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October
16, 2009 Volume 9,
Number 49 |
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YOUNG
EAGLES CROSSES 1.5 MILLION MARK
 Just before noon Central time on Thursday, October 15, EAA's
Young Eagles department reported it had entered the 1.5
millionth Young Eagle into the World's Largest Logbook, marking
a major milestone in the program that has provided flights to
kids age 8-17 since 1992. Reno Elliot, 16, of Carmichael,
California, flew with pilot Phil Haupt, EAA 724370, in a Piper
Pacer on October 3, 2009. Haupt, who joined EAA in 2003, is a
member of EAA Chapter 526 and has flown more than 50 Young
Eagles since 2004. We're attempting to reach both pilot and
passenger for reaction to the story, so stay tuned to the EAA
website for further details.
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SULLY AND
JEFF 'EXCITED' ABOUT NEW ROLES
 In
a heartfelt letter received this week, new EAA Young Eagles Co-chairmen
Sully Sullenberger and Jeff Skiles expressed eagerness for their new
roles as leaders of the most successful youth aviation initiative in
history. "We are honored and humbled to accept this position within
the EAA organization and look forward to working with you all to further
this great cause," the letter reads. "The two of us are eager
to join with each and every one of you in making our mutual passion for
flight the legacy we pass on to the aviators of tomorrow." Sully
and Jeff succeeded former Chairman Harrison Ford last month. Read
the entire letter.
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EAA,
EXAMINING UNEXPECTED ISSUANCE OF NEW AIRPORT COMPLIANCE RULES
In a move that caught the general aviation industry off-guard, the FAA
Airports Division issued a new and revised FAA Order 5190.6B, Airport
Compliance Manual, on September 30, 2009, effective immediately.
Although acknowledging that an update to this very important airport
management document was needed, EAA is disappointed that the FAA did not
seek any input from the aviation community in revising the manual,
increasing the size of the document from 94 to 691 pages. Read
more
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MEMBER
ACTION URGED FOR POTENTIAL USER FEE FIGHT IN 2011 WHITE HOUSE BUDGET
 Congressional
representatives are sounding the alarm about user fees once again as
White House begins the 2011 budget process. Reps. Jerry Costello
(D-Ill.) and Thomas Petri (R-Wis.), the chairman and ranking member of
the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's Aviation Subcommittee,
are concerned about a push within the administration to include user
fees to pay for FAA budget priorities. Read
more
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'THINK
TANK' AIRPORT STUDIES TOO NARROWLY FOCUSED
The public discussion of airport funding formulas continues to burn
bright as The Pew Charitable Trusts and The Brookings Institution, two
well-known think tanks, released reports examining the perceived uneven
apportionment of Airport Improvement Funds. (AIP) A study published in SubsidyScope,a
publication of Pew’s Economic Policy Group concludes that the largest
U.S. airports are underfunded while small general aviation airports
receive more money than their capacity and service levels warrant. The
Brookings study also highlights an apparent funding mismatch but
focuses more on large metropolitan airports exceeding capacity in the
near future despite a recent dip in air travel. Read
more
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ENTERING
EAA'S WING OF HONOR
Six to be inducted at EAA Hall of
Fame ceremonies
EAA welcomes six new members to its hallowed halls of fame this Friday
evening, October 16, during the annual induction ceremonies in the EAA
AirVenture Museum's Eagle Hangar. One of the honorees, legendary pilot
Bob Hoover, will also deliver the keynote address prior to his induction
to the International Aerobatic Club Hall of Fame. Other inductees
include George H. Baker, Warbirds of America Hall of Fame; Lance A.
Neibauer, EAA Homebuilders Hall of Fame; Roy Pinner, EAA Ultralights
Hall of Fame; Stephen Pitcairn, Vintage Aircraft Association Hall of
Fame; and Paul Sanderson, National Association of Flight Instructors
Hall of Fame. Read more
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MISSING
WASP PILOT EXPEDITION DISCOVERS MORE WRECKS, P-51 STILL ELUSIVE
 An
effort to find the 1944 wreck of Women Airforce Service Pilot (WASP)
Gertrude Tompkins and her P-51D has led to discoveries of two more lost
aircraft beneath the waters west of what is now Los Angeles
International Airport. The Gertrude Tompkins Expedition has found what
appears to be the wreckage of two aircraft in Santa Monica Bay west of
LAX.
