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February
19, 2010 Volume 10, Number 7 |
HYBRID AIRCRAFT PROGRAM
ANNOUNCED
'Green Flight Project'
 Colorado-based
Bye Energy, Inc., announced Thursday morning (February 18) it's working
with selected technology partners to develop an electric-hybrid
propulsion system (EHPS) for light propeller-driven aircraft. Calling it
"The Green Flight Project," George Bye, CEO, declared,
"The future is great for electric and electric-hybrid propulsion in
aircraft. Savings to pilot-owners, increased operating efficiencies,
reduced ownership and maintenance costs, environmental benefits, and
improved safety will permanently change the face of general
aviation." Read
more
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UPDATE: BUGATTI MODEL 100
RACER PROJECT
 We
received an update from Scotty Wilson and Greg Carlson, the Oklahoma duo
that’s building a flying replica of the Bugatti Model 100 Racer. “A
lot has happened,” Wilson wrote of the time since their last (October
2009) visit to Oshkosh. At that time precision measurements were made of
EAA’s original Bugatti aircraft using a special digital profiling
device developed for the project to determine the airfoil. Read
more
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WASHINGTON
AIRCRAFT OWNERS, ASSOCIATIONS UNITE FOR TAX FIGHT
Washington state aircraft owners and several aviation organizations were
well-represented at a public hearing on the proposed House
Bill 3176 held last Saturday, February 13, by the House Finance
Committee in Olympia. The bill includes a section that levies a
half-percent excise tax on aircraft owned by state residents and is part
of the legislature's efforts to close s $2.8 billion budget deficit. Read
more
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MUSEUM'S 'LIVING HISTORY'
SPEAKERS SERIES LAUNCHES FEB. 25
Five unique aspects of the world of flight will be center stage this
spring as the EAA AirVenture Museum hosts a living-history series of
aviation speakers beginning Feb. 25. The series, which is free and open
to the public, is supported through a grant from the Wisconsin
Humanities Council. The Council supports and creates programs that use
history, culture, and discussion to strengthen community life for
everyone in Wisconsin. Read
more
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PAPER AIRMAN CERTIFICATES
EXPIRE MARCH 31
 Pilots
who have not replaced their paper airman certificate with the required
new plastic certificate risk being unable to exercise their privileges
at the end of March. All paper airman certificates will expire March 31,
2010. FAR 61.19(h) reads: “Except for a temporary certificate issued
under §61.17 or a student pilot certificate issued under paragraph (b)
of this section, the holder of a paper pilot certificate issued under
this part may not exercise the privileges of that certificate after
March 31, 2010.” Read
more
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2010
AIRVENTURE CUP RACE RETURNS TO SOUTH DAKOTA
 The
13th running of the EAA AirVenture Cup race will return to Mitchell,
South Dakota, this year in a straight-line dash to Oshkosh on Sunday
July 25. The nation's largest cross-country race is open to all aircraft
certificated in the experimental category and will have 10 classes this
year including a category for light-sport aircraft. Read
more
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HANGAR
OF TREASURED AIRCRAFT COLLAPSES UNDER HEAVY SNOW
The snow that piled up along the Eastern seaboard over the last two
weeks broke more than meteorological records. Paul Ennis, 79, EAA 67592,
VAA 1312, of Salisbury, Maryland, and his wife Ellie, 68, suffered a
heart-breaking loss when the snow load proved to be too much for the
hangar built by Ennis' father in 1936. Initially, the front of the
hangar collapsed, crushing the family Piper Cub in half. Then the rest
of the roof collapsed in stages, crushing a total of six airplanes
inside including another Cub, a Cessna 150, and a Great Lakes biplane
owned by the family since the airport's founding. Read
more
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WOMAN
ORDERED TO GIVE BOSS HER RV-9A
A Kansas City dentist recently received an RV-9A as restitution for a
theft by one of his employees. A Federal court sentenced Sandra Brandes
to a 15-month prison term after she was convicted of embezzling more
than $77,000 from the dental practice of Dr. J. Daniel Fleming.
