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January
22, 2010 Volume 10,
Number 3 |
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SPECIAL COVERAGE: SEBRING
2010 U.S. SPORT AVIATION EXPO
Garmin Adds EIS
Capability to G3X Panel
 Garmin
announced today at the Sebring 2010 U.S. Sport Aviation Expo the
addition of an electronic engine monitor (EIS) capability to their G3X
panel mounted displays. Based on their GDU 370/375 systems, the non-TSO'd
G3X is aimed at the light-sport aircraft and experimental markets, and
combines full primary flight attitude and direction, engine monitoring,
moving-map, NEXRAD imaging and XM WX satellite weather displays. Dual
7-inch diagonal color sunlight-readable displays were demonstrated in
Sebring. Up to three such displays may be interlinked through a built-in
network, with automatic full reversionary backup mode for safety and
redundancy. Read
more
LSA Joint Safety
Committee Meets at Sebring
The first meeting of the Light
Sport - Joint Safety Committee convened during the ASTM F-37 Committee
on Light-Sport Aircraft this week, prior to the Sebring U.S. Sport
Aviation Expo in Sebring, Florida. EAA Government and Advocacy
Specialist David Oord, who serves as co-chair of the Joint Safety
Committee, reports that the inaugural meeting was well attended by the
FAA and industry. Read
more
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SKIPLANE FLY-IN
ACTIVITIES STILL ON WITHOUT THE SNOW
 Due
to diminishing snow cover on Pioneer Airport, skiplanes won't be able to
land at the annual EAA Skiplane Fly-In this Saturday, January 23. But
the show will go on as aviation enthusiasts are welcome to gather for a
day of hangar flying, and a fabulous Wisconsin chili lunch with all the
fixings. The event is also a dual celebration of EAA matriarch Audrey
Poberezny's birthday and the 57th anniversary of the very first
Experimental Aircraft Association meeting, held January 24, 1953, at
Curtiss Wright Field (now Timmerman Airport) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Ground activities will commence with chili being served starting at
about 10:30 a.m. The skiplane fly-in is free of charge to the public.
Signs will direct visitors to the skiplane area upon arrival to the
museum. Regular admission rates apply for guests visiting the museum
itself.
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MULI-CONTINENT TRIKE
FLIGHT FOR CHARITY ENDS IN TRAGEDY
 What
was supposed to be the beginning of a six-week adventure flying a
microlight from London, England, to Sidney, Australia, ended in tragedy
January 18, with the loss of the pilot over the English Channel on the
first leg of the trip. British adventurer Martin Bromage planned the
11,733 mile flight spanning 18 countries to raise funds for wounded
veterans. His aircraft was a 100 hp weight-shift trike, the P&M
QuikR, which had a 38-gallon fuel tank and a range of 500 miles. As he
approached the coastline of France his progress was stopped by low
clouds and mist. Unable to find an alternate landing spot due to the
weather, he apparently decided to return to England. Read
more
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BAHAMAS-BASED GA RELIEF
EFFORT LOOKING FOR MORE VOLUNTEERS WITH AIRCRAFT
 Bahamas
Habitat, a US-based Christian nonprofit organization supporting housing
and disaster relief work in the Bahamas, announced Monday its aviation
relief operation for earthquake-stricken Haiti is up and running.
