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September
4, 2009 Volume 9,
Number 43 |
FAA
ANNOUNCES PRACTICAL PLAN TO ENHANCE SAFETY IN NEW YORK AIRSPACE
The FAA announced Wednesday a
plan to revise flight procedures over the Hudson River to create “safe,
dedicated operating corridors” for all the aircraft that fly at lower
altitudes around Manhattan. The action, based on findings by the New
York Airspace Task Force, is in response to the crash in early August
between a sightseeing helicopter and a Piper PA32 that claimed nine
lives. Read
more |
PRESERVING
THE VINTAGE FLEET
Vintage DER Application
Process Checklist Now Available
 Interested
in becoming appointed as a Vintage Designated Engineering Representative
(VDER) to help with the unique challenge of preserving the vintage
fleet? A new checklist created by EAA and the FAA will help with the
application process, and it's now available through the Vintage Aircraft
Association (VAA) website. The VDER designation, announced
at AirVenture this year, will allow individuals with demonstrated
expertise of an entire vintage airplane the "holistic"
authority to approve engineering data on any system or structure on a
specific aircraft. "This is going to really help people with small,
older airplanes," said H.G. Frautschy, VAA executive director. For
a copy of the check list, click
here. |
EAA 'TIMELESS VOICE OF
THE WEEK': GEORGE
A. "POP" RUTAN, JR.
 Dr.
George A. "Pop" Rutan was born April 7, 1916 in southern
California. During World War II he served stateside as a medic in the
Navy, and after the war earned a doctorate in dentistry. In 1953 at the
urging of his oldest son Dick, he learned to fly, and before long owned
a Beech Bonanza. Pop encouraged his children's lifelong interest in
aviation-son Dick would join the Air Force and become an F-100 fighter
pilot during the Vietnam War, and later a record-setting test pilot in
civilian life. Son Burt went from making airplane models of balsa and
tissue, to designing and building state-of-the-art composite spacecraft.
Daughter Nellie had a 20-year career with the airlines. As patriarch of
an aviation family, Pop was an ardent supporter of EAA, having attended
his first convention in 1973. By one estimate, Pop has shaken hands with
at least half of the EAA membership! Sadly, Pop passed away at age 93 on
August 28, 2009. He shared some of his aviation memories with EAA in this
interview recorded in September 2006. You can also listen to this
EAA Radio interview recorded that same year.
Read Pop's obituary and leave a comment
in the guestbook at EAA's Gone West
website. Dick Rutan has also set up
a special page honoring his father at www.DickRutan.com. |
FAA
PROPOSES NEW SET OF PILOT, INSTRUCTOR, AND FLIGHT SCHOOL RULES
The FAA has issued a notice
of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for changes to rules governing
certification of pilots, flight instructors, and pilot schools.
According to the FAA, drivers of these revisions include changing
aviation technologies, the latest research findings, and a rededicated
focus on ensuring that pilots have adequate training and qualifications
to operate safely in the National Airspace System. Read
more |
CANADIAN MUSEUM VOWS TO
REBUILD PILOT/TIGER MOTH AFTER CRASH
 A
de Havilland Tiger Moth from the Vintage Wings of Canada museum crashed
during a maintenance test flight last week, seriously injuring its pilot
and causing substantial damage to the aircraft. Museum pilot Howard Cook
was flying the WWII-era Canadian primary trainer to test a recently
repaired tail-wheel when it crashed shortly after take-off from Ottawa/Gatineau
Airport in Quebec, Canada. Cook, a British Pilot, sustained multiple
injuries including a broken back, ankle, wrist and ribs. Read
more |
OVERALL
AIR SHOW ATTENDANCE EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
 As
air show attendees were seeing it in the air, organizers this season
were feeling it too: Attendance is up. Aircraft enthusiasts have been
flooding the gates around the country this year, confounding perceptions
that the bad economy would keep people away. According to the
International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) attendance is up 15 to 20
percent above last year’s levels and 40 to 50 percent above all-time
records. Read
more |
SIX
TONS OF RECYCLABLES COLLECTED DURING AIRVENTURE
 Attendees
at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2009 gave a big boost to the planet and to
area Aviation Explorer Posts this summer, as they placed nearly six tons
of aluminum and plastic in recycling containers on the grounds during
the weeklong event. Anheuser-Busch Recycling teamed with Aviation
Explorer Posts from La Crosse and Appleton, Wisconsin, to collect 11,780
pounds (5.89 tons) of recyclables at AirVenture in the first full year
of the recycling effort. In comparison, a similar Anheuser-Busch effort
over two weeks surrounding NASCAR's Daytona 500 earlier this year
brought in about eight tons of recyclables.
