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Wright Simulators Thrill Sun 'n Fun Attendees 
 Nobody really knows for sure what it was like to fly the very first successful powered aircraft, the 1903 Wright Flyer, but a whole lot of people are gaining a keen appreciation for what it must have been like at EAA’s Countdown To Kitty Hawk Pavilion, which debuted Tuesday at the Sun ’n Fun EAA Fly-in. Three Wright Flyer simulators, which require the operator to lie prone just like the original, were doing a brisk business throughout the day as would-be pilots tried their hands—and hips—at flying the first airplane.
(read more) 

 EAA’s Young Eagles Program to Keep Flying with Phillips 66 Support Beyond 2003 
 The EAA Young Eagles Program, which has become the largest youth aviation education program ever created, will continue beyond the flight centennial year of 2003 with the support of ConocoPhillips.

For the past decade, Phillips 66 Aviation brand has assisted pilots who have flown Young Eagles with fuel rebates and in recent years has recognized remarkable Young Eagles pilots through the Phillips 66 Aviation Leadership Awards. Since the Young Eagles Program began in July 1992, some 900,000 young people have received a free demonstration flight and discovered more about the world of aviation.
(read more)

AirVenture Museum Events

 UPCOMING EVENTS
April 11-13
Wickenburg, AZ T-34 Association Fly In, Wickenburg Municipal E25 Jim Ostritch 858-414-6258 jostrich@qualcomm.com www.wickenburgairport.com/  

April 12
Vacaville, CA Wayne Handley Basic Aerobatics Seminar, Nut Tree Airport VCB David Aronson 707-592-1001 aronsond@pacbell.net  http://solanopilots.com

Columbia, CA EAA Pancake Breakfast, Columbia 022 Alan Wallace 209-586-5860 awelectric@mlode.com 

Truckee, CA Chapter 1073 Pancake Breakfast, Truckee Tahoe TRK 

April 13
Davis/Woodland, CA Chap 52 Hanger Breakfast Fly In, Yolo County 2Q3 Coffee Kauffman 916-428-9477

April 15
Vacaville, CA EAA Membership Meeting Chapter 1230, Nut Tree VCB David Aronson 707-448-8512 aronsond@pacbell.net
Young Eagles Rallies

April 11
Marshfield Muni Airport (MFI) - Marshfield, WI Chapter 992 - Jack Bremer 715-384-8700 

April 12
St Clair Co Airport - Pell City, AL Chapter 1320 - Lillian Glenn 256-268-2701

Falcon Field - Mesa, AZ Chapter 228 - Don McGettigan 480-964-9236

Fullerton Airport - Fullerton, CA Chapter 7 - Darwyn Wolff 714-381-4240

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

Truckee Airport - Truckee, CA Chapter 1073 - Charlie White 530-587-4811

Brooksville Airport (BKV) - Brooksville, FL Chapter 1298 - Edgar Flaig 352-688-4263 Rain Date of 4/13/2003

Charlotte Co Airport (PGD) - Punta Gorda, FL Chapter 565 - Mike Stinnett 941-575-1962

Davenport Airport (DVN) - Davenport, IA Chapter 75 - Kirk Foeking 563-285-7223

Nampa Muni Airport - Nampa, ID Chapter 103 - Lloyd Thompson 208-489-2125

Minuteman Airfield - Stow, MA Chapter 196 - Mark Saklad 781-275-3458

Barstow Airport EAA 1093 Av. Cntr - Midland, MI Chapter 1093 - John Kemper 989-631-4852

Maple Leaf Airport - Maple Leaf, MN Chapter 878 - David Swanson 763-478-9529

Las Cruces Intl Airport - Las Cruces, NM Chapter 555 - Chuck McLean 505-526-6151

Ohio State University Airport - Columbus, OH Chapter 9 - Keith Edwards 614-804-5420

Portland/Mulino Airport (K4S9) - Portland, OR Chapter 902 - Robin Brooks 503-631-7273 Rain Date of 4/19/2003

Owens Columbia Dwntwn Airport - Columbia, SC Chapter 242 - Paul Carter 803-794-1438

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

Mineral Wells Airport - Mineral Wells, TX Chapter 1318 - Ronald Pyles 817-512-4731

San Geronimo Airpark - San Antonio, TX Chapter 35 - Norris Warner 830-510-4334

McGregor Executive Airport (PWG) - Waco, TX Chapter 59 - Dan McKee 254-662-3255

Batten Airport (KRAC) - Racine, WI Chapter 838 - Eddy Huffman 262-639-8301


Featured Item at EAA Aeronautica
Umbrella Sporting the EAA Member's Logo
    

Don't get caught in an April shower without a dependable, blue-and-white striped EAA umbrella. It's available at the Aeronautica website for only $19.99.

