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October
23, 2009 Volume 9,
Number 50 |
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COPPERSTATE
FLY-IN RUNS THROUGH SATURDAY
 The
37th Copperstate Regional Fly-In is under way today through October 24
at Casa Grande Airport, Arizona. See all forma of recreational aviation
- homebuilts, powered parachutes, ultralights, light-sport aircraft,
certificated, classic, vintage, and of course, warbirds. Aviation forums
will run throughout the event, including two each day - on affordable
flying and sport pilot/light-sport aircraft - by EAA’s Ron Wagner,
manager of field operations. EAA is sponsor of the fly-in’s forum
programs as well as aircraft judging awards. Exhibitors’ area is open
on Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Visit www.copperstate.org
for complete fly-in information.
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POBEREZNY
PART OF AOPA SUMMIT'S OPENING PANEL NOVEMBER 5
 EAA
Chairman/President Tom Poberezny will be one of a select group of
general aviation leaders that will discuss the issues and potential
during the opening-day forum at AOPA Summit on Nov. 5 at Tampa, Florida.
Poberezny will join AOPA President Craig Fuller, Women in Aviation
International President Peggy Chabrian, National Air Transportation
Association President Jim Coyne, National Business Aviation Association
President Ed Bolen, General Aviation Manufacturers Association President
Pete Bunce, and Aircraft Electronics Association President Paula Derks
on the panel. The group will focus on what’s ahead for general
aviation over the next three years, including controversial topics such
as user fees, security mandates, and airspace issues. Read
more
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SIGNS OF
RECOVERY SEEN AT NBAA
 The
crowds never choked the aisles and the amount of booth space sold was
obviously down, but the 62nd National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)
convention ended its run here Thursday with small signs of an uptick in
business aircraft sales and use that helped counter three days otherwise
muted by the depressed nature of the business. Read
more Click here
to see coverage from earlier this week.
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FAA KIT
EVALUATORS TUNE-UP NEW KIT APPROVAL PROCESS AT SONEX
 The
FAA's National Kit Evaluation Team (NKET) was in Oshkosh this week for
the first in a series of training events for the people who will assess
new kits under the revised amateur-built policy released earlier this
month. A team of nine evaluators spent three days at Sonex Aircraft, LLC
using one of the manufacturer's approved kits as a test bed to establish
a baseline for future new kit evaluations. Read
more
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AMELIA
INSPIRES HILLARY SWANK TO FLY
 News
Flash: Amelia Earhart has been found! Amelia, the Hollywood biopic
opening October 23, discovers the heart and soul of the famed aviatrix
behind the newsreel smile in a vibrant film portrait filled with
thrilling flying sequences and historically accurate detail. To mark the
upcoming release, two of the movie’s stars – Academy Award winner
Hilary Swank and NC2072, a Lockheed Model 12 Electra used in the film -
alighted at Essex County Airport (KCDW) in Caldwell, New Jersey, a week
before the release, to donate memorabilia from the production to the
Ninety-Nines, the women pilots’ organization Earhart and 98 other
female pilots founded 80 years ago. At a question and answer session
with reporters at the event, Swank talked about the flying lessons she
took to prepare for her role. Read
more
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BIPARTISAN
GROUP TO MR. PRESIDENT: NO USER FEES!
 One
hundred eighteen members of the United States House of Representatives
signed a letter sent to President Barack Obama today urging him not to
propose user fees as a means of funding the FAA in the federal FY 2011
budget. The letter was spearheaded by Reps. Jerry Costello (D-Ill.) and
Thomas Petri (R-Wis.), the chairman and ranking member of the
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Aviation Subcommittee,
as well as Rep. Vernon J. Ehlers (R-Mich.) and Rep. Allen Boyd (D-Fla.),
co-chairs of the General Aviation Congressional Caucus. Read
more
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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. The flight took
place on October 3 at the Lincoln (California) Air Show and was piloted
by Phil Haupt, EAA 724370, of Roseville, California, in his Piper PA-22.
The Young Eagle is Reno Elliot, 16, of Carmichael, California. Read
more
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FLIGHT
SCHOOL BILLS WHITE HOUSE, DNC FOR REVENUE LOST TO TFR
Temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) due to the movement of the
President of the United States or other high-level officials have become
a common disruption to general aviation since 9/11. TFRs essentially
halt many general aviation activities, like flight training, but GA
businesses affected by the shutdowns haven't often attempted to collect
their lost revenue. When Oakland Flyers, a flight school based at
Oakland International Airport, had to cease operations for 17 hours
during last week's visit to the Bay Area by President Obama to attend a
fundraiser, owner Jim Gray decided to invoice the White House and the
Democratic National Committee, (DNC) which hosted the event, in attempt
to collect lost revenue. Read
more
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EAA
INDUCTS SIX INTO HALL OF FAME
 “It’s
not how close you can come to killing yourself but rather how precise
you can fly. It’s about knowing your capabilities and your aircraft’s
capabilities.” Those were the words of wisdom R. A. “Bob” Hoover
shared with the audience as keynote speaker at EAA’s annual Hall of
Fame ceremonies on Friday October 16, reflecting on his lifetime career
as an air show performer and test pilot.
