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February
6, 2009 Volume 9,
Number 5 |
GA GROUPS SEEK INPUT ON
TSA PROPOSAL
 Four
leading general aviation organizations have requested that the
Transportation Security Administration establish a rulemaking committee
to allow a more workable security plan than has been put forth in the
agency's Large Aircraft Security Program (LASP).
A letter to TSA Acting Administrator Gale
Rossides was signed by organization presidents Tom Poberezny of EAA;
Craig Fuller, AOPA; Ed Bolen, NBAA; and Pete Bunce, GAMA. The presidents
assert that such a work group "would allow industry and the TSA to
work together on requirements that would simultaneously enhance security
and facilitate GA operations." Read
more
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HEAR 'MIRACLE ON THE
HUDSON' UNFOLD IN TOWER RECORDINGS
 "We're
going to be in the Hudson." Those words uttered by Captain
Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger are heard on audio tapes from
tower, ground and TRACON communications during US Airways flight 1549's
ditching in the Hudson River on January 15 that was survived by all 155
people on board. The National Transportation Safety Board released a
series of digital recordings on Thursday. Click
here for a list of links to all the recordings, and transcripts.
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CZECH AIRCRAFT WORKS (CZAW)
IN BANKRUPTCY
 The
Regional Court in Brno, Czech Republic, has declared Czech Aircraft
Works a bankrupt company. It has appointed Pavel Novak as the Trustee in
bankruptcy for the company. The Court has ordered the debtor to dispose
of its assets, and we understand that this sale is currently expected to
occur through a tender process in February 2009. Anyone with questions
regarding CZAW aircraft orders or accounts, or having interest in the
company, is advised to contact Mr. Novak, e-mail: p.novak@czaw.cz.
Watch EAA's website and its publications for updates regarding this
situation.
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'EARNING HIS
WINGS' UPDATE:
Studying for the FAA
Written Exam
 I’ve
spent countless hours the last couple weeks studying for the written
test. It’s paying off though, because I scored a 99% on my first
practice tes t.
I plan to take a couple more before scheduling the real one. For those
of you who’ve taken the written test, do you have any advice or
pointers? Watch this week’s video at www.eaa.org/wings
for a fun look on how I’ve spent most my free time lately.
Brady 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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BID AND YOU COULD WIN A
HARLEY OR
AFRICAN SAFARI
 EAA's
auction of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and an authentic 10-day African
safari is now in progress and runs through February 20. Proceeds benefit
EAA's youth education programs and activities. Get in on the action through EAA's
secure website and you could cast the winning bid for either a great
American motorcycle or an unforgettable safari.
 Generously
donated by Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the motorcycle is a 2008 limited edition, 105th
Anniversary Harley-Davidson V-Rod retailing at $17,000. The 10-day authentic
African safari for two takes place in the Limpopo Province of South Africa.
Donated by SS Pro Safaris, it retails for $10,000. For complete auction details,
visit the EAA website.
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ATTENDED THE SEBRING
EXPO? WE NEED YOUR HELP!
 The
file containing data collected from EAA members at EAA's Aircraft
Insurance Plan kiosk during the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring,
Florida (January 22-25), has become corrupted and therefore unusable.
EAA would like to provide those requesting insurance quotes with the
information, so if you're one of the affected people, please call
866-647-4322 or click
here to re-submit a quote request. You may also contact Bob Mackey,
EAA's plan representative, directly at bmackey@eaa.org.
Thank you, and we apologize for the inconvenience.
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CATCH EAA'S 'TWEETS'
 One
of the hottest instant messaging formats today is Twitter, a short (no
more than 140 characters) messaging system that is available through
your cell phone, iPhones, Blackberrys, computers, and other devices. EAA
is supplying regular updates on programs, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
activities, and more! It's easy to sign up and start receiving your
updates from EAA. Just visit http://twitter.com/EAAupdate.
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HOMEBUILDING HINT OF THE
WEEK: MILSPEC WIRE
 This
week SportAir Workshop instructor Kas Osterbuhr explains how to read
aircraft-grade milspec wire. Kas teaches in the Electrical Systems, Wiring, and
Avionics workshop. Watch the
video.
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?
 Saturday,
February 7, 2009 - Marathon Airport, Florida - EAA Chapter 1241
GRAND OPENING of our aviation museum and a rib eye steak fry. Come join
us in Marathon for the opening of our new aviation museum, meeting space
and hangar facility. The Marathon airport in the Keys is a great
destination. We invite all EAA members to join us in this celebration!
Start Time: 1100 End Time: 1300 Contact: Frank Derfler, Phone:
305-853-5239, fderfler@gmail.com,
or visit http://eaamarathon.com. (On
the other end of the spectrum:) Lake Winnebago Fly-In and Chicken
Booyah, Stockbridge area, WI
Land along the east shore of Lake Winnebago, across the lake from
Oshkosh. 1,800-ft plowed runway (18/36), frequency 122.9) right on the
frozen lake. Contact: Paul Coonen, 920-915-9316, or send
an e-mail.
