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April
9, 2010 Volume 10, Number 14 |
EAA GEARING UP FOR SUN 'N
FUN 2010
 EAA
staff members and volunteers are making final preparations for the 36th
Sun 'n Fun Fly-In at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Florida, set
for next week, April 13-18. EAA will help usher in the first major
aviation event of the 2010 flying season with a bustling exhibit area;
several special events; more than 20 forum presentations by EAA staff
and representatives; and more. Read
more
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EAA PRESENCE GROWS AT
AERO FRIEDRICHSHAFEN
 Ideal
flying weather and a breathtaking view of the snow-capped Alps greeted
arriving aircraft at the 18th AERO Friedrichshafen 2010, Europe’s
largest GA-dedicated trade show that runs April 8-11. EAA, an AERO
partner, has a strong presence here, highlighted by a large exhibit in
building B3 where visitors can learn more about the organization from
EAA Oshkosh staff members and local EAA volunteers. Read
more
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SEE THE WORLD'S ONLY
PRIVATELY FLOWN HARRIER AT OSHKOSH
 Among
the many unique aircraft aviation enthusiasts get to see up close in
Oshkosh this year will be the world's only privately owned,
civilian-flyable Harrier jump jet. Its owner, retired Marine test pilot
Lt. Col. Art Nalls, EAA 689513/Warbirds 549224, plans to arrive at
Oshkosh in his BAE Sea Harrier F/A2 on Sunday before opening day, then
make several flying demonstrations throughout the week. Read
more
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INCLUDE YOUR ALTERNATE
AIRPORT, WAYPOINT ON AIRVENTURE WEBSITE
If you have a landing facility and would like to be among the alternate
airports, waypoints, FBOs, and other sites listed on the EAA AirVenture
Oshkosh website, please send us your information, including name of
business, airport, phone number, e-mail address, and any special offers
you'd like to announce. Send to webmaster@eaa.org,
and then look for it here
on the AirVenture website.
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LOPRESTI,
EAA CHAPTERS BUILDING 'FURY' KIT
 After
LoPresti Aviation's Corkey Fornof, chief pilot for the company's Fury
airplane, was asked repeatedly over the past year on the air show
circuit, "Are you ever going to kit the Fury?" the company
decided to explore the possibility. The focus of their research was
obvious, and right in their backyard: EAA chapters. Read
more
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CURTISS HELLDIVER FOUND
IN OREGON WOODS TWICE?
January Helldiver Find Confirmed in Hawaii
 The
discovery last month in the Oregon woods of the wreckage of a World War
II-era warplane has raised questions about whether this was the first
time someone has seen the wreckage. The origins of the Curtiss SB2C
Helldiver, a U.S. Navy dive bomber, are a mystery. While initial media
reports talked of this being a fresh discovery, a rather lengthy article
in the Tillamook
Headlight-Herald quotes extensively from longtime residents who
have seen the wreckage before or have heard of a crash in that area. Read
more
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JUDGE ORDERS PARTNERSHIP
FOR EPIC AIRCRAFT
'Shotgun wedding' for China Aviation, LT Builders Group
 U.S.
Bankruptcy Judge Randall Dunn will let China Aviation Industry General
Aircraft Co. Ltd., a firm owned by the Chinese government, purchase Epic
Aircraft but only if it hammers out a partnership with LT Builders Group
by Thursday (April 8). The builders group is comprised of some of the
owners of 15 aircraft still locked in the former Epic Aircraft facility
in Bend, Oregon. Read
more
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FAA ENDS BAN OF PILOTS ON
ANTIDEPRESSANTS
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced Friday it is
changing its longstanding ban on use of anti-depressants by pilots.