According to a report by The Ottawa Herald, Brandes used some of the
money to buy an RV kit and built the airplane with her husband Matthew
Brandes. In 2006, The Ottawa Herald had even published a feature on the
couple and their efforts to build the aircraft. Read
more
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'BAREFOOT
BURGLAR' MAY HAVE STOLEN ANOTHER PLANE
Colton Harris-Moore may have stolen his fourth airplane in the
Pacific-Northwest, this time flying near restricted airspace relating to
the Winter Olympic Games, according to a report from CNN.com. "We
think it fits his pattern. We are looking for him," said San Juan
County Sheriff Bill Cumming. Harris-Moore, nicknamed the ‘Barefoot
Burglar,’ has no formal flight training, but his skills seem to be
improving. Officials say the latest plane he allegedly stole - a Cirrus
SR22 worth about $650,000 - was found undamaged in mud near a landing
strip on Orcas Island. Read
more
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FORMER
EAA DIRECTOR SHARES AVIATION EXPERIENCES WITH NINE LIVES
 Nine
Lives - Adventures of a Lucky Pilot is a book that EAA Founder Paul
Poberezny says "should be read by every pilot." Written by EAA
Director Emeritus Mal Gross, the book's 520 pages create a memoir of
Mal's 50-plus years - 6,850 hours logged - of flight experience as a
private pilot in a variety of general aviation airplanes. Through it
all, Mal contends he's been lucky more than a few times. "I have
known many private pilots…who had more experience and skill than I
had. Some survived, but some - whose luck ran out - didn't. Many of the
lucky ones recognized that luck had been with them, and stopped flying.
Others, like myself, flew on, and continued to be lucky." Read
more
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NEW
SPORTAIR WORKSHOP LOCATION A HIT!
 Mark
Forss, EAA SportAir Workshops coordinator, reports that the response has
been great for the new SportAir Workshop location, the Aviation
Institute of Maintenance in Orlando, Florida. Several workshops are
scheduled there February 27-28, and most are filled up. But a few
openings remain in Electrical Systems, Wiring, and Avionics; Composite
Construction; and What's Involved in Kit Building? (evening only). As
part of our continued relationship with the Aviation Institute of
Maintenance, the SportAir Workshops will be presenting a $500
scholarship to a student at the school as part of our mutual support of
aviation education. Visit www.sportair.com
for detailed course descriptions and to sign up for a course near you!
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INCLUDE
YOUR LOVED ONE ON EAA'S MEMORIAL WALL
 The
EAA Memorial Wall is one of the most cherished places on the AirVenture
grounds. Located on the edge of Pioneer Airport near the Fergus Chapel,
this solemn destination provides a place of dignity for EAA members to
honor departed loved ones whose support and passion for aviation
positively impacted not only their lives, but also the lives of others.
Its centerpiece: a monument made up of thousands of stones brought to
Oshkosh from EAA members' home states and countries.
EAA honors new inductees at the annual
dedication service held during AirVenture. If you would like to have
your loved one included in this year's ceremony (11 a.m., Sunday, August
1), your order must be received by Monday, April 12, 2010. To learn
more, please visit the
AirVenture website, e-mail development@eaa.org,
or call toll-free, 800-236-1025.
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BE
A PART OF EAA'S COMPASS HILL
 Compass
Hill celebrates EAA's values of quality, innovation, and the freedom of
personal flight we all share. Located near Pioneer Airport adjacent to
the EAA Memorial Wall and Fergus Chapel, Compass Hill features a
sculpture by Larry Anderson, Directions, depicting a family that
symbolizes the love of flight passed down through the generations.
Benches at the summit surround a compass rose of bricks and serve as
resting places to overlook the spectacular scenery.
Express your enduring love of flying with
an engraved brick for yourself, or as a lasting tribute to family
members and friends, or corporate recognition. To be part of this year's
dedication ceremony for newly installed bricks (July 28, Wednesday
morning during AirVenture), orders must be received by May 14, 2010.
Participants receive a beautifully framed mini-brick replica. To learn
more, visit the
AirVenture website, contact EAA's Development Department at
800-236-1025, or e-mail development@eaa.org.
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REGISTRATION
OPENS FOR 4TH ANNUAL CAFE ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT SYMPOSIUM
 Registration
for the 4th Annual CAFE
Electric Aircraft Symposium (EAS IV) is now open. The conference is
being held in Rohnert Park, California April 23-24, 2010. Interest and
continued advances in electric aircraft has caused attendance to double
each year at the event. The preliminary program features an outstanding
international faculty of experts in the technologies critical to the
practical development of electric, hybrid and bio-fueled aircraft.
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EAA
MERCHANDISE: BUILD A PEDAL PLANE JUST IN TIME FOR SPRING!
