Experimenter - EAA's Homebuilder's Newsletter

Electric Flight
Here's what some readers have said
By Patrick Panzera, EAA 555743
ppanzera@eaa.org

Last month I wrote my editorial moments before leaving for the 2010 CAFE Electric Aircraft Symposium. I left with a "skull full of mush" hoping to come home with enough education to begin seeking out, editing, filtering (the wheat from the chaff), and potentially writing electric flight articles in an intelligent manner. Although I wish that each presenter at the symposium could have talked several times longer than they did, I believe my educational goal was met. As such, I would like to sincerely thank all the CAFE volunteers that worked hard to bring us the symposium, and I would like to offer my gratitude to each of the presenters who were willing to freely share their research and developments. I won't be going into any details in this issue however the editorial I wrote last month caused an avalanche of letters to the editor like never before. You can take a look at just a few of them by clicking: Read more

In every issue of Experimenter, a link to a survey is provided. The responses you make are anonymous, unless you elect to leave your contact info. I read each and every response and take your comments seriously while doing my best to fulfill requests and to apply criticism appropriately. I urge you to participate in this process, especially if you have never done so before. The entire Experimenter staff wants to hear from you so that we can continue to provide the content we know you want. The link can normally be found in the right-hand column, but you can also take the survey by clicking here.

Paul's Pick

Paul wrote in Sport Aviation in December, 1972 that the FAA was committed to safety and the freedom to build and fly. He also felt that the EAA community had to be prepared with an organized answer when tragedy skewed the public's perception of recreational flying.

"I am convinced that FAA desires to insure the future of the amateur-built movement and the privileges we enjoy in building and flying-in such a way that they are not lost because of spectacular mishaps, pressures from citizens groups, or Congress. On the other hand, what do we have to offer in the way of standards in the event we are called upon to answer for our actions?" Read Paul's column

Tales From the DAR Side

Attack of the Placards
Last month, I discussed the "EXPERIMENTAL" marking and passenger warning placard. Beyond those items there's a general requirement for placards and markings called out in 14 CFR 91.9. While there's no specific guidance for these markings, the idea is to make it obvious what each switch, control, fuse, or circuit breaker does. Plus, a follow-up to some of your questions about N numbers. Read more

Jake Jaks' Pober Junior Ace
15 years of work

It's always an honor to complete an experimental aircraft and have the designer look it over and give it the thumbs-up. Such was the case with Jacob Jaks and his Pober Junior Ace when he had the opportunity to show it to EAA Founder Paul Poberezny at the 2009 Sun 'n Fun Fly-In at Lakeland, Florida. That meeting is only a small part of this story of building the plane from scratch, deviating from the plans just enough to successfully install a Corvair engine. Read more

Fournier RF4D, Part 2
Flight Evaluation

In the April issue of Experimenter we reintroduced the Fournier RF4D self-launch sailplane, a very capable cross-country machine certified in France, many of which being lovingly restored and maintained in the United States under the experimental-exhibition rules. Its wood and fabric construction makes it an easy restoration for anyone with the confidence to take on such a project that once finished, can be flown by pilots who hold a glider category rating and a self-launch endorsement. Since no medical certificate or drivers license is required for glider operations, there is no restriction on pilots whose most recent FAA medical certificate was denied, suspended, revoked or withdrawn by the FAA.

This month we follow up with an article on the piloting aspect of owning and operating a Fournier RF4D. Read more

Electric Aircraft Advances Showcased at CAFE Symposium
In last month’s editorial, Experimenter editor Patrick Panzera made reference to his (then) upcoming attendance at the 2010 CAFE Foundation Electric Aircraft Symposium in order to get an overall grasp on the advances of electric flight and its immediate viability. EAA reporter Peter S. Lert also attended the symposium and gives his opinion on the overall event. Read more

The Electric-Powered Aircraft
Technical challenges
The thought of buzzing around the sky, quietly, with no carbon emissions is an enchanting one - and the promise of electrically powered airplanes. Just plug it in for a couple of hours and go flying. No carb ice, no oil stains, no $5 per gallon avgas. But how close is this to becoming a reality? How developed are the technologies that are needed to make an electrically powered aircraft? David Ullman takes a look at the different types of components, their state-of-the-art technology, and what developments you can expect. Read more

What Our Members Are Building
The Decision to Build the Thatcher
In Pat's editorial last month, he briefly spoke of (first-time aircraft builder) Ashlynd Leighton's budding experience with the Thatcher CX4. Consider this the first of many installations as we track her progress along the way of becoming a homebuilder. In this month's article, Ashlynd is just getting started... Read more

Veterans May Salute the Flag in a Very Fitting Manner

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2010 Salute to Veterans is a celebration with special activities planned for the entire week! With that, here's a little something that many veterans may not know concerning the proper protocol for saluting the flag of the United States of America. Read more

Don't Miss Canadian Pilot License Deadline

Time is running out for Canadian pilots to apply for a new license from Transport Canada. The new style of license incorporates several requirements mandated by the International Civil Aviation Organization regarding security and fraud. Pilots who submit their application before the June 30 deadline will be issued a temporary certificate while their application is being processed. Currently there is a backlog and those who wait until after the deadline to apply miss out on the temporary certificate option and their license will be invalid until their new one arrives. An application can be found here.

Webinar Helps You Take Next Step Toward Flight
Homebuilding Community Manager Joe Norris and writer of The DARside in Experimenter has given over 100 homebuilt final inspections. Joe is anxious to help you prepare your homebuilt its special day.

Zenith STOL Aircraft-CH 701, 750 & 801
Since 1992 Zenith has been producing a line of all-metal, STOL (short take-off and landing) kit aircraft designed by Chris Heintz.

Tuesday, June 1: Learning to Fly: 10 Tips to Help You Earn Your Wings with EAA Multimedia Journalist Brady Lane and NAFI Executive Director Jason Blair
Wednesday, June 2: Your Homebuilt's FAA Inspection - How to Prepare and What to Expect with EAA Homebuilding Community Manager Joe Norris
Thursday, June 3: AirVenture 2010 Update with Adam Smith

More Webinars are added frequently. To view a complete and up-to-date list of all EAA Webinars, visit webinars page.

From the EAA Homebuilding Community

The Homebuilders Corner message forum at Oshkosh365 is as active as ever. Have a look at the list below and follow the links to read the actual questions and discussion topics.

Can You Help?

Interesting Discussions