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September
18, 2009 Volume 9,
Number 45 |
WATCH
RENO AIR RACES LIVE ON OSHKOSH365!
Free feed provided to EAA members
 Thousands
of aviation enthusiasts will descend on Reno Stead Field in Nevada this
week for the Reno National Championship Air Races, but undoubtedly many
more fans throughout the world wish they could be there to witness the
46th running of the fastest sport on the planet. EAA will provide the
next best thing for its members - through Oshkosh365, our online
community. On Sunday, September 20, EAA members get free access to
LiveAirShowTV's first-ever live Internet feed - a $24.95 value - so they
can see the thrilling championship round of this year's event. Read
more
WHAT
TO WATCH AT THE RENO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AIR RACES
 After
a year of preparation and this week’s last days of practice and
qualifying, the fastest motor sport on the planet goes at it in earnest
through Sunday at Reno Stead Field. Few things are certain, and a lot
will be decided on race day for each of the seven classes of this year’s
46th running of the Reno National Championship Air Races: Jet,
Unlimited, Super Sport, Sport, Formula One, Biplane, and T-6 (in order
of qualifying speed). Read
more
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FAA
AMATEUR-BUILT POLICY DELAYED
ARC Report Offers Encouraging Signs
The FAA has published the
comprehensive findings of its Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) on
amateur-built aircraft in the Federal Register. Contrary to previous
indications from the FAA, the agency has yet to publish or pronounce a
comprehensive final policy, but piecemeal revelations are on the way.
The full picture of final FAA policies will require interpretation of
several official documents and actions anticipated from the FAA in the
weeks ahead. Read
more |
FIRST
PRODUCTION SKYCATCHER FLIES FROM CHINA FACTORY; ONLINE GROUND SCHOOL
 The
first Cessna Model 162 SkyCatcher fabricated and assembled on production
tooling flew today, September 17, at the production factory in Shenyang,
China, according to a news release issued by Cessna Aircraft Company.
The SkyCatcher, a two-place, single-engine piston, high-wing light-sport
aircraft (LSA), performed a number of handling quality tests during the
flight. Read
more |
EAA
CHAPTER 1346 HOLDS FIRST-EVER FLY-IN ON ISRAELI SOIL
 Israeli
EAA Chapter 1346 had its first-ever fly-in last weekend at the Megiddo
Airport (LLMG) near Megiddo, Israel. Aircraft attendance was better than
expected with some 49 aircraft on display, 14 of them homebuilts. At the
event was 4X-OYG, a Cozy Mk IV that may be familiar to EAA AirVenture
attendees from its 2008 appearance at Oshkosh. Other legendary aircraft
in attendance included Yaron Nemet’s RV-8A, which was the first
Israeli RV to be completed and flown (the second one flying, the 4X-OMS
RV-8, was expected but did not show up), plus a Tiger Moth and a
Stearman. Read
more |
EAA
ASSISTS ANOTHER ZODIAC 601XL BUILDER
 When
Alejandro “Alex” Roca, EAA 706421, of San Antonio, Texas, was
preparing his second homebuilt Zodiac 601XL for its airworthiness
inspection recently, he experienced some difficulties scheduling a
designated airworthiness representative (DAR) for the inspection. So he
e-mailed EAA government services in an effort to clarify some local
confusion and hopefully clear the way for inspection of his airplane,
N115AR. Read
more |
FAA
HUDSON CORRIDOR RECOMMENDATIONS IMPROVE SAFETY
The general aviation industry, FAA and NTSB strongly agree that the FAA’s
proposed changes to the Hudson River Class B exclusion zone should
be adopted to improve flight safety in that area. That was the focus of
panelists who testified before the House Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee's aviation subcommittee on Wednesday in
Washington, D.C. Read
more
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OBAMA LIKELY TO NOMINATE
ERROLL SOUTHERS TO LEAD THE TSA
 President
Barack Obama intends to nominate Erroll Southers as the next head of the
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) according to several
sources. Southers, currently a high level official with the Los Angeles
Airport Police, is in charge of homeland security and intelligence for
the department. Southers is known as a well respected manager and is
credited with bringing a sharper focus to the Los Angeles Airport Police’s
security and counter-terrorism efforts. Read
more |
MERFI ENJOYS SUCCESSFUL
FLY-IN
 Organizers