Beginning April 5 the FAA will consider the special issuance of a
medical certificate to pilots who are taking medication for mild to
moderate depression, conditions that now bar them from all flying
duties. Read
more
Webinar to Explain New FAA
Antidepressants Policy
Dr. Greg Pinnell, member of the EAA Aeromedical Advisory Council,
presents an EAA Webinar, Flying With Depression - The New FAA Program,
on Monday, April 12. EAA Radio's Fareed Guyot talked with Dr. Pinnell,
who says that the policy change is significant but narrow in focus. Listen
to the interview | Sign up to attend the Webinar here.
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JOIN IN AN UPCOMING EAA
WEBINAR
EAA has added several new webinars - web-based seminars - on a host of
subjects ranging from homebuilding to new aircraft offerings, medical
issues, and AirVenture 2010 updates. All you need to participate is a
computer and an Internet connection (broadband recommended). Read
more
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EAA HQ
SEEKS DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
A full-time staff position in Oshkosh is now available for an
experienced marketing director who will oversee EAA's in-house marketing
resources and support the marketing and promotions activities of the
association. Reporting to the VP of Marketing & Communications, the
position will play a key role of managing the look, feel, and voice of a
worldwide association representing a highly engaged membership united by
a common passion for flight. This position typically requires a
Bachelor's degree in Business with an emphasis in a Marketing,
Communications, Graphic Design or related field (advanced degree a
plus). Requires a minimum of 10 or more years experience. Aviation
background and knowledge of EAA preferred. For more information, visit www.eaa.org/careers/.
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ENROLL
TODAY IN EAA'S WOMEN SOAR YOU SOAR 2010
 Young women in grades 9-12 can enroll now in
the sixth annual EAA's Women Soar You Soar 2010. This unique
program introduces more than 90 young women to outstanding women in
various aviation fields, from engineers to fighter pilots. The three-day
event, July 25-27, includes activities such as flight simulation,
workshops, career exploration, and mentor sessions - with an overall
mission to engage, inspire, and educate young women to pursue their
dreams in aviation and beyond. The enrollment deadline is July 10, 2010,
or until all spaces are filled. Learn
more here, or call 800-236-1025.
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DOCUMENTARY
HIGHLIGHTS 1978 MID-AIR OVER SAN DIEGO
 On
September 25, 1978, PSA flight 182, a Boeing 727 on approach to San
Diego's Lindbergh Field, collided with a Cessna 172 in visual flight
conditions. For various reasons the PSA crew lost sight of the 172 and
overtook the aircraft from behind, hitting it with its right wing. The
collision rendered both planes uncontrollable and the ensuing crashes
killed 144 people including seven on the ground.
32 years later filmmaker
David Fresina has produced a one hour documentary, Return to Dwight
and Nile, which is named for the two streets where the 727 landed,
and explores the stories of the people affected by the accident. Fresina,
who has no ties to San Diego, talked to EAA Radio's Fareed Guyot about
the film and the crash that affected him at a very young age. Listen
to the interview.
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PROHIBITED
AIRSPACE OVER FORMER PRESIDENT'S HOME REDUCED
The size of Prohibited Area P-49, which protects the area over former
President Bush's ranch in Crawford, Texas, has been reduced at the
request of the U.S. Secret Service. The airspace is still prohibited but
has smaller dimensions and is now defined as a radius of 2 miles
centered on the president's ranch and extends from the surface to 2,000
feet above ground level. The amending of the airspace gives back to
aviators an additional mile of lateral and 3,000 feet of vertical
airspace. The entire text of the order can be viewed here.
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SOFTWARE
COULD BOOST GENERAL AVIATION ROLE IN TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
Airlines serve most regions of the country; however, passengers,
especially in smaller communities, may have to travel significant
distances to board a flight. Once on that flight, they may have to take
a circuitous route to their destination that may require considerable
ground travel again. Charter services using general aviation aircraft
have always been an option, but for various reasons they haven’t been
able to bridge the divide. Now, new software is opening up competitive
travel options to the flying public utilizing general aviation aircraft
by tying together independent charter services across the country into
one large fleet. The software allows the traveler to access this fleet
in much the same way one would purchase airline tickets online.
Read more
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ALUMINUM
OVERCAST: CALIFORNIA, HERE WE COME!
