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October
9, 2009 Volume 9,
Number 48 |
FAA
RESCINDS INFO LETTER REGARDING LANCAIR SAFETY RECORD
 The
FAA this week issued then withdrew an advisory to owners and operators
of Lancair aircraft that notes a high percentage of fatal accidents
within the fleet. A source close to the issue says the FAA is
reevaluating its advisory based on input from Lancair and other groups.
In the letter, the FAA said the majority of these accidents involve loss
of control, with many occurring in the traffic pattern. According to
data provided in the FAA advisory, Lancairs represent only three percent
of the fleet but were involved in 16 percent of amateur-built fatal
accidents in the last year. In that time 65 percent of the Lancair
accidents were fatal, 53 percent in the last four years. Read
more
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FAMED
GERMAN ACE GUNTHER RALL PASSES AWAY
 EAA
Warbirds of America has learned that Gunther Rall, the world's third
ranking fighter ace of all time, died at his home in Germany on Sunday,
October 4, 2009, after suffering a heart attack on Friday, October 2. He
was 91. Read
more
Listen
to Gunther Rall from Fighter Pilot Legends, Theater In The Woods -
AirVenture 2007
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SEASONED
CITIZEN EARNS SPORT PILOT CERTIFICATE
 A
World War II and Korean veteran from the northern part of Lower Michigan
recently demonstrated you’re never too old to learn how to fly. Eugene
“Gene” Balogh, 82, who lives in East Jordan on Lake Charlevoix,
Michigan, received his Sport Pilot Certificate on September 29 and now
looks forward to flying his recently purchased Taylorcraft L-2
Grasshopper. Read
more
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HINTS
FOR HOMEBUILDERS SERIES SURPASSES 1 MILLION PLAYS
 In
little more than 18 months, EAA’s “Hints For Homebuilders”
aircraft construction videos have become the most-watched building tips
series on the Internet, as the series has now surpassed 1 million plays.
The series includes more than 100 videos on various areas of aircraft
construction and restoration, featuring experienced aircraft builders,
restorers and teachers doing hands-on activities allowing viewers to
learn the skills and procedures to use on their own projects. The videos
include all aspects of aircraft construction using a variety of tools
and materials. Read
more
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YOUNG
EAGLE CO-CHAIR FLIES A380 WITH FELLOW EAA MEMBER
 A
week after taking the job as co-chair of EAA's Young Eagles program,
then reuniting with fellow co-chair Sully Sullenberger on a US Airways
flight, Jeff Skiles (EAA 336120) still has time to have fun. Skiles was
in Toulouse, France, at Airbus headquarters where he flew the Airbus
A380 with test pilot and fellow EAA member Terry Lutz (EAA 69308).
Skiles is already familiar with the Airbus brand since he flies the A320
but who wouldn't want to fly the largest passenger airplane in the
world? Read
more |
HARRISON
FORD EAA SCHOLARSHIP MATCHING-FUNDS EFFORT LAUNCHED
 By
all accounts, September 29 was a huge day for the EAA Young Eagles
Program: Actor, pilot, and EAA member Harrison Ford stepped down after
serving five years as the program's chairman, and announced his
successors, famed US Airways pilots Sully Sullenberger and Jeff Skiles.
At a special dinner presentation later that evening, EAA members, the
aviation community, and even California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
paid tribute to Harrison Ford for his service and welcomed the new
program co-chairs. But one brief segment of the evening's
activities-perhaps easily missed amid the big announcements and
high-profile appearances-may leave the most enduring legacy. Read
more |
EAAer
KEYS MEXICAN ELT RULE EXTENSION
Thanks to coordination efforts by EAA member Rick Gardner (EAA 791548)
of travel service provider Caribbean Sky Tours, the Mexican government
extended its emergency locator transmitter (ELT) rules through April
2010 for general aviation aircraft flying in Mexico. The extension will
allow certain U.S. pilots operating 121.5 MHz ELTs to fly into Mexico
through April 2, 2010. Read
more |
ORGANIZERS
CALL FIRST MIDWEST LSA EXPO A SUCCESS
The "first annual" Midwest LSA Expo took place October 1-3 at
in Mt. Vernon Outland Airport (MVN), Illinois, and although the weather
could have been better, the organization of the event, and the positive
response of the many exhibitors and prospective purchasers made the
event an overall success. Read
more
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POBEREZNY: EAA MEMBERS
EXCITED ABOUT NEW YOUNG EAGLE CO-CHAIRS
Sully Sullenberger and Jeff Skiles are the new co-chairs of EAA’s
Young Eagles program and EAA members have expressed surprise and
excitement about the announcement. “Many people have contacted me and
said what a great choice; it was unexpected, but what a great choice for
the next step to go on and lead the Young Eagles program,” said EAA
President Tom Poberezny.
