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May
23, 2008 Volume 8,
Number 27 |
EAA FIGHTS TO SAVE MINNESOTA AIRPORT FUNDING
 EAA is strongly urging the governor of Minnesota to restore the state's
Airport Fund before signing the fiscal year 2009 budget. During the
final stages of the recent Minnesota budget process, the state
legislature voted to divert $15 million from the airport fund to the
general fund, action that would leave $5.5 million dollars to provide
for the safety improvements and normal maintenance for Minnesota's 155
public use airports.
In a letter to Governor Tim Pawlenty, EAA strongly recommends he use his
line item veto power to restore the money to the airport fund. The
Minnesota legislature passed the state funding bill (HF 1812) and
forwarded it to the governor on May 19, 2008. Read
more
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EAA COMMUNITY CONTINUES
PUSH FOR SENATE FAA REAUTHORIZATION BILL
FAA funding deadline looms
EAA representatives in Washington, D.C. continue efforts to break
through a logjam in the Senate on the FAA Reauthorization Bill. However,
political struggles beyond the scope of aviation are frustrating the
process. Read
more
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SHARP EYES SPEED RECORD AT OSHKOSH
 To say that Jon Sharp likes to run with a fast crowd is an
understatement. But the longtime EAA member is hoping to lead the crowd
at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh as he goes for another speed record, this time
with his NemesisNXT aircraft.
While Sharp will make 3-kilometer speed record attempts during the
Showcase flights of the air show, the exact days and times won't be
known until closer to the event. Read
more
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BIOJET CLOSE TO GREEN
LIGHT FOR OSHKOSH FLIGHT
 The
owner of a Delfin L-29 jet that made the historic first-ever flight
running on 100 percent biodiesel fuel last October said he's optimistic
about receiving FAA approval to make the cross-country flight to EAA
AirVenture Oshkosh 2008.
Doug Rodante, founder of Green Flight
International, which owns the L-29 BioJet, said his team has already
alleviated many of the FAA's concerns. "Their biggest concern was
the fuel would gel up," he said. Thanks to the fuel heaters on the
aircraft, GFI has since proven it doesn't gel. "In fact, it gets
warmer as we ascend. Now we just have to work out some of the small
details." Read
more
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GET YOUR EAA AIRVENTURE NOTAM
BOOKLET TODAY
 Get
your free EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2008 Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) booklet
today by ordering from EAA Membership Services at 800-564-6322, or order
online here or download
here. The NOTAM contains the Special Flight Procedures in effect for
Wittman Regional Airport and alternate airports from 6 a.m. CDT on
Friday, July 25, to 11:59 p.m. CDT Sunday, August 3, 2008. EAA
AirVenture Oshkosh runs from July 28-August 3. For additional EAA
AirVenture Oshkosh 2008 information, including advance
ticket purchasing, visit www.airventure.org.
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AIRVENTURE CUP RACE
CHANGES COURSE
Event to start in South Dakota this year
 Organizers
of the AirVenture Cup Race to Oshkosh have announced a significant
change in the racecourse for this year's 11th annual event for
experimental aircraft. The 2008 race will begin in Mitchell, South
Dakota, on Sunday, July 27, the day before EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
opening day. The starting location will return to Dayton, Ohio, for 2009
and alternate with Mitchell in subsequent years. Read
more
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LSA MALL RETURNS IN A NEW
LOCATION
 EAA
is pleased to announce that the light-sport aircraft showcase, EAA's LSA
Mall, will return to AirVenture this summer in an all-new location north
of the control tower. Convention attendees can visit the area and see
dozens of exciting light-sport aircraft that are available today, ready
to fly, as a result of the FAA Sport Pilot Initiative. The LSA Mall is
also an informational/educational center, with a team of EAA sport pilot
experts and company representatives ready to provide guidance and
answers to questions about this lower-cost avenue to flight. Read
more
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DISCOUNT ENDS JUNE 15 FOR
ADVANCED AIRVENTURE TICKET PURCHASES
Tickets can be purchased online at any
time
 We'd
like to clarify last week's story about AirVenture advance ticket
purchases. The deadline to take advantage of the discounts available for
advance purchases is June 15, but you can still buy your admission
online at any time before or during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2008. Take
advantage of the "buy now and save" offer and receive $2
discounts for daily admissions and $5 discounts for weekly admissions.