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

April 2003
EAA Desktop Calendar


EAA's April desktop calendar sports this colorful pair of Curtiss Jennies, including a homebuilt replica of the Canadian version (forefront) called the "Canuck." 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!

April 4, 2003   Volume 3, Number 15

News You Can Use ---

Meigs Supporters Head to Court
The Friends of Meigs Field organization and other supporters of the embattled airport are in a Cook County, Illinois, courtroom this afternoon, seeking a restraining order that would prevent any further destruction at Chicago’s lakefront airport.

During a Friday morning news conference, Friends of Meigs past president Steve Whitney said their group is challenging the legality of the early-morning destruction of the facility on March 31. Chicago mayor Richard Daley, who had long desired Meigs’ closure to build an additional lakefront park, claimed he closed the airport for homeland security reasons despite the lack of any credible terrorist threat to the city.

EAA supports the Friends of Meigs and the other Chicago-area citizens involved in the process. EAA representatives have met with those parties several times over the past several days to review possible actions. EAA and other national aviation organizations also joined together to send a letter to President Bush this week asking federal authorities to clearly state their authority over homeland security issues.
President at Camp David This Weekend; P-40 TFR in Effect 
 President Bush will be at Camp David (P-40) in the Hagerstown/Thurmont, Maryland, area this weekend, which activates a temporary flight restriction (TFR) from 2 p.m. EST Friday, April 4 through 4 p.m. EST Sunday, April 6. 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.
(read more)
EAA Opposes New Jersey Congressman's Call For Additional New York Restrictions
 EAA is reacting strongly in opposition to Congressman Steven Rothman's (D-NJ) call today for additional restrictions on general aviation within 15 miles of New York city. 
Congressman Rothman states, “It is unacceptable that New York City, the site of the greatest terrorist attack in American history, still has not been given the same protection from general aviation aircraft that Washington, DC has in place today to protects its people and important sites.” Rep. Rothman does not state, however, that the Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration and Federal Aviation Administration have evaluated the threat of general aviation aircraft and determined that they do not pose a significant threat that warrants additional restrictions. Also, general aviation has not been involved in any terrorist attack to date and that general aviation aircraft pose less of a threat than the thousands of personal vehicles that travel into, out of and through the New York City metro region each day.

"Rep. Rothman's request would not make any of the citizens in his district, nor in the surrounding New York metro area, any safer, but it would effectively destroy hundreds of jobs and dozens of businesses that rely on general aviation in his region," said Earl Lawrence, EAA Vice President of Government and Industry Programs. EAA has already alerted New Jersey aviation enthusiasts, particularly those in Rep. Rothman's home District 9 encompassing Bergen, Hudson and Passaic Counties, and urged them call his office at (202) 225-5061 or e-mail him, and let him know that such a proposal does not enhance security and is not in the best interests of his constituents.

FAA Goal: Announce New Sport Pilot Rule at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2003
FAA’s goal is to announce the new sport pilot/light-sport aircraft rule at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2003, according to Peggy Gilligan, FAA’s Deputy Associate Administrator for Regulation & Certification. She made those comments Thursday, April 3, during the annual “Meet the FAA” session at the Sun 'n Fun EAA Fly-In at Lakeland, Florida.
(read more)
EAA AirVenture NOTAM Available For Download  
The official Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for the 51st EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is now available for viewing/ download on the EAA AirVenture website. EAA and FAA cooperated on the design and production of the NOTAM, which will assist pilots in preparation for their AirVenture flights. It describes official arrival and departure flight procedures in effect from July 26 through August 5, including procedures for the many types of aircraft that fly to Oshkosh for the event, as well as aircraft that land at nearby airports. The annual general aviation gathering runs July 29-August 4 at Wittman Regional Airport.
(read more) 

Wright Flyer Meets EAA Sun ’n Fun Fliers 
Amid the hustle and bustle of the opening day of the Sun 'n Fun EAA Fly-In on April 2, the introduction of EAA's authentic reproduction of the Wright brothers' Flyer to the public and the grand opening of EAA's Countdown to Kitty Hawk touring pavilion, presented by Ford Motor Company, was the most prestigious event of the day.
 (read more)
EAA Seeks Input From Eastern States’ Chapters on Proposed Airspace Change in Philadelphia
Before it comments on a proposed modification to the Philadelphia Class B airspace, EAA Government and Industry Relations seeks input from EAA Chapters located in nine eastern states. The FAA proposal, offered by the Eastern Region, would increase the lateral and vertical dimensions of the airspace to more efficiently accommodate the traffic flows into and out of the Philadelphia International Airport and associated satellite airports.

