'Wings On Strings' June 25 At EAA AirVenture Museum
One of man's oldest flying devices, the kite, will be the featured flying object on Saturday, June 25, during the third annual "Wings on Strings" Kite Festival at the EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh.
During this free family event, a series of world-class performers, including the Chicago Fire Kite team, Team Pegasus, and Mike Delfar, will stage kite-flying displays throughout the day to musical accompaniment. Yves LaForest, from Montreal, Canada, will feature his giant octopus kite and his giant 150-foot windsock. (read more)
Make This the Year For a B-17 Flight at EAA AirVenture
Reserve
your seat on the Wings of Eagles Discovery Center’s Fuddy Duddy
B-17G for an actual mission flight at the World’s Greatest
Aviation Celebration. EAA's “Allied
Victory B-17 Tour” is currently thrilling aviation enthusiasts in
the Western U.S., making its way eastward to Oshkosh for the July
25-31 event. To
book an AirVenture flight or to learn more, visit the EAA B-17
website, or call 800/FLY-NB17 (800/359-6217).
What evening program at Theater in the Woods do you consider “can’t miss”?
Q & A: Question of the Week for
EAA Aviation Services:
I have an airplane that qualifies as a light-sport aircraft (LSA) but is certified as a standard category aircraft. What can I do to change it to an LSA?
Answer:
You are not allowed to change your standard category aircraft to the light-sport aircraft (LSA) category. The aircraft's certification will remain as is. If it fits the definition of an LSA, it is eligible to be operated by sport pilots without changing the certification.
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.
June
2005 EAA Desktop
Calendar
Many veteran attendees say you can't get the complete EAA AirVenture Oshkosh experience unless you camp on the convention grounds. Camp underneath the wing of your airplane, whether you park in the "North 40" or "North Fond du Lac"; or you can park your RV, trailer, or simply pitch a tent in Camp Scholler, where there's always room for one more. To download a copy of our June 2005 wallpaper calendar, visit the
EAA
website.
EAA’s Fast Action Restores Temporary Tower
For W. Michigan Fly-In
The Western Michigan Fly-In scheduled for June 25 at Allegan Airport (35D) will be a safer event, thanks to EAA’s work to restore a temporary air traffic control tower that was abruptly canceled late last week. The one-day fly-in had already received FAA approval for the temporary ATCT in December 2004, so it came as quite a surprise last Friday, June 10, when Andy Millin, EAA Chapter 221 past president and current webmaster, got word from the FAA that it was canceled. Millin, responsible for securing annual approval for the temporary tower, decided to call EAA on Monday. Less than 24 hours later, they had their tower back. (read more)
Mike Melvill Hosts Third Young Eagles Webchat The world’s first civilian astronaut, Mike Melvill, was the featured guest for EAA’s June Young Eagles webchat Wednesday night on the Young Eagles website. People from throughout cyber world logged on from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. CDT to ask the SpaceShipOne pilot about his historic flights last year into suborbital space, his experiences as a test pilot for Scaled Composites, and many other subjects. Melvill joined in from his home in Tehachapi, California. (read more)
Thousands of Kids Fly During International Young Eagles Day During EAA’s International Young Eagles Day last Saturday, June 11, thousands of kids received free airplane rides at countless airports located throughout the world. At Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, EAA headquarters organized 15 pilots flying 14 aircraft and in four hours (9 a.m.-1 p.m.) provided rides to 124 new Young Eagles. (read more)
EAA Enjoys Successful Sport Pilot Tour Stop EAA’s Sport Pilot Tour made its second stop—and first as a standalone event—at St. Charles County Airport - Smartt Field (SET) in suburban St. Louis, Missouri on Saturday, June 11. More that 260 people turned out to learn more about the new flying category, plus see and receive flight demonstrations in several certificated light-sport aircraft. This week it’s off to Franklin, Pennsylvania’s Venago Regional Airport (FKL) for the final stop before EAA AirVenture 2005. The NAFI Sport Pilot Symposium will
also be held in Franklin this weekend. (read more)
EAA Urges Opposition to
NWS Duties Act EAA strongly opposes the National Weather Services Duties Act of 2005 (S. 786) that would prohibit the National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from providing free critical weather forecasting and observation services to the public if a private company offers the same services. S 786 was introduced by Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA) in April and has no co-sponsors. It’s currently with the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. (read more)