"During our week-long intensive
effort, our divers and sonar experts have discovered parts of what
appear to be two different aircraft,” said Lew Toulmin, spokesman for
the Missing Aircraft Search Team (MAST), which is leading the
expedition. Read
more
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ANTICIPATION
HIGH FOR NEXT WEEK'S COPPERSTATE FLY-IN
Final preparations are heating up in Casa Grande, Arizona, for the 37th
Copperstate Regional Fly-In October 22-24, and organizers are expressing
great optimism for next weekend's event. "We're up to more than 70
exhibitors now," said Jim McChesney, first-year fly-in manager, who
also noted an increase in visits to the fly-in's
website as an early positive indicator. "We're about at the
point of hoping for good weather," which in Arizona usually means
fair to calm winds. Read
more
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SERIOUS
RUNWAY INCURSIONS CUT IN HALF
According to the FAA, there were 12 serious runway incursions the past
year, with two involving commercial carriers, compared to 25 such events
in 2008, with nine involving commercial carriers. A runway incursion
occurs when something or someone intrudes on a runway without
authorization. A serious incursion is one in which a collision was
narrowly avoided, or there was a significant potential for collision
that resulted in the need to take quick corrective action. Read
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WORLD'S
MOST COMPLETE HISTORY OF SPIRIT OF ST. LOUIS UP FOR SALE
Longtime EAAer Ev Cassagneres, EAA 311976, of Cheshire, Connecticut, has
spent well over 40 years documenting the world's largest history of
Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis airplane as well as its
builder, the Ryan Aeronautical Company of San Diego, California. That
collection is now up for sale and Ev has written to EAA hoping to get
the word out in the aviation community. Read
more
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ENGINES
AND INSURABILITY
Bob Mackey
Falcon Insurance Agency, Inc., Administrator of the EAA Aircraft
Insurance Plan
 The
Experimental Amateur-Built aircraft category allows you to pretty much
build your own airplane for your own enjoyment and education. But
Experimental Amateur-Built certification doesn't always mean that you'll
be able to obtain airplane insurance. Read
more |
EAA
SPORTAIR WORKSHOPS
COMING TO ATLANTA
 EAA
SportAir Workshops is traveling to the Atlanta area the weekend of
November 14-15, offering its comprehensive and intensive two-day
aircraft builders programs. The sessions, hosted by the Aviation
Institute of Maintenance, Lawrenceville (Atlanta) campus, include Sheet
Metal Basics, Composite Construction, Fabric Covering, and Electrical
and Avionics. "We're delighted to be at the AIM campus," said
Mark Forss, director of the SportAir Programs. "It's a great
facility to learn about aircraft construction and restoration." On
Saturday evening, Forss will present "What's Involved in
Kitbuilding," a two-hour seminar exploring the ins and outs of
aircraft homebuilding, including a pizza dinner. Pre-registration is
required for all workshop programs, which range in cost from $25 to $289
depending upon the course. Aircraft Spruce and Specialty and Polyfiber
are major sponsor of EAA SportAir Workshops, providing tools, materials,
and special discounts for workshop attendees. For more information,
visit www.sportair.com or call
800-967-5746.
See
the courses in action on the EAA Video Player
Learn details on
each course
View the complete
SportAir Schedule
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EAA 'TIMELESS VOICE OF
THE WEEK': JESSICA COX
 Twenty-six
year old Jessica Cox is a motivational speaker for a reason. Her entire
life has been a tribute to the "can-do" attitude and spirit.
Born without arms, Jessica learned to use her feet as other children
learned to use their hands. She was like any other kid - she learned to
swim, she participated in dance, learned to drive, and earned a black
belt in tae-kwon-do - all by using her feet. She can even type 20 words
per minute using just her toes! Jessica graduated from the University of
Arizona with a degree in psychology, and is now a professional
motivational speaker. Four years ago during a speaking engagement, she
met U.S. Air Force fighter pilot Robin Stoddard, founder of the
non-profit organization Wright Flight, whose mission is to use aviation
as a stimulus for students to set and achieve higher goals in their
educational and personal development. Stoddard introduced Jessica to the
world of aviation, and inspired her to take flying lessons. Three years
later, on October 11, 2008, Jessica earned her Sport Pilot Certificate
and became the first person to be certified to fly an airplane with only
her feet, proving that with the right attitude and determination, any
goal can be accomplished. Watch
the video.