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EAA 'TIMELESS VOICE OF
THE WEEK': CHAUNCEY
SPENCER
 In
celebration of February Black History Month, this week's voice of the
week is Chauncey Spencer (1906-2002). He was a charter member of the
National Airmen's Association of America - an organization founded in
1934 for the purpose of providing opportunities in aviation to
African-Americans and others interested in flight. In May 1939, he and
copilot Dale Lawrence White flew a Lincoln-Paige biplane on a 10-city
tour from Chicago to Washington, DC. They used the flight to demonstrate
the aviation abilities of African-Americans and lobbied Congress to
include African-Americans in the Civilian Pilot Training Program and
Army Air Corps. Their flight drew national attention and convinced
Congress to establish funding for the training of black pilots at the
Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, paving the way for the first black
military aviators - the Tuskegee Airmen. This interview was recorded
during EAA's 1992 convention salute to the Tuskegee Airmen.
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EAA SPORTAIR WORKSHOPS
SERIES AT CHESAPEAKE, VIRGINIA FEBRUARY 21-22
The SportAir Workshop program is
traveling to Chesapeake, Virginia, for an extensive workshop series on
the weekend of February 21-22. Courses offered will include Fabric
Covering, Composite, Sheet Metal, Electrical & Avionics and What's
Involved in Kit Building.
EAA is grateful to the Aviation Institute
of Maintenance - Chesapeake Campus for hosting this series of workshops.
It's a terrific setting to learn new skills and gain the confidence you
need to start your project! Register online at www.sportair.com,
or call 800-967-5746. Sign up today!
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SAVE $10 ON 'ATTITUDE
FLYING' DVD
 Save
big and learn from a living legend. Dick Rutan takes you above and
beyond other aviation training programs. Not only will you learn new
techniques for precision instrument flying, you’ll achieve a whole new
understanding of spatial disorientation, kinesthetic inputs, task
saturation and the “other pilot.” Now available for only $49.95 –
a savings of $10 off the regular price. Order
online or by calling toll-free, 800-564-6322.
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Q
& A:
Question of
the Week
For EAA
Government Relations
What's going
on with the Washington, DC ADIZ?
Answer:
On December 16, 2008, the FAA announced that it will
be changing the Washington, D.C. ADIZ (Air Defense
Identification Zone) into a Special Flight Rules
Area (SFAR), effective February 17, 2009.
Since
that date is fast approaching, you need to be
watching for FAA notices to airmen (NOTAMs) that
will supplement the change until such time as the
SFAR is published and posted on VFR Sectionals. In
addition, don’t forget the requirement to take the
mandatory FAA
ADIZ/SFAR course if you are planning on flying
within 60 miles of Washington, DC.
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.
FEBRUARY
2009
EAA
Desktop Calendar
Evektor America's SportStar flies into the setting
sun. Shot during the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo in
Sebring, Florida, in late January. Photo by EAA
Chief Photographer Jim Koepnick.
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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FAA ISSUES SAFO FOR
CESSNA MODELS
The Federal Aviation Administration has issue a Safety Alert for
Operators (SAFO) to remind inspectors, operators, owners, and
maintenance technicians of the mandatory requirement to comply with
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 87-20-03 R2. This AD requires periodic
inspections of the seat tracks, and repair or replacement of the tracks
as necessary on Cessna models 303, 336 and 337; and all legacy
(pre-1986) single-engine Cessna models 150, 152, 170, 172, 175, 177,
180, 182, 185, 188, 190, 195, 205, 206, 207 and 210. The SAFO is in response to "in-flight slippage of pilot and
co-pilot seats" and an increase in Service Difficulty Reports (SDR).
Accidents increased from nearly 2 per year (prior to 1996) to over 5 per
year after 1996. The number of accidents statistically increased from 1
every 3 years (prior to 1996) to 1 every 20 weeks since 1996. In the
past 20 years, six fatalities are known and 70 SDRs reported. These
results indicate compliance to the AD is not being accomplished for a
significant number of airplanes. For more information, contact Hieu
Nguyen, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, at 316-946-4129.
SUPERIOR AIR PARTS
SALE OF ASSETS
Superior Air Parts, Inc. filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the
United States Bankruptcy Code on December 31, 2008. On January 2, 2009,
Superior filed a motion with the United States Bankruptcy Court
requesting entry of an order, pursuant to sections 105 and 363 of title
11 of the United States Code, authorizing the sale of substantially all
of its assets.