Vickers Vimy Reaches Launch Point For Trip Across the Atlantic The Vickers Vimy World War I bomber replica that highlighted EAA AirVenture 2001 and landed at Oshkosh last month to
re-create history’s first nonstop trans-Atlantic flight this month reached St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, on June 9. EAA members Mark Rebholz and Steve Fossett plan to fly the aircraft, NX71MY, to Clifden, Ireland from St. John’s between now and June 20, depending on weather. The flight is expected to span approximately 18-20 hours. (read more)
Funeral Services Held for Legend Curtis Pitts Funeral services, “A Celebration of Life,” were held this week for aviation legend Curtis Pitts at the Palms Woodlawn Funeral Home, 27100 Old Dixie Highway, Naranja, Florida. Curtis passed away on Friday, June 10. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that contributions be made to EAA in Curtis' memory. Contributions can be mailed to EAA, Attention Kathy Phillip, P.O. Box 3086, Oshkosh, WI, 54903-3086. (read more)
Golden West Reschedules 2006 Fly-In
While the dust is just beginning to settle on the 2005 event which concluded earlier this month, the Golden West Aviation Association announced that the 2006 Golden West EAA Regional Fly-in will be held June 9-11 at the Yuba County Airport in Marysville, California. That is a week earlier than previously announced. Some elements for 2006 are already confirmed and organizers are looking forward to presenting another exciting event. More information and continued updates for the 2006 event can be found at
www.goldenwestflyin.org.
EAA Ultralight Day
Descends on Pioneer June 18 The
weather outlook appears perfect for this Saturday, June 18,
and the annual EAA Ultralight Day at Pioneer Airport in
Oshkosh.
All are invited to attend as EAA staff and ultralight enthusiasts
offer their expertise on this friendly and affordable side of flying. Information on
sport pilot/light-sport aircraft will also be available. EAA
Ultralight Program Manager Timm Bogenhagen, who recently
converted his ultralight Challenger II to an experimental
LSA, will be available to discuss the conversion process. Ultralight Day is included with regular museum admission. EAA members who present their EAA membership cards are admitted to the museum at no charge.
EAA, Warbirds, and NATA Respond to T-6 Emergency AD Joint working group evaluating recent accident and AD On June 10, EAA hosted a teleconference with a team of experts from EAA, the EAA Warbirds of America (WOA), and the North American Trainers Association (NATA) who jointly have been evaluating the recent T-6 wing failure. The group expanded its scope to
include development of an industry response to the emergency airworthiness directive (AD) issued by the FAA on June 8. (read
more)
EAA Insurance
Tip --
Not My Airplane: Renters (Non-Owned) Insurance By Bob Mackey
Falcon Insurance Agency, Inc.
Much has been written about non-owned, or renters, insurance. Some of the articles and advertisements hype the possibility of an aircraft owner or their insurance
company coming after the renter for damages to the aircraft, injuries, or other property damage. Is this really a risk? Do insurance companies really try to recover their losses? YES. Insurance companies do try to recover their losses whenever they feel they have just cause. Why? Because they have a responsibility to stockholders to be profitable, and so they make sure they don’t pay more than they should according to the policies they issue and the circumstances of an accident. Whenever and wherever appropriate they attempt to recover losses from someone else. (read more)
Rotax Engine/Gearbox Trade-In Program U.S. Rotax Service Centers are now offering a limited time trade-in program for qualified Rotax, Hirth, and 2SI engines with gearboxes. Qualifying engines can be traded for new Rotax 503 or 582 engines equipped with either “B,” “C,” or “E” gearboxes. All trade-in engines must be found in the Rotax serial number database and include a gearbox to qualify. To see if your engine qualifies, have your seven-digit serial number available and contact your nearest Rotax Service Center. Hirth engines must be two-cycle engines from 40 to 65 hp and also must include a gearbox. 2SI engines must be 35 hp or more and include a gearbox as well.
Trade-in credit can be applied for the purchase of any new Rotax 503 or 582 engine and gearbox combo. The Rotax 503 credit is $750, while the Rotax 582 credit is $810. All engines purchased or traded in must include a gearbox. This program is in effect until August 31, 2005, and is available from all Rotax Service Centers. For a complete list of authorized Rotax Service Centers, visit
www.rotax-owner.com
and click on Links.
Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Sponsors Phantom Racer Aircraft Spruce & Specialty is an official sponsor of the Phantom Air Racer.
