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 Departure:
 Destination:

U.S. National Aerobatic Championships to be held September 21-28, 2002
The Best U.S. Aerobatic Pilots to Compete for National Championship Title

More than 100 of the nation’s most highly skilled aerobatic pilots will contend in head-to-head competition for the U.S. National Aerobatic Championship title September 21-28 at the Grayson County Airport in Denison, Texas. The Championships are run by the governing body for aerobatics in the United States, the International Aerobatic Club (IAC).

The 2002 National Championships highlight the selection of the U.S. Unlimited Team members, who will compete against top pilots from over 20 countries at the 2003 World Aerobatic Championships at the Sun ’n Fun Fly-in Campus, Lakeland, Florida, June 25-July 4.
(read more)

UPCOMING EVENTS

September 18
Pontiac, IL Chapter 129 3rd Annual Fly-In Breakfast, Keith Mabis 815-842-3738 

September 19 
Red Oak, IA 30th Anniversary of the KR, 712-778-2449 www.krgathering.com

September 19-21
San Diego, CA Silver Wings Fraternity Annual Convention and Powder Puff Derby Reunion, 925-736-1795
quailr@aol.com 

September 20-21 
Bartlesville, OK 46th Annual Tulsa Regional Fly-In, 918-622-8400 

Grantville, NC Aerofest 2002 Fly-In and Pig Pickin, 336-879-2830 


September 20-22 
Cable, WI 2nd Annual Parasol Airplanes Fly-In, 715-568-4091 (see website) 

September 21
Lake City, FL Chapter 977 Fly-In Cookout, 386-719-3868 

Sulphur Springs, TX Chapter 1094 7th Annual Fly-In, 903-439-1314 relliott@cpiaccess.com 

Lancaster, SC Annual Fly-in, McWhirter Field Airshow, 803-283-2099 Everrette Tate 

St. Johns, AZ Chapter 586 Fly-In Breakfast, 928-739-4183 bill@microsense.com

Mason, MI Chapter 55 Steak Fly-In and Mason Aviation Day

Iron Mountain, MI Chapter 439 Ford Airport Day, 906-774-0098 

Kingsland, TX Chapter 889 Hamburger Happening, 512-756-6999 
cfd@tstar.ne 

Oroville, CA Chapter 1112 Fly-In Breakfast, 830-873-2887 http://fly.to/eaa-oroville 

Santa Maria, CA Chapter 499, Tri-tip Luncheon Fly-In, Fundraiser & Young Eagles Rally, 805-922-8758 eaachapter499@yahoo.com

Titusville, FL Chapter 866 17th Annual "Smilin Jack" Fly-In, 321-269-0803 ncranston@cfl.rr.com

September 21-22
Lexington, NE Chapter 1091 7th Annual Fly-In Breakfast and Hot Dog Lunch, 308-468-5189 ckelly@nctc.net

Riverside, CA Chapter 1 49th Annual Open House and Fly-In, 909-682-6236 

Visalia, CA Visalia Municipal Airport Vintage Years Air and Car Show, 559-696-7735

September 22
Hinckley, IL Fall Fly-In, 847-888-2919 

Port Clinton, OH Chapter 1247 Fly-In Breakfast, 419-798-58009 wcermak@comp-res.com 

Holloman AFB, NM Holloman AFB Airshow, 505-572-5406 

Simsbury, CT 17th Annual Simsbury Fly-In, 860-408-0040 jbellino@snet.ne 

 Young Eagles Rallies

September 20
Arthur Dunn Air Park - Titusville, FL Chapter 866 - Neale Cranston 321-269-0803 

Gainesville Airport - Gainesville, MO Chapter 1218 - Tom White 417-469-4212 

Jim Kelly Field - Lexington, NE Chapter 1091 - Calvin Kelly 308-468-5189 

September 21
Leon's Landing - Flat Rock, AL Chapter 890 - Wilma Playford 256-845-2824 

Wetumpka Municipal Airport - Wetumpka, AL Chapter 822 - James McGary 334-279-8418 

