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AirVenture Museum Events

 James Dietz Art Exhibition 
Join celebrated aviation artist Jim Dietz for the opening of his art exhibition at 
the museum on Wednesday, April 9, from 6-8 p.m. More than 40 of his original paintings, gathered from collections around the world, will be on display until August 4, 2003.

During the reception, Jim's books will be available for purchase and signing. For more information, e-mail or call Mary McKeown at 
920/426-6880. 

 UPCOMING EVENTS
April 2-5
Montgomery, AL National Congress on Aviation and Space Education, MGM Joan Emerson 334-953-74239 jemerson@capnhq.gov www.capnhq.gov/conference
/pages/nc/nationalcongress
.html  

April 2-8
Lakeland, FL Sun 'n Fun EAA Fly-In, Lakeland Linder Regional Airport 863-644-2431 www.sun-n-fun.org

Lakeland, FL Bellanca-Champion Club at Sun 'n Fun 2003, Lakeland LAL Robert Szego 518-731-6800 robert@bellanca
-championclub.com www.bellanca-championclub
.com 

April 3-5
Dayton, OH Aviation and the Human Experience, Dr. Janet Bednarek 937-229-2848 Janet.Bednarek@notes.
udayton.edu http://firstflight.udayton.edu/
symposium.asp

April 5
York, NE Chapter 1055 Fly-in Breakfast, York Municipal JYR Rod Matlock 402-363-2660 

Pineville, LA Pancake Breakfast, Pineville Municipal Airport Bruce Underwood 318-445-9140 moody888@aol.com www.eaa614.org

Lawrenceville, GA Aviation Program and Breakfast, Briscoe Field LZU Lnor Levine 770-394-5466 lnor@akorn.net www.eaa690.org
Young Eagles Rallies

April 5
Apple Valley Airport - Apple Valley, CA Chapter 768 - Thomas Gummo 760-242-2669 

Camarillo Airport - Camarillo, CA Chapter 723 - Neal Fowler 805-647-6994 

Buchanon Airport - Concord, CA Chapter 393 - Pat Peters 925-930-6447 Rain Date of 4/12/2003 

Stockton Metro SCK - Stockton, CA Chapter 52 - Dave Love 209-951-6864 

Santa Monica Airport -
Santa Monica, CA Chapter 11 - James Wiebe 310-202-8727 

Naples Muni Airport - Naples, FL Chapter 1067 - Paul Johnson 239-254-8925 

Muscatine Muni Airport - Muscatine, IA Chapter 111 - Dean Beranek 319-627-6521 

Nampa Airport - Nampa, ID Chapter 103 - Edward Dickman 208-495-2967 

Lebanon Muni Airport - Lebanon, TN Chapter 863 - Gary Piper 615-824-0342 

Blackhawk Airport - Cottage Grove, WI Chapter 93 -
Patty & Jeff Plantz 608-257-6912 

April 6
Oceanside Airport - Oceanside, CA Chapter 286 - John Alling 760-749-5201 

Santa Paula Apt/Oxnard 
Airport - Santa Paula, CA Chapter 723 - Neal Fowler 805-647-6994 

Schaumburg Regional 
Airport - Schaumburg, IL Chapter 101 - Butch Bejna 630-543-9213 

St Cloud Airport - St Cloud, MN Chapter 551 - David Grose 320-255-9325 

EAA Birthday Buys
at Aeronautica

Plane Data Plate
    

Homebuilders! Don't forget to add these black aluminum aircraft data and passenger warning statement plates to your aircraft. Regularly priced at $14.49; now on sale at $10.99 for a set of two. Order yours today at the Aeronautica website.

To see more great specials, visit http://shop.eaa.org/.

March 2003
EAA Desktop Calendar


Add this pair of Curtiss jennies, including a homebuilt replica of the Canadian version (forefront) called the "Canuck," from EAA's April 2003 desktop calendar. To get your copy, visit the EAA website.

  

  


 The Official Electronic Newsletter of EAA
Join Us As We Celebrate 100 Years of Powered Flight
at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2003!

