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April 23, 2010 Volume 10, Number
16
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DICK VANGRUNSVEN VISITS OSHKOSH,
PRESENTS RV-12 WEBINAR
 Dick
VanGrunsven, founder of Van's Aircraft and designer of the Van's RV
line of homebuilts, was in Oshkosh this week and gave an EAA Webinar presentation Wednesday evening about the RV-12
light-sport aircraft kit plane. Van talked
with EAA Radio's Fareed Guyot about the aviation industry, the RV-12,
and another project he hasn't quite finished. Listen
to the interview | Watch
the webinar
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REGISTER FOR UPCOMING EAA WEBINARS
EAA line-up of Webinars (web-based seminars) continues to gain popularity
- this week Dick Van Grunsven’s RV-12 presentation had a record 501 attendees! The hour-long presentations feature expert presenters on a variety of aviation topics. Several of these are of particular interest to homebuilders and registration is now open, free of charge for EAA members:
Click on the link to register or to see more details.
All presentations begin at 7 p.m. CT and will last about an hour. Presenters will use slides and audio, and audience members can ask questions or be polled for their opinion.
More Webinars for Homebuilders will be scheduled in the coming weeks. To view a complete and up-to-date list of all EAA Webinars, visit webinars page.
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SUN 'N FUN 2010:
ENTHUSIASM UNDAMPENED
 Amid
reports of brisk business from vendors, more aircraft attending than a
year ago, and the overall safety of the 36th annual event, Sun ’n Fun
International Fly-In and Expo President John Burton remarked on closing
day, “Overall we’ve had a great fly-in.”…despite a rainy,
drizzling end to the six-day event. Read
more
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VERTICAL POWER MAKES
WIRING EASIER
 Vertical
Power introduced its VP-X system at Sun 'n Fun 2010. The VP-X uses
electronic circuit breakers (ECBs) to simplify wiring and provide
advanced electrical system capabilities. The VP-X integrates with
Advanced Flight Systems, GRT Avionics, and MGL Avionics EFIS products,
allowing pilots to monitor the status of individual devices and the
entire electrical system right from the electronic flight information
system (EFIS). Avionics, lights, trim, and flaps can all be controlled
using standard switches and the EFIS. The VP-X is for use with
experimental and light sport aircraft. Read
more
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KR-2S
KITS RETURN!
 KR-2S
kits are now available from a new company that's taken over kit
production from Rand Robinson, though plans still remain available
through the original company. nV Aerospace LLC announced at Sun 'n Fun
2010 it has acquired the rights to produce parts and kits for the
popular design first introduced in 1972 by Ken Rand.
nV Aerospace offers a fast-build kit,
including pre-molded parts and components from a manufacturing facility
in Corona, California. For more information, visit www.nVAero.com
or call 800-515-4811.
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NEW MEMBER BENEFIT: FREE
ADMISSION TO HUNDREDS OF GREAT MUSEUMS
In addition to the annual pass to EAA's AirVenture Museum, EAA members
now gain free admission to more than 300 museums throughout the world.
To provide this new member benefit, EAA joined the Association of
Science-Technology Centers and is now a member of the group's Passport
Program.
Beginning May 1, 2010, your EAA
membership includes a "passport" to such renowned facilities
as Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry; the Intrepid Sea, Air &
Space Museum in New York; or London's National Museum of Science and
Industry. See the complete list
here, plus look for a special insert in the May issue of Sport
Aviation.
Some restrictions apply. Most
participating museums allow free admission to two adults and all
children living in the household under age 18.
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EAA
HEADQUARTERS WELCOMES BOARD MEMBERS, COUNCILS, LEADERS
This week EAA welcomes the Board of
Directors for the annual Spring Meetings. At the Board of Director's
Banquet Thursday evening, EAA will honor several retiring directors with
Emeritus status. They are Mike Dale, Mal Gross, David Pasahow, Vern
Raburn, Bob Reece, and Lynda Sands-Moerschbaecher. Along with the EAA
Board, EAA Warbirds of America and the Vintage Aircraft Association
boards are also meeting, along with EAA's Homebuilt Aircraft and
Canadian councils.