Fox Field Airport - Lancaster, CA Chapter 49/1000 - Miles Bowen 661-275-6528 

San Carlos Airport - San Carlos, CA Chapter 20 - Tim Foley 650-349-5020 

3015 Airpark Dr - Santa Maria, CA Chapter 499 - John Ready 805-937-0976

Susanville Municipal - Susanville, CA Chapter 794 - Brad Sharp 530-259-2237 

Dawson-Terrell Co Airport - Albany, GA Chapter 354 - Matthew Masters 229-420-4448 

Kona International - Kailua Kona, HI Chapter 1191 - Merle Martin 808-323-2221 - Rain Date of 9/28/2002 

Columbus Municipal Airport - Columbus, IN Chapter 729 - Toby Orme 317-783-8407 - Rain Date of 9/22/2002 

Elkhart Municipal Airport - Elkhart, IN Chapter 132 - Sam Parcel 574-273-0321 

Aeroplains Airport - Terre Haute-Youngstown, IN Chapter 83 - Darrel Zeck 812-236-3079 

Shreveport Downtown Airport - Shreveport, LA Chapter 343 - John McGaun 318-747-2376 

Slidell Airport - Slidell, LA Chapter 697 - Noel Cusimano 985-863-8626

Marlboro Airport - Marlboro, MA Chapter 673 - John Weigel 508-655-2138 - Rain Date of 9/28/2002

Ford Airport - Iron Mountain-Kingsford, MI Chapter 439 - Tom Sullivan 906-774-0098 - Rain Date of 9/22/2002

Fremont Municipal Airport - Fremont, NE Chapter 569 - Tom Trumble 402-464-3089 

George Walker Field - Somerset, NJ Chapter 643 - Doug Nelson 908-479-1731 - Rain Date of 9/22/2002 

Twin Pine - Twin Pine, NJ Chapter 176 - Ray Bertles 215-493-5603 - Rain Date of 9/22/2002

Tri-Cities Airport - Endicott, NY Chapter 53 - Dennis Scafetta 607-648-3590 - Rain Date of 9/22/2002

Warwick Valley Airport - Warwick, NY Chapter 69 - Arthur Van Riper 201-818-8626 - Rain Date of 9/22/2002 

Ohio State Univ. Airport - Gahanna, OH Chapter 9 - Keith Edwards 614-471-1970

Beaver County Airport - Beaver Falls, PA Chapter 68 - Dick Hall 724-378-4937

Houston Southwest Airport - Arcola, TX Chapter 12 - Dean Doolittle 713-744-3830

Louis Schreiner Field - Kerrville, TX Chapter 747 - John Osborn 830-896-4614 - Rain Date of 9/22/2002

Shannon Airport - Fredericksburg, VA Chapter 1099 - Bob O'Nell 540-775-0119

Waukegan Airport - Waukegan, WI Chapter 414 - Mitch Brown 262-889-8230

September 22
Half Moon Bay Airport - Half Moon Bay, CA Chapter 639 - Rick Coykendall 650-359-4723

South Jersey Regional Airport - Bridgeton, NJ Chapter 1348 - Charles Searock 609-267-4488

Carl Keller Field - Erie-Ottawa Reg Airport - Port Clinton, OH Chapter 1247 - Warren Cernak 419-798-5809
 
Sonex Is Featured Desktop Image For September

Featured desktop image for September is a Sonex homebuilt sport plane, photographed over Oshkosh. To get your copy, visit the EAA website.

 

  

  
The Official Electronic Newsletter of EAA

September 6, 2002   Volume 2, Number 19

Welcome to EAA e-HOT LINE, the e-mail newsletter for members of the Experimental Aircraft Association, its divisions and affiliates. We welcome your comments and suggestions to ehotline@eaa.org.

Visit www.airventure.org for a complete review of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2002.
  