Read more and see videos of all the inductees
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E-LSA
FLIGHT TRAINING AIRCRAFT FACE AIRWORTHINESS DEADLINE
 Owner
and operators of Experimental Light Sport Aircraft (E-LSA) that use
their aircraft for primary training under FAR 91.319(e)(2), have until
January 31, 2010, to amend their aircraft's airworthiness certificate or
it will expire and cannot be re-issued. The amended certificate will
allow the aircraft to be flown after the deadline, but not for flight
training that is for "compensation or hire." The FAA is
planning to offer a way for operators to continue to offer flight
instruction through a Letter of Deviation Authority (LODA), but that has
not been officially announced. Read
more
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TUCKER
FEATURED ON 'OPRAH'
 Aerobatic
pilot Sean D. Tucker was profiled Thursday on the syndicated Oprah
Winfrey Show titled "Oprah's Favorite New Jeans and the Rest of the
Best." Watch
the segment in which Tucker describes how he went from a fear of
flying to aerobatic pilot extraordinaire.
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EAA HELPS
OUT PUERTO RICO PILOT GROUP
The Puerto Rico Ports Authority (PRPA) recently sought comments to
update a set of airport rules and regulations for all of the public
airports in Puerto Rico. The Aeroclub de Puerto Rico, representing some
170 pilots, aircraft owners, and general aviation enthusiasts - many of
whom are EAA members - were concerned that the proposed rules and
regulations would negatively impact GA in Puerto Rico. Read
more
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EAA 'TIMELESS VOICE OF
THE WEEK': BOB HOOVER
 Bob
Hoover is an aviation legend. Born in Tennessee in 1922, Bob became
enamored with airplanes at a young age when he overheard his parents
talking about Charles Lindbergh. As a teenager he would sneak off to the
local airport to learn everything he could about aviation, and at age 16
he started taking flying lessons. His flight path would take him into
combat, push him to the edge of the envelope, and thrill thousands of
spectators around the world. The rest, as they say, is history. Last
Friday, October 16, Bob was inducted into the EAA International
Aerobatic Club Hall of Fame. While in Oshkosh for his induction, he
shared some of his early aviation memories with the Timeless Voices
program. Watch
the video.
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PICTUREBOX
AVIATION – NOW AVAILABLE AT A NEW LOW PRICE!
 Picturebox
HD presents “HD Aviation - 100 Years of Flight,” a collection of
some of the most fascinating aircraft of the last 100 years. HD Aviation
showcases the renowned collection of aircraft from the EAA Museum. The
video includes an optional music track with selections ranging from
period music to patriotic and new age. From antique and classic
airplanes to historical military warbirds and innovative space
explorers, HD Aviation is an awe-inspiring sample of aircraft sure to
leave aviation enthusiasts with a sense of wonder about these airplanes
from the golden era and beyond. Enjoy the history of aviation, captured
as moving art for your television. Picturebox HD introduces a stunning
series of brilliant DVDs with the amazing clarity and color of high
definition. Display a piece of moving art while showing off the newest
technology in your home or office. With a Picturebox HD video, your
television is transformed into a moving canvas of high definition art.
With beautiful real-life images that change each minute, your television
can set a mood and create an atmosphere. Captured in breathtaking high
definition, the Picturebox HD video series turns your television into a
colorful canvas in motion. Blu-ray now only $19.99 (originally $34.99).
DVD only $14.99 (originally $24.99). Order
online or call toll-free 800-564-6322.
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| Can you
help?
Join the Discussions
Post of the Week!
Thanks go to Jim Smith of Plano, TX for
this one: airplanes + chili + an EAA Chapter having a great time …
Post of the week! Click
here.
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If you have a suggestions and/or submission for EAA’s weekly AeroInnovations column, please send to
AeroInnovations editor Bob Waldron at aeroinnovations@eaa.org.
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NASA Aeronautics Research: Hybrid Wing-Body and More
 On October 1 NASA launched its Environmentally Responsible Aviation program, which is designed to produce results aircraft manufacturers and operators can use. Technologies from its recent Subsonic Fixed-Wing project, such as stitched-composite structures, and propulsion with decreased fuel burn and noise will be further developed. A high-priority project is development of the hybrid wing-body concept, but NASA is also asking for innovative technology proposals from outside the agency.
High-Power-Density Halbach-Array Electric Motor
 LaunchPoint Technologies has designed and made an initial prototype of a new electric motor with a very high power density. Its Halbach-array electric motor produces 5 hp per pound, significantly higher than many other currently available electric motors. This lightweight motor was designed for electric vehicles, including manned, electric-driven aircraft.
Superhydrophobic Materials Give Aircraft Anti-Icing Surfaces
 Researchers at General Electric’s Global Research Center are developing superhydrophobic materials to prevent icing problems on aircraft. Superhydrophobic means that the materials strongly repel water. These nanotechnology-enabled coatings greatly decrease the adhesion strength of ice that might form on the aircraft and are durable so they are suited for actual flight operations, not just for the lab.
