 |
 |
 |
April
17, 2009 Volume 9,
Number 15 |
|
FAA: NO
DECISION TO GROUND ZODIAC CH-601XL
 The
FAA has not grounded the Zodiac CH-601XL aircraft despite a request by
the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to do so, according to a
spokesman from the agency. The NTSB issued an urgent safety
recommendation asking for the action citing six in-flight structural
breakups since 2006. In a news release Tuesday, the NTSB says it
suspects "aerodynamic flutter" as the cause of all the
accidents, which resulted in 10 fatalities. Read
more
|
|
JOIN YOUR
FELLOW EAAERS AT LAKELAND
Special Sun 'n Fun Edition Coming Tuesday
 Next
week aviation enthusiasts return to Lakeland, Florida, for the 35th
annual Sun 'n Fun Fly-In, at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport Tuesday
through Sunday, April 21-26. EAA will again be a major participant, with
an extensive exhibit on the grounds, dozens of forum presentations, a
special EAA chapter social event (see below), and more. Not to mention
the thousands of Sun 'n Fun volunteers, many of whom are EAA members. Read
more
|
|
CHAPTER
MEMBER ICE CREAM SOCIAL AT SUN 'N FUN
 In
2008 nearly 200 chapter leaders and members gathered for a special ice
cream social at Sun 'n Fun. It's happening again next week in Lakeland,
right after the air show on Opening Day April 21, as members gather in
the EAA Publications tent (just south of Cessna's large outdoor
exhibit). No reservations are needed and the event is open to all
chapter members, so stop by and enjoy some ice cream and camaraderie.
EAA President Tom Poberezny will have a short presentation discussing
the current state of the organization and EAA's future. Tom will also be
joined by Hal Shevers of Sporty's Pilot Shop for a special announcement
of interest to all chapter members. Plan to join us on Tuesday night
with your fellow chapter members to enjoy some cool ice cream after a
fun-filled day!
|
|
ARE YOU A
'ROTOR HEAD'?
 EAA's
scenic rides in Bell 47 helicopters during AirVenture have been an
Oshkosh staple for many years. With three aircraft based behind the
museum at EAA's Pioneer Airport throughout the week, more than 40
rotorcraft-loving volunteers work together to make this area a success.
EAA Aircraft Operations is looking for the right ground volunteer to
help manage the day-to-day ticket sales activities, VIP flights, and
passenger staging area throughout the convention.
This position could evolve
into a chair, or co-chair opportunity. If you are a regular attendee of
the convention, love helicopters, and have a good background in customer
service/finance than we would love to hear from you. (Note: This is not
a flying position.) If you're interested, please drop us a note
explaining your interest, including a single-page resume. You can e-mail
your information to selliott@eaa.org
or mail to EAA Aircraft Operations, Attn: Convention Helicopter Ops,
1145 W 20th Avenue, Oshkosh, WI 54902.
|
|
FIRST AIR
SHOW APPEARANCE FOR PIPERJET AT AIRVENTURE
 Piper
Aircraft Inc. has announced plans to bring its new, single-engine jet,
the PA-47 PiperJet, to AirVenture Oshkosh this summer, which the company
says will be the first time the aircraft will appear at an air show.
"We're looking forward to bringing the PiperJet to Oshkosh this
year and giving everyone an early look at what it can do," said Bob
Kromer, Piper's vice president of sales & marketing. "This will
be the first time the PiperJet will have been in an air show, and we are
excited about showcasing its capabilities and putting it through its
paces." Read
more
|
MORE ACTIVITIES, PROGRAMS
ADDED TO WOMENVENTURE 2009
 The
success of last year’s inaugural WomenVenture gathering has inspired
EAA and Women in Aviation International (WAI) to unveil plans for more
programs and activities this year at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. The second
annual WomenVenture program was initially announced at the WAI
convention in February. Although WomenVenture activities will take place
throughout the week, several events will be focused on Friday, July
31. Read
more
|
EARNING HIS WINGS
Crosswind landings can be a real workout
 "In
my last lesson, we had a crosswind component of 6-9 knots (gusting
12-14). The first couple approaches were tricky, then I started to get
the hang of it. Then I started getting tired and they became tricky
again. I've never been more exhausted after a lesson.