News You Can Use ---

Marion Blakey Is New FAA Administrator
Marion Blakey, chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, was unanimously confirmed as the new FAA Administrator by the U.S. Senate on Wednesday, September 11. Blakey, nominated by President Bush on July 17, succeeds Jane Garvey, whose five-year term expired in August.
In a statement, Blakey, 54, said she was honored by the appointment. "The aviation industry is facing significant challenges on many fronts, and I look forward to joining the FAA without delay," she said.

EAA President Tom Poberezny said, “We are looking forward to working with Administrator Blakey on many of the important issues facing aviation, including the proposed sport pilot/light-sport aircraft initiative.”
(read more)
  
A Message From EAA President Tom Poberezny 
A year ago, on September 11, 2001, marked a turning point for our country. Those of us who enjoy and participate in aviation were horrified to see the wonders of flight used in such a destructive manner. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those who lost loved ones a year ago, and our support remains strong for those who are protecting freedom around the world and searching for those responsible for such evil actions. This anniversary is an appropriate time to reflect on the unique freedoms we enjoy and the cost of upholding those liberties.
(read more) 
EAA Remembers...

OHS Places U.S. on ‘High’ Terror Alert
EAA President Tom Poberezny participated in a teleconference with Undersecretary of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Admiral James Loy and the presidents of several other general aviation organizations on Tuesday for an in-depth discussion on the day’s heightened security announcement by the Office of Homeland Security (OHS). Earlier, OHS announced it had moved the country to the “orange” security level, signifying a “high risk” of terror attacks based on its intelligence reports. This is the first raising of the color-coded Homeland Security Advisory System since its inception last March.
(read more) 

Waivers for Sporting Event Overflights Rescinded 
Feds Stress to Pilots: Avoid All TFRs or Else 
FAA NOTAM 2/9583, released Tuesday evening, September 10, officially rescinds all waivers allowing aircraft operations within a 3-nautical mile radius/3000 feet AGL and below over any major professional or collegiate sporting event or any other major open air assembly of people. Undersecretary of the Transportation Security Administration Admiral James Loy stressed this emphatically to presidents of several general aviation organizations during a teleconference earlier that day. He also made it clear that a failure on the part of pilots to fly within the strict parameters of the NOTAMs would force federal security officials to consider additional flight restrictions. They don’t want that to occur and neither do aviators. So it is up to us to absolutely comply with all TFRs, to know precisely where the they are, and to completely avoid all areas where flight operations are prohibited. The consequences of failing to do so could be dire for general aviation. 

 Tremendous Success for Flight Across America
Flight Across America, general aviation’s month-long tribute to the victims and heroes of September 11, culminated with a touching, heartfelt flag presentation ceremony aboard the USS Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum in New York City on Sunday, September 8. Fifty-one volunteer pilot flag bearers presented individual state flags (D.C. and Puerto Rico as well) to the family of a fallen fire battalion chief.
(read more)

 Amateur-Built DAR Program Slowly Progressing  
EAA continues to be in close contact with the FAA Aircraft Certification office in Washington, D.C., regarding the new amateur-built designated airworthiness representative (AB-DAR) program. The new program will allow FAA A&P certificate holders who have built an amateur-built aircraft (that has flown a minimum of 100 hours) to apply for FAA AB DAR status.
 (read more)

LSA Consensus Standards Committees Making Progress Approximately 30 light-sport aircraft (LSA) manufacturers and association leaders gathered at the ASTM (American Society of Testing and Materials International) Pennsylvania headquarters on September 6 to continue the development of consensus standards for the proposed LSA category, and participants reported that the committees are making significant progress.

As put forth by FAA in the sport pilot/light-sport aircraft notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), in lieu of government specifications industry must establish consensus standards for LSA production and maintenance. During industry meetings at EAA Headquarters earlier this year, the participants agreed that ASTM would organize the standards process.
(read more) 
Whirly Birds Next Weekend in Oshkosh!
The second annual EAA Whirlybird Weekend - Celebration Of Vertical Flight will invade EAA’s Pioneer Airport at the AirVenture Museum, Oshkosh, on September 21-22, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. both days. The focus of this unique event is rotorcraft from all walks of life.