Read more | Listen
to Interview with EAA President Tom Poberezny |
JOE SLATTERY, VOICE OF
EAA IN THE 1980S, PASSES AWAY
Joe Slattery, whose smooth baritone voice added a level of
professionalism to EAA's film and video productions during the 1970s and
'80s, passed away Friday, October 2, at the age of 87. Slattery, whose
announcing work for the Chicago-based Jewel food stores chain made his
voice one of the most familiar in the Midwest, lent his expertise to EAA
as an announcer, master of ceremonies, and voiceover artist. Read
more |
A BRAND NEW AVIAT HUSKY
COULD BE YOURS!
 It's
on! The 2010 EAA 'Share the Spirit Sweepstakes' website is now
live, and with it, your chance to fly away in the grand prize - a brand
new, fully equipped Aviat Husky A-1C. To top things off (including the
50-gallon fuel tank, over and over again!), the grand prize comes with a
full year's worth of fuel credit from Chevron plus 50,000 points in
Chevron's FlyBuys rewards program. Equipped with a Garmin G500 and GNS
430 panel-mount avionics suite and a set of Wipaire C2200 hydraulic
wheel skis, the Grand Prize Husky will take you places you've never
been! Read
more |
EAA
SPORTAIR WORKSHOPS TIG WELDING CLASS OCTOBER 23-25
 TIG
welding is fast becoming the welding method of choice for people
building their own aircraft. The ease with which you can weld both 4130
chromoly tubing and aluminum and the high quality welds make TIG welding
a perfect match for aircraft construction. EAA SportAir Workshops,
Lincoln Electric, and the Alexander Technical Center will present a TIG
welding workshop at the dedicated facility located in Griffin, Georgia,
just south of Atlanta. The upcoming workshop on the weekend October
23-25 will teach you the fundamentals of using this versatile welding
process and get you on your way with the confidence to begin your
aircraft project. The workshop is limited to 12 students and there is
currently space available. More information at www.sportair.com.
EAA SportAir Workshops Returns to
Indianapolis November 7-8
The EAA SportAir Workshops return to the Indianapolis area on the
weekend of November 7-8 to offer its most in-demand programs in an
intensive two-day format. Courses offered include Composite
Construction, Gas Welding, Electrical Systems and Avionics, Fabric
Covering, Sheet Metal Assembly, and a Saturday evening program called
"What's Involved in Kit Building." EAA teams with Vincennes
University to offer the programs at the school's Aviation Technology
Center, a fantastic learning environment to gain the confidence to start
your project. Space is still available in many of the programs, so call
800-967-5746 or go to www.sportair.com
for additional details.
See
the courses in action on the EAA Video Player
Learn details on
each course
View the complete
SportAir Schedule
Learn more about the classes featured in
Arlington or register for a class today! Call toll-free, 800-967-5746,
or visit www.sportair.com for 24/7
information/online registration.
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EAA 'TIMELESS VOICE OF
THE WEEK': WILLIAM
HARTSHORN
 William
Hartshorn was a sophomore at Dartmouth College when he enlisted in the
U.S. Army Air Force in 1942. He trained as a P-47 pilot and went
overseas as a replacement pilot, where he joined the 61st Fighter
Squadron of the 56th Fighter Group in August 1944. Hartshorn flew 25
combat missions in little over a month. In September the entire group
participated in Operation Market Garden - the Allied airborne invasion
of the Netherlands and attempt to cross the Rhine River into Germany. On
September 18, 1944, the 56th was assigned the role of "flak
busting," which involves flying over target areas at low-level and
waiting for anti-aircraft fire to show itself, then destroying the guns
through dive-bombing and strafing attacks. Thirty-nine P-47s from the
group flew that mission, and 16 were shot down, including Hartshorn's. Watch
the video.