 EAA's
2010 B-17 tour featuring EAA's restored Flying Fortress Aluminum
Overcast heads to Torrence, California this weekend, April 9-11, for a
tour stop hosted by the Torrance Airfair Association. This coming week
the airplane will also visit Chino, California (April 13-14) with host
EAA Warbird Squadron 16, and next weekend it stops at Van Nuys Airport
with EAA Chapter 40. Don't miss your chance to honor this historic
aircraft! For complete tour information, or to make a flight
reservation, visit www.b17.org.
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REGISTER WITH EAA WEB
STORE AND BE ELIGIBLE FOR A GREAT PRIZE!
Free gift with all EAA merchandise orders through April 30
Visit EAA's web
store for a great selection new merchandise, including some
AirVenture 2010 items. Register now for your online account and be
automatically entered to win great prizes like a leather bomber jacket,
leather wheeled luggage, 6-inch propeller, and more.
 Save
20 Percent on Converting Auto Engines Book
Auto engine conversions are becoming more and more popular and Converting
Auto Engines explains what it takes to do it yourself and eliminate
this high costs involved. Originally $19.95, now only $15.96! For more
great deals, visit EAA's
new web store, or call 800-564-6322. Offer good through April 30.
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EAA MEMBERS DEAL OF THE WEEK
Save $25.99 on Leather Briefcase
 Tough yet stylish, this briefcase
is perfect for office or casual everyday use. Made of deep buff cowhide
with a scratch and stain-resistant coating, and fully lined with
generous interior space and organization. Click
here to find out how you can save $25.99 on this leather briefcase.
Offer good only for EAA members through April 29, 2010, or while
supplies last!
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EAA Sport Aviation Magazine
Can you help?
Join the Discussions!
Post of the Week!
When we first saw the title of Adam
Baker's post, "Hints,
Tips, Tricks, and Advice," we were expecting something about
working with composites, building wing ribs, setting pitch trim for
landing…something along those lines, anyway. Instead (and speaking of
lines) Adam gave us a thoughtful glimpse into the world of the
"line guy," a view from the other side of the ramp that a lot
of us may not have seen firsthand.
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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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Play Mistral
For Me With Three-Rotor Engine |
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The Mistral G-300 multi-fuel, electronically controlled, liquid-cooled 300-hp motor continues its testing toward FAA certification. The three-rotor G-300 ‘Wankel-type’ rotary engine is aiming to fill a niche between traditional piston engines and turbine engines. |
Heavy-duty Hummingbirds Deliver the Goods |
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The Boeing A160T Hummingbird is an unmanned helicopter that successfully demonstrated a simulated troop resupply mission. The Hummingbird hovered at 12,000 feet with a 1,250 pound sling-load and took that load on two, 150 nautical mile round trips. |
Compact Onboard Fuel Cell for Portable Electronics |
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The Toshiba Dynario appears to be the first commercially available fuel cell you can take onboard an aircraft for powering your portable electronics, per DOT rules in 2008. These fuel cells are powered by methanol, a renewable energy source, which has a much higher theoretical energy density than lithium-ion batteries. |
| Get 98 mpg with Unique Fuel Injection Technology |
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Transonic Combustion claims its ‘supercritical state’ fuel injection system for gasoline engines improves the efficiency by more than 50 percent. By heating and pressurizing the fuel before injection, the company claims to have gotten 98 miles per gallon in a test car at 50 mph. |
Christmas in April: A Gift-RAPT Seaplane |
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Tigerfish Aviation in Australia developed Retractable Amphibious Pontoon Technology (RAPT) to be used for almost any aircraft. The goal is to increase the speed and decrease fuel consumption of amphibious planes by reducing the drag penalty caused by fixed float structures. |
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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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HINTS FOR HOMEBUILDERS: TIG
WELDING AFTER MARKET PRODUCTS
 There
are many after-market products available for TIG Welding. Scott Skrjanc
of Lincoln Electric shares some of the more useful products to add to
your TIG welding rig. Scott teaches TIG Welding Workshops at AirVenture
every year. Watch
the video.
