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News and Views April 21, 2006    Volume 6, Number 16

  
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PIONEER AIRPORT OPENS SEASON NEXT WEEKEND
Pioneer Airport, EAA AirVenture Museum's authentic re-creation of a 1930s aerodrome complete with grass runway, opens the summer flying season next weekend, April 29-30. EAA's 1929 Ford Tri-Motor and various other vintage aircraft will be flying, along with EAA Young Eagles flight experience opportunities for youths ages 8-17. The airport will be operational every weekend until mid-October, and daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. To learn more about Pioneer, visit the EAA AirVenture Museum website.

KEEP IT FLYING B-17 TOUR CONTINUES IN CALIFORNIA

EAA's B-17 Aluminum Overcast

EAA's B-17 Aluminum Overcast continues the West Coast leg of the 2006 "Keep it Flying" tour this weekend at the Santa Barbara Municipal Airport; April 21-23 at the Riverside Municipal Airport. Upcoming stops include April 25-26 at the Salinas Municipal Airport; April 28-30 at Moffett Federal Airfield, Mountain View; and May 2-3 at Modesto's Harry Sham Field. For complete tour information, or to reserve your seat on-line, visit www.B17.org.

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Q & A: 
Question of the Week
EAA Aviation Services

I'm looking at purchasing an Acro Sport I project which is well on its way, but still far from being finished. The plans call for it to have a gross weight of 1350 lbs, which doesn't fit the new light-sport aircraft category. If I were to finish this project, can I state that the gross weight is 1320 lbs when I submit the paperwork? Or is the FAA going to go by the published gross weight of 1350 lbs?

Answer:
As the builder of the individual aircraft in question, you have the option of setting the gross weight at whatever level you feel is appropriate. If you want to set the gross weight at 1320 instead of 1350, you are welcome to do that. Providing all the other parameters of aircraft configuration and performance meet the definition of a light-sport aircraft (see EAA's sport pilot website), your aircraft will be eligible for operation by sport pilots.

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.

April 2006
EAA Desktop Calendar

EAA Desktop Calendar

Will you be the lucky winner of this 2006 Aviat Husky outfitted with Wipline amphibious floats? You have to enter the EAA 2006 Aircraft Sweepstakes to qualify. Simply return the sweepstakes coupons included with your November 2005 or May 2006 issue of Sport Aviation. (Additional tickets can be requested. See the website for details.)

To download a copy of this photo for use on your computer desktop, visit the EAA website. You can also download any of the previous EAA monthly desktop images.

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AVIATION LEGEND SCOTT CROSSFIELD LOST IN FATAL CRASH
Scott CrossfieldEAA is extremely saddened at the loss of legendary aviation pioneer Scott Crossfield, EAA 430120, who died when his Cessna 210 crashed Wednesday after encountering severe weather north of Atlanta, Georgia. Crossfield, a former test pilot and the first person to successfully fly at both Mach 2 and Mach 3, took off from Prattville, Alabama, around 9 a.m. Wednesday en route to Manassas, Virginia. Atlanta ATC reportedly lost contact with Crossfield near Ludville, Georgia. Civil Air Patrol searchers and others discovered the wreckage of the plane Thursday afternoon near Ranger, Georgia, about 50 miles northwest of Atlanta.

Crossfield, who lived in Herndon, Virginia, was 84.
 (read more)
EAA BRINGS LIGHT-SPORT AIRCRAFT MALL TO ARLINGTON
Light-Sport Aircraft at ArlingtonEAA's Northwest EAA Fly-In at Arlington, Washington, will include a Light-Sport Aircraft Mall at this year's event July 5-9. The LSA Mall offers attendees the opportunity to view a variety of these new recreational aircraft in one place. All aviation enthusiasts are welcome, from experienced pilots to those just discovering the possibilities of flight, to have their questions answered by an EAA sport pilot expert.
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AirVenture News and Views
94 Days Until EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2006!  
   
