
to 87 knots maximum speed) will find it difficult to obtain dual
instruction in aircraft with ultralight-like flight characteristics.
EAA and FAA recognize there is a critical
need for access to sport pilot training in low-mass/high-drag
(ultralight-like) light-sport aircraft. Late last fall, EAA proposed a
revision in FAA policy that would preserve access to ultralight-like
training aircraft and instructors. At the EAA/FAA Summit held in Oshkosh
in February of this year, the directors of FAA Flight Standards and FAA
Aircraft Certification told EAA that the agency is taking specific steps
to address the issue to ensure continued access to flight training
services for the most basic sport aviators.
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EAA YOUNG EAGLES TAKING
ADVANTAGE OF SPORTY'S FREE FLIGHT TRAINING
 The
partnership between the EAA Young Eagles Program and Sporty's Pilot Shop
announced in late April is already reaping fruit. More than 100 young
people participating in the EAA Young Eagles Program, which provides
educational and inspirational aircraft rides to roughly 80,000 youths
each year, have enrolled in the free Sporty's Online Complete Pilot
Training Course. Read more
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SENATE CONFIRMS BABBITT
TO LEAD FAA
 The
Senate has confirmed J. Randolph (Randy) Babbitt as FAA Administrator,
filling the position held by acting Administrators since Marion Blakey
stepped down in September 2007. A former airline pilot, Babbitt
previously served as president of the Airline Pilots Association. Most
recently he was a partner at Oliver Wyman, an international aviation
consulting firm. Read
more
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VIRGINIA REGIONAL
FESTIVAL OF FLIGHT BEGINS SATURDAY
 The 12th Annual Virginia Regional
Festival of Flight is this weekend, May 30-31 at the Suffolk Executive Airport
(SFQ). Homebuilders flying in from as far away as
Missouri, Florida, and New York will join the wide selection
of homebuilts and restored aircraft on display. In addition,
hundreds of antiques, classics, warbirds, ultralights, and light-sport
aircraft should fill the show plane area. A record number of exhibitors,
vendors, and forums are scheduled, according to Judy
Sparks, Fly-In manager. The family-friendly event includes
radio-controlled flight demonstrations and hands-on activities for kids,
such as model rocket launches and a presentation by NASA scientists.
Pancakes will be served from at 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. each day, and
several food vendors will be on site. Also scheduled are 35 forum
presentations, including the FAA
Charting Office's two-hour VFR and IFR map forums on Saturday. To see forum schedules and learn more, visit the fly-in website www.VirginiaFlyIn.org.
Pilots are urged to visit the website to learn of special approach
procedures for ultralights and other general aviation aircraft.
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FLY FOR LIFE: PROFILES IN
CARING
 "Fly
For Life" at EAA AirVenture 2009 will recognize and celebrate the
breadth and depth of good works by those who offer aviation services for
the benefit of their fellow citizens of the world. Public Benefit
Aviation (PBA) - volunteer pilots and aviation enthusiasts who
dedicate their time, skills, and  resources to help people; and Mission
Aviation (MA) - Christians working to bring the transforming message
of Jesus Christ to people living in remote, difficult-to-access places;
provide vital humanitarian and spiritual support that would otherwise go
unserved. For more information, visit www.Fly4Life.org.
Our
second profile in our series features Gene Jordan, who served as
a pilot with the Mission Aviation Fellowship in Ecuador for 22 years.
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HOMEBUILDING HINTS OF THE
WEEK: SHEET METAL TOOLS 101, AND VALVE ADJUSTMENT
 Our
first of two hints this week has veteran sheet metal aircraft builder
Jack Dueck and Sheet Metal Tools 101. In this video, Jack
discusses the basic sheet metal tools and how to operate them. Jack is a
Technical Counselor, Sportair Workshop Instructor and member of both the
EAA Homebuilt Aircraft Council and Canadian Council. Watch
now.
Our second bonus video this week
features Jeremy Monnett of Sonex Aircraft, demonstrates the proper
technique to adjust the valves on a VW-based engine conversion. Sonex
Aircraft offers the AeroVee Engine, which is a complete VW conversion
engine kit. This hint was originally featured in the May edition of
EAA's Experimenter newsletter (subscribe
here). Watch
now.
Now available - DVD, Hints for
Homebuilders - Sheet Metal - Volume 1 - now you can view 19 helpful
hints from experienced builders anywhere-on a big-screen TV, at chapter
meetings, or on a computer with a DVD drive. They're available for a
members' special price of $9.95 through
the EAA online store or by calling 800-564-6322.