Volunteer general aviation pilots are flying out of the organization’s
staging base on Inagua, in the Southern Bahamas, delivering with medical
supplies to air strips at Cap Haitien and Les Cayes, north and west of
Port-Au-Prince where the big aircraft cannot operate, and evacuating
people. Read
more
•
Relief
Flights: APIS Filing Requirements Still Apply
•
Important
CBP Update Concerning Travel To and From The Caribbean
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LORAN-C TO CEASE
OPERATION IN NORTH AMERICA BY EARLY FEBRUARY
By the middle of the afternoon on February 8, 2010, the U.S. Coast Guard
will shut down LORAN-C (LOng RAnge Navigation, variation C) across North
America 52 years after the venerable ground-based area navigation system
that guided boats and eventually aircraft began service. As GPS firmly
established itself as the superior navigation system for most
transportation modes, LORAN-C slowly became obsolete and a drag on
budgets. Read
more
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NEW RUNWAY MARKINGS MAY
PREVENT OVERUNS AT SHORT FIELDS
 Landing
an aircraft on the first-third of the runway is a requirement to pass a
flight test, yet the importance of this portion of the runway gets
little attention from pilots once the test is over. In Maryland, FAA
Examiner John Cutcher, EAA 310465, has found a way to visually mark that
magic first-third of the runway. EAA Radio's Fareed Guyot talked with
Bob Reed, EAA 1018321, of Aviation Safety Videos about the new system
and if it might be adopted nationwide. Listen
to the interview
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EAA'S REPLICA 1909
BLERIOT XI NEARS COMPLETION
 EAA
staff and volunteers from The Aeroplane Factory have been hard at work
for more than three years building a replica 1909 Bleriot XI monoplane,
the same model Louis Bleriot designed, built, and flew over the English
Channel more than 100 years ago. Now the finish line is in sight, and
it's looking more and more like AirVenture 2010 attendees will have a
chance to see the completed replica spring to life. Read
more
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SOUTHERS WITHDRAWS
NOMINATION TO HEAD TSA
 Erroll
Southers, President Obama's choice to head the Transportation Security
Administration, has withdrawn his nomination. President Obama submitted
Southers' name last fall and after preliminary work was done by two
Senate committees, the process stalled when Senator Jim DeMint (R-S.C.)
placed a hold on his nomination over union concerns. Read
more
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FORD MOTOR COMPANY FLY-IN
THEATER BRINGS MORE AVIATION ENTERTAINMENT TO EAA AIRVENTURE 2010
 There's
no better way to finish a day at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh than enjoying an
aviation movie under stars with friends and family. That's why for the
fifth straight year, Ford Motor Company will be hosting the popular
"Fly-In Theater" on the AirVenture grounds, with additional
support from Hamilton Watches. Read
more
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GA FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS
RETURN FOR STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS
 A
Special Flight Advisory has been issued for the president’s planned
State of the Union address in Washington, D.C., on January 27, 2010.
Modification of the Washington Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) and
Washington Metropolitan Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) procedures, with
additional flight restrictions during the evening of January 27, will be
in effect. General aviation aircraft on an active IFR flight plan may
arrive and/or depart Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Baltimore
Washington International Airport (BWI) only, but no GA flights will be
authorized to transit through the DC SFRA. Read
more
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SENATE GA CAUCUS STARTS
WORK NEXT WEEK
The official kick-off meeting for the United States Senate General
Aviation Caucus is set for January 28 in Washington, D.C. In a letter to
colleagues, co-chairs Sen. Mark Begich (D-AK) and Sen. Mike Johanns
(R-NE) announced that there are now 21 senators in the group and they
invited others to join. Plans for the first meeting include solicitation
of input from members, discussion of preliminary plans for the year, and
beginning the process of articulating goals and activities. "The
Caucus looks forward to working with pilots, aircraft owners, the
aviation industry, and government agencies to ensure general aviation
has a strong voice in Washington," the letter reads.
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B-17 'FLYING FORTRESS'
75TH ANNIVERSARY PART OF BIG CELEBRATION AT EAA AIRVENTURE 2010
 The
Boeing B-17 “Flying Fortress,” perhaps the most readily recognized
bomber of the World War II era, will be center stage for its 75th
anniversary during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2010, “The World’s
Greatest Aviation Celebration,” on July 26-August 1 at Wittman
Regional Airport in Oshkosh. Read
more
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EAA SPORTAIR RV WORKSHOP
IN WACO FEB. 20-21
 EAA
SportAir Workshops returns to Waco, Texas on the weekend of February
20-21 for an intensive two-day workshop focused on Van's RV aircraft
construction. The event is hosted by EAA Chapter 59 at their chapter
hangar and museum located at the McGregor Executive Airport near Waco.