March 28, 2003   Volume 3, Number 14

News You Can Use ---


EAA Calls New Pilot Revocation Rule 'Unconstitutional' in Final Comments to DOT
New administrative rules that permit permanent revocation of pilot certificates to those people deemed “security risks” by the federal government are unconstitutional and leave open a huge gap that could snare law-abiding U.S. citizens, according to the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). EAA filed their public comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation today, at the end of the public comment period that followed the rule’s emergency adoption on January 24, 2003.
(read more)

Weekend Camp David TFR Reinstated 
Pilots Urged to Avoid TFR
The P-40 temporary flight restriction (TFR) surrounding Camp David is in effect again as of 3:15 p.m. EST today and will remain active through Sunday, March 30, until 12:45 p.m. Flight operations are prohibited within a five-mile radius below 12,500 feet msl of Camp David, while flights between 5 and 10 miles and under 18,000 feet msl require an active IFR or VFR flight plan; a discrete code assigned by ATC; and continuous two-way radio communications with ATC. Flights within restricted airspace are authorized for ingress, egress, and transit only. Flight training, practice instrument approaches, aerobatic flight, glider operations, parachute operations, ultralight flights, and hang gliding are not allowed. Pilots should always check with FAA Flight Service before takeoff for the latest information.

Washington, DC / Baltimore and New York City NOTAMs Revised for This Weekend 
Revised NOTAMs for the Washington, D.C./Baltimore and New York City areas effective from 6:00 a.m. Saturday, March 29 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, March 30 were issued this afternoon (Friday). The NOTAMs allow VFR traffic pattern operations at towered airports without filing a flight plan when they squawk a common code of 1-2-3-4 on their aircraft transponder. This restriction reduction in VFR operations by the FAA is a result of public input, including input from EAA and NAFI, whose goal is to find ways to make current and future NOTAMs less restrictive while still maintaining security. EAA and other aviation groups will be included in FAA's evaluation of the weekend's operations during a Monday morning conference. EAA is working to make this the first step to additional reductions in Washington and New York NOTAM restrictions.

Mayor Daley Gets His Way; EAA Decries TFR in Chicago 
Despite the lack of any specific, credible intelligence of a terrorist threat, the FAA and TSA created a temporary flight restriction for the city of Chicago late Friday evening, focusing on the downtown skyline area. Earlier this week, Chicago Mayor Richard Daley protested loudly that Chicago was at risk and requested airspace restrictions on the scale of the Washington, D.C./Baltimore and New York Airspace Defense Identification Zones (ADIZ). However, FAA and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) denied the mayor's requests, maintaining the threat to Chicago and other major cities is not at the level of Washington and New York. A temporary flight restriction was issued via FDC Notice to Airman (NOTAM) 3/2290 set to take effect at 11:00 am CST on March 22.
(read more)

EAA Issues New York Member Alert
State Assembly Proposes Bill to Prohibit Student Pilots Under the Age of 17 

EAA circulated a New York State Member Alert on Thursday (March 27) asking its 4,000 members there to write Assembly Bill A03899 sponsors, as well as their local representative, to oppose proposed legislation to prevent persons under age 17 from piloting an airplane. Republican State Assembly members Bob Barra (14th district), Tom Alfano (21st district), Tom Kirwan (100th district), and David Townsend (115th district) introduced the bill to “amend the general business law, in relation to prohibiting persons less than 17 years of age from operating aircraft” in New York.
(read more) 

Military Call-up Slows FAA Aeromedical Certification 
Expect Significant Delays in Special Issuance Medicals

Pilots with pending special issuance medical certificates will likely have a longer wait because Operation: Iraqi Freedom has cut into FAA Aeromedical headquarters' staff in Oklahoma City. The military has called to active duty two of the five physicians who handle special issuances and other duties for FAA Aerospace Medical Certification.

One physician is serving with the Army National Guard in Bosnia and the other is on duty with the Air Guard in the Middle East. The FAA staff didn't have a lot of time to deal with the call-ups, said Dr. Warren Silberman, head of FAA Aerospace Medical Certification, adding that one doctor was called to active duty on short notice.
(read more) 

Sun ’n Fun Set to Launch Next Week 
Next week marks the traditional start to the spring and summer flying season as the 29th annual Sun ’n Fun EAA Fly-In takes place April 2-8 at Lakeland, Florida’s Linder Regional Airport. Details of all the events taking place throughout the week are available at the Sun ’n Fun website. Several EAA-centered events and activities are planned throughout the week, led by the debut of EAA’s Countdown to Kitty Hawk touring pavilion. Also scheduled are several Sport Pilot/Light-Sport Aircraft educational forums: Wednesday through Saturday, 9-10 a.m. Tent 2; and Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, noon-1 p.m., in the Ultralight area. Look for an informational presentation on the EAA Aircraft Insurance Plan, also in the forums area. See the forums schedule at Sun ’n Fun’s website for times and places. 