To buy your advance AirVenture admission, click
here.
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AIRVENTURE VOLUNTEER
SPOTLIGHT:
Jane Hatch, Akron, Ohio
 Jane
Hatch reluctantly agreed to come to Oshkosh for the EAA fly-in
convention in 1973 "only to do the cooking" for her husband
and two sons. "I didn't want to spend all day looking at
airplanes," recalled Hatch, of Akron, Ohio. "I don't like to
just sit around and watch, watch, watch. So I took along some mending,
some cards and anything else that would take up the day when the boys
were gone." She soon wandered into the Craft Tent, completed a few
projects and mentioned that she had some craft ideas. By the next day,
she was teaching others to create a Santa Claus made out of a pop
can. Read
more
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HOMEBUILDING HINTS OF
THE WEEK
'Nuts, Bolts & Washers in Hard to
Reach Places' and 'Deburring Sheet Metal'
 Sometimes
it can seem impossible to get a nut or washer into the right position. In
this video, Wally Anderson shows some tricks on how to solve this
vexing problem. Wally is an EAA Technical Counselor as well as a member
of the EAA Homebuilt Aircraft Council. Hint #2:
Deburring refers to removing the sharp metal burrs around holes where
metal was cut. It is the necessary evil of sheet metal construction. In
this video, Jack Dueck walks us through several deburring techniques
including the use of a Scotch Brite wheel. Jack is a Technical
Counselor, SportAir Workshop instructor and member of both the EAA
Homebuilt Aircraft Council and Canadian Council.
If you have a hint to share with your
fellow EAAers, we'd love to hear from you! Drop us a note at Info@EAA.org,
and please put "Hints" in the subject line.
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WHERE ARE YOU FLYING THIS
WEEKEND?
Ray Hill Memorial Flight Breakfast,
Newton, Iowa
 This
week's featured aviation event from the EAA Aviation Calendar of Events takes
place at the Newton (Iowa) Municipal Airport:
The newly created EAA Chapters of Central
Iowa invite you to the First Annual Ray Hill Memorial Flight Breakfast.
Ames Chapter 1452, Marshalltown Chapter 675, Des Moines Chapter 135, and
Newton Chapter 456 are working together to produce a spring aviation
event for you at the newly restored historic "1929 Smiling Thru
Hangar." Aircraft displays, historic exhibits, kids airplane toy
boxes and more. Breakfast - adults $6, kids under 12 $3, PIC free.
Find out
more about this event, or find/submit others at www.eaacalendar.org.
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CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES
GROW AT GOLDEN WEST
 The 2008 Golden West Regional Fly-In and Air
Show, June 6-8, at the Yuba County Airport (MYV) in Marysville,
California, will offer a wide assortment of fun and educational
activities in the Kid Qwest hangar for children. The Kid Qwest hangar at
Golden West will feature a real airplane that children will be allowed
to touch and explore. Young guests will also be able to design airplanes
on a computer, print them on cardstock, and cut them out and fly
them. Read
more
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WHEN IT COMES TO AIRCRAFT
INSURANCE, DON'T BE FOOLED!
 Beware
of aircraft insurance companies that lure you with the promise of low
rates! There can be hidden exclusions and limitations buried in the fine
print of your policy, which most pilots never read. EAA knows the
importance of securing insurance coverage through reputable companies
that understand aviation, and don't use sneaky exclusions to avoid
paying claims. Start your search for aircraft insurance with a quote
from the EAA Aircraft Insurance Plan, administered by Falcon Insurance
Agency. Our professionals have read the fine print and know how to get
you the right coverage at the best price. For a free, no-obligation
quote, call 866-647-4322 or visit www.eaainsurance.org.