The workshop is applicable to all of the Van's models, including the
RV-12. During the two day session, attendees will learn about the
specific construction practices and tools required to build an RV.
They'll also get extensive hands-on practice to develop building skills.
The SportAir Workshops are sponsored by Aircraft Spruce and Specialty
and Van's Aircraft. Discounts are offered by both companies to workshop
attendees. The EAA member price for the workshop is $319. The class is
limited to 16 participants. Register now at www.sportair.com
or call 800-967-5476.
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EAA MEMBERS SAVE 20%
ON SEAT CUSHIONS & UPHOLSTERY
 Fly
comfortably this year with Oregon Aero Seat Cushions & Upholstery -
The Ultimate In Flying Comfort™. Oregon Aero products are designed for
maximum comfort and are handmade in Oregon. 100% satisfaction
guaranteed. Click here to
find out how you can save 20% off Oregon Aero experimental seat
cushions and upholstery.
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EAA Sport Aviation Magazine Photo
Contest
Can you help?
Join the Discussions
Thread of the Week!
It's cold here in Oshkosh. The sky, as
they say, is a hazy shade of winter. The weekend that we'd hoped would
bring us a dusting of snow (and a couple of dozen skiplanes) now looks
more likely to bring us freezing rain. What better time, then, to look
forward to July by looking back on our favorite Oshkosh memories? Our
own Mike DiFrisco for started things off - now
it's your turn!
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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
Designs a One-Man Stealth Plane |
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NASA
unveiled the Puffin, its design for a one-person VTOL electric aircraft,
on January 20. At the moment the Puffin consists mainly of engineering
design documents and a video, but the goal is to finish a one
third-size, hover-capable Puffin prototype by March 2010. |
| Production
V8 Engine Tested Over 750 hp |
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TRACE
Engines successfully tested its production aircraft engine, with an
experimental camshaft, to over 750-hp. The new design "enables an
extra safety margin for short field take off applications and faster
climb rates to cruise altitude" with fuel consumption similar to
its FAA-certified 600-hp engine. |
| String
Of Pearls May Make Your Plane Faster |
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Mimicking
oysters and understanding how the vision of birds works are two
techniques used to develop new coatings for aircraft. Oysters lay down
erosion and corrosion-resistant ceramic-like materials to build their
shells; and bird strikes can be better avoided if light-emitting or
reflective coatings on aircraft produce light at wavelengths highly
visible to birds. |
| Wing
Morphing Like Birds Back in Vogue |
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Mother
Nature's flying creatures adapt their bodies to existing air conditions
to achieve the most efficient and stable flight. New technologies and
innovative aeronautical design are combining to give us aircraft that
change shape to give the best performance for the air around us and the
current phase of flight. |
| Zero-Emission
Aircraft Preparing For Take-off
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The
fuel cell powered ENFICA-FC Rapid 200 completed high speed taxi tests in
December 2009 at the Reggio Emilio Airport in Italy. Designed to be
powered by hydrogen and have a cruise speed of 81 - 97 knots, this
'zero-emission' aircraft is scheduled for final test flights in February
and March 2010. |
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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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FEE-WAIVED HERTZ #1 CLUB GOLD®
EAA members can enroll in the Fee-Waived Hertz #1 Club Gold - a $60
value. Experience the fastest way to rent at more than 40 of the world's
busiest airports and at more than 1,000 locations worldwide. Just get
your keys and GO!
Get Extra Savings on Hertz Rentals
When you use your EAA CDP# with
Hertz Special Offers. Check out all our great savings like $30 off a
Collections Rental.
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HOMEBUILDING HINT OF THE
WEEK: SYSTEM VOLTAGE: 14 VERSUS 28 VOLTS
 Dick
Koehler discusses the pros and cons of picking a 14 or 28 volt system.
Dick is a Technical Counselor for Chapter 186, an A&P aircraft
mechanic with Inspection Authorization (IA), and a SportAir Workshop
instructor. Watch
the video.