Historic helicopters and gyrocopters from the museum’s collection will be on display, plus invitations are extended to rotorcraft owners and operators to participate, ensuring a variety of airworthy helicopter fly-ins - from small, member- owned recreational aircraft to military, coastguard, corporate, emergency medical and media helicopters.
 (read more)
On The Flight Line ---

Cessna Unveils Citation Mustang
 Cessna Aircraft Company will enter the “entry-level” business jet market with the new Citation Mustang, the company announced this week. The six-place, twin-engine aircraft will have a cruise of 340 knots and a maximum operating altitude of 41,000 feet. The announced price of $2, 295,000 is $1.5 million less than the lowest priced business jet on the market today, said Cessna CEO Russ Meyer. While Cessna’s announced price is lower than any current business jet on the market, another company, Eclipse Aviation, has announced its Eclipse 500 Jet will sell for less than $1 million. The Eclipse 500 made its first test flight last month.

“We welcome Cessna’s entry to this market and see it as a validation of what we’re doing with the Eclipse 500,” said Oliver Masefield, Eclipse Aviation Vice President of Engineering. Eclipse aims to create a network of air taxies through the country keyed by a very low (56 cents-per-mile) operating cost. “It (Cessna Maverick) will be a competitor, but they’re not really attacking what we’re trying to do,” Masefield said. For more information, visit http://cessna.com.
More Than 2,000 Orders Already for Eclipse 500
 Interested in making a deposit toward the purchase of an Eclipse 500 today? You’ll receive a mid-2006 delivery position.

That’s because Eclipse Aviation Corporation’s order book for the Eclipse 500 jet is at 2,072 aircraft, including 1,357 firm orders and 715 options, the company reported this week. Eclipse has secured more than $65 million in nonrefundable deposits for the lightweight, six-place twinjet. 

“Demand for the Eclipse 500 jet has been exceptionally strong, demonstrating the market creation and expansion made possible through not only the compelling purchase price ($837,500 in June 2000 dollars), but more importantly, the low direct operating cost of this aircraft,” said Eclipse president and CEO Vern Raburn. “To our knowledge, the Eclipse 500 order book is greater than that of any single civilian jet in the history of aviation.”

The hefty order book represents the first two-and-a-half years of production for the aircraft, based on expectations to deliver about 140 aircraft in 2004; 500 in 2005; and 900 in 2006. At full production beginning in 2007, Eclipse expects to manufacture about 1,500 aircraft per year.

GAMA Goes International
 Manufacturers based outside the United States can now become members of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), following a decision this week by the GAMA Board of Directors to expand the Association’s membership. The move will allow the organization “to better promote and enhance our industry around the world,” said GAMA President Ed Bolen.

“General aviation has become a global industry with products that are designed, manufactured, delivered, and operated throughout the world,” Bolen added. “This change in our membership will be particularly useful as GAMA expands its international efforts with organizations like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).”

Several manufacturers have already applied for GAMA membership, including Bombardier Aerospace, Dassault Falcon Jet, Embraer Aircraft, and Piaggio. “These companies are major players in the industry and their top executives will participate on GAMA’s Board of Directors,” said Bolen. “We enthusiastically welcome them.” 
 
Lancair Flies New Sentry Turboprop
This week Lancair introduced The Lancair Sentry its newest, Walter-powered turboprop Lancair IV kit. It’s a military-style tandem seat aircraft with left-side throttle controls, and a rear hinge canopy. Designed for military training, the Sentry performs very similar to the existing Propjet model, achieving a cruise speed of nearly 400 mph.
Priced at $119,900, the airplane includes the converted fuselage top half, the modified turbine firewall, turbine engine mount, fuel tank extension, and carbon fiber cowling. Sentry builders also have the opportunity to spend up to two weeks in Lancair’s Builder Assist Program, completing work on the wings, horizontal tail, flight controls and canopy.
www.lancair.com

Q & A: Question of the Week
 Question for EAA Government and Industry Relations:
We're holding a fly-in event next month at Meadow Lake Airport (00V), which is a nontowered airport just outside of Colorado Springs Class "C" airspace. Our airport is pretty busy on the weekends with intensive flight training, and if event staff are "chatting" on the CTAF frequency attempting to direct planes to the proper taxiway, cross the runway and to a point where we can direct planes by hand, this could be an unsafe and an improper use of the CTAF frequency. 

