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| AirVenture
2009 Recap |
August
7, 2009 Volume 9,
Number 39 |
ONE
FOR THE AGES!
From
previously uninhabited portions of Camp Scholler to ad hoc parking
lots...from the far reaches of North Fond du Lac to a bulging North
40...and all points in between, Oshkosh 2009 was not only a week to
remember, but one the aviation world will never forget. Here are just a
few of the major highlights from the seven-day World's Greatest Aviation
Celebration.
Read the rest of our compete coverage, including
nearly 200 stories, in the AirVenture
News Archive.
AIRVENTURE VIDEOS,
PHOTO GALLERIES
Relive the major highlights of AirVenture 2009 through more than 70
videos and more than 40
photo
galleries.
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FROM THE EAA COMMUNITY
 In
the wake of one of the most successful AirVenture Oshkosh weeks ever,
the message forums at Oshkosh365 are buzzing with activity. People are
discussing everything from AirVenture memories and homebuilding tips to
flight planning and aviation history. And some users have questions that
we're betting some of you might be able to answer. Have a look at the list
below and follow the links to read the actual questions and discussion
topics.
Can You Help?
Join the Discussions
A number of topic threads are generating a lot of useful
information, while others have grown into spirited debate on a variety
of subjects. Here's a
few that really grabbed our attention:
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If you have a suggestions and/or submission for EAA’s weekly AeroInnovations column, please send to editor Bob Waldron at aeroinnovations@eaa.org. |
Innovation
in Oshkosh
Lane Wallace, columnist and editor for Flying magazine, also
contributes to The Atlantic website and this week she writes
about - what else - AirVenture Oshkosh - "America's aviation
innovation hotspot." "For general aviation, the annual AirVenture
convention and fly-in is where everyone goes to see new and cool ideas
and where aero-innovators often choose to unveil their latest
surprises," she writes, mentioning new products like the ICON A5,
Terrafugia Transition, Steve Saint and his Maverick, and Sonex.
One
Of A Kind: A Vinyl-Wrapped Pulsar
Alex Kozloff has seen 85 years pass by, but he's still coming up with
new ideas. After reading an article about putting graphic designs on
aircraft, he decided to wrap his entire airplane with vinyl. Alex
decided he couldn't do it himself, so he found a Los Angeles company
that does full-wrap vinyl on cars who was willing to use their equipment
and know-how to give his Pulsar airplane a unique finish. The final cost
of the vinyl-wrap was about $6,000, compared to an estimated $25,000 -
$30,000 for hand painting and airbrushing the same graphics. Maybe we'll
see a few more vinyl-wraps at AirVenture 2010!
Yuneec
e430 Electric Aircraft Comes To Oshkosh
The Yuneec
e430 is a two-place electric LSA from China. Its parents were an
electric paramotor and electric RC model aircraft. The prototype was
built in only four months of intensive work by 20 engineers. Dave Morss,
a test pilot and longtime EAA member, did
the initial test flights in California before the plane came to
Oshkosh after only 30 minutes of flight-testing in China. The expected
price of the e430 is $89,000.
Randall
Fishman Returns; Electraflyer-X Electric Aircraft
As the only repeat electric aircraft displayer at Oshkosh, Randall
Fishman had a lot of interest from people who looked at his plane, the
Electraflyer-X, in the Chevron 'Aviation Learning Center' at AirVenture
2009. Randall's company, Electric
Aircraft Corporation, plans to sell the Electraflyer-X as a kit
plane, with an estimated speed of 80 mph and two-hour flight time on one
charge.
Flightstar's
e-Spyder Electric Aircraft First Flies in July
The Part 103 compliant e-Spyder
ultralight from Flightstar was one of several electric aircraft
flying at Oshkosh 2009. Its
first flight was on July 17. With only a 30-foot wingspan, the e-Spyder
is smaller than most of the other electric aircraft. Two 28-pound
battery packs are expected to give the plane 40 minutes of flying time.
Tom Peghiny, president of Flightstar, expects the e-Spyder
kit to be available in about four months for somewhere around
$24,000.
Sonex
Surprises AirVenture Attendees With Single Place Jet
John Monnett of Sonex Aircraft
unveiled a new sport airplane on July 26 - the Sub-Sonex single place
jet. With a design gross weight of 750 pounds, the Sub-Sonex is expected
to cruise at a speed of 250 mph, quite a contrast to the electric
aircraft seen at Oshkosh this year. John's goal is to produce a kit for
this single place jet that costs "well under $50,000."
