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June
19, 2009 Volume 9,
Number 25 |
DHS INSPECTOR GENERAL: GA
OPERATIONS POSE NO HOMELAND SECURITY THREAT
The current status of general
aviation (GA) operations does not present a serious homeland security
vulnerability requiring the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
to increase regulatory oversight of the industry, according to a report
released by The Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector
General (OIG) this week. "We determined that general aviation
presents only limited and mostly hypothetical threats to security,"
the OIG stated. "We also determined that the steps general aviation
airport owners and managers have taken to enhance security are positive
and effective…coupled with voluntary measures taken by the owners and
operators of aircraft based at general aviation sites." Read
more
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AIRVENTURE ONLINE TICKET
DISCOUNT EXTENDED
Save on Advance Purchases Through June 30
 For
those who have yet to purchase their admission tickets for EAA
AirVenture Oshkosh 2009, here's some great news: The online discount for
advance purchase of admission to AirVenture has been extended for two
more weeks - through Tuesday, June 30, 2009! This will not only
provide people more time to make their travel plans, but they'll still
be able to get in on the savings - $5 off on every weekly adult ticket
and $2 off on every daily adult ticket through the end of the month.
After June 30, advance online purchase for AirVenture admissions will
continue to be available throughout the event for your convenience. To
buy yours now and take advantage of the discount, click
here.
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THUNDERBIRD JET #8 TO
MAKE OPENING DAY VISIT
 A
United States Air Force Thunderbird jet will pay a brief visit to
AirVenture Oshkosh late Sunday afternoon, July 26, where it will be on
display for most of Opening Day July 27, then depart mid-afternoon.
Thunderbird #8, a two-seat Lockheed-Martin F-16C, will arrive at
approximately 5:45 p.m. Sunday following the elite squadron's weekend
performance at the Milwaukee Air Show. Read
more
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THROUGH-THE-FENCE
OPERATIONS DISPUTE IN IDAHO
The FAA recently informed the City of Driggs,
Idaho, that it had approved a request for about $7 million dollars in
airport improvement projects (AIP) for Driggs-Reed Memorial Airport (DIJ).
But when it was discovered that the FAA was requiring the city to
terminate all existing "through-the-fence" (TTF) operations
before releasing the funds, EAA heard from TTF operator Brent Blue, EAA
377214, for advise and information regarding the legality of such
action. (Through-the-fence operations are those in which a public
airport owner authorizes access to the public landing area by a person
or entity that owns adjacent, privately owned property.) Read
more
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NAFI
INTRODUCES ASSOCIATE MASTER INSTRUCTOR ACCREDITATION
Active flight instruction, other professional experience emphasized
 The
National Association of Flight Instructors is building on its highly
successful NAFI Master Flight Instructor Program by adding a new
intermediate level, called the NAFI Associate Master Flight Instructor.
The NAFI Associate Master Flight Instructor is a great way for
accomplished instructors who aspire to even greater levels of
professionalism to be recognized for their work and accomplishments. It
is the first of several scheduled enhancements to the NAFI Master Flight
Instructor program. Read
more
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OSHKOSH-BOUND AEROBATIC
PILOTS SOAR IN WINDSOR
 Two
world-class aerobatic pilots scheduled to perform at AirVenture Oshkosh
2009 thrilled the international crowd lining the banks of the Detroit
river during the Red Bull Air Race held June 13-14 in Windsor, Ontario,
Canada. Kirby Chambliss, EAA 261512, IAC 12086, who won the races based
across the river in Detroit last year, placed third overall while Mike
Goulian, EAA Life Member 259398, IAC 11878, finished 6th. H.G.
Frautschy, executive director of the Vintage Aircraft Association,
attended the event, which marked the first of the Red Bull series to be
held in Canada. Read
more | See
photo gallery
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EARNING HIS WINGS
First Solo Cross-Country
 I
was more nervous before this flight than any others up to now. Leaving
Oshkosh for the first time with no one else in the plane is a big
milestone, and to be honest, downright nerve racking.
Those nerves were good though, because it
made me spend hours before the flight studying sectional charts and
reading about the airports and runways I'd be visiting.
As soon as I successfully completed my
trip and landed back on runway 9 in Oshkosh, I was overcome with
adrenaline and excitement. At that moment, I remember feeling like a
real pilot for the first time.
I'm curious if this is the point in other
student pilots' training when they first feel like a real pilot. I know
there are numerous benchmarks in the training process - but this one was
a great one for me. Let me know on
the blog.
