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May
8, 2009 Volume 9,
Number 19 |
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EAA HELPS
ZODIAC 601XL BUILDER GET AIRWORTHINESS INSPECTION
 On
the morning of April 17, 2009, Ed Moody II, EAA 731976, of Rayne,
Louisiana, was preparing for the airworthiness inspection scheduled for
that afternoon on his newly completed Zodiac 601XL project. But at 10
a.m. he received a phone call from the Baton Rouge Flight Service
District Office (FSDO) informing him that due to the National
Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) recent
request that the FAA ground all 601XL aircraft, the FAA had decided
not to issue any more airworthiness certificates for the airframe until
it was all sorted out. That didn't quite add up, so Ed called EAA.
Read more
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NEW 406
ELT RULE IN CANADA PUT ON HOLD
Minister of Transport sends it back to
CARAC
The upcoming transition to a new rule in Canada requiring 406 MHz
emergency locator transmitters in nearly all general aviation aircraft
operating in that country was put on hold this week by John Baird,
Canada's Minister of Transport, says Kevin Psutka, president of the
Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA). Psutka met recently with
Transport Canada officials arguing that the rule as written was not
workable. Read
more
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VIEW
NEWLY POSTED WHITEKNIGHTTWO VIDEO...
...and EAA president gets his first close-up view at new mothership
 After
returning from a trip to California this week, EAA President/Chairman
Tom Poberezny commented on his opportunity to see WhiteKnightTwo up
close on a visit to Mojave. "I came away very impressed and excited
at the size, overall design and engineering of the aircraft," he
said. While there Poberezny met with Burt Rutan and members of the
Scaled Composites team. "I could feel their pride, energy and
excitement anticipating the first public unveiling in Oshkosh in just a
few short months," he said. "EAA members, families, aviation
enthusiasts and the industry are really going to see something special
when that aircraft appears overhead on opening day." The aircraft
will remain on display at AeroShell Square throughout the week. See
video of first flight.
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EAA,
INDUSTRY LEADERS, TSA DISCUSS LASP
For the second time in the past month, the Transportation Security
Administration (TSA) met Thursday with EAA, other general aviation
organizations, and industry representatives to discuss the controversial
Large Aircraft Security Proposal (LASP). The meetings were specifically
aimed at helping reframe the issues surrounding the controversial
security proposal in a way that is acceptable to the GA community, while
still meeting the bulk of TSA's security objectives. While the sessions
were a far cry from the negotiated rulemaking process requested by EAA
and other industry groups, each of the meetings provided GA
representatives with an opportunity to express concerns with the
proposal and offer constructive alternatives. Read more
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EAA BACKS CONGRESSIONAL
EFFORT TO HONOR WASP
EAA has given its support to two bills under consideration to award the
Congressional Gold Medal to World War II Women Air Force Service Pilots
(WASP). In separate letters to Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) and
Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), EAA President and Chairman
Tom Poberezny called the bills, "well deserved recognition of the
efforts put forth by all the great women who supported our country
during World War II."
Members of the WASP carried out their
missions with deep focus and precision, and by ferrying replacement
aircraft to the front line forces these pilots were the true strength
that led to the air victory over our WWII enemies. Read
more
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OSHKOSH TOURISM HONORS
EAA FOUNDER
 EAA
Founder Paul Poberezny received a standing ovation this morning at the
annual Oshkosh Tourism breakfast as he received a special award honoring
his role in boosting tourism in the region. The annual breakfast is
hosted by the Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau. As president of
EAA, Poberezny brought the annual fly-in to Oshkosh in 1970 and the EAA
Aviation Center headquarters facility to the city in 1983. Since the
fly-in first arrived, it has grown to be one of the world's major
aviation events, welcoming attendance surpassing 500,000 each year,
along with 10,000 aircraft. An independent 2008 University of
Wisconsin-Oshkosh survey estimated the economic impact of EAA AirVenture
alone at more than $110 million in the three-country area surrounding
Oshkosh. Read
more
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HOMEBUILDING HINTS OF THE
WEEK: RIBSTICHING-STARTER KNOT
 In
this episode, Carah Durell demonstrates the proper procedure for tying
the starter knot when rib stitching. Carah works for Poly-Fiber, located
at Flabob Airport in Riverside, California. She also is a former Young
Eagle who took her flight with Flabob/s Chapter 1. Watch
now.
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GOLDEN WEST FLY-IN ADOPTS
A HOMEBUILDING THEME
 "Bringing
Aviation Home," a celebration of amateur-built aircraft, is the
theme for this year's Golden West Fly-in, set for June 12-14 at Yuba
County Airport in Marysville, California. Homebuilders in the western
United States are invited to gather at Yuba County to share their
experience and learn from each other. Nearly 100 forums and workshops
will be featured during its three-day run, along with dozens of
exhibitors Aircraft awards sponsored by EAA will recognize the finest
examples of homebuilt aircraft on display during the fly-in. They will
be presented at a Saturday evening event. Each day also features an air
show - Friday and Saturday beginning at 3 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. For
more information visit www.goldenwestflyin.org
or call the Golden West
offices at 530-852-0321.