Smith Field to Live On! 
EAA received word from EAA Chapter 2 President Larry Zepp (EAA 81346) that the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority voted on March 27 to keep Smith Field (SMD) open. In June 2002 the authority voted 4-2 to close the 77-year-old facility, but a grassroots effort led by EAA Chapter 2 members (Smith Airfield ForEver, or SAFE, and SMDFund) worked furiously to change the decision. 

"Our education as to the merits of this airport have paid off," said Zepp. "Smith Field now has a bright future!" EAA Chapter 2 calls SMD home and holds several aviation events there, including Young Eagles rallies.
(read more) 

The EAA Memorial Wall - An Everlasting Tribute
Behind the EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the EAA Memorial Wall serves as a permanent honor to departed EAA members and aviation enthusiasts in a serene setting. Each year we honor those special people who made flight more than just a dream at a solemn and special ceremony during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. To ensure your loved one is included in the 2003 ceremony, you need to submit your application to the EAA Development Office by Wednesday, April 16. You can also complete the online application located on the secure server on the EAA website. Those with questions should contact John Nieman at 920/426-6838 or jnieman@eaa.org.

Quilter’s Gathering Scheduled During EAA AirVenture
A popular off-site attraction during the annual EAA AirVenture gathering in Oshkosh is the EAA Quilter’s Gathering. This year’s event, which draws attendees from all over the world, will take place from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, at Sacred Heart Church, 505 Knapp St. The event features door prizes, a silent auction, vendors, demos, and more. Attendees can also enter a raffle for a bed-sized quilt and other prizes. For more information, contact Joleen Stadler, 920/235-9129, or joleenjerry@famvid.com.

EAA Centennial Homebuilt of the Week
Joe Raphael’s RV-6A is this week’s EAA Centennial Homebuilt. Joe, who hails from Carson City, Nevada, spent seven years building N42JR, which he describes as “hard labor and good times with great friends.” For more about the airplane that first flew on February 15, visit the EAA Centennial Homebuilts website. 

(To highlight the EAA Centennial Homebuilts' program, e-HOT LINE features a plane from the growing list submitted to EAA. Visit the EAA Homebuilders Headquarters website for program details.)
On The Flight Line ---
Engleman Sworn in as Chairman of NTSB
Ellen G. Engleman was sworn in on Monday, March 24, as a member and the 10th chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Nominated by President George W. Bush, she replaces NTSB Acting Chairman John A. Hammerschmidt, who vacated the position on Friday, March 21, after 18 years of service with the agency. As with past NTSB officials, EAA will be extending an invitation for Engleman and her staff to attend EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2003. These visits have proven to be very beneficial for government policymakers to better understand the general aviation community and its needs.
(read more)

Mandatory Ground Inspection Ordered for VariEzes
Burt Rutan has asked EAA to alert VariEze owners and operators about a mandatory ground/inspection for the spar and wing-attach structure. This is prompted by a VariEze wing center-section spar cap that totally failed just inboard of the right wing attach fitting. The failure appears to be caused by high flight loads; however, the failure was discovered on the ground and did not result in an accident. This is the first known failure of a VariEze fiberglass primary structural component. Tests conducted at Rutan Aircraft Factory (RAF) found the compression cap was joggled on installation, and samples from the other wing show serious weakness. Other VariEzes may also have weak spar caps and, thus, RAF recommends that all VariEzes immediately be subjected to significant flight restrictions.

Full details of the mandatory ground inspection are in the January 2003 Central States Newsletter (#69) and on the RAF website www.rutanaircraft.com/htmlpages/canard.html.

Excalibur Makes FAA ‘Approved Homebuilts’ List
The FAA has added Excalibur Aircraft’s line of Excalibur kit airplanes to the approved list for amateur homebuilt kit aircraft. Excalibur, which features the 2-place “Standard,” “Stretch,” and “582” models, made the announcement following FAA inspector Donald Boyd’s visit to Excalibur’s manufacturing facilities of in Sebring, Florida on March 14. Boyd said Excalibur “more than meets the requirements for kit approval.” Excalibur President Tom Karr commented, “Although Excaliburs have been approved in the past by the FAA for their airworthiness certification, its nice to be listed on the FAA’s official pre-approved list for quick reference.” For more information about the aircraft, visit www.excaliburaircraft.com, or call 863/385-9486.