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EAA 'TIMELESS VOICE OF
THE WEEK': JEANIE BLANKENSHIP
 Jeanie
Blankenship joined the U.S. Navy in 1992 and was commissioned as a Naval
Aviator in October of 1993. Trained as P-3 Orion pilot, Jeanie flew long
range patrol missions with Patrol Squadron VP-9 out of Barbers Point,
Hawaii for three years, including two Western Pacific mission tours. She
then became a T-34 instructor in Corpus Christi, Texas until leaving the
Navy in 2001. Jeanie joined U.S. Customs and Border Protection that year
and has been flying P-3 Orions on anti-narcotics missions between the
United States and South America ever since. Watch
the video.
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HUGE
EAA JEWELRY SALE!
 Add
this classic piece of aviation jewelry to your collection. Made
exclusively for EAA by Jim Seip of Pilot Cross Jewelry, this exquisite
gold necklace can’t be found anywhere else. And Valentine’s Day is
just around the corner - surprise that special someone with a gift they’ll
treasure forever. Regularly $344.99, on sale now for $278.99. Visit
our web site to view other jewelry pieces now on sale. Order
online here or call toll-free 800-564-6322. Offer valid through
January 31, 2010.
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WHERE ARE YOU FLYING THIS
WEEKEND?
 EAA
Chapter 74 Young Eagles Rally - Orlando Executive Airport, Florida
Kids age 8 through 17 are welcome for a free airplane ride on
Saturday, January 23, from 9-11 a.m., at Showalter Flying Service.
Signed parental permission form required, available at the chapter
website or at the event. For more information visit www.EAA74.org
or contact Tom Carveth, 407-898-8433.
Warbird Weekend - North Ramp, Punta
Gorda, Florida
EAA Warbird Squadron 24 presents "Warbird Weekend" on
January 23-24 , showcasing WWII aircraft (flying and static), reenactors,
with a dinner dance on Saturday night featuring era music. For more
information, visit www.floridawarbirds.org,
call 941-639-6187, or e-mail WarbirdLady@aol.com.
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 just took my second class physical and the doctor
mentioned that I failed my "intermediate
vision" test and now need glasses for flight.
This is the first I've ever heard of this new vision
test. What gives?
Answer: You
didn't mention it but I assume I must now
congratulate you on turning 50 years old. The
"intermediate vision test" has been around
for a while - 1996 to be exact - and tests
near-vision as measured at 32 inches from the eye.
You must have 20/40 or better in each eye separately
to pass and not require glasses. This test only
applies to First and Second Class pilot certificate
holders who are at 50 years old or older.
Pilots who are
approaching milestone birthdays (50, 60, etc.)
should ask their flight doctors what new physical
examination standards will be required upon reaching
those magical birthdates.
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.
January
2010
EAA
Desktop Calendar
The
site of an Aeronca 7AC on skis is a reminder to mark
your calendars - for the annual EAA Skiplane Fly-In,
scheduled this year on Saturday, January 23. This
traditional winter event actually brings EAAers
together for three reasons: the fly-in, the
celebration of EAA’s founding; and Audrey
Poberezny’s birthday.
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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BELITE
OFFERS NEW TRIKE AND SUPERLITE MODELS
Belite Aircraft has unveiled its new Trike and the Superlite models this
week at the Sebring US Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring, Florida. Like the
original Belite 254 FAR Part 103 compliant ultralight aircraft, both
models incorporate extensive use of weight-saving carbon fiber. The
Trike features a free castering nose wheel and composite main gear, a 5
gallon spun aluminum fuel tank, and a fully-covered cockpit interior.
The Superlite, with short takeoff and
landing (STOL) performance, is equipped with a twin opposed cylinder
50-hp Hirth engine with dual ignition. Available in ready to fly or kit
form, the Superlite is also equipped with a ballistic parachute. Learn
more at www.BeliteAircraft.com
or call 316-253-6746.