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GOLDEN WEST FLY-IN
WELCOMES AVIATION 'HOME'
 Theme
of the Golden West Fly-In this year was "Bringing Aviation
Home," a celebration of homebuilt aircraft. Approximately 6,000
aviation enthusiasts and 600 aircraft did just that last weekend at Yuba
County Airport in Marysville, California. John Gibson, Golden West
president, said, "The weather was great, in the mid-70s to mid 80s,
and the volunteers were great under the leadership of the new fly-in
Chairman Bill Moses." Read
more
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SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION TO
NEW FAA ADMINISTRATOR
 We're
interested in learning what questions EAA members have for the newly
appointed FAA administrator, Randy Babbitt, for the traditional
"Meet the Administrator" Q&A session held annually at
AirVenture. Babbitt, confirmed by the Senate as FAA Administrator late
last month, has been invited to AirVenture and is expected to appear at
the on annual forum on Thursday, July 30, 11:30 a.m. at the Honda Pavilion.
To get an idea of what's on the minds of EAAers, we're asking that
questions be pre-submitted via email to asktheadministrator@eaa.org.
(Questions will also be taken from the floor as time permits.) Please
submit your questions no later than July 10, 2009.
Note: We had some technical
difficulties with the e-mail address last week so if your attempt to
submit a question was not successful, please try again.
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FLY FOR LIFE: PROFILES IN
CARING
 "Fly
For Life" at EAA AirVenture 2009 will recognize and celebrate the
breadth and depth of good works by those who offer aviation services for
the benefit of their fellow citizens of the world. Public Benefit
Aviation (PBA) - volunteer pilots and aviation enthusiasts who
dedicate their time, skills, and
resources to help people; and Mission
Aviation (MA) - Christians working to bring the transforming
message of Jesus Christ to people living in remote, difficult-to-access
places; provide vital humanitarian and spiritual  support that would
otherwise go unserved. For more information, visit www.Fly4Life.org.
This week we feature mission aviator Mike
Mower, EAA 841809, of Waxhaw, North Carolina. Mike flew Helio
Couriers, a Super Cub, and an Aero Commander 500B for JAARS from
1984-2004 in the Philippines. Mike is currently a representative for
JAARS flying the Helio Courier around the country in the organization's
Missions at the Airport program, plus flies STOL demonstrations in air
shows and airport open house events. Read
more
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THIS WEEKEND, EAA SAYS,
'GO FLY A KITE'
Wings on Strings Kite Festival at Pioneer
 The
8th annual Wings on Strings Kite Festival is this Saturday, June 20, at
Pioneer Airport in Oshkosh. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., enjoy a free and
full day of fun for the whole family, highlighted by the Grand Launch of
more than 200 kites at noon; Yves LaForest of Montreal, Quebec, Canada,
flying giant octopus and bear kites; and kite demonstrations from the
six-member Chicago Fire Kite Team. And don't miss the popular Kids' Mad
Dash at 2 p.m. The first 100 kids to sign up for the Mad Dash get a free
kite. Kites and food will be sold at the event. For more information,
visit www.airventuremuseum.org.
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POLAR PUMPKIN TO
APPEAR AT AIRVENTURE
 The
Polar Pumpkin, named for its color and its arctic missions, will
be making its first trip to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2009. Also known as
Polar Flight 90 or North 90, South to North (N90SN), this orange,
single-engine Cessna 185 is the only aircraft of its kind to land on the
geographic South Pole. Current owner and pilot Art Mortvedt, landed the Polar
Pumpkin at the South Pole on November 22, 1999, and plans to reach
the North Pole in April 2010. Read
more
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HOMEBUILDING HINT OF THE
WEEK: HOW TO SOLDER
 Richard
Koehler, 2007 recipient of the EAA Tony Bingelis Award, walks you
through the basics of soldering. Dick is a Technical Counselor for
Chapter 186, an A&P aircraft mechanic with Inspection Authorization
(IA), and a SportAir Workshop instructor. Watch
now.
Now available - 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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ENROLL NOW FOR EAA'S
WOMEN SOAR YOU SOAR 2009
 Young
women in grades 9-12 are eligible to enroll in EAA's Women Soar You
Soar, scheduled for July 26-28 in Oshkosh. Now in its fifth year, Women
Soar You Soar introduces enrollees to more than 20 outstanding female
mentors who work in the aviation and aerospace industries - everyone
from engineers to fighter pilots. The event will include flight
simulation, workshops, career exploration, and mentor sessions. Women
Soar You Soar's goal is to engage, inspire, and educate young women to
pursue their dreams in aviation and beyond. The enrollment deadline is
July 10, 2009, or until spaces are filled. Find out more about Women
Soar You Soar 2009 at www.airventure.org/womensoar,
or call 800-236-1025.
