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Affordable Flying Center
Top Story
Discover Economical Flight at
EAA AirVenture's Affordable Flying Center
Rising fuel prices, maintenance expense, hangar fees, the cost of an aircraft; pursuing a passion for aviation may appear beyond reach for a lot of people. But EAA has always been about finding a better way to do things primarily through pooling and sharing knowledge and information. That's essentially what's behind an attraction set to debut at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2008, the Affordable Flying Center.

"The EAA Affordable Flying Center will focus on ways our members can achieve and maintain their dream of flight, even on a limited budget," said EAA's Ron Wagner, who is leading efforts to organize the new feature attraction. "EAAers have lots of creative ways to get the most bang for their aviation bucks, and the idea is to collect and make them available to share with each other."
  
Read the story

The Spirit of EAA in Motion
VideoApollo Program Revisited
At EAA's 1994 annual convention and fly-in (that was before it was called "AirVenture), EAAers celebrated the 25th anniversary of NASA's Apollo 11 mission that marked man's first steps on the moon. One of the week's highlights was a Theater in the Woods program that featured at least one member from each Apollo flying mission, including all three members of Apollo 11's crew. (Rumor has it that there were more Apollo astronauts represented here than there were at the official NASA celebration!) This week's featured video is the introduction to that program.

For other multimedia offerings, visit the EAA website.

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News & Views from EAA March 21, 2008    Volume 8, Number 32
EAA, ARLINGTON FLY-IN SIGN, NEW SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT
ARLINGTONEAA and the Arlington Fly-In, one of the nation's top recreational aviation events, have signed a new working agreement that brings higher visibility to the Arlington event and clearly defines EAA's role in the popular fly-in. The agreement underscores the shared missions of the Arlington Fly-In, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2008, and EAA, the 170,000-member international organization that is dedicated to the spirit of aviation. Under the agreement, EAA will provide extensive promotion and coverage of the Arlington Fly-In, and also serve as a major sponsor of aviation educational activities such as forums and workshops during the event, among other considerations.  Read more
EAA CHAPTER 512 WORKING TO REVERSE 'NO FIRST FLIGHT' RULING
PVF RUNWAY 5EAA and Chapter 512 in Placerville, California, are working together in an effort to reverse a decision announced in early December 2007 that prohibits first flights in homebuilt aircraft at the Placerville Airport (PVF). The chapter first learned of the flight ban from an FAA inspector who was at the airport performing an airworthiness inspection on December 5. The inspector informed a builder that due to housing density around the airport, first flights in homebuilts would no longer be allowed, in accordance with FAR 91.305 which states: "No person may flight test an aircraft except over open water, or sparsely populated areas, having light air traffic."

The ruling forces several EAAers who are nearing completion of their projects to make their first flights elsewhere, potentially adding more expense - and certainly complexity - to finishing their airplanes.  Read more
RPA PLANS LARGE NANCHANG CJ-6 FORMATION FLIGHT AT EAA AIRVENTURE
Aircraft to mark 50th anniversary at Oshkosh
NANCHANGThe RedStar Pilot's Association (RPA) is planning to mark the 50th anniversary of production of the Nanchang CJ-6 with a 50-plane formation of aircraft during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2008. The formation will be flown during the EAA Warbirds portion of the daily air shows to commemorate a half-century since the first flight of the Chinese military trainer. This airplane was the first indigenous Chinese aircraft design to be produced, and 50 years and 2,200 copies later, it's still in production.  Read more
HOMEBUILDING HINT OF THE WEEK
 Drilling Piano Hinges
RED BULL AEROBATIC HELICOPTERThis week's Hints for Homebuilders video tip shows how to drill piano hinges without measuring or marking. Piano hinges are often used to attach control surfaces to the airplane. The instructor is Charlie Becker, director of members programs at EAA, who is in the process of building a Sonex.

