EAA e-Hotline Electronic Newsletter

EAA ‘Unequivocally and Fervently’ Opposes Permanent D.C.-area ADIZ

EAA has left no doubts where it stands on a proposed permanent Washington, D.C., area Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), as the organization stated in its official comments to the Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA proposal, which has also drawn opposition from nearly every other national aviation organization, would convert the existing Temporary Flight Restricted Area into a permanent Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA), severely restricting general aviation activities in a wide region within 50 miles of the nation’s capital.
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FAA Alerts EAA Regarding Safety Notice for Su-29s

The FAA Small Airplane Directorate contacted EAA Wednesday regarding a safety notice from the Sukhoi Design Bureau alerting Su-29 owners and operators that the left bracket of the rear spar attachment to the fuselage truss broke on an Su-29 registered in the U.S. A visible crack on the right bracket was observed. FAA would normally issue an Airworthiness Directive (AD) for such a problem, but these aircraft are certificated in the Experimental category in the U.S., and ADs do not apply to experimentals. The FAA has therefore asked EAA to assist in the distribution of this important safety information.
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EAA Sweepstakes Husky in Midnight Caravan to NBAA Convention

EAA put its best, er, float forward late Sunday/early Monday night in preparation for next week's annual National Business Aviation Association convention, which runs November 9-11 in Orlando, Florida. EAA's sweepstakes Aviat Husky A-1B floatplane (N52SL) landed at Orlando International Airport and was then towed through about 10 miles of tree-lined streets to the mammoth Orlando-Orange County Convention Center, where it will be the centerpiece of EAA's NBAA exhibit.
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EAA Sport Pilot Tour Prepares For Texas, California

The new, exciting way to get involved in flying with lower cost and time barriers is coming to two more metropolitan areas late this year! The Experimental Aircraft Association’s “Sport Pilot Tour” rolls into to Texas and California late this year, ready to introduce people to the sport pilot/light-sport aircraft revolution. EAA’s Sport Pilot Tour arrives with the information and tools needed to seize and enjoy this recreational-aviation opportunity, for both experienced pilots and new fliers.
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EAA Insurance Tip --
Insurance And Tires…What’s the Difference?
By Bob Mackey
Falcon Insurance Agency, Inc.
What do insurance and tires have in common? The answer may surprise you. Allow me to share an interesting comparison between two things (insurance and tires), how they are made, distributed, and sold. If I’m successful you’ll see there are some common threads between how we end up owning these commodities, who’s working for you, where you fit into this mix, and how you can use what you’ll read here the next time you buy insurance.

First, I know about as much about tires as you probably do. I know that when they wear out, I need to buy new ones from a tire dealer. I also know I have many choices and that I will pay a different price depending on which tires I choose to buy. There are cheap tires designed to just roll down the road at average speeds with an acceptable degree of road-gripping control. There are also tires that provide better performance. Between the two extremes are many other options.
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Third Quarter 2005 Shipments and Billings Up From 2004
According to third quarter numbers released by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), shipments have risen 25.7 percent and industry wide billing for new airplanes have risen to $10.4 billion compared to third quarter numbers from 2004.

Shipments of piston-powered airplanes manufactured worldwide increased to 1,685 units in the first three quarters of 2005, up from last year’s 1,342. Turboprop shipments increased from 194 airplanes in the first three quarters of 2004 to 228 this year. Business jets were also up with total shipments for three quarters increasing 30.4 percent, from 391 units last year to 510 units this year. For more information visit www.gama.aero.

Waiex, Xenos Receive 51 percent Approval
Sonex,ltd, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, has received FAA 51 percent approval for compliance with the "major portion" requirement for their Waiex and Xenos Kits. Waiex and Xenos builders are now assured they can register their aircraft as Experimental-Amateur Built. The 51 percent approval also ensures Waiex and Xenos foreign customers whose governing aircraft agencies use the FAA’s Amateur-Built Aircraft Kit list for compliance.