 It's
never too early to believe you can fly. A pedal plane is a great way for
your child to feel like they are a real pilot. They’ll have a blast
riding through the neighborhood with their very own Gee Bee or P-51
Mustang. Visit our web site to view our entire selection of pedal plane
plans. Order
online or call toll-free 800-564-6322.
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DEAL OF THE WEEK: EAA
MEMBERS SAVE ON ALL FLIGHT DATA SYSTEMS PRODUCTS!
 As
an EAA member, you can receive rebates on all Flight Data Systems
including a GT-50 Accelerometer ($20 rebate); FC-10 Fuel Computer ($30
rebate); T-30 Tachometer ($20 rebate); LC-50 Lighting Controller ($20
rebate); LC-40e Lighting Controller ($10 rebate); AP-60 Audio Panel ($10
rebate); AFP-30 Air-Data Fuel Performance Computer ($50 rebate); AN-21
Annunciator Control Unit ($30 rebate); and much more! Click
here to find out how you can get rebates on all Flight Data Systems
products.
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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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EAA Sport Aviation Magazine Photo
Contest
Volunteer Product Testers Needed
Can you help?
Join the Discussions
Post of the Week!
- Sometimes, when someone gets stuck on
a project, they're driven to find a new and better way of doing
things, frustration being the mother of innovation and all that.
This week's post is not about one of those times. Rather, it's about
a builder named Martin Wilson who asked for help and, in amongst a
number of useful and informative responses, was led to a clean and
elegant solution that's just a month shy of its 50th birthday. Wayne
Bressler gets the nod for posting
a link to an article in the March, 1960 issue of EAA Sport
Aviation that turned out to be exactly what Martin needed,
proving the old adage "… there's no need to reinvent the
plywood gusset punch."
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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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Spray-on Metal Keeps Ice Off Wings |
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GKN Aerospace is manufacturing heater mats for the composite wings of the Boeing 787 to prevent or remove ice buildup. The mats are not heating elements, but rather act as conductors and electrothermal elements that transfer heat to the wingskin. The GKN process uses “spray-on metal technology that can be embedded in a metal or composite surface.” |
Electric Landing Gear Systems May Replace Hydraulics |
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Many aircraft actuator systems are powered by hydraulic systems, such as extension and retraction for landing gears. Properly designed electromechanical systems are more reliable and will require less maintenance than a hydraulic system, which performs the same function. |
Lightweight Alloys
for Aircraft and Cars |
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A group of UK scientists is developing super-light metal alloys for aircraft and cars. These new alloys cost less to produce and have the same weight, strength, and reliability as current materials; have an improved internal microstructure and surface finish; and prevent problems that normally occur when the alloys are joined to steel or composite components of the vehicles. |
Automated Aerial Refueling May Help GA Collision Avoidance |
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GE Aviation has made successful test flights with an Electro-Optical Grid Reference System (EOGRS) to improve the safety and reliability of aerial refueling. Although primarily a military application at this point, general aviation may also benefit from this method to very accurately track the positions of two aircraft in close proximity. |
A Shaky Test
to Improve Aircraft Safety |
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Researchers at the German Aerospace Center developed an improved vibration test to induce and monitor real-life bending and twisting of wings and other key airframe components. The taxi vibration test (TVT) allows for quicker and less expensive testing compared to the traditional ground vibration test (GVT) but TVT is currently being used with GVT rather than as a replacement. The same German research plane is being used to help design quiet and more fuel-efficient flight. |
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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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AIRCRAFT PROJECT RISKS
AND SOLUTIONS
By Bob Mackey, representative for the EAA Aircraft Insurance Plan,
Administered by Falcon Insurance Agency
 You
should only buy insurance when you need insurance…but how do you know
when you need insurance? Many EAA members take on the challenge of
building an airplane without considering whether or not their airplane
project is insured. This isn't surprising because there's a lot involved
in getting ready to build an airplane, like determining which airplane
to build; making sure you have the tools and skills; figuring out how
much the airplane will cost; securing a location to build your airplane…and
the list goes on. Insurance doesn't immediately come to mind. Read
more
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HINTS FOR HOMEBUILDERS:
SHEET WAX
 Richard
Koehler shows how to attach a throttle and mixture control to a
carburetor. 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
BONUS HINT: ENGINE
CONTROL ATTACHMENT
Richard Koehler shows how to
attach a throttle and mixture control to a carburetor. 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': E.E. "BUCK" HILBERT
 E.E.