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EAA, AVIATION GROUPS
SUPPORT AMENDMENT TO TSA AUTHORIZATION BILL
EAA joined five other aviation organizations in support of an amendment
authored by Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.) aimed at curtailing the
Transportation Security Administration's issuance of regulations and
security directives (SDs) using emergency procedures to bypass the
Administrative Procedures Act (APA). The amendment is for HR 2200, The
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Authorization Act. Read
more
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HOUSE FAA REAUTHORIZATION
PASSES, AGAIN WITHOUT USER FEES
The House has passed the FAA Reauthorization
Act of 2009 (H.R.915), which would continue funding the agency through
2012 using excise taxes on fuel and airline tickets and a general fund
contribution, but no user fees. The bill would provide $70 billion for
FAA programs, including NextGen funding, between fiscal years
2009-2012. Read
more
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'FLY THE FORD' MIDWEST
TOUR BEGINS JUNE 4 IN AURORA, ILLINOIS
 EAA's
meticulously restored and maintained 1929 Ford Tri-Motor takes to the
air in Aurora, Illinois, on June 4 to kick off the seven-city Fly The
Ford mini flight tour. The airplane, powered by three Pratt &
Whitney R985 engines, gives passengers an opportunity to experience air
travel as it was in aviation's "Golden Age" - low and slow (90
mph), and with a spectacular view. Read
more
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EAA'S B-17 TRAVELS TO
UTAH; JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP
 EAA's
B-17 national tour featuring Aluminum Overcast visits
Ogden, Utah, this weekend for a tour stop hosted by EAA Chapter 23, May 29-31. The
Wings Over the Rockies Museum welcomes the airplane June 3-9 in Denver,
Colorado, offering historic flight experiences and ground tours. You can
book your reservation for an unforgettable flight or find a list of
future events at www.B17.org, or call
800-359-6217 for more information. Watch
video.
Become a fan of EAA's
B-17 "Aluminum Overcast" Facebook page!
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ENROLL NOW FOR EAA'S
WOMEN SOAR YOU SOAR 2009
 Young
women in grades 9-12 are eligible to enroll in EAA's Women Soar You Soar
2009 program. Now in its fifth year, Women Soar introduces enrollees to
more than 20 outstanding female mentors, from engineers to fighter
pilots, working in a variety of aviation and aerospace fields. The
three-day event, July 26-28, 2009, will include activities such as
flight simulation, workshops, career exploration, and mentor sessions -
aimed at engaging, inspiring, and educating young women to pursue their
dreams in aviation and beyond. The enrollment deadline is July 10, 2009,
or until all spaces are filled. Find out more about Women Soar You Soar
2009 at www.airventure.org/womensoar
or call 800-236-1025.
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OCCURRENCE VS. CLAIM
By Bob Mackey, Representative for
the EAA Aircraft Insurance Plan, Administered by Falcon Insurance Agency
 It's
a pleasant summer evening, you're enjoying the smooth air flying your
favorite Aeronca Champ, just taking in all the beauty of the season.
Your destination is a private grass strip, not too far away, and maybe
1,800 feet long. The place is owned by a good friend who keeps his J-3
Cub there, and some other friends have already flown in for brats and
burgers. With light and variable winds, you can land from either the
north or the south - it makes no difference. Since you are coming from
the south, landing to the north is what you decide to do. With a
45-degree to final approach you line up on the runway and prepared for
what you hope will be a smooth touch down. Just as you're getting ready
to cross the road you remember the unmarked power-line and you add power
and even though your touch down will be further down the strip you know
you've got plenty of room. As you cross the road you feel a little bump
and proceed with a picture perfect landing. Read
more
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ENROLL TODAY IN EAA BELL
47 HELICOPTER FANTASY CAMP
 Thoroughly
explore the Bell 47 helicopter, one of the more recognizable rotorcraft
ever built, at EAA's Bell 47 Fantasy Flight Camp September 11-13. The
Bell 47 has been a major part of our history and popular culture, thanks
to TV shows Whirlybirds and M*A*S*H. This weekend ground school will
explore the unique aircraft with segments on rotorcraft aerodynamics,
Bell 47 systems, utility helicopter operations, and a Bell 47 flight
experience. To learn more about this and other EAA Fantasy Flight Camps,
visit www.fantasyflightcamp.org.
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WHERE ARE YOU FLYING THIS
WEEKEND?
 EAA
Chapter 531 Chili Fly-in and FAA Safety Seminar, Salem, Ohio
Join Youngstown Chapter 531 at Salem Air Park at 10 a.m. Saturday, May
30,for a Chili Fly-In with safety seminar by Air Traffic Controller Jim
Shearer from Akron-Canton Airport. For more information visit
http://eaa531.tripod.com or contact Carol Check, 330-720-7142.
EAA Chapter 745 Pancake Breakfast,
White Bear Lake, Minnesota
Enjoy some great food and friendship with a Vintage Airplane
atmosphere., 8 a.m.-2 p.m., on Saturday, May 30, at the Benson Airport.