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SPORTAIR FABRIC COURSE
COMING TO FREDERICK, MARYLAND
 Looking
to learn the art of fabric covering an airplane? EAA SportAir Workshops
will present Fabric Covering June 27-28 at the Frederick, Maryland
Municipal Airport, hosted at the EAA Chapter 524 Aviation Education
Center, and there is limited space available. This session will instruct
you in the techniques of fabric covering certified or experimental
aircraft. Using the Poly-Fiber Covering System, the class will learn the
skill using DC-3 ailerons. All steps are demonstrated and practiced,
including preparation, gluing the fabric, shrinking, rib stitching,
taping, and spraying. Repair procedures will also be discussed and
practiced during this mostly hands-on, two-day work workshop. Tuition
for EAA members is $259. Learn more about the classes featured here,
find out about special EAA member tuition for the courses, or register
for a class today by calling toll free, 800-967-5746, or visit www.sportair.com.
WACO E-LSA INSPECTION
COURSE STILL HAS ROOM
Space also remains in the Experimental Light-Sport Airplane Inspection
course scheduled in Waco, Texas, June 26-28 (Friday-Sunday) hosted by
EAA Chapter 59 at McGregor Executive Airport. This FAA-approved workshop
is for owners of airplanes certificated in the Experimental Light-Sport
Aircraft (E-LSA) category. When successfully completed, E-LSA owners can
earn the FAA Repairman/Inspection Certificate for their airplanes,
authorizing them to perform their own annual condition inspections. For
more information or to register, visit www.sportair.com
or call 800-967-5746.
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ROTAX ENGINE OPERATORS
CAN TALK WITH EXPERTS AT EAA AIRVENTURE
 A
bounty of learning possibilities for Rotax-powered aircraft owners takes
place at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh this year. Workshops, exhibits, and
forums on Rotax engines will be offered during the week, including
expert Phil Lockwood's July 28 session on Rotax engine operation, care,
and maintenance. Lockwood is president and CEO of Lockwood Aviation
Supply, Sebring, Florida. Visitors can also attend engine-assembling
workshops in Pavilion 20 in the Workshop area throughout the week to
gain hands-on knowledge on various aircraft power plants such as Rotax.
Read
more
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'FLY THE FORD' MIDWEST
TOUR CONTINUES IN LOUISVILLE
 EAA's
beautifully-restored example of the world's first mass-produced
airliner, the Ford Tri-Motor, will stop in Louisville, Kentucky, this
weekend (June 18-21) as part of its Fly the Ford mini tour. Hosted by
EAA Chapter 579, passengers have the opportunity to fly in an aircraft
from aviation's "Golden Age." To learn more, or to book a
flight, visit www.FlytheFord.org.
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FLYING FORTRESS HEADS
BACK ON TOUR
 Fresh
from a scheduled maintenance stop in Oshkosh, EAA's B-17, Aluminum
Overcast, heads back out this weekend to Waukesha, Wisconsin, June
19-21, for a tour stop hosted by EAA Vintage Chapter 11. This is a great
chance to see one of the last remaining B-17s still flying. Flight
experiences and ground tours are available. To book a reservation or see
the list of future tour stops, visit www.B17.org,
or call 800-359-6217 for more information. Watch
video.
Become a fan of EAA's B-17 Aluminum
Overcast Facebook page!
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AIR ACADEMY BASIC CAMP -
JUST A FEW SPOTS LEFT! SIGN UP TODAY!
 EAA's
Air Academy is a unique summer camp that takes young people's interest
in aviation to the next level. Participants spend a week at the Air
Academy Lodge in Oshkosh, WI, completely immersed in the world of
aviation. With the help of top-notch aviation instructors, kids will
participate in activities such as flight simulation and a flight in a
real airplane. The Air Academy will help build a strong foundation for a
lifelong love of aviation and create friendships with fellow aviation
enthusiasts. Air Academy Basic Camp is available for kids ages 14 and
15. To sign up, visit www.airacademy.org,
and for more information, call 888-322-3229.
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WHERE ARE YOU FLYING THIS
WEEKEND?
