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November
21, 2008 Volume 8,
Number 59 |
EAA RAMPS UP CALL FOR
COMMENTS ON TSA PROPOSAL
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is proposing new and
sweeping security restrictions on general aviation aircraft. The
proposal, known as the "Large Aircraft Security Program" (LASP),
would affect aircraft with a maximum gross takeoff weight (MTOW) over
12,500 pounds. EAA is urging its members to send comments to the TSA
about the LASP. At the request of EAA and other aviation organizations,
the TSA has extended the comment period for the LASP to February 27,
2009. Read
more
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EAA B-17 TOUR FINISHING
STRONG
 With
winter just about here, EAA's B-17 Aluminum Overcast is preparing for
its final stops on the "Keep it Flying" tour before heading
back to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, for seasonal maintenance (and the B-17
Fantasy Flight Camp December 12-14). Even though the 2008 tour is
winding down, enthusiasm and support hasn't waned, says Sean Elliott,
EAA's director of aircraft operations. In fact, last week in Denver,
Colorado, 103 people made flights on the old bird. The previous week saw
110 people take to the sky in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Read
more
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EAA ASKS, "WHAT ARE
YOU THANKFUL FOR?"
 With
Thanksgiving just a week away, EAA asks, "What are you thankful for
in aviation?" Whether it's the freedom to build and fly your own
aircraft, the knowledge and ingenuity you obtain from meeting other
pilots, or the "world's greatest aviation celebration," also
known as EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, we want to hear from you! Please e-mail
your responses to ehotline@eaa.org
and we will feature several responses in our special holiday issue of
e-Hotline next week.
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EAA PHOTO GALLERY:
WELCOME TO GALT AIRPORT
 We're
pleased to feature a collection of photos by Steve Mark, EAA 433234, of
Gurnee, Illinois, who has been busy crafting a black-and-white photo
study of a classic country aerodrome with a real family atmosphere.
Galt Airport (K10C) was the focus of Laurence Gonzales' 1992 book, One
Zero Charlie, which has just been released in paperback. See
the photo gallery.
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'EARNING HIS
WINGS' UPDATE:
Talking to the Tower
 Flight
06 - "I was introduced to a couple new things this  week-
navigating to another airport and talking to the tower. I didn't expect
the radio to be a trouble-spot for me, but talking to the tower while
also handling the controls was more of a handful than I thought it would
be and truthfully a little overwhelming on first attempt. I'm sure I'll
get the hang of it with more practice." (Watch
the video) - BradyBrady Lane, EAA
multimedia journalist,
is taking flight lessons in pursuit of his sport pilot certificate, and
he's sharing the experience in real time on EAA's website, "Earning
My Wings: A Video Blog About Learning to Fly."
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HOMEBUILDING HINT OF THE
WEEK
'Wing Attach Fittings - Installation' and 'Masking Tape of Any Width'
 Ken
Terrio of EAA Chapter 166 in Hartford, Connecticut, provides a pair or
Hints for Homebuilders this week, the
first showing how to locate wing attach straps on your aircraft.
This can be a challenge as the plans usually call for a measurement out
in space. In
the second hint, Ken demonstrates a quick and easy way to cut a
piece of masking tape to any width you need.
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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FAA ADDS 60 DAYS TO
PARACHUTE REPACK INTERVAL
EAA, IAC Support Change
The FAA has extended the time period for mandatory inspection and
repacking of reserve and emergency parachutes from 120 to 180 days. The
final rule, which goes into effect on December 19, 2008, affects reserve
parachutes worn by skydivers and smokejumpers as well as emergency
parachutes worn by pilots flying aerobatic aircraft or gliders, test
pilots, and others. Read
more
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EAA AIRCRAFT INSURANCE
PLAN: MONEY-MONEY (INSURANCE THINGS TO THINK ABOUT TODAY!)
By Bob Mackey, representative for
the EAA Aircraft Insurance Plan,
Administered by Falcon Insurance Agency
 As
our nation-and the world-continues on this economic roller coaster, you
might guess that I've heard from lots of airplane owners with questions
about their airplane insurance. Some even talk about reducing their
insurance coverage, or even dropping their insurance altogether. Before
you consider such moves, make sure you have a clear picture about the
real-world consequences such drastic measures can have. Read
more
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SAVE 25% ON EAA
AEROSCHOLARS COURSES
 EAA
is offering a 25% discount - more than $100 - on its online AeroScholars
courses, "Fundamentals of Aviation" and "Advanced
Aviation." AeroScholars in-depth aviation courses teach high school
students aviation science, history, and regulations, earning up to six
college credits from Utah Valley University. Students also receive
preparation for the FAA Private Pilot Written Exam. What a great holiday
gift idea for your budding aviation enthusiast! The discount is in
effect through January 31, 2009. To learn more about the program,
visit visit www.aeroscholars.com.