Some members of our planning committee suggested using 122.75 or 122.85 (the so-called "chat" frequency), but I believe those are for air-to-air use only. I have been searching—to no avail—-the FAA and Denver FSDO website looking for information about obtaining a temporary frequency for use by event ground personnel to communicate with attendees so we don't tie up the airport's CTAF frequency while we're trying to direct/park aircraft that are visiting for the weekend.

Is such a thing done? If so, do you have any knowledge of how I would go about getting approval by the FAA to use a temporary frequency for ground operations at our fly-in?
  
Answer: 
You've come to the right source. Assignment of local frequencies is not a function of the local FSDO office; that honor belongs to the FAA Spectrum Management Program office out of Washington, D.C. The good news is that there is somebody in charge of the Regional Spectrum (frequency) management program at each FAA Regional office. For you that would be the FAA Northwest Mountain Region Headquarters, and for the specific Denver/Colorado Springs area the point of contact is Dave Walter, 425/227-2354. If Dave is not in, either leave a voice message or call his boss, Mike Meigs, 425/227-2354.

The exact process is that you would tell Dave what you need the frequency for, then he would build a model to determine if a frequency is available that would not interfere with other local FAA frequencies. If successful, Dave would electronically send the packet to FAA Headquarters (James Aviles at 202/267-3035) to coordinate the frequency with all other frequency users (military, forest service, etc.) in the area. Once that is done the frequency is issued–one-time event, multiple years. If any part is not successful, then a frequency cannot be issued. Good luck with the frequency project and the fly-in.

For all other EAA Chapters, your local FSDO should be able to tell you who the FAA Regional Spectrum Management team is and their phone number. If they are unable to, call James Aviles at FAA Headquarters.
 
How can we help you?
 To ask a question regarding government issues, e-mail govt@eaa.org. If you have a question about registration, airmen, aircraft and medical certification, safety records, performance, or any other matter, e-mail infoserv@eaa.org.
  
We are pleased to provide this info to EAA members as a membership benefit. To ensure that this service continues, renew your membership or join EAA today by calling 800/843-3612 or 920/426-5912.
  
EAA SportAir Workshops

Limited Openings at Lancair EAA SportAir Workshop Sept. 20-22
Limited openings remain for EAA’s SportAir Workshop for Lancair builders in Corona, California, on September 20-22. This workshop is designed specifically for people building or considering construction of a Lancair kit plane and was created by EAA and Lancair Aircraft to assist builders of this high-performance aircraft.
Instructor Brad Simmons, who has been involved in all phases of Lancair construction since 1988, will share his knowledge and expertise of Lancair aircraft. Topics include hydraulics, electrical, engine installation, cowling installation, canopy, gear doors, finishing and painting, project management, and workshop organization.

“This EAA SportAir Workshop is a great way for people interested in Lancair aircraft to learn exactly what they need to complete and fly a successful project,” said Ron Alexander, Director of EAA SportAir Workshops. “Those attending will leave the workshop confident that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to proceed with their projects.”

For more information or to register for any SportAir Workshop, call 800/967-5746 or visit the SportAir website www.sportair.com. 

SEPT 20-22, 2002, CORONA, CA
Topics: Lancair Assembly

SEPT 20-22, 2002, GRIFFIN, GA
Topics: TIG Welding, RV Assembly

SEPT 27-29, 2002, CORONA, CA
 Topics: RV Assembly
See the complete schedule of upcoming SportAir Workshops.

Are you searching for an Aircraft STC? You can look it up on http://av-info.faa.gov/stc/
Are you searching for an Aircraft AD? Look for it at http://av-info.faa.gov/ad/AD.htm

If you wish to unsubscribe from EAA e-Hot Line, simply send an e-mail to membership@eaa.org with the word "unsubscribe" in the subject field.
  