With all landings, but especially in
crosswinds, I learned you constantly have to be making corrections to
stay directionally-aligned with the runway. It's really a fun challenge,
though.
I encourage you to watch the video to see
the learning curve I experienced in this lesson. Buckle up your seatbelt
though, there's a couple good bounces."
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."
|
INTERNATIONAL FLYERS: EAA
NEEDS YOUR HELP
EAA is aware of concerns from our Canadian members that complexities of
the new U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Electronic
Advance Passenger Information System (eAPIS) are creating issues
with border crossings. To help us better understand member concerns and
to help CBP improve eAPIS, we need to know the real-world experiences
with the system from all our members. Please e-mail govt@eaa.org
with your experiences.
|
EAA'S "KEEP IT
FLYING" TOUR CONTINUES IN THE GOLDEN STATE
 This
week EAA's B-17 Aluminum Overcast heads to Van Nuys, California (April
17-19) for a tour stop hosted by EAA Chapter 40. Advance bookings for
this stop are now over, but walk-ups are always welcome. Next week the
tour travels to Visalia, California, where EAA Chapter 262 will host the
airplane April 21-22. To book a flight at one of these stops, or for a
list of future events, visit www.B17.org
or call 800-359-6217.
|
WHERE ARE YOU FLYING
THIS WEEKEND?
 EAA
Chapter 1246 Annual Fish Fry, Saturday, April 18, McKinney, Texas
Don't miss this year's annual EAA Chapter 1246 Fish Fry. Lots of good
food, fun, and friends! The event will take place at Collin County
Regional Airport in McKinney, Texas, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday,
April 18. For more information visit www.EAA1246.org
or contact Dave Wilson at 972-984-1877.
EAA Chapter 658 Fly-In, Car Show,
& Pancake Breakfast, Prescott, Arizona
Come join EAA Chapter 658 on Saturday, April 18, for a pancake breakfast
and bratwurst lunch at Legend Aviation's new facility in Prescott.
Aircraft of all variety will be featured including antiques, warbirds,
experimental, rotorcraft, and radio-controlled, as well as a variety of
automobiles! For more information visit www.EAA658.com
or call Dave Roy at 928-925-4902.
To learn more about calendar events, or
to find/submit others, visit www.EAAcalendar.org.
|
SIGN
UP FOR EAA FORD TRI-MOTOR FANTASY FLIGHT CAMP
 The
EAA Ford Tri-Motor Fantasy Flight Camp (October 23-25, 2009) gives
participants an insider look at air travel as it was in 1929 through a
fascinating weekend at EAA headquarters. This fantasy camp is
expert-led, and involves a detailed study of the "Tin Goose."
Each participant receives a 1-hour flight experience and can log 0.2
hours at the controls of EAA's Ford Tri-Motor. To reserve your space,
visit www.fantasyflightcamp.org.
|
EAA 'TIMELESS VOICE OF
THE WEEK': COL. DICK COLE
 Sixty-seven
years ago this Saturday, a steady hand pushed the throttles forward on a
B-25 Mitchell bomber, beginning the takeoff of what was to become one of
the most famous events of World War II. The pilot: Col. Jimmy Doolittle.
The target: Tokyo, Japan. The date was April 18, 1942, and sitting to
Doolittle's right was 27-year-old Richard "Dick" Cole, copilot
of the first B-25 to launch from the aircraft carrier USS Hornet during
the first attack on the Japanese homeland during the war. Watch
the video.
|
SKY KING NOW AVAILABLE ON
DVD!
 "Out
of the clear blue of the western sky comes…Sky King!" Reminisce
back to your childhood days with this beloved classic television show
that aired from 1952-1962, starring Kirby Grant as Sky King, and Gloria
Winters as his niece, Penny. Sky flew a Cessna T-50 twin-engine
"Bamboo Bomber," owned by Grant, a pilot on TV and in real
life. Later in the series, Grant flew a twin-engine Cessna 310B. Set at
the fictional Flying Crown Ranch, Sky helps Penny and his nephew
Clipper, both pilots but still relatively inexperienced in life, with
his guidance and mentoring-yet still finding time to capture criminals
and spies. Experience this classic television series all over again with
the complete set of 72 episodes on DVD, including a bonus DVD of 4
episodes of the Amos & Andy Show. Also includes a bound book full of
pictures, episode script briefs, character bios, and much more (132
pages). For a limited time, receive FREE shipping when you order the DVD
set. Order
online or by calling toll-free, 800-564-6322.