VirtualHUD:
Low Cost Heads-Up Display
The VirtualHUD
for single engine planes with a front propeller is the first affordable
heads up display for aircraft. The retail price for the VirtualHUD
ForwardVU is only $3,295, and it is available as either a portable unit
that plugs into a cigarette lighter or as a built-in chassis unit. It
can also be interfaced with a Forward
Vision FLIR camera (forward looking infrared).
RotorWay
Unveils New Turbine Helicopter
The new RotorWay Eagle 300T
turbine helicopter was introduced at AirVenture 2009. The Eagle 300T
will cruise at 110 knots and is powered by a Rolls-Royce engine. This
two-seat turbine trainer will be a cost-effective aircraft for flight
schools and for professional pilots who need turbine hours.
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NEW
FAA ADMINISTRATOR MEETS EAAERS
 EAA
had an opportunity to have a brief, one-on-one meeting with newly
appointed FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
2009. In it he conveyed a consistent theme: a desire to discuss, learn
more, debate, collaborate, and discover sound solutions. Far from a
comprehensive investigation of his position on the numerous regulatory
issues confronting general aviation, EAA's discussion with Babbitt
nonetheless yielded some interesting statements. Read
the interview. |
AIRVENTURE
AVIONICS FLASH
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2009 is in our rear view mirror now, but the
event was chock full of exciting news in avionics and other related
equipment. Here's a quick reference review to give you the basics of
what was new, improved, or just plain interesting. Look for a more
detailed review of the best new or improved devices in the October issue
of EAA Sport Aviation. Read
more
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EAA,
AOPA MEDICAL STAFFS KEEP PILOTS FLYING
Among the first tangible examples of the
EAA/AOPA memorandum of understanding signed at Oshkosh this year was a
meeting between the EAA's Aeromedical Advisory Council, AOPA's Board of
Aviation Medical Advisors, and each association's medical staff during
AirVenture 2009. Aviation medical examiners and the associations'
dedicated medical teams discussed a broad range of timely medical
certification topics affecting pilots. Read
more |
EAA,
ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGIONAL FLY-IN IN COLORADO SIGN NEW SPONSORSHIP
AGREEMENT
 EAA
and Colorado Sport Aviation Inc. have signed a new working agreement
that brings higher visibility to the annual Rocky Mountain Regional
Fly-In and clearly defines EAA's role in the popular fly-in. The
agreement, in place just in time for this year's Rocky Mountain Regional
Fly-In on August 22-23 at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport,
underscores the shared missions of the Rocky Mountain Regional Fly-In,
which returns in 2009 after a one-year hiatus, and EAA. Under the
agreement, EAA will provide extensive promotion and coverage of the
Rocky Mountain Regional Fly-In, and also serve as a major sponsor of
aviation educational activities during the event, among other
considerations. Read more |
FIRST
AIRVENTURE ONE TO REMEMBER FOR YOUNG EAGLE RAFFLE WINNER
 Marjorie
Gjesdal of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, has a shiny souvenir to take home
from her first-ever AirVenture visit: a 2010 Mustang GT convertible.
Marjorie is the grand prize winner of the 2009 Young Eagles Raffle.
"Oh my God, I've won a car,"
Marjorie recalled saying after hearing her name announced as the raffle
winner. Marjorie was sitting below the announcer's stand when her name
was called. EAA President and Chairman Tom Poberezny was sitting near
Marjorie when she heard the news. "Tom said, 'I'm the first one who
witnessed the look on your face when you won.' He told me it was a wonderful way to end AirVenture,
by having the winner right here." Read
more |
EAA,
VAA MOURN PASSING OF TED KOSTON
 Famed
aviation photographer Ted Costopoulos (aka Koston) of Melrose Park,
Illinois, passed away Saturday, August 2, at the age of 86. Ted loved
aviation, and managed to get involved in as many facets of aviation as
he could. Over the past four decades, Ted has blessed EAA with his
services as a volunteer photographer. Read the complete obituary
and sign the guest book at EAA's
Gone West website. |
EARNING HIS WINGS
 It
was an incredible feeling to go to Oshkosh this year as a pilot - a real
certificated pilot! Jason and I conducted three forums throughout the
week and I enjoyed meeting many of the people who've been following the
blog. I even met two people who started their training because of
watching the videos. That makes all the hours of editing and posting
worth it!
The checkride
video is now on the blog, so be sure to watch it. I definitely
didn't fly my best, but I demonstrated I knew my stuff and most
importantly, made good decisions.