Tom Abele, a member of the original design team, flew the aircraft in the 2003 Reno Air Races winning first in his heat race. Propeller problems forced a withdrawal, but he came back with a new prop in 2004 and easily won his category by 20 mph. “We’re pleased to become part of another air racing team that has been willing to give everything they have to advance the accomplishment of experimental aircraft,” said Jim Irwin, Aircraft Spruce president. The airplane is powered by a hybrid Lycoming 360 engine that develops over 250-hp at 3,300 rpm. In level flight, at 3,000 feet msl, the Phantom indicates 265 mph. Composite wings and aft fuselage are designed to carry up to 18 Gs. Phantom will be back for the 2005 Reno Air Races and the team anticipates attempts for a number of world speed records. For more information visit:
www.aircraftspruce.com.
GE Elano Canada, Inc.
is Quebec Aerospace Company of the Year GE Elano Canada, Inc.,
an affiliate of Unison Industries, has been named Quebec’s Aerospace Company of the Year. The award is presented annually to a Quebec aerospace company that shows tremendous growth and dedication to its community and the aerospace industry. GE Elano Canada manufactures aluminum tube and duct assemblies, specializing in tube bending and welding processes, and heat and surface treatments. Its major customers include Bombardier Aerospace, Honeywell, Boeing, Shorts, and
Sonaca. For more information, visit www.unisonindustries.com.
Mooney Factory Adds Second Shift
Mooney Airplane Company, Kerrville, Texas, has added a second shift to handle high demand for its Ovation2 GX and Bravo GX airplanes. The additional shift increases the throughput in the detail-parts fabrication and manufacturing assembly areas, including fuselage, wing, final assembly and paint. John Cullen, director of assembly, says the second shift helps maximize current equipment and tooling, and should result in a significant reduction in the production cycle, while still maintaining high quality levels. For more information, visit
www.mooney.com.
Eagle Engines Announces XTREEM 540 Eagle Engines has introduced the XTREEM 540 customizable engine for the sport plane enthusiast. The XTREEM 540 is a 6-cylinder horizontally opposed, 250-300 hp engine available in a constant speed configuration. Standard features include Millennium Standard-Cast cylinders or Titan cylinders that are precision flow-matched with high-performance piston options and a high-tech camshaft using computer optimized Formula I racing software. The standard accessory package includes Light Speed Engineering Dual Plasma III electronic ignition system, Airflow Performance high performance fuel injection system and Sky-Tec Flyweight high-torque inline
starter. Additional accessories are available. For more information call 800/292-7767 or visit
www.eagleengines.com.
Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame Inductees Named The Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame Board of Directors has selected the 2005 honorees to be inducted November 12.
Chosen for induction are Larry D. Cox, AAE, President and CEO of the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority; Dr. Margaret Rhea Seddon, M.D., a NASA astronaut with more than 722 hours in space; Beech Aircraft Corporation founder Walter H. Beech (1891-1950); and Robert B. McNab and James A. Wolfe (1948-1999) who co-founded Edwards & Associates in 1977.
Inductees are selected for their significant or enduring contribution to aviation and must be a Tennessee native or have made the achievement in Tennessee.
Daniel Webster College
Starts Online MBA for Aviation Professionals Daniel Webster College is introducing a unique version of its regionally recognized MBA to be offered entirely online and focused on aviation professionals.
The online MBA for Aviation Professionals will appeal to a variety of industry constituencies, including managers currently working in the aviation industry, pilots and mechanics interested in developing the expertise to move into management positions, military personnel moving into the civilian world, and air traffic controllers transitioning into management roles.
The program begins in January 2006, and more detailed information will be available at
www.dwc.edu in August. For more information, call 603/577-6615.
To ensure that you
continue to receive EAA e-hotline, please add ehotline@eaa.org
The
weather outlook appears perfect for this Saturday, June 18,
and the annual EAA Ultralight Day at Pioneer Airport in
Oshkosh.
All are invited to attend as EAA staff and ultralight enthusiasts
offer their expertise on this friendly and affordable side of flying. Information on
sport pilot/light-sport aircraft will also be available. EAA
Ultralight Program Manager Timm Bogenhagen, who recently
converted his ultralight Challenger II to an experimental
LSA, will be available to discuss the conversion process. Ultralight Day is included with regular museum admission. EAA members who present their EAA membership cards are admitted to the museum at no charge.