|
|
|
Q
& A:
Question of
the Week
For EAA
Information Services
I have an
Aeronca 7 AC with the Continental A-65 engine, which
is considered eligible to fly as a light-sport
aircraft. If I change to a Continental-85 with
starter, will this affect that eligibility? (I am
not a sport pilot yet, just planning ahead.
Answer:
The answer to your question lies in the performance
and weight changes brought about by this
installation. As long as the aircraft remains within
the LSA parameters, you are fine. Obviously, you
will lose a little useful load, (the weight
difference between engines and starter), just make
sure that you don’t change the gross weight to
anything over 1320 lbs – once it crosses that
line, at any time in service, it can never come back
into qualification as an LSA eligible aircraft.
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.
April
2009
EAA
Desktop Calendar
An immaculate - and unique - P-51D restoration, the Quick
Silver,
is owned by Paul Hunter and Bill Yoak and piloted by
Scott Yoak. This month's featured calendar aircraft
also appears as the April airplane in EAA's World of
Flight 2009 Calendar, which can be ordered through EAA's
online store. 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 - including three new wide-screen
sizes...or select an image from the archive.
|
|
|
 |
|
NEW ENTRANT: THE
KITFOX SUPER SPORT S-LSA
Kitfox Aircraft LLC will
unveil its Kitfox Super Sport S-LSA at Sun 'n Fun in Lakeland, Florida,
next week. The Kitfox design began 25 years ago, with more than 4500
kits delivered to more than 42 countries. With the new Kitfox S-LSA,
those who do not want to build can own and fly one. The Kitfox Super
Sport offers one of the quickest roll rates in the LSA category, agile
handling, great stability, superb slow speed control, a baggage area
that can handle up to 150 pounds, 360 degree in-flight visibility,
side-by-side seating, and dual flight controls, according to the
company. The base price is $83,495. For more information, contact John
McBean at 208-337-5111 or stop at booth E61/E62 next week during Sun 'n
Fun.
KING SCHOOLS REVISES
ONLINE ICING COURSE
King Schools has revised its
online icing course, saying it is clear that pilots need help when
dealing with icing conditions. "Every pilot knows that recovering
from a wing stall requires applying forward stick to lower the nose and
reduce the angle of attack of the wing," said Martha King,
co-chairman of King Schools. "On the other hand, recovering from an
icing-induced tail-plane stall is completely counter-intuitive. It
requires applying aft stick pressure." Added John King,
"That's why King Schools recently revised our online Icing
Operations course to beef up the section on tail-plane stall recognition
and recovery." Call 800-854-1001 or visit www.KingSchoolsOnline.com
to learn more.
NIKASIL CYLINDER
UPGRADE FOR AEROVEE 2.1 ENGINE KIT
Sonex Aircraft, LLC now
offers Nikasil Cylinders, a new enhancement to its AeroConversions
AeroVee Engine Kit. The Nikasil Cylinder upgrade package reduces AeroVee
engine weight by just over nine pounds and is offered at lower cost than
Nikasil or comparable NiCom kits offered by competing VW conversion
manufacturers. A new AeroVee Engine Kit can be upgraded with a Nikasil
Cylinder set for $500. Existing AeroVee engine customers may purchase
the Nikasil Cylinder upgrade for $750. Learn more at www.SonexAircraft.com.
SAVE $400 ON PS
ENGINEERING AUDIO CONTROL PANEL
PS Engineering has reduced
the price of its PMA7000B Audio Control Panel with integrated marker
beacon receiver. The list price of the PMA7000B is now $1,595.
"This price decrease is possible because we leveraged improvements
in technology with improved manufacturing efficiency," said Gary
Picou, vice president of quality systems. "We used the collective
experience of a decade of PMA7000 production to cut production costs and
we pass that along to the customer." Learn more at www.PS-Engineering.com.
|
|
|