For questions or to sign up, call Michelle Robbins at 800-565-6322 or
e-mail mrobbins@eaa.org.
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WHERE ARE YOU FLYING THIS
WEEKEND?
 Runway
Gumbo Lunch Fly-In, Gladewater Municipal, Gladewater, Texas
EAA Chapter 972 is hosting a "Runway Gumbo" Lunch Fly-in
between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 22. Prepared by the
members, the lunch includes fix-ins and liquid. Donations welcome.
Chatter expected. New enlarged parking area. Come on down! For
more information, visit www.eaa972.org,
or call Bob Tippens, 903-574-3641, or send
an e-mail. Chili
Fly-in/Drive, Mettetal Airport, Canton, Michigan
Join EAA Chapter 113 for some homemade chili (hot or mild), hot dogs,
brats, and hangar flying. Saturday, November 22, Noon till 3 p.m. For
more information, visit http://eaa113.org,
contact Dave at 734-223-2675, or send
an e-mail.
And for more information about these events,
or to find/submit others, visit www.EAAcalendar.org.
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STILL TIME TO SIGN UP FOR
EAA B-17
FANTASY FLIGHT CAMP
 It's
a fantasy come true! At the weekend B-17 Fantasy Flight Camp, you will
get up close and personal with one of the most famous airplanes of World
War II. Immerse yourself in the stories of the aircraft's history as you
examine EAA's Aluminum Overcast, one of the few flying B-17s left in the
world. Top off the weekend with a once-in-a-lifetime, 20-minute flight
experience! Every effort is made to make this a true "fantasy"
experience for the aviation enthusiast - including privileged access to
various EAA facilities and specialists. Click
here for more information.
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APOLLO 8 COMMANDER FRANK
BORMAN TO SPEAK AT EAA WRIGHT BROTHERS BANQUET
 Frank
Borman, whose unique aviation career included his role of the Apollo 8
mission that in December 1968 became the first manned craft to orbit the
moon, will be the featured speaker at EAA’s annual Wright Brothers
Memorial Banquet on Wednesday, Dec. 17. The banquet, held in the EAA
AirVenture Museum’s Eagle Hangar in Oshkosh, will commemorate the
105th anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ first powered flight at
Kitty Hawk, N.C. Read
more
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EAA 'TIMELESS VOICE OF
THE WEEK': LESLEY MOLZAHN
 Leslie
Molzahn is a NASA Operations and Flight Test Engineer at Dryden Space
Flight Center in Edwards, California. She's a graduate of Embry Riddle
in Florida and worked at Lockheed Martin before landing her "dream
job" at NASA. She has has worked on such projects as the
Quiet Spike, a device to mitigate the effects of sonic booms and
shockwaves, and autonomous refueling applications for aircraft. Watch
the video.
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STOCKING STUFFERS AND
OTHER GREAT HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS
 EAA
has a wide variety of great gift ideas for your aviation enthusiast,
like playing cards featuring 54 assorted warbirds from World War II to
current military jets for only $10.99. Other ideas include the new
airborne Santa ornament, aviation coasters, holiday ties, Quantum
Flyers, airplane magnet photo holders, and more. Order
online or call our toll-free number, 800-564-6322.
Visit EAA's newly redesigned online store
Aeronautica
for other great products just in time for the holidays. Much easier
navigation, new, more detailed photography, expanded product categories,
and more than 100 new featured items. Also check out our new
fall/winter catalog, now available for download, or request
a printed copy.
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Q
& A:
Question of
the Week
I am a private pilot
considering a change to sport pilot. What are the
requirements for biennial flight reviews (BFR),
required of private pilots, if I fly as a sport
pilot?
Answer:
The requirement for a flight review does not change
for sport pilots. All pilots are required to comply
with 14 CFR 61.56 regardless of what level pilot
certificate they hold or are operating at. You will
be required to continue to have a flight review (by
the way, these are no longer called a biennial
flight review; or BFR - simply flight review) when
operating as a sport pilot.
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.
NOVEMBER
2008
EAA
Desktop Calendar
North American T-28s fly in formation during the
Warbird Spectacular air show at EAA AirVenture 2008.
Photo by Mark Forman.
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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PISTONS LAGGING IN THIRD
QUARTER GA SHIPMENTS
Even with total billings for GA aircraft up over last year, Pete Bunce,
president and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA),
is not optimistic. "Notwithstanding these positive third quarter
numbers for turbine powered aircraft deliveries, our industry is
experiencing difficulties due to the weakness of the global
economy," Bunce said. GAMA reports 2,977 worldwide GA aircraft
deliveries in the first three quarters of 2008, valued at $18.2 billion,
compared to 2,918 units valued at $15.1 billion during this same period
in 2007. But piston-powered airplane shipments were down 11.4 percent
(1,646 units vs. 1,857 units), while turboprop shipments were up 13.7
percent from 300 to 341 and business jets spiked 30.1 percent, from 761
units to 990 aircraft.