Reaction to our Homebuilders Hints so far has been fantastic! Here are some of the comments we've received:

  • Bravos on the hints videos!
  • This is in the true spirit of what EAA means to me.
  • This is a terrific feature -- please keep 'em coming.
  • Please keep up the invaluable work you do on behalf of every EAA member. I for one am proud to be a member of the greatest organization on Earth.
  • Thank you so much for the new homebuilders videos. I think they're very well made, head and shoulders above commercially available videos.

To submit ideas for future Hints for Homebuilders, e-mail Info@EAA.org and please put "Hints" in the subject line.

GOOFY BUILDER, PILOT A RECORD-SETTING RECORD SETTER
GOOFYSteve Wood, EAA 515839, has received confirmation from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) that he set a total of 29 world speed records in his GlaStar, during the second "four corners" flight around America in 2007. That achievement breaks the record for the most FAI world records ever made in a U.S.-registered homebuilt aircraft, exceeding Bruce Bohannon's 28 achieved in his modified RV-4, the Flying Tiger. Wood, whose airplane is affectionately known as GOOFY (N-600FY), flew his first four corners flight in 2005 promoting Young Eagles.  Read more
STILL TIME TO ENROLL IN DETROIT AREA EAA SPORTAIR WORKSHOPS
EAA SportAir WorkshopsTime is running out to register for the EAA SportAir Workshops in Detroit, Michigan, at Willow Run Airport, April 5-6. The Electrical course is already filled, but you can still sign up to attend Composite Construction, Fabric Covering, Sheet Metal, and Test Flying Your Project. Act now to reserve your spot and start building the foundation for your future flight dreams. For complete information on these and other courses offered, visit www.sportair.com or call 800-967-5746.
LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP FOR EAA AIRVENTURE BAND
AIRVENTURE CONCERT BANDThere is still time to sign up to join the EAA AirVenture Concert Band and perform at this year's convention, says organizer and conductor Elton Eisele. "We are in the late stages for members to sign up for the group," he said this week. The band, which debuted last year at Theater in the Woods, currently numbers between 65 and 70 musicians, but there is room for more.

"We have full instrumentation, except we need French Horns," Eisele said, but all instrument players are still welcome to register. The deadline, however, is April 1, so act today if you wish to participate. (Register online.)  Read more
OSHKOSH: THE SPIRIT OF AVIATION NOW AVAILABLE ON DVD
Oshkosh: The Spirit of AviationBy popular demand, EAA's video, Oshkosh: Spirit of Aviation, is now available on DVD! Narrated by actor Harrison Ford, an EAA member, pilot, and chairman of the EAA Young Eagles program, Oshkosh: The Spirit of Aviation presents an insider's look of people who share the passion for aviation as they participate in "The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration." The video is a great way to show those who've never experienced Oshkosh a glimpse of what makes it special, year after year. And for AirVenture veterans, it will make you yearn for July and the chance to return to aviation's most beloved annual event.  Read more
FORTY ON THE 40TH: HBA SEEKS 40 HATZES FOR AIRVENTURE CELEBRATION
HATZIt was 1968 when John Hatz first flew the biplane dubbed CB-1 and later named Happiness. Forty years later, the hundreds of builders, pilots and owners of Hatzes want to celebrate. The Hatz Biplane Association (HBA) decided that 2008 will be the year of "Forty on the Fortieth" to be celebrated during the HBA Annual Meeting at Brodhead, Wisconsin; and also, "H20" (Hatzes to Oshkosh).  Read more
ATTENTION HOMEBUILDERS - DREAM JOB AVAILABLE
Do you want to spend your working hours advancing the homebuilt movement? Can you infect other people with the desire to build their own aircraft? Are you ready to turn your hobby into a career? If you answered, "yes," to all the above then we just might have your dream job! EAA is looking for a Homebuilders' Community Manager to oversee the organization's programs and services related to building your own aircraft.  Read more
EAA GETTING READY FOR SUN "N FUN 2008
STILL TIME TO SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER AT SUN 'N FUNEAA is busy making preparations for its annual participation at the Sun 'n Fun Fly-In at Lakeland, Florida, which is just around the corner, April 8-13. At the gate, EAA members receive a special discount on admissions so join or renew your membership and save.