Join Scott at 7 p.m. CDT on April 8 as
he hosts a live EAA Webinar, "TIG Welding Basics."
Learn more and sign
up here.
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EAA 'TIMELESS VOICE OF
THE WEEK': GEORGE BROOKS
 George
Brooks enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force in 1942 and was called up in
March 1943. Classified as a pilot, George learned to fly P-51 Mustangs
and was sent overseas where he joined the 382nd Fighter Squadron of the
363rd Fighter Group, 9th Air Force based in France. George flew five
combat missions before being shot down during a dawn patrol near
Argentan, France on August 13, 1944. Despite an injured arm and leg, he
managed to evade capture and made his way to friendly lines. After three
weeks of recovery in a British hospital, George found that the 363rd had
been converted to a Tactical Reconnaissance Group. After bouncing around
for three months he was assigned to the 9th Weather Reconnaissance
Squadron flying Mustangs again. He finished the war with 80 weather
recon missions. Watch
the video.
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AGE AND AIRPLANE
INSURANCE…WHO DECIDES YOU'RE TOO OLD?
By Bob Mackey, representative for the EAA Aircraft Insurance Plan,
Administered by Falcon Insurance Agency
 It's
no secret that insurance companies take age into consideration when
issuing insurance policies. The thinking is that young and old insureds
represent a different risk exposure (read higher risk) than
people that aren't young or old. For example, when your teenager
gets his or her driver's license and gets added to your auto insurance
policy, you know your premium going to go up. Same for the other end of
life's spectrum - when one passes some predetermined "golden
year" their insurance premium will likely increase. Airplane
insurance behaves similarly. Read
more
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WHERE ARE YOU FLYING THIS
WEEKEND?
 EAA
Chapter 614 Spring Fly-In & Campout - Pineville Municipal Airport,
Pineville, Louisiana
One of the best fly-ins around and part of the Louisiana Fly-In
Series, the Spring Fly-In & Campout takes place this weekend,
April 9-11. Hookups for motor homes and camping sites available. For
more information visit www.eaa614.com,
or contact Nick Nicewarner, 318-452-0919.
EAA Chapter 252 Steve Wittman Birthday
Celebration Pancake Breakfast and Fly-in - Wittman Regional Airport-Main
Terminal, Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Annual pancake breakfast and fly-in to celebrate the 106th
anniversary of legendary pilot and aircraft designer S.J.
"Steve" Wittman's birth, on Saturday, April 10, 7:30-11 a.m.
Breakfast includes sausage, eggs, beverages, and all you can eat
pancakes, $6 for adults and $3 for children under 10. Fly-in or
drive-in. Pilots who arrive in a homebuilt aircraft get free breakfast.
Everyone is welcome! To learn more visit www.eaa252.org,
or contact Janet Davidson at 920-203-0046.
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 the builder of a now flying RV-4 (completed in
2001). At the time I declared the maximum takeoff
weight at 1,500 lbs, as suggested by Van's. I am now
looking at taking my airplane for a long trip and
need to increase the MTOW to 1,800 lbs or 1,900 lbs.
What is the process to accomplish this?
Answer: First
off, contact Van's aircraft to see if your mod and
increase in gross weight is a structurally sound
idea. You may need to add reinforcement structure,
etc. Once you get their opinion/ideas, and have
completed the appropriate modifications, you must
notify FAA and re-enter Phase 1 testing by logbook
entry. You will find the FAA notification
requirements, Phase 1 testing requirements, and
verbiage for the logbook entries in the Operating
Limitations document that was issued with the
airworthiness certificate for your aircraft.
Test the aircraft at
the new GW to certify that it is safe at that new GW,
and make the appropriate logbook entry - the same
that you made at the completion of the initial Phase
1 testing period, but using the new figures. In
addition, you must update your Weight and Balance
document using the new GW as well.