“Buck” Hilbert is a name familiar to many EAAers. He authors the
monthly column “Pass it to Buck” in EAA’s Vintage Airplane
magazine. Buck has a long history with aviation. As a young boy in 1927
he saw Charles Lindbergh fly over his hometown of Rockford, Illinois
during Lindbergh’s tour of the U.S. after his solo flight across the
Atlantic Ocean in May of that year. During World War II Buck enlisted in
the U.S. Army Air Corps as an aircraft maintenance instructor. After
qualifying for the Aviation Cadet program he became a B-17 flight
instructor and trained new pilots in the Flying Fortress. Recalled to
active duty during the Korean War, Buck flew various L-birds as a
liaison pilot transporting cargo, people, and supplies and serving as an
aerial artillery spotter . After his service he began flying for United
Airlines, first in the DC-3 and retiring as a captain flying DC-8s. A
long time member of EAA, Buck has been actively involved with EAA’s
Antique-Classic/Vintage division for many years. Watch
the video.
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WHERE ARE YOU FLYING THIS
WEEKEND?
 EAA
Chapter 745 Young Eagle Rally - Centerville Lake, Minnesota
Come to the Young Eagles Rally Saturday, February 20, held in
combination with the Centerville Lions Ice Fishing Contest. Rally
takes place from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn more at http://eaa745.org,
or contact Dan Hammons, 651-399-6313.
Wheels and Skis Fly In, Northport
Airport, Northport, Wisconsin
From 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, February 20, EAA Chapter 444 holds its
annual Wheels and Skis fly in. Food will be available. Contact Wayne
Poppy by sending
him an e-mail.
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 recently changed the propeller on my
experimental light-sport aircraft. What paperwork is
required?
Answer: The
Operating Limitations document issued as part of
your Airworthiness Certificate contains a paragraph
regarding how to determine whether a change is a
major change or not and how to proceed. FAR 21.93
states: A "minor change" is one that has
no appreciable effect on the weight, balance,
structural strength, reliability, operational
characteristics, or other characteristics affecting
the airworthiness of the product. All other changes
are "major changes."
For example, if your
replacement prop is from the same manufacturer, same
make and model, it would be a minor change/direct
replacement. An entry in the maintenance records
listing the propeller manufacturer, model/serial
number, diameter, and pitch should be sufficient.
If you changed to a
different prop, different size, pitch, etc., then it
would probably be a major change by the definition
above. The Operating Limitations should contain
language that directs the owner to re-enter Phase 1
flight testing after incorporating a major change.
You will be directed to contact your local Flight
Services District Office (FSDO) so you can provide
information about a flight testing area, and you may
have to update the aircraft's file at the FAA
Aircraft Registration Branch.
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.
February
2010
EAA
Desktop Calendar
Fun flying above
the clouds in an X-Air LS, which sports one of the
LSA category’s roomier cabins at 43 inches wide.
This air-to-air photo was shot by EAA’s Jim
Koepnick during Sebring, Florida’s 2010 U.S. Sport
Aviation Expo.
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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GA
SHIPMENTS AND BILLINGS DOWN IN 2009
Worldwide shipments and billings of general aviation airplanes were down
in all categories in 2009, reports the General Aviation Manufacturers
Association (GAMA). Industry billings dipped to $19.5 billion, a 21.4
percent decrease from the 2008 record high of $24.8 billion. Worldwide
shipments of GA airplanes declined for a second year in a row with a
total of 2,276 units delivered, a 42.6 percent decrease over the
previous year.
The piston airplane segment experienced
the greatest decline at 54.5 percent. Shipments totaled 965 airplanes in
2009, compared to 2,119 unit airplanes in 2008. The turboprop sector was
the most successful in weathering the economic storm, showing a decline
of 17.6 percent. After five years of growth, the business jet sector
declined 33.7 percent with 870 airplanes shipped. GAMA Chairman Ron
Wilson commented that there are signs that the worst of the economic
crisis may be over. "The inventory of used aircraft has peaked and
is now declining, flying hours are on the rise, and inquiries for new
orders are beginning to grow again," he said. Learn more at www.GAMA.aero.
FIRST NEW PRODUCTION
DHC-6 TWIN OTTER TAKES FLIGHT
In advance of Transport Canada certification, the first new production
DHC-6 Series 400 Twin Otter has taken its initial flight from Viking's
final assembly facility in Calgary, Alberta, the first since de
Havilland Canada ended production in 1988. Steve Stackhouse, manager of
flight operations, along with Viking President and CEO David Curtis,
piloted the aircraft on the initial flight, commenting, "The
aircraft performed exactly as expected, it felt very stable, fast, and
even with my thousands of hours on type, this new Series 400 Twin Otter
brought a smile to my face." With Canadian certification imminent,
Viking expects first customer deliveries to start soon. Visit www.VikingAir.com
for more information.