The states EAA seeks input from include Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Vermont, New York, Connecticut, Virginia and West Virginia. “EAA feels that only local EAA Chapters have a firm grasp on the use of local airspace,” said Government and Industry Relations Specialist Randy Hansen. “Therefore, we are deferring comment on this proposal to the local Chapters.”

Members are asked to review the information and comment to the FAA by the May 15 deadline. This is the first step in modifying the Philadelphia Class B airspace. Based on comments received, the FAA will follow-up with local airspace meetings and formal airspace change processes.

EAA members living in these states can get a copy of the airspace proposal from their Chapter president, or they can call the FAA, Francis Jordan, at 718-553-4521 to receive a copy.

Israeli Chapter Planning Trip to Oshkosh 
People are coming to Oshkosh this year from all around the globe to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers’ first successful powered flight. Count a sizeable contingent from Israel among those making a pilgrimage to AirVenture 2003, general aviation’s showcase annual event. 

EAA’s first Israeli Chapter, 1346, is finalizing plans to bring from 300 to 500 aviation enthusiasts to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2003. Details are still being worked out, but the newly formed Chapter plans to bring the sizeable contingent to Oshkosh via charter in honor of powered flight’s 100th anniversary.
(read more) 

Orbis DC-10 'Flying Eye Hospital' to Make First Appearance at EAA AirVenture 2003 
One of the world’s most unique examples of a humanitarian aircraft, the ORBIS Flying Eye Hospital, will make its first appearance at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2003, as the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) gathering is be held at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh on July 29-August 4.
(read more)


EAA Centennial Homebuilt of the Week
Dennis D. Hain (EAA 351074) of Meridian, Idaho, flew his RV-9A (N165DH) on December 27, 2002, after spending just over two years of weekends with his brother-in-law building it. He says he learned a great deal about airplane construction and looks forward to "traveling across this great country." For more about his airplane, 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 ---

 Lancair on Schedule with Several Products
Lancair kicked off the first day of the Sun ’n Fun EAA Fly-In with several product and production announcements. For kit aircraft builders, Lancair now offers the Lancair Legacy FG with fixed gear. The aircraft, very much like its retractable gear counterpart, is constructed mostly of fiberglass rather than carbon fiber. Its low introductory price of $32,900 and quick building time promise to make this a popular kit.

The company confirmed that certification of its all-electric, dual-bus version of the normally aspirated 310-hp Lancair Columbia 300, dubbed the Columbia 350, is due any day. Right behind it is the turbocharged Columbia 400, scheduled for certification by late July of this year. Both models will be ready for delivery following certification.

Regarding its production schedule, Lancair's Vice President Ron Wright noted that the company has delivered six aircraft since February 28. While that's about one airplane per week, he expects to increase that schedule to one aircraft per workday. These products and more are on display at exhibit area MD-009A at Sun 'n Fun. For more information call 541/318-1144 or visit www.lancair.com.

New Piper Unveils Two New Models at Sun ’n Fun
New Piper Aircraft Inc. unveiled the Piper 6X and Piper 6XT to a crowd of Sun ’n Fun spectators on Wednesday, April 2. The Piper 6X is a normally aspirated, fixed-gear version of the six-place Saratoga II aircraft; the Piper 6XT is its turbocharged equivalent. Each aircraft sports a 300-hp Lycoming engine. Top speed for the 6X is 153 kts/283 km/h and 165 kts/306 km/h for the 6XT. Both models seat six in a club-arrangement, although the rear two seats are removable for added cargo space. 
New Piper expects to deliver both versions in August 2003. For more information, visit www.newpiper.com, or call the Vero, Florida, company at 772/567-4361. 

NASA Seeks a Few Good Teachers
NASA's Educator Astronaut Program (EAP) invites K-12 teachers with backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics to become part of its first class of Educator Astronauts. Those selected will perform all the jobs and responsibilities of mission specialist astronauts. They will receive hands-on training to perform spacewalks, operate the Space Shuttle's robotic arm, and lead research experiments for the purpose of sharing their extraordinary experience with millions of students and other teachers.

To apply, nominate a teacher, or learn more about this program, visit http://edspace.nasa.gov/qualifications/qualif.html or call 877/332-7876. Application and nominations are due April 30th.

Precise Flight Strives for Safety and Performance
Precise Flight's Pulselite, an early recognition system that pulses the aircraft’s external lights for greater visibility, now offers collision avoidance (TCAS) and an integrated hazard system (IHAS) for automatic activation during a traffic advisory. For pilots, that means less time to locate oncoming traffic and more time to concentrate on flying the plane. 