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ONE
WEEK ONLY! MEMBERS SAVE ON MY LOGBOOK REMINISCENCES
 Günther
Rall's autobiography, My Logbook Reminiscences, remains one of
the best-selling books in the EAA bomber pilot collection. Starting with
his childhood through his time in the Third Reich, this engaging book
was written and personally signed by Rall. You'll read about his role in
testing and introducing the F-104 G Starfighter into the new German Air
Force, as well as his later role as Chief of Staff of the Air Force.
Foreword is written by Clarence E. "Bud" Anderson. Hardcover.
373 pages. 153 photographs. EAA Members can add this book to their
collection for only $58.50 - a savings of 10% 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!
Doug Tomas of East Troy, WI, flew his
Piper Clipper last Sunday in search of corn mazes and came back with
several great pictures. EAA's own Brady Lane posted a couple of his
photos in the thread, and we can't think of a better way to celebrate
fall's arrival than with a fun series of pictures like these. We're
looking forward to seeing other shots our members come up with! 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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Electric
Airplane Perspective by DVG
 Electric
airplanes are receiving an increasing amount of interest, both in the US
and globally. Dick Van Grunsven gives us his perspective on electric
airplanes, including his experiences as both the pilot of an
electric-powered aircraft and as an aircraft company designer and owner.
The bottom line is that he enjoys his electric-powered Antares and looks
forward to flying other electric-powered sport aircraft.
Dynamic Soaring Ocean Aircraft Mimics
Albatross
 A
project at Bristol Robotics Laboratory is developing a low-energy drone
aircraft designed to use dynamic soaring technique near the ocean's
surface. Large differences in wind speeds are found from the tops of
waves to about 100 feet above the surface. These widely different wind
gradients can provide most of the energy needed to power this
albatross-inspired aircraft.
NCAR System to Help Aircraft Avoid
Oceanic Storms and Turbulence
 The National Center for Atmospheric
Research is developing a prototype system to provide aircraft with
updates about severe storms and turbulence as they fly across remote
ocean regions. This new NCAR system uses advanced computer modeling to
identify and predict rapidly evolving storms and other potential areas
of turbulence.
Ambient Micro Converts Engine Heat into
Electricity
 John
Langley of Ambient Micro is developing a small
aircraft that converts engine exhaust heat into electrical energy. His
ambient power supply module extracts heat from the engine exhaust with
radiator-type fins and converts that heat to electricity. Using a
$750,000 Small Business Innovative Research grant, he developed a module
that generates 40 watts of electricity from the aircraft's 8-horsepower
engine.
Nuclear Batteries: Much Higher Power
Density Than Chemical Batteries
 Researchers at the University of
Missouri are developing small and efficient nuclear batteries. The
research team indicates the radioisotope battery can provide power
density that is six orders of magnitude higher than chemical batteries.
Nuclear power sources can already safely power a variety of devices,
including pace-makers. Future development goals for their nuclear
batteries include increasing the battery's power and shrinking its size.
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| 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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EAA
B-17 TOUR TRAVELS TO MISSISSIPPI, ARKANSAS
 See
the EAA B-17G Aluminum Overcast this weekend (October 16-18) at
Olive Branch, Mississippi (S. Memphis, TN) hosted by EAA Chapter 182.
Next week's tour stops are in Arkansas - October 20-21 at South Arkansas
Regional at Goodwin Field (ELD), El Dorado, hosted by EAA Chapter 626;
and October 23-25 at North Little Rock municipal hosted by EAA Chapter
165. 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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HOMEBUILDING HINT OF THE
WEEK: RIVNUT INSTALLATION
 Brian
Carpenter of Rainbow Aviation Services discusses the more common pull
rivets encountered in aviation. Brian is an A&P aircraft mechanic
with an Inspection Authorization rating (IA), a DAR for light-sport and
amateur built, a Sport Pilot Instructor Examiner, an FAA Certified
Flight Instructor, and an EAA Technical Counselor and Flight Advisor. Watch
the video.
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WHERE ARE YOU FLYING THIS
WEEKEND?
 EAA
Chapter 569 Fly/Drive In Breakfast, Crete Municipal Airport, Nebraska
Come and join us for one of the best breakfasts in the Midwest. We
cook rain or shine, third Saturday of every month, which is this
weekend, October 17. Pancakes, omelets, sausage, hash browns, orange
juice, and coffee. All you can eat for a suggested donation of $4,
served from 8-10 a.m. Stick around for hangar talk and watch the
parachute jumpers. For more information, contact Roger Aspegren,
402-797-5825.