 EAA
Chapter 1252's Breakfast Fly-in and Young Eagles Rally - Columbia
Station Airport, Ohio
On Saturday, June 20, come to EAA Chapter 1252's Breakfast Fly-in
and Young Eagles Rally. Fly in or drive in and join us for a pancake and
sausage breakfast. Many new and antique aircraft will be on display.
Come see what we're building! 8 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information visit www.eaa1252.org.
Father's Day Fly-in/Drive-in
Breakfast, Palmyra Muni Airport, Wisconsin
One of Wisconsin's oldest fly-in breakfasts, serving almost 2,000
people. Enjoy a delicious breakfast of pancakes, ham and eggs (scrambled
or fried to your liking), juice, coffee, and milk. All you can eat!
Helicopter and airplane rides available. Contact Don for more
information, 262-495-4342.
To learn more about calendar events, or
to find/submit others, visit www.EAAcalendar.org.
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EAA 'TIMELESS VOICE OF
THE WEEK': DON FAIRBANKS
 Charles
"Don" Fairbanks enlisted in the Army Air Force after
graduating from high school in 1943. Trained as a B-24 Liberator gunner,
he was sent overseas to England where he was assigned to the 492nd Bomb
Group, known as the "Carpetbaggers." They flew clandestine
night missions for the Office of Secret Services, dropping supplies and
agents to the French Underground. Don flew 30 of these top-secret
missions during his combat tour. After the war Don became a flight
instructor and founded Cardinal Air Training in Cincinnati, Ohio. At age
86, Don is a member of the National Association of Flight Instructors
Hall of Fame, and is still giving helicopter flight instruction at
Cincinnati's Lunken Airport. Watch
the video.
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EAA MEMBERS SAVE 20
PERCENT ON WELDING & CORROSION DVD
 The
Building Your Own Airplane: Welding & Corrosion DVD is
available to EAA members for only $15.99 when ordered by June 30. Take
the mystery out of aircraft welding as you join host Gregg Ewert and
instructor Bill Roerig through the step-by-step process of oxyacetylene
welding. Whether you've never held a torch before, or haven't welded in
years and want to brush up on your skills, this video will provide you
with the background to get started. Also join corrosion expert Geo
Hindall in an hour-long examination of the problem. It's not just a
problem unique to floatplanes. Corrosion is a threat to any aircraft
exposed to wet or humid conditions, including acid rain. Learn to
recognize, prevent, and protect your airplane against the effects of
corrosion! Approximate total running time: 110 minutes. Order
online or call toll-free, 800-564-6322.
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Q
& A:
Question of
the Week
For EAA
Aircraft Insurance Plan
I
understand from a fellow EAA chapter member that
builders who have regular Technical Counselor visits
get a little break on their premium when it comes
time to insure their project. Is that correct?
Answer:
The short answer to your question is no, there are
no specific discounts associated with having your
airplane project inspected by an EAA Technical
Counselor. That being said, however, we always ask
about participation in the Technical Counselor and
EAA's Flight Advisor programs. We encourage it, and
we always pass along to the underwriter the fact
that the EAA member has participated in the EAA
safety programs.
Does
this automatically gain a discount? No, but it does
have some impact with the various insurance
companies, and therefore should mean some savings
for the EAA member. The bottom line is that the more
we know about you, the more we can use this
information to make sure you have the airplane
insurance you need, and you are getting the best
price possible!
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.
June
2009
EAA
Desktop Calendar
Mike
Smith's Pitts S-1T, whose paint scheme pays homage
to the late Art Scholl and his Pitts biplane, was
photographed over the Gulf of Mexico by EAA's Jim
Koepnick.
Download
this wallpaper image at the EAA
website, where you can choose among several different
resolutions to suit
your screen - including three wide-screen
sizes...or select an image from the archive.
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FLIR FOR LSA AND
EXPERIMENTAL AIRCRAFT
From FLIR Systems, Inc. comes EVSx, a compact thermal imaging Enhance
Vision System for experimental and light-sport aircraft (LSA). EVSx lets
pilots see in darkness and during other times of reduced visibility
conditions like haze, smoke, light fog, light precipitation, and dust,
enhancing the aviator's situational awareness in all phases of flight.
The EVSx unit weighs less than one pound and is priced at $3,495. Visit
FLIR at booth 150 in the main aircraft display area at EAA AirVenture
Oshkosh, or visit www.FLIR.com to
learn more.