OUTLOOK GOOD FOR AERO
FRIEDRICHSHAFEN
Event planners for Aero Friedrichshafen, April 8-12, say exhibitor
numbers are exceeding their expectations, with some 400 companies
expected. This year's event will again include E-Flight Expo, which
stands for ecological, electrical, and evolutionary aviation components,
and include a program on new technologies. A provisional list of
exhibitors can be found at www.Aero-Expo.com.
ABLE FLIGHT CREATES
NEW CAREER TRAINING SCHOLARSHIP
With the new Able Flight Career Training scholarship, it's now possible
for a person with a physical disability to earn an FAA-issued Repairman
Certificate for light-sport aircraft in just three weeks. Rainbow
Aviation of Corning, California, will provide the training. As with all
Able Flight full scholarships, the award covers training, travel and
lodging, and testing fees. The application form is available at www.AbleFlight.org.
LINDBERGH FOUNDATION
DONATES HUSKY TO KENYA WILDLIFE SERVICE
The Lindbergh Foundation has donated a 180-hp Aviat A1-C Husky bush
plane to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). A ceremony to formally donate
the Husky - whose special registration numbers 5Y-KWL reflect Kenya
Wildlife Lindbergh - was held January 29 at the KWS Wilson Hangar in
Nairobi, Kenya. In addition to handing over the keys, the Lindbergh
Foundation sponsored a "Basic Flight Review" and
emergency-maneuver training course for the KWS air patrol pilots, led by
air show performer Patty Wagstaff. Learn more at www.LindberghFoundation.org.
NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR
NAHF/CROSSFIELD TEACHER AWARD
The National Aviation Hall of Fame is seeking entries for the 24th
annual A. Scott Crossfield Aerospace Education Teacher of the Year
Award. Founded by famed research test pilot Scott Crossfield in 1986,
the award is a juried competition open to current classroom teachers in
grades K-12. The winner will receive a $1,500 cash stipend. Deadline for
nominations is May 1, 2010. For more information, visit www.NationalAviation.org
or call 888-383-1903, ext. 11.
SNOWBOARDER WINS KING
SCHOOLS' SKYHAWK
Rhonda Doyle of Ridgway, Colorado, won King Schools' Future of Flight
airplane sweepstakes. The Cessna 172S Skyhawk she won includes a G1000
WAAS panel and features the GFC700 autopilot. Rhonda is a commercial
pilot who supervises the Snowboard School at Telluride Ski Resort in
Colorado. She is working toward her goal of becoming a tour pilot. To
view a short video of Rhonda picking up her new airplane, visit www.KingSchools.com/winner.
KANNAD LAUNCHES TWO
PERSONAL LOCATOR BEACONS
Kannad has launched two new Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) for light
aviation aircraft. The palm-sized XS-4 GPS and the professional handheld
XS-ER GPS offer the ability to have an ultra small PLB in your pocket.
Both the XS-4 GPS and the XS-ER GPS comply with international standards
and meet US and EU approvals and operate on the global COSPAS SARSAT
406MHz search and rescue satellite communication system, and both will
be available on March 1. Visit www.Kannad.com
to learn more.
ASA'S 2010 CATALOG IS
AVAILABLE
The 2010 Aviation Supplies & Academics, Inc. (ASA) catalog is now
available. It's filled with textbooks for pilots and aviation
maintenance technicians, test preparation books and software, FAA
handbooks, pilot supplies, and flight simulation and tutorial
software-nearly 400 products published or manufactured by ASA. Visit www.ASA2Fly.com
to request a printed catalog or download a PDF version.
WICKS OFFERS NEW
SUPERFLITE PRACTICE KITS
Superflite Practice Kits are now available from Wicks Aircraft Supply
for learning how to work with Superflite finishing materials or for
making small repairs to a fabric-covered aircraft. The kits include an
illustrated manual and DVD; a yard of Superflite fabric; a six-inch
straight needle; three yards of surface tape and an equal amount of rib
stitching cord; a glue gun; invisible gloves; a pint of adhesive; a pint
of primer base and equal amounts of primer catalyst and flex agent;
along with a quart of reducer. Order online at www.WicksAircraft.com
or call 800-221-9425.
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