EAA also welcomed several aviation
industry leaders, including Nicolas Chabbert (Socata); Kevin Gould
(Piper); Gary Kelley (Garmin); Mac McClellan (Flying Magazine); Grant
Norwitz (Rotorway); Tom Peghiny (Flight Design); Jack Pelton (Cessna);
Hal Shevers (Sporty's); Craig Sincock (Avfuel); Dick VanGrunsven (Van's
Aircraft); Mark Van Tine (Jeppesen); Rob Wilson (Honeywell); and John
Uczekaj (Aspen Avionics).
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CONGRESS
INTRODUCES RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING 'NATIONAL LEARN TO FLY DAY'
Congressmen Allen Boyd (D-Fla.) introduced a resolution co-sponsored by
Vern Ehlers (R-MI) in to the U.S. House of Representatives on April 21
to create "National Learn to Fly Day." Boyd and Ehlers are
co-chairs of the House General Aviation Caucus.
House
Resolution 1284 supports "the goals and ideals of National
Learn to Fly Day" noting that "since the birth of flight,
aviation has had a tremendous impact on the imagination, innovation, and
economy of the United States." Many of this country's heroes have
been pilots-but "every one of these individuals had to learn to fly
before they could achieve their greatness," and that "flight
brings joy, inspiration, and a sense of accomplishment to those who fly
for recreation and pleasure." It also praises "the
contributions of flight instructors, flight schools, aviation groups,
and industry in promoting and teaching the Nation's next generation of
pilots." Read
more
EAA
CHAPTERS, AIRPORTS PRIMED FOR INTERNATIONAL LEARN TO FLY DAY
 The
first International Learn to Fly Day - an open house for aviation - is
gaining momentum as we approach Saturday, May 15. The latest count of
scheduled aviation events across the country is approaching 300 as EAA
chapters, airports, flight schools, and others attempt to introduce the
earth-bound public to the wonder of flight. Read
more
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VOLCANO
DELAYS OVERSEAS DELIVERIES OF SPORT AVIATION
Read the digital edition on Oshkosh365
 As
passenger and cargo flights in Europe resume in the wake of Iceland's
volcanic eruption, it could be weeks before the mail backlog is
delivered to homes in areas affected by the ash plume. That will mean a
delivery delay of the May issue for many European EAAers who subscribe
to EAA Sport Aviation. We hope it gets to you before too long,
but in the mean time you can read the digital version online right now.
Simply log onto www.Oshkosh365.org
and click on the Members Only button located on the top right bar. Then
click on the magazine icon to retrieve the May issue, along with the
archived back issues.
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GENERAL
AVIATION INDUSTRY PREPARES FOR AN UNLEADED FUTURE
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has formally begun the
regulatory process required by the Clean Air Act that may ultimately
result in standards mandating the industry’s transition to unleaded
aviation gasoline (avgas). The EPA has issued an advance notice of
proposed rulemaking (ANPR) which is a key opportunity for the general
aviation (GA) community to provide comment regarding this possible new
environmental standard and into the development of a plan for
identifying, evaluating, and ultimately transitioning to an unleaded
fuel. This is particularly important given the technical complexity and
safety implications of removing lead from aviation gasoline since there
is not a high-octane replacement unleaded avgas available today that
meets the requirements of the entire GA fleet. Read
more
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WAYWARD
SATELLITE WILL AFFECT WAAS COVERAGE
 Intelsat
is having trouble controlling its Galaxy XV satellite and has notified
the FAA that it will stop broadcasting Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS)
signals in the next few weeks. The Intelsat Galaxy XV is one of the
geostationary satellites (GEO) that broadcasts the WAAS signal in space.
For WAAS users, there is no immediate impact to service; but over the
next few weeks, the Intelsat GEO will drift out of its current orbit
position, ultimately requiring the GEO broadcast to be discontinued. Read
more
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 DOWNLOAD
YOUR AIRVENTURE NOTAM
We're about three
months away from AirVenture 2010 opening day, and the
first step for any pilot planning that unforgettable
flight to Oshkosh is studying the FAA's Oshkosh NOTAM.