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ONE
WEEK ONLY! MEMBERS SAVE $40 ON THE SET OF 24 AVIATION HISTORY DVDs
 This
is the largest collection of aviation history ever on DVD! Set 1:
Classic Aviation - from short flights across a field to the hypersonic
edge of space, tour dramatic moments in the history of flight. Set 2:
World War II - air war dramatic footage of United States Army Air
Forces, bomber groups, Thunderbolts, and others as they combat Japanese,
German, and Russian military forces. Set 3: America's Fighting
Jets - feel the "g" forces as you streak through the skies in
aerial combat. Set 4: Fighter Pilots - experience the thrill of
the F-14 Tomcat, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-15 Fighting Eagle, and the F/A
Hornet from America to the Middle East. Set 5: from the highs and
lows of the United States Air Force, to the thrills of the Blue Angels,
glimpse the world's most technologically advanced fighter aircraft, and
investigate the United States government's Military Stealth program.
Approximately 23 hours. Purchase yours by October 14 for only $69.99 - a
savings of $40 off the regular, non-member price. Order
online or call toll-free, 800-564-6322.
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| Can you
help?
Join the Discussions
Post of the Week!
Homebuilder Brad Strand started this
thread with a great question for anyone considering building an
airplane: What's your mission statement? From there, he goes on to
counsel another member that homebuilding can be a fairly lonely
avocation, and then proves that it doesn't have to be by inviting him
to visit when he gets started on his own kit. This is what EAA is all
about, and why we're building Oshkosh365 in the first place: making
connections. Click
here to read the post.
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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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X-48C
Blended Wing Body Aircraft In Wind Tunnel Tests
 Flight
and design characteristics of the X-48C blended wing body (BWB) research
aircraft were tested in NASA's Langley Full-Scale Wind Tunnel. The X-48C
has been modified to make it quieter by redesigning it with two engines
instead of three and by shielding the engine noise with vertical fins.
BWB aircraft provide better lift and lower drag than conventional
aircraft body designs.
Built-In Self-Powered Aircraft Skin Sensors
 In
order to ensure safe flying, it is critical to be aware of damage to
aircraft skins caused by impacts or other stresses. Researchers at the
Fraunhofer Institute have developed light, self-powered sensors built
into the aircraft skin that don't need cables or batteries. They are
powered by the temperature difference between the outside air and the
passenger cabin. These instruments sense damage when it happens,
resulting in more timely maintenance and repair work.
Aircraft
Vision Innovations For Low-Level Flight
 Two
Australian "light, low-cost, highly efficient technologies"
for aircraft vision are helping unmanned aircraft fly fast and low over
challenging terrain. Aeroinnovators from the Vision Centre at the
University of Queensland Brain Institute will unveil these new flight
vision technologies at an international robotics conference later this
month. One part of the Australian system "provides stereo vision to
enable aircraft to see their way around obstacles in very low-level
flight." The other component "controls the aircraft's attitude
by watching the horizon." These advancements were the result of
research into the flight of honey bees.
New
Research Center For No-Hands Control of Aircraft
The University of Memphis launched a research center funded partly by
FedEx and the US Air Force to develop a helmet for pilots to fly
airplanes without using their hands. The lead project for the new
research center will study brain-computer interfaces to develop advanced
video games you can play without your hands and complex machines
controlled by brain waves.
Suborbital
Spaceflight: Innovation Source
 Next-generation
suborbital spaceflight is opening up a new world of possibilities for
research and innovation. Technological advancements and new approaches
to private spaceflight will result in launch costs 10 to 100 times less
expensive than current costs to get up to the 100 kilometer region.
Flight research and development by civilian spaceflight companies and
innovators will be enabled by the desire of the National Science
Foundation, Department of Defense, and others to investigate emerging
technologies such as space microgravity and space life sciences. |
| 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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FLY
THE B-17 THIS FALL!