All content, logos and pictures are the property of EAA - Copyright © 2002


News You Can Use ---

Marion Blakey Is New FAA Administrator
Marion Blakey, chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, was unanimously confirmed as the new FAA Administrator by the U.S. Senate on Wednesday, September 11. Blakey, nominated by President Bush on July 17, succeeds Jane Garvey, whose five-year term expired in August.
In a statement, Blakey, 54, said she was honored by the appointment. "The aviation industry is facing significant challenges on many fronts, and I look forward to joining the FAA without delay," she said.

EAA President Tom Poberezny said, “We are looking forward to working with Administrator Blakey on many of the important issues facing aviation, including the proposed sport pilot/light-sport aircraft initiative.”
(read more)
  
A Message From EAA President Tom Poberezny 
A year ago, on September 11, 2001, marked a turning point for our country. Those of us who enjoy and participate in aviation were horrified to see the wonders of flight used in such a destructive manner. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those who lost loved ones a year ago, and our support remains strong for those who are protecting freedom around the world and searching for those responsible for such evil actions. This anniversary is an appropriate time to reflect on the unique freedoms we enjoy and the cost of upholding those liberties.
(read more) 
EAA Remembers...

OHS Places U.S. on ‘High’ Terror Alert
EAA President Tom Poberezny participated in a teleconference with Undersecretary of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Admiral James Loy and the presidents of several other general aviation organizations on Tuesday for an in-depth discussion on the day’s heightened security announcement by the Office of Homeland Security (OHS). Earlier, OHS announced it had moved the country to the “orange” security level, signifying a “high risk” of terror attacks based on its intelligence reports. This is the first raising of the color-coded Homeland Security Advisory System since its inception last March.
(read more) 

Waivers for Sporting Event Overflights Rescinded 
Feds Stress to Pilots: Avoid All TFRs or Else 
FAA NOTAM 2/9583, released Tuesday evening, September 10, officially rescinds all waivers allowing aircraft operations within a 3-nautical mile radius/3000 feet AGL and below over any major professional or collegiate sporting event or any other major open air assembly of people. Undersecretary of the Transportation Security Administration Admiral James Loy stressed this emphatically to presidents of several general aviation organizations during a teleconference earlier that day. He also made it clear that a failure on the part of pilots to fly within the strict parameters of the NOTAMs would force federal security officials to consider additional flight restrictions. They don’t want that to occur and neither do aviators. So it is up to us to absolutely comply with all TFRs, to know precisely where the they are, and to completely avoid all areas where flight operations are prohibited. The consequences of failing to do so could be dire for general aviation. 

 Tremendous Success for Flight Across America
Flight Across America, general aviation’s month-long tribute to the victims and heroes of September 11, culminated with a touching, heartfelt flag presentation ceremony aboard the USS Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum in New York City on Sunday, September 8. Fifty-one volunteer pilot flag bearers presented individual state flags (D.C. and Puerto Rico as well) to the family of a fallen fire battalion chief.
(read more)

 Amateur-Built DAR Program Slowly Progressing  
EAA continues to be in close contact with the FAA Aircraft Certification office in Washington, D.C., regarding the new amateur-built designated airworthiness representative (AB-DAR) program. The new program will allow FAA A&P certificate holders who have built an amateur-built aircraft (that has flown a minimum of 100 hours) to apply for FAA AB DAR status.
 (read more)

LSA Consensus Standards Committees Making Progress Approximately 30 light-sport aircraft (LSA) manufacturers and association leaders gathered at the ASTM (American Society of Testing and Materials International) Pennsylvania headquarters on September 6 to continue the development of consensus standards for the proposed LSA category, and participants reported that the committees are making significant progress.