FORMER PRESIDENT
SKYDIVES ON 85TH BIRTHDAY
Former President George H.W. Bush didn’t just celebrate his 85th
birthday with a cake and a small family gathering on Friday. Instead, he
leaped from a plane at 10,500 feet and parachuted safely to a spot near
his home with the help of the U.S. Army’s Golden Knights. Bush marked
his 85th birthday the same way he did his 75th and 80th birthdays, and
said he plans to do the same for his 90th birthday. Read
more
ICAS SEEKS NOMINATIONS
The International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) Foundation is looking for
nominations for the Air Show Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame was created
in 1995 to recognize those who made significant contributions to the air
show industry, and represents the pilots, stunt people, announcers,
producers, aircraft designers, builders, and other innovators who have
changed the face of air shows. Submit nominations using the nominating
petition at www.ICASFoundation.org.
For more information, email OliversSkyDancer@aol.com.
SONEX AIRCRAFT OFFERS
FREE CON-WAY SHIPPING
Sonex Aircraft, LLC offers a limited-time pricing incentive for
purchases of Sonex, Waiex, or Xenos Complete Airframe Kits. All Complete
Airframe Kits purchased before August 31, 2009 will receive free
shipping to the continental United States and Canada via Con-Way
Freight. Even more shipping expense can be saved if the AeroVee Engine
Kit is ordered at the same time, since the AeroVee Engine Kit can easily
fit on the same pallet as the kit. Learn more at www.SonexAircraft.com
and www.AeroConversions.com.
CESSNA RENEWS SEBRING
SPONSORSHIP
Cessna Aircraft Company has agreed to continue as main sponsor for the
US Sport Aviation Expo, scheduled for January 21-24, 2010 at Sebring
Regional Airport in Sebring, Florida. "We are thrilled that Cessna
has again agreed to be the presenting sponsor for our event," said
Bob Wood, expo chairman. The expo focuses on light-sport aircraft and
the sport pilot certificate, with free educational forums. For more
information, visit www.Sport-Aviation-Expo.com
or visit booth 159 in exhibit building A at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.
CORVALIS DELIVERIES
MOVED TO INDEPENDENCE
Cessna Aircraft Company has begun deliveries of the Corvalis line of
high-performance single-engine piston aircraft at the company's customer
center in Independence, Kansas, the first step in moving the entire
production line from Cessna's facility in Oregon. Cessna will close its
Bend, Oregon, facility. The final assembly and delivery process for the
Corvalis product line will be moved to Cessna's facility in Independence
over the next few months. Cessna acquired certain assets of Columbia
Aircraft Manufacturing Co. in December 2007. Since then, in addition to
making a number of significant improvements to the aircraft and its
global product support, Cessna renamed these aircraft the Cessna
Corvalis TT (twin turbo) and Corvalis (normally-aspirated). Learn more
at www.Cessna.com.
FLY-IN SET FOR DEAF
PILOTS ASSOCIATION
The Deaf Pilots Association annually organizes a week-long fly-in,
drawing members and their friends from all over the world to enjoy the
fellowship of flight and to discuss important issues. This year, the
fly-in will be held at Wisconsin's Manitowoc County Airport (MTW) from
July 30 through August 6. Fly-out and youth outreach activities are
scheduled, along with an annual meeting and banquet, and the public is
invited. Registration and other information can be found here.
FLYING TO BAHAMAS JUST
GOT EASIER
The Islands of The Bahamas Aviation Department has partnered with
several Florida fixed base operators, making it easier for private
pilots to get procedural information to fly to and from the Bahama
Islands. Four have been identified as Bahamas Gateway FBOs and have been
trained on all facets of U.S. and Bahamas requirements of aircraft
leaving/arriving the U.S. mainland, including Miami Executive Aviation
at Opa Locka Airport, Banyan Air Service, Fort Lauderdale Executive
Airport; Galaxy Aviation, Palm Beach, Stuart/Palm Beach Airport; and Air
Center/Fort Pierce, St. Lucie International Airport. The FBOs can
provide Customs and Immigration information as well as supplies and
information on the Bahamas. Learn more here.
TRANSITION TO GLASS
WITH ASA
ASA now offers The Complete Avidyne Course to help pilots transition
from round dials to glass cockpits. The four-hour, narrated,
computer-based tutorial provides an orientation to the Avidyne-Entegra
PFD, MFD, audio panel, GNS430 GPS, autopilot, and transponder.
Applicable to both VFR and IFR operations and all aircraft installations
of the Avidyne Entegra, the courses uses scenario-based training
throughout and each lesson concludes with a summary and quiz to ensure a
thorough understanding of the material. Visit www.ASA2Fly.com
to learn more.
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