Both aircraft will be included in the next release of FAA’s eligible Amateur-Built Aircraft Kits list. To see the list, visit the FAA website. (Note that it may take some time for the next release of this list. Until then, Sonex can provide a copy of the FAA's Approval letter.) www.sonex-ltd.com

Liberty Aerospace delivers first IFR-Certified XL2
Liberty Aerospace has delivered the first IFR Certified XL2, a piston powered single-engine aircraft with full authority digital engine control (FADEC). The XL2 features a carbon fiber composite fuselage, a wide, 48-inch cabin and cruise speeds of up to 132 knots (150 mph), burning only 5 gallons of fuel per hour. “The first IFR delivery marks a significant milestone for Liberty Aerospace" said Tony Tiarks, President and CEO. "We know of no other aircraft manufacturer that has achieved initial certification for a new two seat aircraft in the United States to the latest Part 23 IFR standards, let alone actually deliver a production aircraft. We are extremely proud of the entire Liberty team and their accomplishments." For more information, visit www.libertyaircraft.com.

Aviat Husky A-1B200 Receives FAA Certification
Aviat Aircraft received FAR Part 23 certification for the Husky A-1B200, and introduced its second new model variation with the Husky A-1B160. The A-1B200 is equipped with a fuel-injected 200-hp IO-360 Lycoming engine with dual exhaust and dual oil coolers that are cooled through a new cowl flap. This allows the aircraft to climb from sea level to 10,000 feet MSL at best rate of climb without any cooling issues.

The 200-hp model also features a 210cm MT composite propeller and has already been certified for tundra tires up to 31” in diameter. Speed range is 45-145 mph; maximum initial climb rate is 1,700 fpm at gross weight at sea level; and range is 700 miles. The aircraft also has extended flaps and high performance ailerons, which are dynamically balanced to eliminate the need for spades while increasing the roll rate by 50 percent.

The A-1B160 has a 160-hp Lycoming O-320 and the same high-performance ailerons of the A-1B200, with optional extended flaps. The aircraft has a 1,000-mile range on full tanks, a 74-inch Sensenich fixed-pitch propeller, a 750-lb useful load and a speed range of 45-145 mph. The 160 offers similar STOL performance as the standard A-1B Husky, but at a lower purchase price and with lower operating costs. Flight tests will begin soon to certify the A-1B160 for large tundra tires, floats, and skis. For more information visit www.AviatAircraft.com.

Herrick Elected to Serve on Lindbergh Foundation Board of Directors
Greg Herrick, president of the Aviation Foundation of America, was elected to serve on the Lindbergh Foundation board of directors. Herrick led a group of volunteer pilots and more than two-dozen vintage aircraft in 2004 to re-create Ford Motor Company’s National Air Tours of 1925-1931. As a result, he received the Laurel Award from Aviation Week & Space Technology, and Ford Motor Company’s “Spirit of Ford” award. Herrick is a lifetime member of EAA, the Antique Airplane Association, and numerous other aviation and conservation-related organizations.

“Greg has already been an incredible asset to this organization,” said Erik Lindbergh, vice chairman at the Foundation. “He has provided excellent insight and guidance as we strive to grow into one of the pre-eminent non-profit organizations in the country.”

Javelin Prototype Continues Flight-Testing
Aviation Technology Group, Inc., has completed the third test flight of its Javelin prototype at Centennial Airport in Englewood, Colorado. Speeds on the gear-down flight ranged between 135 and 185 kts in a test altitude block of 10,000 ft to 14,000 ft. The Javelin’s flaps were deployed to 10 degrees. Longitudinal and lateral stability, as well as performance and trim effectiveness were tested. Side slip tests were also conducted to verify and expand take off and landing crosswind limitations. “The test team has been able to put together three nearly flawless flights,” said Rob Fuschino, VP of operations and chief test pilot. Initial deliveries of the certified Javelin are slated for 2008. For more information visit www.avtechgroup.com.

Tiger Aircraft Appoints Windward Aviation Authorized Sales Center
Windward Aviation has been appointed Florida’s exclusive Tiger Sales and Service Representative. Located on Palm Beach County Park Airport in Lantana, Florida, Windward has been recognized as one of the nation’s top maintenance and service facilities providing safety-oriented practical maintenance and operating procedures for the American Bonanza Society and operators of all Beech products. Visit www.tigeraircraft.com for more information.

WMU Sky Broncos Win Another Regional Title
Western Michigan University's precision flight team, the Sky Broncos, captured the National Intercollegiate Flying Association's Region III title with strong performances in all of the competition's 10 events. The 15-member WMU team finished with 305 points. Kent State University finished second with a total of 132 points, and Ohio University came in third with 101 points. The competition began Oct. 11 at the Sky Broncos' home field at W.K. Kellogg Airport in Battle Creek, Michigan. It was WMU's 14th regional win in 15 years and secures a berth at NIFA's national championship May 8-13 at Ohio State University.

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