For more information contact Kim Faber, 763-503-0161.
To learn more about calendar events, or
to find/submit others, visit www.EAAcalendar.org.
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EAA 'TIMELESS VOICE OF
THE WEEK': JAMAIL LARKINS
 Jamail
Larkins took his first airplane flight at the age of 12 as a participant
in EAA’s Young Eagles program. The experience led him to passionately
pursue his dream of flight. At age 14, Jamail traveled to Canada, where
he became one of the youngest pilots to solo an airplane. In January of
2000 at age 16 he soloed in the United States, and that same month
became the national spokesman for EAA’s Vision of Eagles program that
at the time encompassed all of the organization’s education programs,
including Young Eagles, EAA Air Academy and the S-M-T Program. After
high school Jamail began flying aerobatics, and has since performed in
numerous air shows. While attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
in Daytona Beach, Florida, Jamail founded the DreamLaunch Tour - a
nationwide tour designed to educate students about their career
opportunities in the aviation industry. Watch
the video.
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SAVE 20% ON MUST-HAVE
BOOK FOR BUILDERS, RESTORERS: 'AC-43.13'
 For
one week only, EAA members save 20 percent on AC-43.13-1B/2A, Acceptable
Methods, Techniques, and Practices, the "bible" of aircraft
maintenance, repair and modification. "43.13," as it's
commonly known, is used (or should be used) by every homebuilder,
restorer, and A&P mechanic. 43.13 is one of the books EAA recommends
at all of our SportAir Workshops and other presentations, and is simply
a "must have" if you're building or restoring an aircraft. Get
yours for only $19.96 through June 3. Order
online or by calling toll-free, 800-564-6322.
*Special reminder: The exclusive
AirVenture merchandise available only with advance ticket purchases will
expire June 15, so order yours today at www.airventure.org/tickets.
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Q
& A:
Question of
the Week
For EAA
Information Services
If I register
my homebuilt as an experimental amateur-built
aircraft but it qualifies under the light sport
category, can it be flown by a sport pilot as a
light-sport aircraft or does it have to be
registered as a experimental light-sport (E-LSA) for
a sport pilot to fly it?
Answer:
Your aircraft does not need to be registered as an
E-LSA for it to be flown by a sport pilot, and here’s
why:
An LSA is defined by
performance and configuration parameters, not
make/model, or construction methods or even
certification. That is why you will notice that in
the FAR definition, no mention is made of whether
the aircraft is S-LSA, E-LSA, Experimental Amateur
Built, or Standard Type Certificated, even though
aircraft in all of these areas will qualify as an
LSA if they meet the performance and configuration
criteria as listed.
So long as an
aircraft meets all of the criteria specified by the
FAR 1.1 definition of Light-Sport Aircraft, and has
done so since its initial airworthiness certification to
present, it can be operated by a person exercising
sport pilot privileges with a Sport Pilot
Certificate
or higher.
If you wish to
explore further, visit www.sportpilot.org
and click on The Rules.
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.
June
2009
EAA
Desktop Calendar
Mike
Smith's Pitts S-1T, whose paint scheme pays homage
to the late Art Scholl and his Pitts biplane, was
photographed over the Gulf of Mexico by EAA's Jim
Koepnick.
Download
this wallpaper image at the EAA
website, where you can choose among several different
resolutions to suit
your screen - including three wide-screen
sizes...or select an image from the archive.
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ICON A5 WATER TESTS
COMPLETE
ICON Aircraft has completed a series of rigorous hydrostatic and
hydrodynamic tests on the ICON A5, a two-seat amphibious sport plane.
These tests verified the basic hull performance for typical seaplane
operations, as well as expanding the envelope into higher winds, rougher
sea states, and advanced maneuvering. As testing for the A5 continues, a
number of areas are still being refined and optimized including gear
installation, aerodynamic enhancements, hull drag reduction,
water-rudder improvements, and spray-pattern optimization.
Flight-testing of the prototype is scheduled to continue throughout
2009. The estimated base price of the ICON A5 is $139,000 and orders are
now being accepted at www.iconaircraft.com
with a refundable $5,000 deposit. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in
late 2010.
FLY MARKET PLANNED
JUNE 20 IN TEXAS
Folks in Texas wanting to buy or sell aircraft tools, parts, projects,
etc. will have an opportunity to do so at the first ever Fly Market
planned for Saturdaym June 20, at the Gillespie County Airport in
Fredericksburg. Fly in and put your sale items under the wing of your
airplane, drive in and bring a table to display sale items, or bring a
pickup truck and park on the south edge of the ramp. Whatever you sell
is all yours - there is no charge or fee for the event. Organizers from
the former Texas Fly In (SWRFI) indicate that if successful, this will
turn into an annual event.