of the 2009 Mideast Regional Fly-In (MERFI) held last weekend at Urbana,
Ohio’s Grimes Field saw a healthy increase in attendees and aircraft
on the field for the two-day event. Dave Millner, incoming MERFI
president, said that they were very pleased with the turnout, which
included just shy of the 400 aircraft they had set as a goal. Read
more |
"AVERAGE JOE"
OFFERED CHANCE TO FLY MARTIN JETPACK
 Martin
Aircraft has announced that its Jetpack has developed to the point
whereby the “average joe” can free-fly it with only a few minutes of
instruction. The company needs test pilots from a wide-spectrum and is
offering its first non-company test pilot slot to the winning bidder
though an auction on eBay. Between 20 and 30 people will “become part
of the ‘flight test’ crew and be a test pilot” so that the company
can fine-tune the jetpack systems said Glenn Martin, Founder of Martin
Aircraft Company, in an email to EAA. Read
more |
NASA
TO 'PART OUT' SHUTTLE TO MUSEUMS AND SCHOOLS
NASA is inviting eligible educational institutions, museums, and other
organizations to begin registering to view and claim potential space
shuttle artifacts. The artifacts represent significant human spaceflight
technologies, processes, and accomplishments of the shuttle program. The
artifacts are free, and only a few hundred items will be initially
available. Read
more
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EAA
OFFERS 16-HOUR INSPECTION COURSE
 Earn
your E-LSA Repair/Inspection certificate for the experimental
light-sport airplane that you own. EAA SportAir Workshops will be
offering a weekend E-LSA course in Oshkosh on October 2-4 at the EAA
Aviation Center. This comprehensive workshop, approved by the FAA, will
allow you to obtain a Repairman/Inspection certificate for your airplane
certificated in the Experimental Light Sport Aircraft (ELSA) category.
The certificate will allow you to perform the annual condition
inspection on your airplane. This is a two-and-a-half day course. The
special price for EAA Members is $299. If you are interested in
registering for this class or would like more information, please call
800-967-5746 or go to www.sportair.com
for additional details.
HOUSTON WELCOMES EAA
SPORTAIR WORKSHOPS IN EARLY OCTOBER
For the first time in many years, the EAA SportAir Workshop program is
traveling to Houston, Texas, to present its comprehensive weekend
aircraft builders program on the weekend of October 3-4. Hosted by the
Aviation Institiute of Maintenance - Houston Campus, the workshop will
include Electrical Systems, Composite Construction, Fabric Covering,
Sheet Metal and the Saturday Evening program "What's Involved In
Kit Building".
"We're excited to be back in
Houston, and especially thankful for the support the Aviation Institute
of Maintenance has given us to present the program in Houston, and other
AIM locations around the country." Said Mark Forss, EAA SportAir
Workshops Coordinator.
For detailed information on this and all
of the EAA SportAir Workshops, or to register for an upcoming session,
call 800-967-5746 or visit www.sportair.com.
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EXCLUSIVE OFFICIAL EAA
PHOTOS & PRINTS NOW AVAILABLE!
 An
exciting new array of digital photos and framed digital photo art is now
available through our partner Pixels in Places. An exclusive collection
of official EAA award winning photographs is now offered in a variety of
prints, canvas, electronic picture frames and numerous other electronic
displays. Photos are available in a variety of formats including digital
frames with photo slide shows, framed and matted prints, backlit
pictures, wall or desk plaques, prints and much more. There is a format
appropriate for any décor. Photos can be viewed online at www.eaa.photo-orders.com
where you can choose your favorite picture and decide how you would like
it displayed.
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EAA 'TIMELESS VOICE OF
THE WEEK': CATHY
PENNEY
 New
Zealander Cathy Penney first became interested in aviation after reading
the “Biggles” books by author W.E. Johns. At age 12 she had her
first airplane ride in a Kookaburra biplane. As soon as she was old
enough, Cathy joined the Royal New Zealand Navy as a communications
specialist. Using the New Zealand equivalent of the G.I. Bill, Cathy
learned to fly at age 19 in 1960, and after leaving the Navy became a
flight instructor. In 1975 Cathy earned her helicopter license, becoming
the first woman in New Zealand to do so. Today she works for the Civil
Aviation Authority. Watch
the video.