High Aerodynamic Efficiency MAVion
 A French professor of aerodynamics has designed a micro air vehicle (MAV) that makes a smooth transition between hover and fast-forward flight. The MAVion is a 30-cm fixed-wing vehicle with two counter-rotating propellers, giving better yaw control.
Hydrogen-Powered Ion Tiger: 23 Hours Aloft
A hydrogen-powered air vehicle from the Naval Research Laboratory recently set an unofficial record for fuel-cell-powered flight. The Ion Tiger, a 37-pound unmanned aerial vehicle, flew for a little more than 23 hours using a 550-watt fuel cell for propulsion energy. The system in the Ion Tiger has seven times the energy in the equivalent weight of
batteries.
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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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CATCH
ALUMINUM OVERCAST ON TOUR
 EAA
Chapter 165 welcomes EAA's B-17 Aluminum Overcast to North Little
Rock Municipal Airport this weekend as the 2009 tour continues its
late-fall tour. Next week, October 27-28, it's on to Fayetteville hosted
by EAA Chapter 732, then EAA's Vintage Chapter 10 welcomes the tour to
Tulsa, Oklahoma, October 30-November 1. 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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NOT
TOO LATE TO SIGN UP FOR B-17 FANTASY CAMP
At the weekend B-17 Fantasy Flight Camp (December 18-20),
you'll get up close and personal with one of the most famous airplanes
of World War II - including a 20-minute flight experience! Space is
limited, so secure your spot today at www.fantasyflightcamp.org.
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HOMEBUILDING HINT OF THE
WEEK: RIVNUT REMOVAL
 Brian
Carpenter of Rainbow Aviation Services discusses the removal of Rivnuts.
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 683 Gala Banquet, Guntersville Airport, Guntersville, Alabama
Join EAA 683 on Friday, October 23, 5-8 p.m. at the Lake Guntersville
State Park Lodge. Featured keynote speaker is Brig. General Dan Cherry,
author of the book My Enemy, My Friend. For complete details and
to register, visit www.eaa683.org.
Contact: Mark Cherry, 256-558-1200.
EAA Chapter 1272 Fall Chili Fly-In,
Sandusky County Regional Airport, Fremont/Clyde, Ohio - This Sunday,
October 25, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., get some delicious chili, cornbread, and
dessert all for a $5 donation. Held in Mark Reineck's T-hangar, west of
Main Ramp. Call Mark for details, 419-355-3904.
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 have a Sonex in its
Phase 1 test period and I'm thinking of changing the
propeller. I know that if the plane was no longer in
its Phase 1 test period it would be necessary to
notify the FAA of the change and put the plane back
in a test period/area for a specified number of
hours. But given that my Sonex is still within the
Phase 1 test period, is it necessary to notify the
FAA of the propeller change at all?
Answer: Since
you are still in Phase 1, you should not have to
notify the FAA. However, you will need to test the
aircraft for a minimum of five hours with the new
propeller, so if this happens less than five hours
from the end of your flight test time period, you
need to add as many hours as necessary to meet the 5
hour minimum test period for the new prop.
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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YUNEEC
OPENS NEWS MANUFACTURING FACILITY
Chinese manufacturer Yuneec International, maker of the e430 electric
powered aircraft that flew at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2009, recently
opened a new 300,000 square foot factory near Shanghai. A red-carpet
event attended by 600 people featured fireworks and confetti, and
fly-bys by two new e430s. Electric engines and a variety of completed
electric aircraft will be completed at the factory.
Flightstar President Tom Peghiny, in
attendance at the opening, shipped one of his company's Yuneec 20kW
motor-powered e-Spyders
for the event.
COLORADO SPORT
INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW EXPANDS IN 2010
Colorado Sport Aviation, Inc. will add additional attractions to its
2010 air show and fly-in. The static display will include more warbirds
and vintage aircraft, and three air shows will take place on Saturday.
Following Saturday's twilight air show, activities will conclude with a
fireworks show celebrating Metro Airport's 50th anniversary. The
Colorado Sport International Air Show and Rocky Mountain Regional Fly-In
will be held August 28 -29 at the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC)
in Broomfield, Colorado. Visit www.COSportAviation.org
to learn more.
SPORTY'S UPGRADES
PRIVATE PILOT COURSE
Sporty's has updated its Complete Private Pilot Course with revisions in
the air traffic control/communications, weather, and basic attitude
flying sections. "Many of these updates came from feedback we
received directly from customers as well as from our instructional staff
who teach with the course on a daily basis," said John Zimmerman,
Sporty's vice president. New video footage has updated these sections
along with the addition of graphics charts for greater viewer
comprehension. Learn more at www.Sportys.com
or call 800-776-7897.
WICKS EXPANDS ITS
INVENTORY OF AIRCRAFT PLYWOOD
Wicks Aircraft Supply has expanded its supply of aircraft grade plywood
to meet the needs of homebuilders and restorers. The company now feature
thicknesses from 1/16" to ½" and .8mm to 2mm, and is
available in sheets up to 4-feet by 8-feet. In addition to grain that
runs parallel to the edges, they also carry sheets with a 45 degree
grain for leading edges or curved surfaces. Visit www.WicksAircraft.com
or call 800-221-9425 to learn more.
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