Read more |
POBEREZNY VISITS ZENITH
AIRCRAFT HQ
 EAA
President Tom Poberezny visited the Zenith Aircraft Company this week
and met with President Sebastian Heintz at the company's headquarters in
Mexico, Missouri. Heintz took Poberezny on a personal tour of the
facilities and discussed future expectations of the marketplace.
"This is one of the longtime suppliers of kit aircraft for the
homebuilding industry, delivering between 200 and 300 kits per
year," Poberezny said. "I was very impressed with the
facility."
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VOTE
TO 'SHINE A LIGHT' ON TERRAFUGIA
 Terrafugia,
maker of the Transition “roadable aircraft” first seen at AirVenture
2008, was recently nominated for the $100,000 “Shine A Light” prize
being offered by American Express and NBC Universal. The competition
aims to recognize small businesses that are inspirational, innovative,
and committed to their customers. Read
more |
EAA
SPORT AVIATION HOF TO HONOR BOB HOOVER AND FIVE OTHERS
 EAA
will induct six new members into the Sport Aviation Hall of Fame at the
2009 ceremonies scheduled for Friday October 16 at the EAA AirVenture
Museum. Heading the list of inductees is Bob Hoover,
International Aerobatic Club Hall of Fame, and also the evening's
keynote speaker. Other inductees include George H. Baker,
Warbirds of America Hall of Fame; Lance A. Neibauer, EAA
Homebuilders Hall of Fame; Roy Pinner, EAA Ultralights Hall of
Fame; Paul Sanderson, National Association of Flight Instructors
Hall of Fame; and Stephen Pitcairn, Vintage Aircraft Association
Hall of Fame. All are being recognized for their contributions to the
history, development, and growth in their different areas of sport
aviation. A reception begins at 6 p.m. with dinner and program to
follow. To order tickets, call 800-236-1026 or order
online. Click here for
complete information. |
LAST
CHANCE TO PURCHASE YOUR AIRVENTURE 2009 T-SHIRTS
 Anyone
who has been to Oshkosh can appreciate the whimsical landing sequence on
this How to Land at Oshkosh T-shirt, made of 100% pre-shrunk cotton.
This Gildan T-shirt in military green is available in SM-XL for only
$16.99 (2X $18.99). Looking for something a little different? This
AirVenture 2009 Shatter Design T-shirt represents aircraft over many
generations with illustrations of a CAP 232, Spitfire, North American
AT-6 Texan, and F-17 in action over Oshkosh. Available in SM-XL for
$18.99 (2X $20.99, 3X $22.99), this blue Port and Company T-shirt is
made of 100% pre-shrunk cotton, and sports the AirVenture 2009 logo on
the left chest. Get yours today while supplies last. Order
online or by calling toll-free, 1-800-564-6322. |
| Can you
help?
Join the Discussions
Post of the Week!
This week's featured post was chosen
simply because it deserves whatever extra attention we can bring to it.
Member Robert Wylie wrote us about his friend Herbert McMahon who is
building a Murphy Rebel and, tragically, struggling with cancer. Robert
hopes that some EAA members in the New York area might be willing to
help Herb finish his airplane. Click
here for details.
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If you have a suggestions and/or submission for EAA’s weekly AeroInnovations column, please send to editor Bob Waldron at aeroinnovations@eaa.org.
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Sikorsky
offers $250,000 prize for human-powered helicopter
From Lindbergh's flight across the Atlantic to the Ansari X-PRIZE,
prize competitions have powered aviation innovation. Sikorsky Aircraft
has just upped the stakes for the first person or team to design and fly
a human-powered helicopter at about 10 feet for at least 60 seconds.
Safer
corrosion-inhibiting aircraft paint developed
Hexavalent chromium has been a common corrosion inhibitor used in
paint but it causes health problems. A new corrosion-inhibiting aircraft
paint has been developed by Boeing, UM-Rolla and others which is
chrome-free. In addition to getting rid of the chrome related health
issues, the new paint also reduces volatile organic compound emissions
and cures in seconds rather than days.
New
adhesives may be used to bond engine parts
The challenges of building aircraft with new designs or new
materials can even plague manufacturers with large R & D budgets.
Boeing has yet to flight-test its new largely carbon-fiber composite
airliner, the 787, due to issues with its carbon-fiber wing/fuselage
joint. As Boeing struggles to use composites on a large scale,
Performance Polymer Solutions, in Moraine, Ohio is trying to use the
heat resistant properties of composites inside some of the hottest
places such as aircraft engines.