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APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE
ONLINE FOR AIRVENTURE CUP
 We
received word this week from Eric Whyte, AirVenture Cup chairman, that
application forms for the 12th running of the annual race are now
available at www.AirVentureCup.com.
A new feature this year: simplicity - you can complete the forms right
on your computer screen. Entry deadline is June 1, 2009, so don't delay.
The AirVenture Cup Race is planned for Sunday, July 26, as nine classes
of amateur-built category take off from Wright Brothers Airport (MGY) in
Dayton, Ohio, in a beat-the-clock dash to AirVenture Oshkosh.
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EAA' B-17 TOUR ROLLS ON
IN CALIFORNIA
 The
Flying Fortress Aluminum Overcast wraps up its California
journey this coming week with stops at Sacramento May 8-10, hosted by
EAA Chapter 52, and Redding May 12-13, hosted by EAA Chapter 157. Then
it's off to Portland, Oregon, May 15017 for a tour stop hosted by EAA
Chapter 105.Book your reservation
for an unforgettable flight and find a
list of future events at www.B17.org,
or call 800-359-6217 for more information. Watch
video.
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'HINTS FOR HOMEBUILDERS'
DVD NOW AVAILABLE
 With
more than 700,000 views since being introduced in March 2008, EAA's
online video series Hints for Homebuilders has been a roaring
success. Until now, the only place you could view them was online,
provided you had a broadband connection to the Internet. With the launch
of a new DVD, Hints for Homebuilders - Sheet Metal - Volume 1,
now you can view 19 helpful hints from experienced builders anywhere-on
a big-screen TV, at chapter meetings, or on a computer with a DVD drive.
They're available for a members' special price of $9.95 through the EAA
online store or by calling 800-564-6322.
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WHERE ARE YOU FLYING
THIS WEEKEND?
 EAA
Chapter 297 Spring Fly- In, Stag Airpark, Burgaw, North Carolina
EAA Chapter 297 invites you to their Annual Spring Fly-In at Stag Air
Park on Saturday, May 9. BBQ lunch will be served from 12 noon until 1:30
p.m. at the No Whining Saloon. Come on, fly in your experimental,
antique, spam can, LSA, warbird, blimp or whatever - just get here for a
great spring break. See www.eaa297.org/springflyin.htm
for updates or contact Tony Spicer, 910-619-2557.
EAA Chapter 582 Super Breakfast,
Toledo, Ohio
How about scrambled eggs, hash browns, biscuits and gravy, French toast,
pancakes, sausage, coffee, juice, milk. From 8:30 to 11 a.m. on the SECOND
SATURDAY of each month, this weekend, May 9, through November. EAA
Chapter 582 hangar is near the end of runway 32 on Metcalf Airport (KTDZ)
just outside of Toledo class C airspace. Fly or drive in. Kids ride our
nifty barrel train free. For more information, visit www.eaa582.org
or contact Marvin Homsley at 419-360-7414.
To learn more about calendar events, or
to find/submit others, visit www.EAAcalendar.org.
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NEED A SPEAKER? TRY EAA
SPEAKER'S BUREAU
 The
EAA Speakers Bureau was launched about 18 months ago as an online
resource for chapters to find interesting presentations for their
meetings, banquets, and other functions. The bureau now lists more than
500 registered speakers! You'll find aircraft manufacturers, military
pilots, homebuilders, flight instructors, aviation attorneys, AMEs, and
all the members of EAA's Board of Directors. The Speakers Bureau is a
single resource that brings together an outstanding collection of
aviation knowledge. All the speakers registered are volunteers, but your
chapter may want to consider offering to assist with travel expenses. Visit
the website and search for a speaker based on location, topic area,
or simply by name. Contact the speaker via e-mail or phone and make the
invitation. We also ask that you help keep the bureau vibrant and
growing by encouraging those who have spoken at your chapter to register
online.
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STILL ROOM AT ARLINGTON
RV SPORTAIR WORKSHOP
There is currently space available for EAA
SportAir Workshops two-day Van's Aircraft RV Assembly course in
Arlington, Washington May 16-17 hosted by the Arlington Fly-In at the
Arlington Municipal Airport. SportAir's pioneering RV course is an
intensive, hands-on weekend seminar providing the skills, experience,
and confidence required to assemble your airplane. In addition, we'll
discuss Federal Aviation Regulations pertaining to amateur-built
aircraft; required tools and workshop essentials; engine and propeller
selection; flight-testing; and more. Instructor is Jack Dueck, prolific
RV builder. EAA members receive a special discount price of $319, which
includes all materials and equipment. The course is limited to 16
students, so sign up today at www.sportair.com
or call 800-967-5746!