As put forth by FAA in the sport pilot/light-sport aircraft notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), in lieu of government specifications industry must establish consensus standards for LSA production and maintenance. During industry meetings at EAA Headquarters earlier this year, the participants agreed that ASTM would organize the standards process.
(read more) 
Whirly Birds Next Weekend in Oshkosh!
The second annual EAA Whirlybird Weekend - Celebration Of Vertical Flight will invade EAA’s Pioneer Airport at the AirVenture Museum, Oshkosh, on September 21-22, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. both days. The focus of this unique event is rotorcraft from all walks of life.

Historic helicopters and gyrocopters from the museum’s collection will be on display, plus invitations are extended to rotorcraft owners and operators to participate, ensuring a variety of airworthy helicopter fly-ins - from small, member- owned recreational aircraft to military, coastguard, corporate, emergency medical and media helicopters.
 (read more)
On The Flight Line ---

Cessna Unveils Citation Mustang
 Cessna Aircraft Company will enter the “entry-level” business jet market with the new Citation Mustang, the company announced this week. The six-place, twin-engine aircraft will have a cruise of 340 knots and a maximum operating altitude of 41,000 feet. The announced price of $2, 295,000 is $1.5 million less than the lowest priced business jet on the market today, said Cessna CEO Russ Meyer. While Cessna’s announced price is lower than any current business jet on the market, another company, Eclipse Aviation, has announced its Eclipse 500 Jet will sell for less than $1 million. The Eclipse 500 made its first test flight last month.

“We welcome Cessna’s entry to this market and see it as a validation of what we’re doing with the Eclipse 500,” said Oliver Masefield, Eclipse Aviation Vice President of Engineering. Eclipse aims to create a network of air taxies through the country keyed by a very low (56 cents-per-mile) operating cost. “It (Cessna Maverick) will be a competitor, but they’re not really attacking what we’re trying to do,” Masefield said. For more information, visit http://cessna.com.
More Than 2,000 Orders Already for Eclipse 500
 Interested in making a deposit toward the purchase of an Eclipse 500 today? You’ll receive a mid-2006 delivery position.

That’s because Eclipse Aviation Corporation’s order book for the Eclipse 500 jet is at 2,072 aircraft, including 1,357 firm orders and 715 options, the company reported this week. Eclipse has secured more than $65 million in nonrefundable deposits for the lightweight, six-place twinjet. 

“Demand for the Eclipse 500 jet has been exceptionally strong, demonstrating the market creation and expansion made possible through not only the compelling purchase price ($837,500 in June 2000 dollars), but more importantly, the low direct operating cost of this aircraft,” said Eclipse president and CEO Vern Raburn. “To our knowledge, the Eclipse 500 order book is greater than that of any single civilian jet in the history of aviation.”

The hefty order book represents the first two-and-a-half years of production for the aircraft, based on expectations to deliver about 140 aircraft in 2004; 500 in 2005; and 900 in 2006. At full production beginning in 2007, Eclipse expects to manufacture about 1,500 aircraft per year.

GAMA Goes International
 Manufacturers based outside the United States can now become members of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), following a decision this week by the GAMA Board of Directors to expand the Association’s membership. The move will allow the organization “to better promote and enhance our industry around the world,” said GAMA President Ed Bolen.

“General aviation has become a global industry with products that are designed, manufactured, delivered, and operated throughout the world,” Bolen added. “This change in our membership will be particularly useful as GAMA expands its international efforts with organizations like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).”

Several manufacturers have already applied for GAMA membership, including Bombardier Aerospace, Dassault Falcon Jet, Embraer Aircraft, and Piaggio. “These companies are major players in the industry and their top executives will participate on GAMA’s Board of Directors,” said Bolen. “We enthusiastically welcome them.” 
 