Scramjets:
A good alternative for civilian space travel?
There are many challenges to solve with supersonic combustion
ramjets, otherwise known as scramjets, before they become a standard
propulsion method for high-flying, fast-moving aircraft. The latest
attempt at perfecting this technology is the X-51A which is slated for a
test flight in December. |
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U.S. THIRD IN WORLD
AEROBATIC CHAMPIONSHIPS
 The
25th World Aerobatic Championships concluded August 29th in Silverstone,
UK. Though the event was marred by the tragic loss of Vicki Cruse, a
United States Unlimited Team pilot and International Aerobatic Club
(IAC) president, the event continued on in her memory in tribute to her
as a pilot and friend of many in the competitive aerobatic world. Sixty
pilots from 18 countries entered the event which was held at the home of
British Motorsports. Read
more |
LEWIS
UNIVERSITY, SQUADRON 4 HOST ALUMINUM OVERCAST
 It's
Labor Day weekend, and EAA Warbirds of America Squadron 4 welcomes Aluminum
Overcast to Lewis University Airport in Romeoville, Illinois. (Read
the local preview.) The airplane will be there through Sunday,
September 6, so don't miss your chance to fly in one of the only
remaining airworthy Flying Fortresses. To book a flight, or for more
information, visit http://www.B17.org, or call 800-359-6217.
Visit EAA's
Fly the Fortress multimedia gallery.
In the news: Washington Post photo
gallery.
Billings Gazette: Story about mechanic
Milt Kramlick
Become a fan of EAA's B-17 Aluminum
Overcast Facebook
page! |
CHAPTER
91 HOSTS TRI-MOTOR LABOR DAY WEEKEND
 This
week's EAA Ford Tri-Motor Labor Day tour stop is Kansas City, Missouri's
Lee's Summit Municipal Airport (September 3-7). Come and see this
restored example of the world's first mass-produced airliner, produced
80 years ago this year. To learn more about the airplane or to book a
flight, visit www.FlytheFord.org. |
HOMEBUILDING HINT OF THE
WEEK: INSTALLING A NUT IN A HARD TO REACH PLACE
 Getting
a nut onto a bolt can sometimes be a big challenge, especially in tight
spots. In this segment, Jack Dueck shows how he has solved the problem.
Jack is a Technical Counselor, SportAir Workshop Instructor, and member
of both the EAA Homebuilt Aircraft and Canadian councils. Watch
the video.
Now available - DVD, Hints for
Homebuilders - Sheet Metal - Volume 1
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. |
AVIATORS MARKETPLACE, EAA'S NEW
SEARCHABLE ONLINE DIRECTORY
 EAA,
in partnership with MultiView Inc., recently launched the Aviators
Marketplace, a unique online search tool that gives EAA members quick
access to an extensive directory of aviation-specific products and
services. It's a one-of-a-kind tool specifically geared to aviators and
their online search needs.
The Aviators Marketplace is accessible at
www.aviatorsmarketplace.com
or from www.eaa.org. Within the
Aviators Marketplace, users can easily locate products and services
unique to the aviation industry - without the clutter of a general
Internet search engine. Read
more |
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WHERE ARE YOU FLYING THIS
WEEKEND?
 EAA
Chapter 59 First Saturday Event, McGregor Executive Airport, Texas
Saturday, September 5, 8 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Enjoy mouth-watering blueberry pancakes while watching interesting
aircraft videos. Also featured are an ethanol detection seminar, a hand
propping seminar, the Chapter 59 Cub project, a fly market, as well as
new, old, big, and small aircraft. To learn more, visit www.EAA59.org,
or contact Kenny Grisham, 254-749-5490.
To learn more about calendar events, or
to find/submit others, visit www.EAAcalendar.org. |
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Q
& A:
Question of
the Week
For EAA
Information Services
Are there federal aviation regulations (FAR) for
homebuilt aircraft that address required equipment
for VFR flight?
Answer:
There are no FAR requirements for equipment in an
experimental amateur-built aircraft operated during
DAY VFR ONLY conditions. However, if you wish to fly
under OTHER conditions, your operating limitations
will instruct you to comply with FAR §91.205 -
Powered civil aircraft with standard category U.S.
airworthiness certificates: Instrument and equipment
requirements. For a link to that FAR, click
here.
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.
September
2009
EAA
Desktop Calendar
While
on a sunset air-to-air mission during AirVenture
Oshkosh 2009, EAA Chief Photographer Jim Koepnick
caught this picturesque view of ICON's new A5 over
Lake Winnebago. If you look carefully you can see
Wittman Regional Airport's Runway 9/27 in the lower
left corner.