Now that the air show is over, I look
forward to flying with my first passenger and going for my first $100
hamburger. I'll be sure to have the cameras rolling and will post the
video to the blog! |
B-17
TOUR RESUMES IN THE KEYSTONE STATE
 Following
a full week of full-time duty at AirVenture Oshkosh, EAA's B-17 Aluminum
Overcast heads back out on tour this weekend. See the aircraft in
Latrobe, Pennsylvania August 7-9, and Harrisburg August 11-12. To book a
flight, or for more information, visit www.B17.org
or call 1-800-359-6217.
See videos, photos, articles and more at EAA's
Fly the Fortress multimedia gallery.
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'FLY
THE FORD' HEADED TO MINNESOTA NEXT WEEK
 The
EAA Ford Tri-Motor provided countless flights to AirVenture visitors
during the annual Oshkosh gathering, but the crew heads back on tour
next week with a stop at Anoka County-Blaine Airport August 13-16.
Flight times are 12 p.m.-5 p.m. August 13, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. August
14-16. To learn more, or to book a flight, visit www.FlytheFord.org. |
HOMEBUILDING HINT OF THE
WEEK:
DRILLING
TITANIUM
 Drilling
titanium-just saying the words sounds difficult, but in this week's
video Kerry Fores shows how easy it can be. Kerry built an AirVenture
award-winning Sonex and works at Sonex Aircraft providing technical
assistance. Watch
now.
Now available - DVD, Hints for
Homebuilders - Sheet Metal - Volume 1
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. |
ENROLL
TODAY IN EAA BELL 47 HELICOPTER FANTASY CAMP
 EAA's
Bell 47 Fantasy Flight Camp, scheduled for September 11-13 in Oshkosh,
provides an in-depth look at one of the most recognizable
helicopters ever built. With its bubble canopy and skeletal structure,
the Bell 47 has has become a part of history and popular culture thanks
to TV shows such as Whirlybirds and M*A*S*H. This weekend ground school
will explore the aircraft, with segments on rotorcraft aerodynamics,
Bell 47 systems, utility helicopter operations, and a Bell 47 flight
experience. To learn more about this and other EAA Fantasy Flight Camps,
visit www.fantasyflightcamp.org. |
EAA
SPORTAIR WORKSHOPS KICKS OFF LATE SUMMER SEASON - SPACE AVAILABLE
SportAir workshops is hittin' the road following a very successful
mini-workshop program at AirVenture Oshkosh! August 14-15 takes the group
to Griffin, Georgia, for the TIG Welding workshop. If you attended the
AirVenture TIG Mini Session, this two-and-a-half day course is just what
you need to complete your welding training with skilled Lincoln Electric
instructors and equipment. There is space available in the TIG course
right now. SportAir's Van's
RV Aircraft assembly course will be held at the EAA Aviation Center in
Oshkosh August 22-23. This pioneering, two-day workshop teaches the basics
of RV sheet metal construction, giving you the confidence to begin and
complete your RV project. EAA member price is $319 and there are openings
in both sessions. Finally,
SportAir's next big workshop session is August 22-23 at the Aviation
Institute of Maintenance-Kansas City, Missouri, campus. Several courses
are filled, but space is still available in the Sheet Metal, Fabric
Covering, Electrical Systems, and the evening "What's Involved In Kit
building" course. EAA member prices range from $25 to $289. For more
information, or to register for these workshop events, call 800-967-5746,
or visit www.sportair.com. |
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WHERE ARE YOU FLYING THIS
WEEKEND?
 EAA
Chapter 582 Super Breakfast, Metcalf Airport, Toledo, Ohio
August 8, enjoy a SUPER BREAKFAST! Scrambled eggs, hash browns, biscuits
& gravy, French toast, pancakes, sausage, coffee, juice, milk,
served from 8:30-11 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month,
May-November. The chapter hangar is near the end of runway 32, 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, 419 360-7414.
To learn more about calendar events, or
to find/submit others, visit www.EAAcalendar.org. |
EAA 'TIMELESS VOICE OF
THE WEEK': TOM POBEREZNY
 On
Wednesday during EAA AirVenture 2009, EAA’s Timeless Voices of
Aviation oral history program reached a milestone achievement – the
program’s 1,000th interview. To mark the occasion, the program held a
special interview with EAA President and Chairman of the Board Tom
Poberezny in front of a live audience of former interviewees in the
newly christened Founders’ Wing at the EAA AirVenture Museum. John
Nicholson, the face and voice of EAA TV, conducted the interview. Watch
the video. |
ORDER YOUR AIRVENTURE
2009 DVD
 Pre-order
your copy of the official EAA AirVenture Oshkosh souvenir DVD today for only $14.99.