Superior sells Superior-brand parts for engines created by Teledyne
Continental Motors, Inc. and the Lycoming Engines division of Avco
Corporation, a subsidiary of Textron Inc. Superior is also an OEM for
the 180-horsepower Vantage Engine and owner-built XM-360 engines for
various aircraft companies and a distributor of more than 2,000 parts.
Any entity that wishes to submit a bid for the purchase of the Superior
Assets submit should contact Donna Krupa at donna.krupa@strasburger.com.
The deadline for filing proofs of claims is February 17, 2009.
Learn more at http://www.strasburger.com/client/SuperiorAirParts/.
LINDBERGH FOUNDATION
TO PRESENT '09 AWARDS IN OSHKOSH
Lester Brown, founder and
president of the Earth Policy Institute, and founder of the Worldwatch
Institute, along with Terry and Mary Kohler, of Windway Capital Corp.,
are the recipients of the 2009 Lindbergh Award in recognition of their
dedication to the environment.
The honor is presented annually to individuals who have made significant
contributions over many years toward improving our quality of life by
balancing technological advancements and the preservation of our
environment. A gala will be held at the EAA AirVenture Museum in
Oshkosh, on Saturday, May 16, 2009. As an added attraction, EAA is
offering vintage aircraft rides and discount museum admission to gala
attendees. Flights in the Ford Tri-Motor, Swallow, and Travel Air will
be available that weekend only for Lindbergh Foundation gala guests.
For more details or to make reservations, visit
www.LindberghFoundation.org or call 763-576-1596.
2009 RED BULL AIR
RACES SET FOR TAKE OFF
Fifteen of the world's top race pilots, including four rookies from four
corners of the globe, will compete in the Red Bull Air Race World
Championship in 2009. The series begins its six-city schedule in Abu
Dhabi April 17-18, followed by stops in San Diego and Windsor, Ontario,
Canada, Budapest, Hungary; Porto, Portugal; and Barcelona, Spain. To
learn more, visit www.RedBullAirRace.com.
LIBERTY CLAIMS
'WORLD'S MOST EFFICIENT IFR-CERTIFIED AIRCRAFT'
Liberty Aerospace, Inc. is claiming that its Full Authority Digital
Engine Control (FADEC) equipped XL2 is the world's most efficient IFR
trainer & touring aircraft. An independently monitored efficiency
flight test on January 11 resulted in a mileage efficiency of 21.208
nautical miles per gallon over a 165 nautical mile course. The flight,
conducted in a standard-equipped Liberty XL2, was flown at a cruising
altitude of 7,500-feet. Power was set at 50 percent at 2350 RPM, with
max power in the climb and 30-40 percent power on the decent. Average
True Airspeed was 106 kts for most of the flight, resulting in a total
elapsed time of 1 hour and 40 minutes. Total fuel burn was 7.78 US
gallons, for an average hourly rate of 4.686 gph. Learn more at www.LibertyAircraft.com.
FUELS DISCUSSION AT
AERO FRIEDRICHSHAFEN
One of aviation's main challenges is to find new fuels. Leading experts
will hold a panel discussion to examine fuel alternatives at the
upcoming AERO Friedrichshafen hosted by the German Aviation Press Club (LPC)
and Swiss Aviation Journalists (SAJ). The panel discussion will be held
on April 2 at 2 p.m., to kick off the three-day conference. Learn more
at www.aero-expo.de.
WISCONSIN'S CENTENNIAL
OF FLIGHT
The Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame (WAHF) is planning a series of
events to celebrate Wisconsin's Centennial of Flight, including the
construction of a quarter-scale model Curtiss "Warner" Pusher
similar to the one that first flew in Wisconsin in 1909. Members of EAA
Chapter 60 in Beloit, Wisconsin, are building the model. WAHF board
members asked the EAA chapter to participate due to Arthur Pratt Warner
making Wisconsin's first flight in Beloit on November 4, 1909. Chapter
members will complete the model in time for its unveiling at the
Wisconsin Aviation Conference on May 4-6 in Eau Claire. Additional
centennial events include statewide and Beloit-area aviation history
presentations, a traveling exhibit of the model, and a WAHF membership
rewards program. To become a Wisconsin Centennial of Flight supporter or
schedule a speaker contact Michael Goc at 608-339-7191, email NewPast@maqs.net,
or visit www.AviationHallofFameWisconsin.com.
FLORIDA TECH TO HONOR
TUSKEGEE AIRMEN
Florida Tech invites you to the dedication of the Emil Buehler Center
for Aviation Training and Research at Melbourne International Airport on
February 20 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Members of the Orlando-based General
Daniel "Chappie" James Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen have
been invited to attend. A special presentation in celebration of Black
History Month, honoring the Tuskegee Airmen, will take place on February
19 from 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. All EAA chapter members are invited to attend.
For more information, call Florida Tech's College of Aeronautics at
321-674-7619.
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