Download
this wallpaper image from 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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AMERICAN
LEGEND CUB OFFERS "CASH FOR JUNKERS" REBATE
American Legend Aircraft Company has announced its "Cash for
Junkers" rebate program, offering $4,500 back on the purchase of a
new Legend Cub. The Legend Cub is an FAA-certified light-sport aircraft
that carries two persons and sips 4.5 gallons-per-hour, among the lowest
of any airplane. To receive the rebate, customers must trade-in an older
aircraft, operable or otherwise. For more information, call 903-885-7000
or visit www.Legend.aero.
2009 PRICING ANNOUNCED
FOR CIRRUS JET
Cirrus Aircraft announced a $1.39 million maximum initial price for
owners of current production reservations for its single-engine Vision
Personal Jet. This price will be for a Vision Jet delivered in a very
well-equipped configuration analogous to the current GTS model in the
best-selling SR22 piston family of airplanes from Cirrus Aircraft. For
customers reserving a Vision Jet production position between now and
December 31, 2009, with a non-refundable $100,000 deposit, the maximum
purchase price for a Vision Jet will be $1.55 million. Beginning January
1, 2010, a new Vision Jet production position reservation will be
secured with a non-refundable $50,000 deposit with a maximum purchase
price of $1.72 million. All prices are in 2009 dollars. For more
information, visit the Cirrus
website.
CUBCRAFTERS ADDS
CERTIFIED SALES CENTERS
CubCrafters has recently overhauled its distribution network, creating
the Certified Sales Center program, a worldwide network of independent
CubCrafters aircraft resellers. "Our goals for the new program are
to provide improved product knowledge and customer support through our
sales network, and increase access to demo aircraft in local markets,
said General Manager Randy Lervold. Certified Sales Centers now cover
approximately half the United States and CubCrafters is seeking
additional centers in select territories. Interested dealers can call
Lervold at 509-248-9491 or e-mail randy.lervold@cubcrafters.com.
FIND FAA
AVIATION NEWS ONLINE
The September/October 2009 issue of FAA Aviation News is now
available for download from the FAA website. This issue's highlights
include the agency's role at the National Championship Air Races &
Air Show in Reno; the challenges of competition and formation flying;
and the behind-the-scenes efforts to keep vintage aircraft thriving and
flying. Also included is a piece about FAA Administrator Randy Babbit's
visit to AirVenture Oshkosh.
FLIGHT DATA
SYSTEMS' NEW T-30 ELECTRONIC TACHOMETER
Flight Data Systems now offer its T-30 Electronic Tachometer. The device
monitors operation of both the left and right ignition systems and warns
when an ignition system has failed. At 2.6 ounces, the unit is 12-28
volt compatible and includes a prewired connector. Order at www.FDataSystems.com.
SEE PILOT'S
PERSPECTIVE IN DAYTON
The annual Radio-Controlled Model Aircraft Air Show at the National
Museum of the U.S. Air Force features jets, warbirds, and other aircraft
that visitors can see flying overhead. But this year, visitors will have
a chance to see these maneuvers from a whole new perspective on Sept.
4-6. John McNees and Don Smith, two radio-controlled (RC) aircraft
pilots, have inserted cameras into their RC planes. The cameras submit a
live feed to multiple screens in a state-of-the-art trailer that will be
located on the air show grounds. Controls in the trailer allow
participants to move the camera angle up and down to get a view of the
sky, ground, and even other RC planes flying around them. For more
information, call 937-255-7207 or visit www.NationalMuseum.af.mil
or www.DogsAirShow.com.
WICKS OFFERS
POLYFIBER PRACTICE KIT
Wicks Aircraft Supply now offers the Polyfiber Practice Kit that
introduces aircraft builders and restorers to methods for cutting,
attaching, and heat shrinking fabric. The kit consists of a reusable
metal frame, a yard of P-103 fabric, dope, brushes, sandpaper, a
calibrating thermometer, and a painting manual. Priced at $56.10, the
kit also works for small fabric repairs. Visit www.WicksAircraft.com
to learn more.
ASA'S 2010
KNOWLEDGE EXAM PRODUCTS NOW AVAILABLE
ASA's 2010 Test Preps (books for pilots), Fast-Track Test Guides (books
for mechanics), Prepware (software for pilots and mechanics), and
Virtual Test Preps (DVDs for pilots) are now available. ASA's Knowledge
Exam products have been helping aspiring pilots and aviation maintenance
technicians achieve success for decades. Various study formats allow
test candidates to choose the method best suited to their learning
style. Visit www.ASA2Fly.com to
learn more.
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