EAA Chapter 1322 Annual Fly In
Breakfast and Chili Cook Off, Henry County, Napoleon, Ohio
All are invited to breakfast, featuring our famous Propwash, juice,
milk, coffee, and toast served from 0700 to 1100. The Chili Cook Off
contest runs from 1100 to1600 and features the best chili in the county.
Come help us determine whose will receive the title of Best Chili. There
will be small gifts for pilots who fly in. Please plan to spend the day
with us. For more information, contact David Arno, 419-832-0748.
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
Can vortex generators be installed prior to Phase 1
flight testing to enhance the probability of legally
meeting light-sport aircraft (LSA) stall performance
limitations?
Answer: As
a matter of fact, anything that is fixed and does
not require any input from the pilot to reduce the
stall speed of an aircraft will not jeopardize the
LSA status of the aircraft. Vortex generators, fixed
slats, dimple tape that is affixed to the airfoil,
and any other fixed, non-deployable aid can be used.
Whether these aids actually work or not is
determined during Phase 1 testing. If they do not
result in a stall speed of 45 knots (52 mph) or
lower, then the aircraft is not LSA-compliant. The
key factor is pilot input, which is why extending
flaps, for example, is not allowed to meet the stall
speed criteria because the pilot must do something
to make the flaps extend, which adds to the pilot's
workload during a critical phase of flight.
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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TRACE ENGINES RECEIVES
FAA PRODUCTION CERTIFICATE
TRACE Engines, LP, of Midland-Odessa, Texas, received its production
certificate this week from FAA officials to manufacturer and support the
FAA Certified TRACE 600-hp reciprocating aircraft engine for use in
general aviation aircraft. The TRACE engine is a liquid-cooled,
high-performance V-8 that is an alternative to turbine aircraft engines
in defined utility applications. Design parameters for the TRACE Engine
include a 600-hp rating, a preliminary TBO rating of 1,500 hours, the
ability to out-climb, fly faster, and use as much as 40 percent less
fuel than its turbine-powered counterparts. For more information, visit www.TraceEngines.com
or call David Czarnecki at 432-230-9417.
CHINA'S POSTAGE STAMPS
FEATURE LIGHT AIRCRAFT
A new postage stamp series promoting the China International General
Aviation Convention (CIGAC) puts the light on personal aviation. The
series features images of aircraft from Cirrus, Diamond, and Cessna. A
Flight Design stamp is also included, along with a postcard that further
highlights the company's CTLS model. "We are very honored to be
included with these famous brands as China opens its doors to general
aviation," said Matthias Betsch, Flight Design, CEO.
ROAN RELEASES TANIS
ENGINE PREHEAT SYSTEM REVIEW VIDEO
The Rotax Owner Assistance Network (ROAN) has released a new Product
Review Video covering the Tanis Engine Preheat System for use on Rotax
Engines Type 912 and 914 (series). The video provides a description of
the system and information on hook-up, operation, and performance, and
can be found at www.Rotax-Owner.com.
Learn more about the Tanis Preheat System at www.TanisAircraft.com.
SONEX OFFERS SUB-KITS
FOR XENOS MOTORGLIDER
Sonex Aircraft has expanded its
Sub-Kit product line to include the Xenos Motorglider. Like Sonex and
Waiex Sub-Kits, Xenos Sub-Kits are designed to give builders more
flexibility and options for constructing the aircraft. Additionally,
Sonex has announced pricing changes for Sonex and Waiex Sub-Kits.
Machined Angle Kit components are now an optional upgrade for Sonex and
Waiex Fuselage and Wing Sub-Kits. For those not interested in using
these CNC machined kit upgrade parts, they can now be omitted from Sonex
Aircraft Sub-Kits, offering lower Sub-Kit pricing. This change has also
been extended to the new Xenos Motorglider Sub-Kits. Learn more at www.SonexAircraft.com.
FLY-IN AND HELP OUT
THE BAHAMAS
Bahamas Habitat says it's not too late to join in the upcoming Fly-In
& Help Out weekend to Eleuthera, Bahamas, scheduled for October
29-November 1. Those participating in the mission will meet at Florida's
Fort Pierce Airport (FPR) on October 29 for lunch and pilot briefings
prior to departure. Lodging and transportation on the island are
arranged for the group and all aircraft owners and pilots are invited.
Learn more at www.BahamasHabitat.org.
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