BENDIX KING KLN
EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION
The FAA has been made aware of an issue with an update to a navigation
database that became effective onJanuary 14, 2010. The data file
delivered to Honeywell contained incorrect Dynamic Magnetic Variations
for all terminal and en route waypoint records. To date, the known
affected models are: Honeywell Bendix/King KLN 35, KLN 88, KLN 89, KLN
89B, KLN 90, KLN 90B, KLN 94, KLX 100, KLX 135, KLX 135A, KLN 900. Visit
the Honeywell
website for more information.
'NO SHOW' SPECIAL FROM
KITFOX
Kitfox Aircraft didn't make it to the Sebring US Sport Aviation Expo
this week, but the company wants people to know that it is offering a
"No Show" Special. Valid through February 5, 2010, Kitfox will
deduct travel expenses, up to $500, from a Kitfox kit or light-sport
aircraft purchase. Restrictions apply; visit www.KitfoxAircraft.com
for more information.
LANCAIR SIMPLIFIES
EVOLUTION PRICING
The 2010 Lancair Evolution has been simplified into one base price for
the airframe from the firewall aft. The 2010 base kit will include the
airframe and systems as well as a Lancair engineered Garmin G900x panel
including all the commonly ordered and expected options for an aircraft
of this caliber. Also included is a two-week builder assist mentor
program at the Lancair facility. The 2010 price for the basic Evolution
package is $495,000. For more information, visit www.Lancair.com
or call 541-923-2244.
IMMEDIATE
AVAILABILITY: PILOT MY-CAST FOR iPHONES
Pilot My-Cast by Garmin is now available for the iPhone and iPod Touch.
Pilot My-Cast by Garmin is a premium aviation weather, flight planning,
and flight filing application exclusively for customers in the U.S. and
Canada. The iPhone and iPod Touch version of Pilot My-Cast is designed
to take advantage of the devices' gesture-based user interface, and
includes five intuitive menu tabs at the bottom of the page: routes,
flight plan, weather, airport information, and settings. Pilot my-Cast
for the iPhone and iPod Touch are available in the app store for a
monthly fee of $9.99, or an annual subscription of $99.99. To order
Pilot My-Cast or to see a list of other supported phones, visit www.DigitalCyclone.com/pilot.
ACR ELETRONICS DEBUTS
SARLINK VIEW
Adding a new level of assurance and instant information, a Digital
Display breakthrough has been introduced to Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
technology with the introduction of the innovative SARLink View from ACR
Electronics, Inc. The FCC-approved SARLink View provides three levels of
integrated emergency signal technology-GPS positioning, a powerful 406
MHz satellite detectable signal, and 121.5 MHz homing capability. The
SARLink View takes the above technology and adds a unique Digital
Display, which provides the user with a variety of important information
both during operation and self-test, including an ACR exclusive that
allows the user to test GPS functionality up to 60 times over the life
of the battery. Learn more at www.ACRElectronics.com.
FLIGHT DESIGN USA ADDS
FOUR FLIGHT SCHOOLS
Flight Design now boasts a network of 21 pilot centers using Flight
Design light-sport aircraft. Iowa Air in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, operated by
Tim Busch; Paragon Flight Training in Fort Myers, Florida, operated by
Jeffrey Wolf; Ocala Aviation in Ocala, Florida, operated by Allen
Buskirk; and Acadiana Flight Center at Acadiana Regional Airport (ARA)
in New Iberia, Louisiana, operated by Robert Viator, join the list of
Flight Design Pilot Centers.
GREAT SPEAKERS AT
WOMEN IN AVIATION CONFERENCE
An impressive list of speakers is scheduled for 21st annual Women in
Aviation conference. A panel discussion will take place at Friday's
luncheon that includes Paula Derks, president, Aircraft Electronic
Association; Karen Gebhart, president of the AOPA Foundation; Ed Bolen,
president of the National Business Aviation Association; and Elissa
Lines, vice president, Experimental Aircraft Association. In addition to
this panel, FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt is a confirmed speaker. The
event takes place at Disney's Coronado Resort in Lake Buena Vista,
Florida, February 25 - 27, 2010. Learn more at www.WAI.org.
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