Hal Shook to Speak at EAA April 10
World War II hero Hal Shook will speak on “Leadership Lessons Learned in Combat,” Thursday evening, April 10, at 7 p.m. in EAA’s Goldwater Conference Room, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Shook, who as a fighter pilot led 48 planes over Omaha Beach on D-Day, will discuss his own experience as a combat leader and commandant and relate that experience to individual human development, organizational development, and effective leadership. He is also a management consultant and author. Registration for the event is from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. in the adjoining Fergus Plaza. Refreshments will be available and Shook will be on hand to greet the audience. Registration is $25 per person in advance or $35 at the door. Call the Ripon Area Chamber of Commerce at 920/748-6764 to make your reservation.

Lancair to Unveil Columbia Upgrades at Sun ’n Fun
Stop by the Lancair booth (MD-009A) next week at Sun ’n Fun to see some new innovations for its Columbia aircraft.

First there’s the Avidyne FlightMax Entegra integrated flight deck, available for Lancair Columbia 350 and 400 aircraft. This affordable EFIS system offers full-color, primary flight and multi-function displays for standard flight instrumentation, including attitude indicator (EAI), horizontal situation indicator (EHSI), altitude, airspeed, vertical speed, moving map, weather, terrain, and traffic. Its large, 10.4-inch diagonal, high-resolution display is easy on the eyes, even in full sun. 

On Wednesday, March 26, Lancair announced that it is pursing certification for ThermaWing, a thermoelectric deicing system, for its Columbia aircraft. That’s good news for high-flyers. Although this work-saving system won’t be available until fall, it will be on display at Lakeland, as well as the FlightMax Entegra, in Lancair’s Columbia 400 prototype N143LC.

Emergency Portable Tool Kit From Approach Aviation
Don’t be caught in an emergency without the proper tools when you’re away from home. Instead, take along the Educated Owner’s “Fly-Away” Tool Kit from Approach Aviation. Each kit contains a selection of general tools, aircraft tools, and supplies that can be kept right in the aircraft for emergency use. Among the slew of items are safety wire twisters, an aircraft spark plug socket, a 3/8-inch ratchet driver, a digital multimeter, vise grips, safety wire, spark plug gaskets, tie-wraps, and much more. 

Packaged in its own toolbox, the whole kit runs $119.95. Visit www.ApproachAviation.com, or call 877/564-4457 for more information.

Correction
In last week's story about Flight Solutions Inc., and Flightsolution.com, we erroneously listed its location. The correct location is in Gallatin, Tennessee.


 Q & A: Question of the Week
 Question for EAA Aviation Information Services:
For an aircraft licensed in the experimental/exhibition category, what would be the regulatory requirements to make an alteration to the aircraft? 

Answer: 
The process for making changes to an aircraft certificated for any experimental purpose (exhibition, amateur-built, etc.) is spelled out in the aircraft's operating limitations, which were issued as part of its airworthiness certificate. The operating limitations for experimental/exhibition aircraft will usually include the following or a similarly worded statement:

"The cognizant FSDO must be notified, and its response received in writing, prior to flying this aircraft after incorporation of a major change as defined by § 21.93."

This tells us that the controlling FSDO must be contacted whenever a major change is incorporated. The regulation referenced in the operating limitation, 14 CFR 21.93, offers the following guidance on determining whether a change is major or minor:

"A 'minor change' is one that has no appreciable effect on the weight, balance, structural strength, reliability, operational characteristics, or other characteristics affecting the airworthiness of the product. All other changes are 'major changes.'"

The owner/operator of an experimental/exhibition aircraft should check the operating limitations issued to that individual aircraft, and verify what exact procedure is outlined regarding major changes. While the above excerpt was taken directly from FAA guidance found in Order 8130.2D and 2E, an FAA inspector has the latitude to modify the operating limitations issued to a particular aircraft if necessary. So, it's important to verify what the operating limitations for a particular aircraft spell out. As mentioned above, the operating limitations are a part of the airworthiness certificate for the aircraft, and as such they must be carried in the aircraft at all times.

Providing that the operating limitations contain the verbiage mentioned above and you determine that the change being made to the aircraft is a major change, you are directed to contact the controlling FSDO and receive a written response before flying the aircraft.
 
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

Upcoming Workshop 

April 26-27, 2003, Watsonville, CA
Topic: Sheet Metal, Composite Construction, Fabric Covering, Electrical Systems and Avionics, and What's Involved in Kitbuilding?
See the complete schedule of upcoming SportAir Workshops.


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