 The
days are definitely getting shorter, but the EAA B-17 Tour keeps rollin'
along. This weekend (October 9-11), EAA Warbird Squadron 1 welcomes the
mighty B-17G, Aluminum Overcast, to Camden, Tennessee. From there
it's off to Huntsville, Alabama, where EAA Chapter 190 host the tour
October 13-14; and next weekend, to Olive Branch, Mississippi (S.
Memphis, TN) hosted by EAA Chapter 182. 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!
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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.
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HOMEBUILDING HINT OF THE
WEEK: PREPARING A ROTATIONALLY MOLDED TANK FOR INSTALLATION
 Ken
Brock introduced the rotationally molded fuel tank to aviation with his
gyroplanes. In this segment, John Monnett shows how to prepare a
rotationally molded tank for installation. John Monnett is the founder
of Sonex Aircraft, is an aircraft designer & builder and is an
inductee in the EAA Homebuilders Hall of Fame.
Watch
the video.
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WHERE ARE YOU FLYING THIS
WEEKEND?
 EAA
Chapter 709 Annual Fall Fly-In, Rome, Georgia
Everyone is invited to Rome EAA Chapter 709's Annual Fall Fly-In on
Saturday, October 10, at the EAA campgrounds located at the east end
of Richard B. Russell Airport (RMG). Aircraft owners are invited to
show off their aircraft. Home built, ultralight, restored, and factory
built aircraft are welcome. A pancake breakfast will be served from 8
a.m. - 10 a.m. Campers are welcome and sites are available. Although
there are no camper hookups, restrooms and hot showers are available.
Visit www.eaa709.org for more
information, or contact Chris Williams, 770-547-3200.
EAA Chapter 614 Annual Fall Fly-In and
Campout, Pineville, Louisiana
This is the weekend for the annual Fall Fly-In and Campout Pineville
Municipal Airport (2L0), part of the Louisiana Fly-In Series - the
state's largest fly-in. To learn more about the event contact Nick
Nicewarner, 318-452-0919.
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
I am planning a trip to Reno, Nevada, from the east,
then south to Phoenix. I have never flown through
the mountains, so where can I find good info on
flying through the mountains?
Answer: I
would advise you to contact someone that advertises
mountain flying training because it's always better
to get personal instruction than to just read a
book. That said, there are a number of books
available on mountain flying available through
Sporty's and Aircraft Spruce & Specialty, to
name a few sources. You also might want to check out
www.mountainflying.com.
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.
October
2009
EAA
Desktop Calendar
Let
Leon Welchel's award-winning de Havilland DH-82
Tiger Moth grace your desktop this month. EAA's
Bonnie Kratz shot the airplane over Iowa farmland.
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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CARTER EXPANDS TO MARKET
PAV
In its plans to commercialize its Personal Air Vehicle (PAV) design,
Carter Aviation Technologies of Wichita Falls, Texas, has created two
subsidiary companies - Carter Aerospace Development, LLC and Carter Air
Vehicles, LLC. Carter Aviation Technologies will continue to handle all
licensing of its Slowed Rotor/Compound (SR/C) Aircraft Technology.
Carter Aerospace Development will transition to handle research and
development programs for the company. Carter Air Vehicles is the new
manufacturing arm that will produce pre-production and initial
production aircraft for the civilian market. The PAV prototype was
introduced at AirVenture 2009 as a static display prior to moving into
flight-testing. Learn more at www.CarterAviationTechnologies.com.
DEPOSIT WORTH MORE
WITH CESSNA
Cessna Aircraft Company now offers a "deposit amplifier"
program through the end of the year that adds $30,000 to a deposit on a
retail order for qualifying new Cessna 182 or Turbo 182 Skylane
single-engine piston aircraft. Also included in the offer is a free
service bulletin kit for one of the following software upgrades:
Garmin's Synthetic Vision Technology or Terrain Awareness and Warning
Systems, or Jeppesen Chartview (subscription not included), to be
installed by a local dealer. Depending on the buyer's circumstances, the
aircraft may also qualify for accelerated depreciation if purchased by
December 31, 2009. The package is available through Cessna's network of
authorized dealers to new retail customers. Learn more at www.Cessna.com.