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ONE
WEEK ONLY! EAA MEMBERS SAVE 20% ON SELECT HOW TO COMBOS
 For
this week only, EAA members can save 20% on these select 'How To'
combos. The Aircraft Welding book, compiled and prepared by Wes
Schmid and EAA founder Paul Poberezny, is 116 pages of how-to basics. Building
Your Own Airplane Welding & Corrosion DVD helps take the mystery
out of aircraft welding and teaches you to recognize, prevent and
protect your airplane against the effects of corrosion. Get them both
for only $23.99. Looking for a resource book and video on building or
repairing your wooden aircraft? Then get the Wood Aircraft Building
Techniques book and Basic Aircraft Woodworking VHS combo set,
yours for only $14.39. Offers end September 23, 2009. Order
online or by calling toll-free, 1-800-564-6322.
GET YOUR 2010 EAA
WORLD OF FLIGHT CALENDAR
 EAA's
2010 World of Flight Calendar features stunning aircraft photographed in
the famous EAA style by Jim Koepnick and Bonnie Kratz, EAA’s
award-winning photographers. Makes a great gift idea, and you can order
yours in plenty of time for the holidays! Order
online, or call toll-free 1-800-564-6322. |
| Can you
help?
Join the Discussions
Post of the Week!
Oshkosh365 denizen Jesse Schoolcraft
suggested this post, and we couldn't agree more! EAA member Roy
McMillion has been in love with the Globe Swift for years, and finally
got to fly one. He tells the story of his "first date" with
his usual spectacular photography, and gives us a look at the
restoration of that particular airplane as well. Reviving old airplanes
and making dreams to come true … EAA members once again at their best!
Click
here.
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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.
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Hands-off
Landing with Rockwell-Beechcraft Autopilot
 Rockwell
Collins and Hawker Beechcraft have demonstrated the capability for an
autopilot to perform hands-off landings. Several autopilot landings have
been accomplished using a Rockwell Collins Athena 411 flight control
system installed in a Beechcraft Bonanza. The two companies at the
moment are focused on increasing the safety of light aircraft; but the
development has some thinking it's the next true step towards pilot-less
Personal Air Vehicles.
Using
Wireless Networks for Lighter and More Reliable Aircraft
A key development area for electric aircraft and sustainable flight
technology is reducing the weight of aircraft. Installing
performance-monitoring sensors which collect data via wireless networks
will allow an estimated weight reduction of up to 15 per cent. These
wireless networks, when combined with new miniaturized sensors, will
also allow for monitoring additional flight data, which will lead to
more reliable and fuel efficient aircraft.
New
VTOL UAV Employs Coanda Effect to Generate Lift
 AESIR,
a UK-based company, has designed and built a family of aircraft powered
by the Coanda effect. This phenomenon is the tendency of a fluid jet to
be attracted to a nearby surface. The lightweight AESIR aircraft are
made of carbon fiber and incorporate design features such as airflow
vanes and directional flow flaps to efficiently harness the lift
generated by the Coanda effect. |
| AeroInnovations aims to highlight developments that have potential to impact the future of aviation. EAA does not necessarily endorse the ideas, products, services or views contained therein. |
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ALUMINUM
OVERCAST HEADS BACK OUT
 Fresh
off its mandatory 120-hour inspection, EAA's B-17 Aluminum Overcast
heads for Cincinnati, Ohio, this weekend (September 18-20) for a tour
stop hosted by EAA Warbird Squadron 18. The tour continues the following
week (September 22-23) at Port Clinton, Ohio, hosted by EAA Chapter
1247. Don't miss your chance to see a living, breathing example of the
Flying Fortress that helped preserve liberty. Book a flight or get more
tour information at www.B17.org, or
call 800-359-6217.
Visit EAA's
Fly the Fortress multimedia gallery.
Become a fan of EAA's B-17 Aluminum
Overcast Facebook
page! |
TRI-MOTOR
TOUR WINDS DOWN IN OHIO, ILLINOIS
 Just
two locations remain on the 2009 EAA Ford Tri-Motor Tour: this weekend,
September 17-20, at Frasca Field Airport in Urbana, Ohio, and September
24-27 at the Greater Peoria Regional Airport. Come out and see this
restored example of the world's first mass-produced airliner, built 80
years ago this year. To learn more about the airplane or to book a
flight, visit www.FlytheFord.org.