Take part in "EAA Day" on Wednesday, April 9, featuring special offers at EAA Member Village and our Prize Patrol - wear your EAA Member button and you could win! That evening, EAAers are invited to attend a Chapter Leaders recognition ceremony at 6:30 p.m. in the Sun 'n Fun Pavilion, followed by "Catch the Spirit," a special evening presentation featuring Tom and Paul Poberezny.

Throughout the week members are invited to stop by EAA Member Village, where you can purchase advance ticket for EAA AirVenture 2008 (receive a free copy of Oshkosh: The Spirit of Aviation DVD when you buy your tickets at Sun 'n Fun); see the new EAA Calendar of Events in action; receive free online aircraft insurance quotes; enter the Share the Spirit Sweepstakes for a chance to win the Grand Prize Cirrus SR-20 or second prize RotorWay International's A600 Talon kit; and check out exclusive EAA merchandise.

For those of you who cannot attend, fret not; EAA Publications staff will be filing daily reports - including daily editions of e-Hotline - from the fly-in, so visit www.EAA.org throughout the week. For more Sun 'n Fun information, visit www.sun-n-fun.org.
TEENS SET NEW AVIATION WORLD RECORDS
RECORD-SETTING TEENSYou’re busy. Between sports, clubs and homework, it’s hard to find time for anything else. But two 16-year-olds from California found time for something else. And they set new world records Saturday while doing it. Kelly Anyadiki became the youngest black female to solo in four different aircraft on the same day. Jonathan Strickland established a new record as the youngest black male to solo six different airplanes, and a second record for soloing six airplanes plus one helicopter on the same day.  Read more
EAA 'TIMELESS VOICE OF THE WEEK': LOUIE MARTIN
LOUIE MARTINLouie Martin enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps on his 18th birthdayTimeless Voices of Aviation, January 23, 1941. Initially assigned to clerical school, he later signed up for the Flying Sergeants program for enlisted men and was accepted into flight training. After earning his silver wings, Louie transitioned into the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk and was assigned to the 7th Fighter Squadron of the 49th Fighter Group based in New Guinea. He spent the next 18 months dogfighting Japanese Zeros and attacking ground targets. This is his story.
BUY EAA'S HOMEBUILDERS POCKET T-SHIRT AND GET A FREE BOOK!
EAA MerchandiseOrder EAA's "Homebuilders - We Build 'Em, Test 'Em, Fly 'Em" t-shirt and receive a free copy of the Practical Lightplane Design and Construction book free (a $19.95 value). The 100 percent cotton shirt includes images of 10 homebuilts on the back, with the EAA Homebuilders logo above the left chest pocket in front. Sizes SM-XL: $18.99, and 2X: $20.99. The book, by W.J. Fike, is 60 pages and provides light plane information for the amateur builder in a simple and usable format. Order online or call our toll-free number, 800-564-6322.
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EAA Flight Planner

Q & A: 
Question of the Week
For many years I have indicated "RV8" as the Aircraft Type when filing a flight plan by telephone. This always went unquestioned. On the last two occasions, I was told by the briefer that this was not acceptable and that "HXB" should be used instead.

I am aware of the meaning of "HXB". I am also aware that the current ICAO Aircraft Type Designator for a Van's RV-8 still is "RV8". Has anything changed recently, and can you confirm the correct term to use?

Answer:
Great question! FAA Order 7340.1Z outlines the authorized aircraft type designators – Chapter 5, Section 1 (Encode), page 5-1-85, says that the correct aircraft type designator for a Van’s RV-8 is “RV8”. It’s also listed as “RV8” in the decode section of this FAA Order (page 5-2-50). 