WE'RE JUST THREE MONTHS AWAY!
Dazzling lineup of aircraft, activities taking shape
EAA AirVenture OshkoshThe color, excitement and history of The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration is already taking shape for 2006, as it's just three months until the start of the 54th annual EAA AirVenture fly-in convention, coming July 24-30 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.
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EAA AIRVENTURE EXHIBITORS DISPLAY ALL AVIATION HAS TO OFFER
EAA AirVenture ExhibitorsMany factors establish EAA AirVenture Oshkosh as The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration. Virtually every facet of flight is on display during these seven summer days, from the latest in homebuilt technology to new certificated aircraft . . .from vintage aircraft to magnificent warbirds . . .from light-sport aircraft and ultralights to very light jets . . .and everything in between.

Since most of the aviation industry makes its home at Oshkosh during this special week, companies seize the opportunity to place their latest products, services, and innovations in front of their customers. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is where breakthroughs are unveiled, where new technologies are explored and old ones taught and mastered. Oshkosh brings together a greater variety and number of aviation exhibitors than anywhere on earth.
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B2OSH PLANS 17TH ANNUAL FLIGHT TO EAA AIRVENTURE
B2OshOrganizers expect another large group of Beech Bonanza aficionados for the 17th annual Bonanzas to Oshkosh (B2Osh) mass arrival prior to EAA AirVenture 2006. Pilots from throughout the country will meet in Rockford, Illinois, on Friday, July 21, then depart RFD the next day at noon for a planned 1 p.m. arrival at Wittman Regional Airport.
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SAVE ON AIR FARES TO EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH
American, Midwest, and Northwest airlines offer air fare discounts for EAA members and other aviation enthusiasts planning to attend EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2006.
(read more)

 AIRVENTURE WAYPOINTS, FUEL STOPS, ALTERNATE AIRPORTS
EAA AirVenture  specials are available along routes to and from the World's Greatest Aviation Celebration. Visit the AirVenture website to see the complete list, or include your business by e-mailing the name, airport, phone number, e-mail address, and any special offers or discounts to webmaster@eaa.org.
    
EAA AIRVENTURE RIDESHARE
Looking for a ride, or have a spare seat to get to Oshkosh? Visit www.airventure.org/rideshare.
  
VISIT www.airventure.org FOR LATEST UPDATES
Get the latest news and information about the World's Greatest Aviation Celebration at www.airventure.org, the official website of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2006!
EAA SPORT PILOT TOUR ROLLS INTO ATLANTA AREA NEXT WEEK
EAA's Sport Pilot TourThe new, exciting way to get involved in flying with less time and expense is coming to the Atlanta/Lawrenceville area this month! The Experimental Aircraft Association's "Sport Pilot Tour" rolls into to the Gwinnett County Airport in Lawrenceville beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 29, ready to introduce people to the sport pilot/light-sport aircraft revolution.
(read more)
      
ATTEND EAA AIR ACADEMY CAMPS THIS SUMMER
EAA Air AcademyOver the past two decades, thousands of young people have participated in the aviation experience of a lifetime at EAA's summer Air Academy aviation camps. The EAA Air Academy Camp programs are supervised and administered by aviation instructors and enthusiasts with more than 200 years of combined teaching experience. From the moment participants arrive, the sky is the goal, not a limit, as dynamic aviation experiences unfold and close friendships with fellow aviation enthusiasts begin. All camps are conducted at the EAA Museum and Leadership Center Complex in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, with accommodations at EAA's Air Academy Lodge and Campus.

It's not too late to enroll in the EAA Air Academy. Openings are still available in all camps, so if you have a participant in mind, call the Air Academy office at 920/426-6820 or toll-free at 888/322-3229 to get the process started. You can also visit www.airacademy.org for more information and applications. This is your chance to start a 12- to 18-year-old on the path toward the same love of aviation that you have.
      