Sale begins at 9 a.m. and runs until 3
p.m. in the Fritz Aviation Hangar area. Any chapter that would like to
participate by selling food and refreshments should contact Stan Shannon
at 830-997-8802, 830-456-2182 (mobile) or stan@ss44tx.com.
DYNON ANNOUNCES NEW
GLASS PANELS, SOFTWARE UPDATE
Dynon Avionics has announced the release of two new EFIS (Electronic
Flight Instrument System) products. The EFIS-D6 and EFIS-D60 are simpler
versions of the well-proven 4-inch EFIS-D10A and 7-inch EFIS-D100. The
primary functions duplicate a traditional six-pack: airspeed, attitude,
altitude, turn coordinator, gyro stabilized heading (DG), and vertical
speed, while also adding a voltmeter and altitude encoder. The EFIS-D6
and EFIS-D60 offer modern glass panel avionics at the low cost of only
$1,600 and $1,900.
Dynon Avionics has also announced the
release of new software version 5.1 for their EFIS (Electronic Flight
Instrument System) and EMS (Engine Monitoring System) products. This
upgrade is free to all existing EFIS-D10A, EFIS-D100, FlightDEK-D180,
EMS-D10, and EMS-D120 customers and ships with new instruments. For more
information visit www.DynonAvionics.com.
LEGEND CUB FINANCING
AVAILABLE THOUGH AIRFLEET
American Legend Aircraft Company now has new aircraft financing
available for the Legend Cub through AirFleet Capital. Customers can fly
away in a new airplane for as little as $689 per month. Terms of
financing are simple, requiring a minimum of 15% down. Fixed rate
financing on a 20-year note and no penalty for early payment ensure that
costs will not increase. For more information visit www.legend.aero.
GREEN SKY ADVENTURES
OFFERS FREE HACMAN AS INCENTIVE
Green Sky Adventures, Inc. is now
offering their HACman mixture control as a free incentive with the
purchase of any complete Grand Rapids Technologies Engine Information
System with FlowScan Fuel Flow. Pricing for the GRT EIS starts at $890,
including US shipping. The GRT EIS works with most popular Experimental
2- and 4-stroke engines; the HACman Mixture Control is compatible with
most HKS, Jabiru, and Rotax 2- or 4-stroke engines equipped with Bing
Carburetors. For more information visit www.GreenSkyAdventures.com.
33RD MEYERS OWNERS
GATHERING AT FLABOB
Flabob Airport and the Wathen Foundation will play host to the 33rd
annual gathering of Meyers Aircraft on June 10-14. Founded in 1976, the
Meyers Aircraft Owners Association is dedicated to the three production
aircraft manufactured by Allen H. Meyers. These include the Meyers OTW
("Out To Win"), a two-seat, open cockpit biplane; the Meyers
145 and 200, which are both low-wing, all-aluminum, retractable gear
aircraft. This year's fly-in, which is open to the public free of charge,
will feature visits to the March Field Museum and the Planes of Fame.
There will also be a fly out to Santa Paula. Maintenance meetings are
planned for owners and a banquet is scheduled for Saturday night. For
additional information visit www.Flabob.org.
WORLD DIRECTORY OF
FREE-FLIGHT
Foot-launch pilots now have an inexpensive directory that can help them
choose their next aircraft, harness, or flight instrument. Paragliders,
paramotors, hang gliders, powered hang gliders, harnesses, instruments,
propellers, accessories, flying organizations - they're all among the
more than 1,500 aircraft covered in the new World Directory of
Free-Flight (WDFF). WDFF is produced by the same team of aviation
journalists as the World Directory of Leisure Aviation and runs
170 color pages. It is also available in French and German. WDFF is
available by mail order from Key Publishing at PO Box 100, Stamford,
Lincs PE9 1XQ, UK, or e-mail ann.saundry@keypublishing.com
for more information. www.keypublishing.com.
CESSNA EARNS FLIGHT
INSTRUCTOR SAFETY STAND DOWN
Cessna Aircraft Company has received FAA approval for its flight
instructor safety stand down, a first for any aircraft original
equipment manufacturer (OEM). The safety stand down is a training
seminar designed for flight instructors, flight instructor candidates
and commercial pilots who may have an interest in becoming flight
instructors. The course serves as an all-inclusive training event for
several mandated recurrent courses with an emphasis on using new
technology to enhance aviation safety. The course will also serve as a
flight instructor refresher clinic.
The first-ever Cessna Flight Instructor Safety Stand Down is scheduled
for June 13-14 in San Diego, California. More information can be found
at www.cessna.com/training
and the registration site at www.cessnaElearning.com.
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