Advanced bookings are closed for Urbana but still open for Peoria. |
ENJOY
FALL COLOR FLIGHTS IN EAA'S 1929 FORD TRI-MOTOR
 The
"golden age of aviation" meets fall's "golden season of
color" when you take a ride in EAA's 1929 Ford Tri-Motor October
10-11. A 20- to 25-minute flight will take you over Oshkosh and the
surrounding area for a great view of the rich reds, blazing oranges, and
brilliant yellows that paint the countryside below. Rides are $65 for
adults and $55 for children ages 17 and under. Flights depart from EAA's
Pioneer Airport every 45 minutes. Flight times are 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on
Saturday, and 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Sunday. Gift the flight for a
birthday or an early Christmas present! For more information or to make
reservations, click
here. To reach a museum staff member, please call 920-426-6880. |
ATTENTION
CHAPTERS, SQUADRONS
2010 EAA B-17 Tour Forming
Even though several weeks remain on the EAA B-17 tour featuring Aluminum
Overcast, EAA Flight Ops is busy making preparations for 2010! If
your EAA chapter or Warbirds of America squadron is interested in
hosting a 2010 tour stop, we need to hear from you. If interested, visit
the B-17 website to download and complete an application form. Act
now - the application deadline is coming up fast - October 2, 2009.
Host the Ford Tri-Motor in 2010!
EAA and Vintage chapters also have an opportunity to host a tour
stop for the Ford Tri-Motor next year, as plans for the 2010 tour are
under way. If your chapter is interested, visit www.FlyTheFord.org
and click on the link to download and complete the application form.
Deadline for applying is October 15, 2009. |
HOMEBUILDING HINT OF THE
WEEK: BENDING ALUMINUM PLATE WITH AN ARBOR PRESS
 Kerry
Fores shows how to use an arbor press to bend sheet metal. Kerry built
an AirVenture award winning Sonex and works at Sonex Aircraft providing
technical assistance. Watch
the video.
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. |
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WHERE ARE YOU FLYING THIS
WEEKEND?
 EAA
Chapter 43 Aviation Builders Forum/Fly-In, Erie Airport, Colorado
Join us Saturday, September 19, for an aviation builders forum,
fly-in, hands-on workshops, and pancake breakfast. ($5 donation for
breakfast.) For the forums and workshops, a $20 donation includes lunch.
Wood, metal, composite, fabric, gas welding, weight and balance, what to
build and fly, comparing structure materials. Breakfast starts at 7 a.m.
and the event runs until 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.eaa43.com
or contact Bob Young, 303-466-6902.
To learn more about calendar events, or
to find/submit others, visit www.EAAcalendar.org. |
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Q
& A:
Question of
the Week
For EAA
Information Services
Would it be possible to build/rebuild a V-22 to meet
the light-sport aircraft maximum weight of 1430 lbs?
I have seen the V-22 listed at 1500 lbs max gross
weight.
Answer: Yes,
it would be possible to build a V-22 and, as the
builder, set the max gross weight at whatever weight
you choose. By setting and operating the aircraft at
a gross weight of 1,430 lbs, it could be LSA
compliant, assuming it met all the other parameters
for LSA during the Phase 1 testing period, as was
operated as such during Phase 2 normal operations.
Rebuilding is another
matter. If the aircraft was ever certified or
modified with a weight exceeding 1430 lbs, it can
never qualify as a LSA.
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.
September
2009
EAA
Desktop Calendar
While
on a sunset air-to-air mission during AirVenture
Oshkosh 2009, EAA Chief Photographer Jim Koepnick
caught this picturesque view of ICON's new A5 over
Lake Winnebago. If you look carefully you can see
Wittman Regional Airport's Runway 9/27 in the lower
left corner.
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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CIVIL AIR PATROL
PILOTS TO FLY 'SURROGATE PREDATORS'
With the conversion of a Civil
Air Patrol plane into a "Surrogate Predator," the U.S. Air
Force is relying on its auxiliary in a most imaginative way. A
sophisticated "Predator ball" placed under the left wing of a
CAP Cessna 182 gives the plane the capability of mimicking the Air
Force's MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper, unmanned aircraft that provide
real-time data to U.S. warfighters. The Air Force will use the Surrogate
Predator to fill a critical training gap in support of Army and Marine
forces as they prepare for deployment. Learn more at www.GoCivilAirPatrol.com.