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EAA 'TIMELESS VOICE OF
THE WEEK': ERIC CLUTTON
 Eric
Clutton was a flying cadet in the Royal Air Force during the tail end of
World War II. Not ready to give up the dream of flight after the war,
Eric became a glider pilot and flew every chance he could get throughout
the 1950s and 1960s. To compensate for the lack of hangar space in the
surrounding airports where Eric lived, he designed and built a homebuilt
airplane called F.R.E.D. in 1964, making him one of the UK’s pioneer
homebuilt aircraft designers. Short for Flying Runabout Experimental
Design, F.R.E.D. was a parasol design of traditional wood, tube, and
fabric construction, and featured a novel set of folding wings so that
Eric could tow the plane to and from his home and store it in the
garage. Known as “Dr. Diesel” for the r/c diesel engines he designs,
today Eric lives in Tennessee where he is an EAA Technical Counselor and
still flies the original F.R.E.D. on a regular basis. Watch
now.
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SAVE UP TO 20% ON VINTAGE
WOODEN PROPELLERS
 Wood
propellers used to be replaced as often as old tires, and the old ones
were often taken home to be hung over the mantel. Whether an aviation
aficionado or fan of classic time pieces, these vintage propellers will
look distinguished in any room. Made of Kamchatka Birchwood, expertly
aged like the originals, the wooden propeller with red tips is available
in two sizes. Get the 4 foot for only $71.99 or the 6 foot for $127.49.
Or, the 4 foot laminated propeller featuring a crafted antique brass
clock is yours for $100.79. These special offers are valid until May 31.
Order online
or by calling toll-free, 800-564-6322.
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Q
& A:
Question of
the Week
For EAA
Information Services
Would
I be allowed to fly into Canada with a US Light
Sport Aircraft or an Experimental. Do any
restrictions apply?
Answer:
You may fly into Canada with a SLSA, ELSA, or
Experimental Amateur-Built aircraft as long as you
possess a current PPL or higher and a current
medical certificate. Click
here for more information on how and who to
contact to make your flight a success!
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
2009
EAA
Desktop Calendar
Our featured
calendar image for May is Tom Wathen's beautiful
replica of the Rider R-4 Schoenfelt Firecracker, a
plane that won many races during the Golden Age of
air racing. The plane is also featured in EAA's
World of Flight 2009 Calendar. (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.
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GAMA: GA AIRPLANE
DELIVERIES DOWN 41 PERCENT
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) reports that in
the first quarter of 2009, deliveries of general aviation airplanes
totaled 462 units, a 41.1 percent drop from the same period last year,
with industry billings falling 18.2 percent to $4.34 billion.
"This is an extremely difficult time
for our industry," said Pete Bunce, GAMA president and CEO.
"We are dealing first and foremost with the severe negative effects
of a worldwide economic downturn, but also with unwarranted criticism
focused on the industry."
The turboprop segment was the only
segment to experience growth in the first quarter with 92 units
delivered, up from 89 units during the same period in 2008 for a 3.4
percent increase. The piston airplane segment was down 55.1 percent.
Business jet shipments fell 35.7 percent in the first quarter with 191
airplanes delivered, as compared to 297 business jets in the first
quarter of 2008. www.GAMA.aero
CZECH SPORT AIRCRAFT
ACQUIRES ASSETS
Czech Sport Aircraft, Inc. has acquired the assets of Czech Aircraft
Works s.r.o. including the designs and trademarks of the SportCruiser,
Mermaid, and Parrot aircraft. Both Parrot and Mermaid customer
deliveries are scheduled for the second quarter of 2009. A second
SportCruiser assembly line has been established to increase the monthly
output of 25 airplanes up to 40. Learn more at www.CzechSportAircraft.ch.
AMERICAN LEGEND
"SMART" CUB FEATURES GARMIN 696
American Legend Aircraft Company now offers Legend Cub light-sport
aircraft equipped with the new Garmin GPSMAP 696 multi-function display.
Dubbed the Legend "Smart" Cub, the option gives recreational
flyers an advanced flying platform. The aircraft features a
panel-mounted GPSMAP 696 as well as digital engine instrumentation. The
GPSMAP 696-equipped Legend Cub starts at about $113,000. Learn more at www.legend.aero.
TECNAM
ALSO CHOOSES GARMIN
Tecnam Aircraft has selected the Garmin G950 and G600 as optional
avionics for its aircraft. Garmin's G600 will be available on the Tecnam
P2002 JF & P2002 JR. The Tecnam P2006T will feature Garmin's G950,
an all-glass avionics suite that's based on the G1000.
"We're are looking forward to
working with TECNAM and are confident their customers will appreciate
the situational awareness and integration that comes from the G950 and
G600," said Gary Kelley, Garmin's vice president of marketing.
Learn more at www.Tecnam.com.
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