EAA
Desktop Calendar
CheVelocity
This month's featured calendar photo features
Bill Mulrooney's and Dan Horvath's CheVelocity - a
Velocity powered by a Chevrolet engine. Read Budd
Davisson's feature story about the airplane in the
April edition of Sport Aviation and see more
of Jim Koepnick's photos of this unique aircraft in
a photo
gallery on the EAA website.
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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GE
AVIATION TO CREATE ELECTRIC POWER R&D CENTER IN OHIO
GE Aviation will create an Electrical Power Integrated Systems Research
& Development Center (EPISCENTER) near Dayton, Ohio. The center will
be directed at several markets including on- and off-highway hybrid and
electric vehicles, more electric aircraft and marine applications. The
exact location of the center is expected to be announced by the end of
2010. GE expects EPISCENTER operations to begin in 2012. Learn
more
PLACE YOUR BIDS;
LINDBERGH FOUNDATION ONLINE AUCTION OPEN
In conjunction with the 32nd Annual Lindbergh Award Celebration, bidding
officially opened on April 6 for the Lindbergh Foundation fourth
"On-line Silent Auction." Forward Vision Systems, Inc., has
donated a complete EVS-100 System, valued at $19,000, to the Lindbergh
Foundation's 32nd Annual Award Celebration, to be auctioned as part of
the Foundation's fundraising efforts at Sun 'n Fun on April 14. Learn
more about the auction here.
CONTINENTAL ROLLS OUT
WARRANTY ENHANCEMENTS
Teledyne Continental Motors, Inc. (TCM) now offers warranty enhancements
to factory aftermarket new and rebuilt engines and TopCare cylinders.
The upgraded warranty policy went into effect on all factory new and
rebuilt aftermarket engines and TopCare cylinders shipped after April 2,
2010. The new warranty policies extend parts and labor for aftermarket
new engines for a full 24 months, and 18 months for aftermarket rebuilt
engines. Further, TCM has modified the TopCare Cylinder warranty with a
coordinated 24-month parts and labor warranty. Full details of the new
warranties are available by calling TCM Customer Service at 800-326-0089
or visiting www.GenuineContinental.aero.
MGL AVIONICS LAUNCHES
GENERATION 2 EFIS
The Generation 2 versions of MGL Avionics' Odyssey (10.4-inch) and
Voyager (8.4-inch) EFIS units are now shipping. A culmination of more
than 10 years of avionics development, the Generation 2 Odyssey and
Voyager include an upgraded internal main processor that allows the
inclusion of textured, shaded 3D terrain, as well as the display of
transparencies on the screen for better situational awareness. Learn
more at www.MGLAvionics.com.
SAVE $2,500 ON
KIT-BUILT TEXAS SPORT
American Legend Aircraft Company is offering a $2,500 discount on its
Texas Sport amateur-built aircraft kit, valid for orders placed through
the close of the Sun 'n Fun Fly-In (April 18, 2010). The Texas Sport
aircraft kit comprises four major sections; fuselage, wings, tail, and
firewall forward kits. Each kit includes all the necessary components
and hardware for complete assembly of that section. Customers who
purchase all four major sections will receive the $2,500 rebate off the
regular price of $39,900. Call 903-885-7000 or visit www.TXSport.aero
to learn more.
AVIAT AIRCRAFT OFFERS
MVP-50P ENGINE MONITORING ON HUSKY
Aviat Aircraft offers a new option to new Husky owners with the MVP-50P
engine monitoring system. The system, which is TSO'd, offers a range of
information on engine performance. Priced at $5,995, it provides digital
and analog images of manifold pressure and RPM settings, in addition to
numerical readings of fuel flow, fuel pressure, oil pressure, oil
temperature, fuel left and fuel reserve, vacuum, volts and amps. It also
updates EGT, CHT, OAT (in Fahrenheit and Celsius). Learn more at www.AviatAircraft.com
or call 307-885-3151.
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