SpeedBrake, a system that safely creates instant drag without major power or speed changes, allows pilots to double their descent rate while maintaining precise power control. Thanks to an FAA certification, all Beechcraft Bonanza 35 models (A35-V35) can take advantage of this speed-limiting system for use at or near Vne speeds.

See both of these systems at the Precise Flight booths (C-57 & C-58) during Sun 'n Fun, at its website www.preciseflight.com, or call 800/547-2558 for more details.

Partenair Design Introduces S45 Mark II
Partenair Design Inc. introduced its S45 Mark II at Sun 'n Fun 2003 in Lakeland, Florida, this week. The aircraft, based on the S45 Mark I, incorporates a few changes, including a raised engine (4 inches higher) for a larger diameter propeller of 70 inches. However, the curves of the original design are the same despite its new cowling arrangement. Partenair maintains that there is no change in pitch tendency with changes in power settings. The S45 Mark II carries a Lycoming O-320 engine.

E-mail Partenair Design at info@partenairdesign.com, or visit www.partenairdesign.com for more details.
First Whooping Crane Back in Wisconsin 
 The Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership announced last week that the first whooping crane, #6, has returned to Wisconsin after wintering in Florida's Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge since last fall. It was spotted flying with 300 sandhill cranes over Dodge County by International Crane Foundation (ICF ) intern Colleen Satyshur.
(read more)

OMF to Build Canadian Plant
German company OMF Aircraft announced on March 27 its partnership with a trio of Canadian investors to build a North American production facility in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada. The new plant, which should be running by August 2003, will produce OMF Symphony aircraft for the North American market.

Plans for the 30,000-square foot facility include 25,000 square feet of manufacturing space and 5,000 square feet of office space. The company plans to build three additional 25,000-square foot structures in future phases. When completed, the facility will employ 300 people and will produce all OMF aircraft sold in North America. For more information, visit www.omf-aircraft.com.

FAA Approves Avidyne FlightMax EX500
Avidyne’s FlightMax EX500, the first multifunctional display unit with an integrated datalink, recently received FAA Technical Standard Order (TSO) approval and a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), making it widely available to pilots of light aircraft.

The datalink feature allows pilots to receive NEXRAD, METAR,  AIRMET/ SIGMET, and TFR updates, complete with high-resolution graphics and easy to understand text, while in flight. Moreover, it improves situational awareness and safety on every trip. Avidyne also certified its FlightMax DC50 Antenna Coupler, which allows the FlightMax EX500 to use a multi-mode (datalink/COMM or datalink/GPS/ COMM) antenna, saving the installation costs of a dedicated datalink antenna. For more details, visit www.avidyne.com/EX500 or call (781) 402-7434.

 Q & A: Question of the Week
 Question for EAA Government & Industry Relations:
I keep reading about the FAA’s new amateur-built aircraft DAR program. What is the current status of this program?

Answer: 
On January 1, 2003, FAA Order 8130.30, amateur-built designated airworthiness representatives (AB-DAR), became effective. This new FAA order allowed individuals holding A&P certificates to apply to their local FAA MIDO or FSDO for designation as an AB-DAR if they met these minimum requirements:

1. Be an FAA A&P who has completed at least three annual condition inspections on any type of AB aircraft; 
2. Have built their own AB aircraft, and that aircraft must have flown at least 100 hours since it was originally certificated; and
3. Have a Letter of Referral from an FAA recognized AB aircraft sponsoring organization (like EAA and SSA).

Currently over 50 A&Ps, who are also EAA Technical Counselors, have applied, received EAA’s sponsoring organization letter, and submitted their applications to their local FAA MIDO offices. Of these 50, six have been appointed by the FAA as AB-DARs. 

The major current issue is the required FAA initial AB-DAR qualifying course. The final development of this new course is based on FAA 2003 budget dollars—which have yet to be released. Until the FAA releases the course monies and course dates are announced, these newly appointed AB-DARs are restricted from performing initial AB aircraft certification inspections. 

All 50 applicants have agreed to “volunteer” their FAA designated certification inspection functions to EAA. What this means to AB aircraft builders is that under the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997, these individuals will be providing “free” initial certification inspections to homebuilders; only the actual cost of travel expenses will be passed to the builders.

EAA is extremely pleased with the progress of this new FAA program, and we hope the funding issues can be resolved in the very near future so we all can put these new AB-DARs to work.

For more information on the FAA’s AB-DAR program, contact either your closest FAA MIDO or FSDO office or EAA’s Government & Industry Relations office at govt@eaa.org or 888/322-4636, push 1 for extensions, then 6522.
 
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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