"GAMA is committed
to working with the U.S. Congress and the administration to utilize
measures that in the past have helped stimulate aircraft orders,"
Bunce said. "At the same time, we will urge U.S. government
entities, as well as the European Commission and Parliament, not to
enact new regulation or implement policies without a full assessment of
the economic burden that would be imposed on aviation operators,
manufacturers, or their employees." Visit www.GAMA.aero
to learn more.
LABOR-SAVING OPTIONS
FOR SONEX MOTORGLIDER
Sonex Aircraft, LLC now offers a labor-saving Sonex Aircraft Complete
Airframe Kit option: Pre-Assembled Main Wing Spars for the Xenos
Motorglider, making the aircraft easier to build. Additionally, a kit of
Machined Angle Components common among Xenos, Sonex and/or Waiex
airframes has been compiled for Xenos builders. While retaining full
compliance with the FAA's Experimental Amateur-built "Major
Portion" regulations, these pre-manufactured optional kit
components may reduce Xenos build time by as much as 100 hours. Learn
more at www.sonexaircraft.com.
ECLIPSE MEETS PAYROLL
Eclipse Aviation employees received pay early this week after the
company was unable to provide paychecks last Thursday. In a news release,
Eclipse stressed that there were no layoffs involved and that its board
of directors and executive managers continue to work on a long-term
financing for the company's future operations. www.eclipseaviation.com.
NEW COMPANY THINKS
'PINK'
An upstart Colorado-based web retailer has honed in on a selective
target market - women pilots. Sue Hughes, a pilot herself, has started
Powder Puff Pilot and offers flight gear for feminine flyers via
wholesale and retail channels. Hughes aims to attract women and girls to
the thrills of aviation, help women pilots identify themselves with
pride, and honor courageous women pioneers who paved her way. Initial
offerings include pink logbooks, a 2009 aviatrix-inspired calendar,
clothing, and more - all with a touch of pink. For more information,
visit www.PowderPuffPilot.com
or call 877-843-1007.
DIAMOND'S NEW ECONOMIC
STIMULUS PACKAGE
Diamond Aircraft says there has never been a better time to buy a
Diamond DA40 XLS or DA40 CS. By buying and taking delivery of a new DA40
between now and the end of the year, customers receive free maintenance,
free insurance, free fuel, and free flight training for the first year
of operation, a $13,250 value. This offer expires December 31, 2008, and
is limited to new U.S. or Canadian-registered DA40 aircraft in current
inventory at Diamond distributors. For more information, visit www.diamondair.com/escape,
or call your local Diamond distributor.
RAYTHEON HONORS
CROSSBOW FOR SUPPLIER EXCELLENCE
Crossbow Technology, Inc., a developer and manufacturer of stand-alone
FAA Certified MEMS Attitude & Heading Reference Systems (AHRS) has
been honored as a recipient of the 2008 Supplier Excellence 3 Star Award
by the Raytheon's Network Centric Systems (NCS) Division. Crossbow was
recognized among an elite group of 13 suppliers out of several hundred
Raytheon NCS suppliers. The award cited Crossbow Technology "In
recognition of exemplary performance in helping us deliver NoDoubt
mission assurance to our customers." Raytheon's Supplier Excellence
Program rewards suppliers that consistently demonstrate commitment and
accountability for performance and sustained excellence. Learn more at www.xbow.com.
GET VERTICAL POWER
FROM AIRCRAFT SPRUCE
Aircraft Spruce & Specialty is now offering the Vertical Power
VP-200 for monitoring and managing overall electrical systems, engine
performance, as well as providing advanced checklist functionality. The
instrument is designed to simplify and reduce wiring complexity and
pilot workload, while enhancing awareness and safety. For more
information, visit www.AircraftSpruce.com
or call 877-477-7823.
SPORTY'S
INTRODUCES UPGRADED SKYOX OXYGEN SYSTEMS
Sporty's Pilot Shop, the exclusive distributor of SkyOx portable oxygen
systems, now offers a new selection that features a redesigned
regulator. The new Click-a-Breath regulator makes selecting the correct
flow rate easier - pilots simply turn the dial until it clicks into one of
the pre-selected detents. The new regulator's all-metal design is built
for years of dependable use. For detailed information, visit www.sportys.com/oxygen.
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Dave
Williams' Dyke Delta