Featuring the best of the 2009 convention, including the Airbus A380,
WhiteKnightTwo, Jeff Dunham, the Doobie Brothers, the Elvis Erickson
Aircrane Helicopter, and more. Makes a great
gift! Order
online or by calling toll-free, 800-564-6322.
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Q
& A:
Question of
the Week
For EAA
Information Services
I am
building a plane with the fuel tank in the fuselage,
directly behind the firewall. The filler cap is on
top and about a foot in front of the windscreen. I
had planned to use lexan for the windscreen, and
have it on hand. Last night at our chapter meeting I
was informed that a little gasoline on it will ruin
it immediately. Tonight I ran a test on a sample and
found that to be true, so lexan is not an option. Do
you have a suggestion?
Answer:
Plexiglass is normally used where there is a chance
that gasoline may be present. For a front
windscreen, we recommend 1/8 inch thick (which may
be quoted as nominally .118-inch by plastic sheet
suppliers when ordering).
Good luck with your
project!
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.
August
2009
EAA
Desktop Calendar
WhiteKnightTwo
made its spectacular world public debut Opening Day at
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2009. EAA Chief Photographer
Jim Koepnick got this shot while the airplane
circled above the convention grounds just before
landing.
Download
this wallpaper image from 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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GAMA:
GA AIRPLANE SHIPMENTS CONTINUE TO DECLINE
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) released the
industry's second quarter shipment and billings figures this week. In
the first half of 2009, total general aviation (GA) airplane shipments
fell 45.9 percent, from 1,918 units in 2008 to 1,037 units this year.
Industry billings are down 22.7 percent, to a total of $9.26 billion.
"These are extremely challenging
times for all general aviation manufacturers and suppliers," said
Pete Bunce, GAMA president and CEO. "Layoffs continue and our
industry has been forced to slow, and in some cases, temporarily halt
production lines. We are encouraged that the overall economic picture is
showing some signs of improvement, which is a crucial condition for
recovery in the general aviation market. Flight hours are stabilizing,
used inventories are beginning to shrink, and our manufacturers are
seeing signs of renewed interest in airplane purchases. We are also
encouraged by reports that accelerated depreciation, passed by Congress
earlier this year, is stimulating some new orders. Even though it is too
early to distinguish these indications as a trend, we are hopeful that
this momentum will continue through the second half of the year."
Piston-powered airplane shipments totaled
434 units compared to 1,034 units delivered in the first half of 2008, a
58 percent decrease. Turboprop shipments decreased 13.6 percent from 221
units in the first six months last year to 191 units in 2009. Business
jet shipments totaled 412 units, a 37.9 percent decrease over the 663
units delivered during this same period in 2008. Learn more at www.GAMA.aero.
CESSNA DELIVERS FIVE
172S SKYHAWKS TO NMC
Cessna Aircraft Company delivered five new Cessna 172S Skyhawks this
week to Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) at the company's customer
center in Independence, Kansas. The order came through Suburban Aviation
Inc., a Cessna authorized sales representative.
Northwestern Michigan College is a publicly funded community college in
Traverse City and has been training pilots since 1967. The school's
aviation program serves about 350 students each year ranging from
collegians to community aviators to teens participating in youth
exploratory programs. The school accumulates about 8,500 flight hours
per year with a fleet of 12 aircraft. With this delivery, NMC now has
six 2009 model Skyhawks featuring the G1000 avionics system.
LIBERTY AEROSPACE XL2
POWERED BY WAM TURBO DIESEL
During EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, Liberty Aerospace, Inc. unveiled the
first XL2 fitted with the Wilksch Turbo Diesel. The aircraft, which
burns Jet A fuel, is designed to appeal to the international market
place where 100LL can be expensive and hard to obtain.
"Our international customers have
been very clear to us," said Keith Markley, president and CEO of
Liberty Aerospace, Inc. "They need an alternative fuel to the 100LL
for aircraft they are running in their flight training fleets."
Learn more at www.Wilksch.com.
WICKS AIRCRAFT SUPPLY
SUPPORTS KIDVENTURE
Thanks to Wicks Aircraft Supply and several volunteers, hundreds of kids
had the opportunity to build a wing rib at EAA's KidVenture during
AirVenture. Wicks provided the cap strip material and plywood to the
program.
"We think it's a very worthwhile
program," said Scott Wick, president of Wicks Aircraft Supply.
"When you realize you can build a real wing rib at the age of 6, 8,
or 10, hopefully you'll be aware that it's possible to build an entire
airplane later in life. If we get just one homebuilder every summer from
this program, it's a success."
For information on the supplies that
Wick's Aircraft carries, visit www.WicksAircraft.com
or call 800-221-9425. |
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