On the Flightline News and Views
    
DIAMOND D-JET COMPLETES SUCCESSFUL FIRST FLIGHT
Diamond's D-JET prototype completed its first successful flight April 18 at London International Airport in Ontario, Canada. The test flight was conducted according to a test plan with the evaluation of 19 distinct test points. The D-JET is a 5-place luxury personal jet, powered by the FADEC-controlled Williams FJ33 turbine and equipped with Garmin all glass flight deck and autopilot. For more information visit www.diamondaircraft.com.
SPORT PILOT SEMINAR SLATED IN SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA
A free sport pilot seminar/roundtable discussion is scheduled Saturday, April 29 at Reid Hillview Airport in San Jose, California. Panelists include Zdravko Podolski, owner of Amelia Reid Aviation; FAA Examiner Mike Shiflett; CFI Tom Conklin; and Michael Fletcher, a private pilot now flying as a sport pilot. A Flight Design CTSW light sport airplane will be on display along with other existing aircraft that qualify under the light-sport aircraft category. For more information contact Podolski at 408/251-4939, or e-mail zdravko@ameliareid.com.
NEW COURSE AIMS TO TURN RELUCTANT PASSENGERS INTO ENTHUSIASTIC FLYERS
Pilots, help your spouses, significant others, and friends turn their fear and anxiety about flying into productive participation and fun. King Schools' new Practical Risk Management For Reluctant Passengers and Their Pilots is an interactive course that helps create meaningful pre-flight and in-flight roles leading to shared risk management and mutual enjoyment of the flight. The course contains two CD-ROMs with a run time of 53 minutes. For more information visit www.kingschools.com.
AIRCRAFT SPRUCE ADDS AERFLIGHT VIRTUAL RADAR
AerFlight Virtual Radar is now available through the Aircraft Spruce & Specialty catalog. AerFlight VR captures the signals emitted by aircraft and presents them in ATC-style view on a virtual radar screen that any PC with Windows 98 or later can provide. Users can control a wide range of parameters such as range, data displayed, waypoints, geographic outlines, and more. Online databases provide extensive details for each individual aircraft. At $899.95, the AerFlight VR is available at www.AircraftSpruce.com or by calling 877/4-SPRUCE.
ALPHA AVIATION UNVEILS ALPHA 106A
New Zealand's newest aircraft manufacturer, Alpha Aviation, has unveiled its first aircraft, the Alpha 106A two-place aerobatic trainer. The Kiwi company secured sole worldwide rights from France's Apex Industries in 2004 to manufacture and market the Alpha 2000 series (formerly known as the Robin R2160 and R2120). The Alpha 2000 series is comprised of the basic trainer Alpha 120T, the fuel-injected aerobatic trainer and cross-country touring Alpha 160Ai, and the FAA certified 160A aerobatic trainer aircraft. For more information visit www.alphaaviation.co.nz.
LIBERTY LAUNCHES INTO EUROPEAN MARKET
Liberty Aerospace, Inc.'s Liberty XL2 will make its European debut at the London Air Show at Earls Court, April 21-23. The aircraft design was based on the British Europa, and features a piston powered engine equipped with a full authority digital engine control (FADEC). VFR and IFR avionics packages will be offered as separate items and priced accordingly. For more information visit www.libertyaerospace.com.
SHARPEN YOUR AIRSPACE AND WEATHER SKILLS
Sporty's latest DVD, Airspace and Weather Format Review, describes and explains the various classes of airspace, their operating rules, dimensions and charting symbols. Examples are given for each class of alphabet airspace as well as Special Use Airspace. Also included are sections on TFRs, national security areas, military intercept procedures, and the Washington, D.C. ADIZ and its laser-based Visual Warning System.

The Weather Format portion takes you through the ICAO weather formats and abbreviations of METARs and TAFs. The program also covers the basics of ASOS and AWOS reports and includes an interactive on-screen weather decoder that puts more than 1,500 weather contractions at your fingertips. A list of contractions for METARs, TAFs, PIREPs, and others is included. They're available for $29.95 through www.sportys.com, or 800/SPORTYS.
NORTH DAKOTAN WINS AEROGRAPHICS GRAPHICS PACKAGE
Bob Miller, an RV-8 builder from North Dakota, is the winner of AeroGraphics Design's 2006 Sun 'n Fun Custom Graphics Package Giveaway. Miller will receive a complete custom graphics package of his choosing in appliqué or spray mask format. For more information, visit www.aerographicsdesign.com.
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