NEW AT AOPA SUMMIT:
WOMEN'S WING
Women in Aviation, International (WAI) and the Aircraft Owners and
Pilots Association (AOPA) have partnered to create "Women's
Wing," a section of AOPA Summit devoted to highlighting the
accomplishments of and opportunities for women within the aviation
community. Seminars on learning to fly, and information on careers in
aviation and the history of women in aviation will be available. Learn
more at www.WAI.org. AOPA Summit will
be held from November 5- 7, 2009, in Tampa, Florida.
AIRSHO 2009 FEATURES
AWARD-WINNING WARBIRDS
Visit the 2009 Commemorative Air Force (CAF) AIRSHO presented by Western
National Bank this October 10 and 11 to enjoy a selection of award
winning aircraft at Midland International Airport between Midland and
Odessa, Texas. Already set to appear at AIRSHO are four award-winning
aircraft, including the CAF's P-51C Mustang Tuskegee Airmen, and
the CAF Wisconsin Wing's PT-26. For more information, visit www.AIRSHO.org,
www.CommemorativeAirForce.org,
or call 432-563-1000.
TSUNAMI
RESTORERS SEEK HELP
Sharon Sandberg is launching a fundraising campaign to restore Tsunami,
the first original homebuilt unlimited air racer since 1939, to flyable
condition. Sharon is the daughter of Tsunami's late owner, John
Sandberg. Sharon estimates that approximately $600,000 is necessary to
rebuild Tsunami. Once flyable, the initial plans call for Tsunami
to make a tour of aviation events and museums before settling into a
permanent home at an aviation museum. Learn more at www.RebuildTsunami.org.
HOW ABOUT THIS UNDER
YOUR TREE?
The 2009 edition of Neiman Marcus' The Christmas Book includes a
"luxury sports vehicle," the ICON A5 light-sport amphibious
aircraft. The gift package, available for $250,000, includes one ICON A5
aircraft with exclusive exterior and interior luxury upgrades, a custom
trailer, and full FAA-certified sport pilot certificate training for
two. Call 877-966-4438 to learn more. ICON is shooting for Q3 2011
for first customer deliveries.- Editor
PROMARK AVIATION
BECOMES REMOS DEALER
ProMark Aviation Services, located west of Austin, Texas, recently
became a REMOS Pilot Center. REMOS Aircraft has begun developing a
national network of pilot training and service centers to support the
owners of REMOS Aircraft and to stimulate growth in flight training
operations. For information on ProMark Aviation Services, visit www.ProMarkAviation.net
or call 830-385-1593.
"SEE AND BE
SEEN" WITH LOPRESTI
The primary reason that "Lights On 24/7" has never been
adopted by general aviation is cost. Lights burn out, labor is
expensive, and in some cases alternator load is an actual
safety-of-flight problem. Thus, the lights stay off. "Visibility is
critical to aviation safety," says Curt LoPresti, president/CEO of
LoPresti Aviation. "Our BoomBeam HID Lighting Systems make
continuous light operations easy with low cost and a simple
installation."
Through the end of October 2009, LoPresti
will include a free PowerPulse unit with all BoomBeam and ZipTip orders.
LoPresti's STC'd systems for certified aircraft have a 5-year/5,000-hour
warranty, eliminating any reason to turn aircraft lights off while
flying. Call 800-859-4757 to learn more.
SPORTY'S UPDATES
FLIGHT REVIEW VIDEO
Sporty's Flight Review video covers topics every pilot should be
prepared for in a flight review such as regulations, weather reports,
airspace, aeromedical factors, aeronautical charts, and airport signs
and markings. The video has now been updated with all-new weather
segments, covering METARs, TAFs, PIREPs, Airmets, Sigmets, winds aloft
forecast, how to use Flight Watch while en route. A new Internet weather
segment has also been added to show pilots how to get a better briefing.
Order Flight Review at www.Sportys.com
or call 800-776-7897; merchandise ordered by December 23 can be
delivered in time for Christmas.
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