The same FAA Order outlines generic aircraft type designators for all experimental aircraft, including home-built aircraft. You’ll see on page 5-3-1, that designator “HXA” can be used for experimental aircraft with a cruise airspeed of 100 knots or less; “HXB” for aircraft with a cruise speed of greater than 100 knots and up to and including 200 knots; and “HXC” is for aircraft with a cruise airspeed of greater than 200 knots. These symbols should be used when the FAA has not identified a permanent type designator (i.e., RV8)

In your case you were 100 percent correct, RV8 is the correct term to use and place on your flight plan. So, the best response to the briefer would be: “I’m using the FAA aircraft type designator RV8 as authorized by FAA Order 7340.1Z, Chapter 5.”

Have a question?
To ask a question regarding government issues, e-mail govt@eaa.org. For questions about registration, airmen, aircraft and medical certification, safety records, performance, or any other matter, e-mail infoserv@eaa.org.

March 2008
EAA Desktop Calendar
EAA Desktop Wallpaper
The Collaborators, performing during their 2007 AirVenture debut, will return to Oshkosh this summer. Team pilots include Sean Tucker, his son, Eric, Ben Freelove, and Bill Stein. (Photo by Ken Cravillion)

Download the image at the EAA website, where you can choose among six resolutions to suit your screen...or select an image from the archive.
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On the Flightline - General Aviation News
CESSNA INTRODUCES 350/400 TO SALES FORCE
Cessna Aircraft Company recently introduced the new Cessna 350 and 400 aircraft to its Cessna Sales Team Authorized Representatives at a conference in Bend, Oregon, where the 350 and 400 are produced. Since Cessna acquired the assets of the Bend plant in December 2007, the production facility has received a complete facelift, including new signage, lighting, and customer center. Cessna expects to deliver 150 350/400 aircraft this year and plans to increase production rates in 2009 to meet customer demands. To learn more, visit www.cessna.com.

GROUP FLIGHTS TO THE BAHAMAS
The Bahamas Fly-In program introduces pilots to the beauty of island life, catering to beginner and veteran island hopping enthusiasts and flying associations from around the world. Flying in the Bahamas is within the capabilities of the lightest single-engine aircraft. The Bahamas Fly-In program provides the extra security of traveling with an experienced lead pilot and the camaraderie of exploring the islands as a group. Leaving the East Coast of Florida, first landfall occurs at Grand Bahama Island or Bimini. Multiple Fly-Ins are scheduled for 2008. Call 954-236-9292 or visit www.flying.bahamas.com for more information.

K-STATE AT SALINA FORMS RESEARCH CENTER
Kansas State University at Salina has formed a new center for applied aviation research and testing. The K-State Applied Aviation Research Center will advance aerospace technology through application of research in propulsion, airframe, avionics, and aviation training. The center is a cooperative venture of K-State at Salina, the Salina Airport Authority, and the Salina Chamber of Commerce. Kurt Barnhart, professor and head of the department of aviation at K-State at Salina, who specializes in aviation safety and human factors research, will head up the program. Learn more at www.sal.k-state.edu.

SEBRING AVIATION TO SHOW LSA AT CARIBBEAN AIR SHOW
John Hurst, manager of Sebring Aviation, will participate in the British Virgin Islands Air Show on April 18-19, 2008. It may be the first-ever appearance of a Light-Sport Aircraft at any aviation event in the Caribbean, and the first time island aviators and tourists will see the new Flight Design CTLS. Sebring Aviation will also exhibit the CTLS at the new LSA Mall at Sun 'n Fun from April 8-13, 2008. The new model will be presented, along with 19 other LSA, at a special industry display just inside the main gate of Sun 'n Fun. For more information, visit www.sebring-aviation.com.

CENTRILUBE CAM AVAILABLE FROM FIREWALL FOREWARD
The New Firewall Forward of Loveland, Colorado offers its Centrilube cam for the Lycoming O-320-H2AD and the entire "76 Series" of Lycoming engines. The Centrilube cam distributes oil directly to the lifter face, utilizing holes strategically drilled in the cam lobes of a certified Lycoming cam. The Centrilube modification utilizes a new or re-ground camshaft and introduces no additional moving parts. A Centrilube cam demonstration can be seen at Sun 'n Fun, booth N-2 April 8-12. For more information, call 800-444-0556 or visit www.firewallforward.com.

  
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