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EAA 'TIMELESS VOICE OF
THE WEEK': DON NAFUS
 There
were many heroes in the air war during World War II. As a crew chief on
a B-17 with the 709th Bomb Squadron of the 447th Bomb Group in England,
Don Nafus was one of the thousands of unsung heroes that kept the Allies
fighting in the air. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Don
tried to enlist in the Navy, but was disqualified because of poor
eyesight. He instead enlisted in the U.S. Army and eventually became one
of the original members of the 447th Bomb Group. In
this poignant interview, Don talks about the close bonding that
occurred between the ground and aircrews during the war.
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NOTE CHANGE IN FORD
TRI-MOTOR TOUR
 The
upcoming tour for the EAA Ford Tri-Motor was forced to move the location
of the scheduled stop at Dayton, Ohio, scheduled for June 27-29 from
James M Cox- Dayton International Airport (north side of town) to
Dayton-Wright Brothers Airport (south side). For complete details on the
tour, which launches next week (May 30-June 1) at Detroit's Coleman
Young Municipal Airport, visit www.flytheford.org.
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B-17 TOUR LANDS IN
WASHINGTON STATE
 EAA's
Salute to Veterans Tour featuring the B-17 Aluminum Overcast is in
Washington State for the Memorial Day weekend (through May 25) visiting
EAA Warbird Squadron 2 in Seattle, at the Museum of Flight. From there
it heads to Spokane May 27-28 where EAA Chapter 79 hosts a tour stop.
For information on how you can reserve a once-in-a-lifetime flight
mission aboard Aluminum Overcast, or to see the entire tour schedule,
visit the EAA
B-17 website.
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'FROM THE GROUND UP' NOW
AVAILABLE ON DVD
 EAA
and Discovery Channel International present the complete 13-episode
series, "From the Ground Up," TV's first how-to program for
aircraft homebuilding, available for the first time on DVD. Produced by
EAA TV and appearing on the Discovery Wings Channel in 2001, "From
the Ground Up" chronicles the step-by-step construction of a Van's
RV-8 kit - from uncrating the original delivery to the first flight. For
one week only, EAA members get all 13 episodes on three DVDs for $49.99
- a savings of $10 off the regular, non-member price. A great gift idea
for Father's Day! Order
online, or call our toll-free number, 800-564-6322.
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Q
& A:
Question of
the Week
EAA Aviation Services:
I understand that
the pilot is the primary person responsible for
assuring the plane is in annual and airworthy. My
question: If I
am responsible for having the annual done properly
(owner, operator), how can I find what is required (ADs
etc.) for my specific aircraft, in order to verify
my A&P does his job right?
Answer:
Anyone can look
up Airworthiness Directives by visiting the FAA
website. There is a link to “Airworthiness
Directives (ADs)” on the right-hand side of the
main FAA web page at www.faa.gov.
You’ll find several different search options at
that site.
In order to truly
back-check your IA on AD compliance, you’ll need a
detailed list of all installed components on your
aircraft. Each individual accessory could be subject
to an AD, so you’ll need make, model, and serial
number of the aircraft, engine and propeller, plus
any and all installed components (magnetos, starter,
alternator or generator, vacuum pump, instruments,
seat belts, etc.)
This can turn into a
daunting task, which is why most IAs use some sort
of search software. These programs are commercially
available for purchase, but are fairly expensive.
For more info visit the following websites: www.avantext.com;
www.tdata.com; www.atp.com;
www.zookaviation.com.
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.
May 2008
EAA
Desktop Calendar
One very
early morning during last month's Sun 'n Fun Fly-In,
EAA's photo team set out on an air-to-air mission
Southeast of nearby Bartow. With a lingering fog
serving as a backdrop, EAA photographer Bonnie Kratz
was able to capture this haunting image of Michael
Amble of St. John's, Florida, floating above the
mist in his Stearman PT-17.
Download
this wallpaper image at the EAA
website, where you can choose among several different
resolutions to suit
your screen...or select an image from the archive.