QUEST AIRCRAFT
RECEIVES PRODUCTION CERTIFICATE
Quest Aircraft Company has
received full, unrestricted production certification for the KODIAK. The
FAA presented Quest with the certificate on September 15 in a brief
ceremony at the company's Sandpoint Headquarters. With the production
certification in hand, Quest is now able to issue standard airworthiness
certificates for its aircraft. Learn more at www.QuestAircraft.com.
ZENITH'S OPEN HANGAR
DAY IS THIS SATURDAY
Zenith Aircraft Company's 18th annual Open Hangar Day and Fly-In
Gathering is this Saturday, September 19, at the Zenith factory located
at Mexico Memorial Airport (MYJ) in Mexico, Missouri. Aviation
enthusiasts, especially builders and owners of Zenith Aircraft kit
planes, are invited to attend. Factory tours and educational workshops
are on the agenda, and Zenith staff will demonstrate kit production and
fabrication techniques used in producing the all-metal kit aircraft
parts made at the Zenith Aircraft factory. Learn more at www.ZenithAir.com/news/oh2009.html.
TRAVEL AIR FLY-IN AT
FLABOB OCTOBER 2-3
Flabob Airport will host the annual Travel Air Fly-In on Friday and
Saturday, October 2-3. Mark Lightsey, event organizer, says about a
dozen Travel Air biplanes and that two of the three flying Travel Air
6000s, a monoplane version, will attend the event. The public is invited
and parking and admission are free. For more information, call Kathy
Rohm at 951-683-2309, ext. 104, or visit www.Flabob.org.
STUDY FAR PARTS 1, 61,
AND 91 WITH ASA'S FLASHCARDS
ASA's flashcard study aids have been given a content and format
makeover; updated to include the latest rules and operating procedures.
The FAR Flashcards set provides 104 practice questions from FAR Parts 1,
61, and 91. The AIM Flashcards set contains 104 practice questions from
the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM). Questions are on one side,
with the answers and reference on the flip-side. Written by airline
pilot instructor and author, Ron McElroy, the cards are printed on
playing card stock in a 3.5" x 2.5" format and come in a
protective plastic box. Call 425-235-1500 to order or visit www.ASA2FLY.com.
SPORTY'S 2009 ORNAMENT
A P-51 If you can't find a P-51 under your tree, the next best thing is
Sporty's 2009 Christmas tree ornament featuring this historic warbird.
This is the 25th year for Sporty's Christmas ornaments, which have
become a holiday tradition for many pilots. The P-51 is etched on the
ornament, along with the year. Sporty's Crystal Christmas Ornament comes
in a gift box and includes a colorful ribbon for hanging the ornament on
your tree. Call 800-776-7897 or visit www.Sportys.com
to order.
VG KITS FROM MICRO
AERODYNAMICS
Micro Aerodynamics has enlarged its micro vortex generator kit for the
J-3, J-4, J-5, and PA-11 to include the horizontal stabilizer. The
complete kit with FAA STC approval, which sells for $695 plus shipping
and handling, reduces the J-3 stall speed to 23 mph, according to the
company. The one-inch long vortex generators are made of 6063-T6
aluminum. The entire kit can be attached in one day. Learn more at www.MicroAero.com
or call 800-677-2370.
OLYMPIC GATEWAY
AIRPORTS NAMED
Reno-Tahoe International Airport, Boise, and Spokane International have
been selected as Olympic portal airports for the 2010 Vancouver Winter
Olympic Games. In order to maintain security, manage air space and
parking, Canadian aviation officials are requiring that all private
aircraft flying into Vancouver during the Olympic Games must first land
at a designated portal airport. Canadian officials expect approximately
300 to 500 aircraft per day to fly into British Columbia during the
busiest days of the games. The portal system will help air traffic
controllers and Canadian security officials coordinate the safe arrival
and departure of the aircraft. All private or corporate aircraft
planning to fly into Vancouver during the games must also first make a
reservation at www.2010airportreservations.ca.
Reservations opened Sept. 15.
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