Lancair Flies New Sentry Turboprop
This week Lancair introduced The Lancair Sentry its newest, Walter-powered turboprop Lancair IV kit. It’s a military-style tandem seat aircraft with left-side throttle controls, and a rear hinge canopy. Designed for military training, the Sentry performs very similar to the existing Propjet model, achieving a cruise speed of nearly 400 mph.
Priced at $119,900, the airplane includes the converted fuselage top half, the modified turbine firewall, turbine engine mount, fuel tank extension, and carbon fiber cowling. Sentry builders also have the opportunity to spend up to two weeks in Lancair’s Builder Assist Program, completing work on the wings, horizontal tail, flight controls and canopy.
www.lancair.com

Q & A: Question of the Week
 Question for EAA Government and Industry Relations:
We're holding a fly-in event next month at Meadow Lake Airport (00V), which is a nontowered airport just outside of Colorado Springs Class "C" airspace. Our airport is pretty busy on the weekends with intensive flight training, and if event staff are "chatting" on the CTAF frequency attempting to direct planes to the proper taxiway, cross the runway and to a point where we can direct planes by hand, this could be an unsafe and an improper use of the CTAF frequency. 

Some members of our planning committee suggested using 122.75 or 122.85 (the so-called "chat" frequency), but I believe those are for air-to-air use only. I have been searching—to no avail—-the FAA and Denver FSDO website looking for information about obtaining a temporary frequency for use by event ground personnel to communicate with attendees so we don't tie up the airport's CTAF frequency while we're trying to direct/park aircraft that are visiting for the weekend.

Is such a thing done? If so, do you have any knowledge of how I would go about getting approval by the FAA to use a temporary frequency for ground operations at our fly-in?
  
Answer: 
You've come to the right source. Assignment of local frequencies is not a function of the local FSDO office; that honor belongs to the FAA Spectrum Management Program office out of Washington, D.C. The good news is that there is somebody in charge of the Regional Spectrum (frequency) management program at each FAA Regional office. For you that would be the FAA Northwest Mountain Region Headquarters, and for the specific Denver/Colorado Springs area the point of contact is Dave Walter, 425/227-2354. If Dave is not in, either leave a voice message or call his boss, Mike Meigs, 425/227-2354.

The exact process is that you would tell Dave what you need the frequency for, then he would build a model to determine if a frequency is available that would not interfere with other local FAA frequencies. If successful, Dave would electronically send the packet to FAA Headquarters (James Aviles at 202/267-3035) to coordinate the frequency with all other frequency users (military, forest service, etc.) in the area. Once that is done the frequency is issued–one-time event, multiple years. If any part is not successful, then a frequency cannot be issued. Good luck with the frequency project and the fly-in.

For all other EAA Chapters, your local FSDO should be able to tell you who the FAA Regional Spectrum Management team is and their phone number. If they are unable to, call James Aviles at FAA Headquarters.
 
How can we help you?
 To ask a question regarding government issues, e-mail govt@eaa.org. If you have a question about registration, airmen, aircraft and medical certification, safety records, performance, or any other matter, e-mail infoserv@eaa.org.
  
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EAA SportAir Workshops

Limited Openings at Lancair EAA SportAir Workshop Sept. 20-22
Limited openings remain for EAA’s SportAir Workshop for Lancair builders in Corona, California, on September 20-22. This workshop is designed specifically for people building or considering construction of a Lancair kit plane and was created by EAA and Lancair Aircraft to assist builders of this high-performance aircraft.
Instructor Brad Simmons, who has been involved in all phases of Lancair construction since 1988, will share his knowledge and expertise of Lancair aircraft. Topics include hydraulics, electrical, engine installation, cowling installation, canopy, gear doors, finishing and painting, project management, and workshop organization.

“This EAA SportAir Workshop is a great way for people interested in Lancair aircraft to learn exactly what they need to complete and fly a successful project,” said Ron Alexander, Director of EAA SportAir Workshops. “Those attending will leave the workshop confident that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to proceed with their projects.”

For more information or to register for any SportAir Workshop, call 800/967-5746 or visit the SportAir website www.sportair.com. 

SEPT 20-22, 2002, CORONA, CA
Topics: Lancair Assembly

SEPT 20-22, 2002, GRIFFIN, GA
Topics: TIG Welding, RV Assembly

SEPT 27-29, 2002, CORONA, CA
 Topics: RV Assembly
See the complete schedule of upcoming SportAir Workshops.

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