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ABLE FLIGHT SCHOLARSHIP
WINNER EARNS PILOT'S CERTIFICATE
When Staff Sergeant Ryan Kelly lost his
right leg below the knee in July of 2003 in Ramadi, Iraq, he held little
hope that he would fulfill his goal of flying helicopters. But the
decorated veteran not only returned to the United States and earned a
degree at Embry Riddle in Arizona, he earned his helicopter and
helicopter CFI certificates as well. Now, using his Able Flight
Scholarship, he has become a fixed-wing pilot, and will soon be an
instructor in airplanes with a goal of teaching others with disabilities
how to fly. Read
more
MOONEY ACCLAIM WINS
TEXOMA 100
A factory-fresh Mooney Acclaim with one
modification, air conditioning, was recently flown to victory in the
Sport Air Racing League's Texoma 100 Air Race by Premier Aircraft Sales
Mooney Team Representative Patrick Rydzewski. He piloted the Acclaim
over the three legs of the 125 nautical mile course at an average speed
of 215.55 miles per hour. Rydzewski said the air conditioning can
actually decrease performance.
The Acclaim, which can cruise at speeds as
high as 278 mile per hour at Flight Level 250, won despite being limited
to about 3,000 ft. above ground level throughout the course. It claimed the
prize for being the fastest production aircraft in the race and the
fastest in its class (280 hp or greater, retractable gear, and
turbocharged airplanes), as well.
For more information, visit www.mooney.com.
CIRRUS PERSPECTIVE
INTEGRATED FLIGHT DECK
Cirrus Aircraft will offer Cirrus
Perspective, Garmin's all-glass, fully-integrated flight deck tailored
for its SR22-G3. All information - from aircraft attitude and air data to
engine instrumentation, real-time weather data link, traffic and terrain
- is integrated and digitally depicted on a 12-inch primary flight
display (PFD) and multi-function display (MFD). The Cirrus Perspective
cockpit includes a "Level (LVL) Mode," a new safety feature
that may be used in times of high workload when the pilot needs a few
extra moments to flip through charts or read back a clearance. When
engaged, it brings the aircraft to straight and level flight.
Garmin's Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT) will also be offered as
standard on the Cirrus Perspective flight deck. SVT presents a 3D
depiction of terrain, obstacles and traffic on the PFD so that the
avionics panel replicates what pilots would see outside the cockpit on a
clear day. SVT includes helpful features like a flight path marker
(displays projected path of the aircraft), Pathways (Garmin's
implementation of highway-in-the-sky), and unique runway highlighting
and airport signs.
Cirrus expects deliveries of SR22-G3 Perspective-equipped aircraft to
begin next month. For more information, visit www.cirrusdesign.com.
NEW LIBERTY DEALERSHIP
IN SOUTHEASTERN U.S.
Liberty Aerospace, Inc. has appointed a new
Southeastern U.S. dealership, Liberty Southeast, Inc. The new 33,000 sq.
ft. facility is based in Greensboro, North Carolina. The dealership has
acquired three demonstrator models, and has placed an order for four of
the new Liberty XL2 Vanguard Edition.
"We aim to capitalize on the opportunity to join forces with
Liberty Aerospace in selling the Liberty XL2," said George Johnson,
president, Liberty Southeast, Inc. "The economical advantages
presented by the XL2 make it a prime candidate for flight schools and
individuals alike who are concerned with fuel consumption and
maintenance costs."
Learn more at www.libertyaerospace.com.
REMOS U.S. SALES GROW
Last month, Remos took the point position in
registering the highest number of aircraft in the United States under
the designation of light-sport aircraft (LSA). "Response to the
REMOS in the United States has been very gratifying," said Michael
Meirer, Managing Director of REMOS in the USA. Remos has established a
dealer network for handling sales, service, and warranty issues in North
America. For more information, visit www.Remos.com,
or call 888-838-9879.
MILITARY CHANNEL TO
PREMIERE SHOWDOWN: AIR COMBAT
Showdown: Air Combat, launches on the
Military Channel beginning Sunday, June 15 from 10-11 p.m. eastern time.
Ten episodes feature recreations of history's dogfights by pitting the
restored aircraft from every era of aerial warfare against each other in
the air. U.S. Air Force Major Paul "Max" Moga of the Air
Combat Command's 1st Fighter Wing hosts the series. See a sneak preview
of the first episode beginning Friday, June 6 on Military Channel's
video-on-demand services. Learn more at www.military.discovery.com.
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Fascination
With Flight