We're pleased to report that document is available today
in electronic format, ready for download
here. The NOTAM covers air traffic procedures that
are in effect from 6 a.m. CDT July 23 to Noon CDT August
2, 2010. We cannot overemphasize this point for
AirVenture-bound pilots: THIS IS ESSENTIAL READING! Read more |
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SHARE
YOUR DC-3 MEMORIES AT AIRVENTURE
 We're looking for a few good…stories! As part of EAA
AirVenture Oshkosh's DC-3
75th Anniversary Celebration we're in need of people
who would like to present their stories at the Forums
plaza and Museum Speaker showcases during AirVenture the
week of July 26-August 1.
Do you have a
story about flying the DC-3? Owning and maintaining? Were
you a glider pilot or paratrooper as part of a C-47
operation? Do you have some historical insight on the
DC-3, or perhaps authored a book about the DC-3? We'd like
to hear from you. If you're interested in sharing your
story, contact Mark Forss, EAA forums coordinator, for
complete details. You can reach Mark at 920-426-6588 or
email him at mforss@eaa.org.
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CANADIAN RV-8 PRAISED FOR GOLDEN HAWK PAINT SCHEME
 Kevin
Horton, EAA 368058, of Greely, Ontario, Canada, recently finished
reassembling his RV-8 after it went to the paint shop. Normally that’s
not breaking news; however Kevin selected a rather stunning paint job
that is sure to turn heads when he brings it to AirVenture 2010 this
summer. Read
more
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GROUNDED
EURO AIRLINER TRAFFIC ALLOWS GA TO FLY IN RARE PLACES
 Sport
Aviation technology columnist Max Trescott was one of the many
travelers who had lots of time on their hands while waiting for the
volcanic ash cloud over Europe to dissipate. Max was visiting Ireland
and the airspace shutdown affecting commercial operations did not
severely affect the lower-flying general aviation aircraft. This
afforded him the opportunity to ride along with some friends in a Cessna
180 and get some rare views of Dublin International Airport during a few
low passes. Read
Max's blog here.
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FLIGHT
TEST PIT CREW KEEPS DREAMLINER AND 747-8 PROGRAM ON TRACK
Grant County International Airport in Moses Lake, Washington, is one of
the biggest landing facilities in the United States., covering 4,700
acres with five runways. Once the former Larson Air Force Base, one of
its runways is 13,500 feet long and 200 feet wide. It's an alternate
landing site for NASA's Space Shuttle, which gives you a sense of its
scale. But Grant County isn't very busy, and that makes it perfect for
test flying big jets like Boeing's 787 and new 747-8. Watch
the video on Oshkosh365
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ALUMINUM
OVERCAST CONTINUES TOUR IN CALIFORNIA
 The
EAA B-17 Tour featuring Aluminum Overcast continues this weekend,
April 23-25, in Santa Barbara, California, with EAA Chapter 527 serving
as host. The restored Flying Fortress heads to Bakersfield next week,
April 27-28, at Epic Jet Center before EAA Vintage Chapter 20 welcomes
the airplane to Hayward next weekend, April 30-May 2. For complete tour
information, or to make a flight reservation, visit www.b17.org.
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RESERVE YOUR SPOT FOR
EAA'S B-17 FANTASY FLIGHT CAMP - NOW 3 DAYS!
At the weekend B-17 Fantasy Flight Camp (December 2-5 , 2010), you will
get up close and personal for three days with one of the most famous
airplanes of World War II - including a 20-minute flight experience!
Schedule - Thursday: Arrival and Tour of B-17. Friday: Maintenance and
Fireside Chat. Saturday: History, Systems, Ground School, and Ball
Turret Demo. Saturday: Fly! Space is limited - secure your spot today.
Click here for more information. Click
here for more information.
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EAA MERCHANDISE: SAVE UP
TO 20% ON GIFTS FOR MOM!
 Mother’s
Day is only 2 weeks away! Show her how much you care with a stunning
piece of aviation
jewelry. This gold-plated heart necklace and earrings set will  remind
her how much you love her every day. Golfer moms everywhere will love
this Swingflex shirt
made just for women. It flexes with you through your full golf swing and
is made with UV protection fabric. Visit the EAA
web store for more great deals on gifts for Mom. Offer good through
April 30, 2010.
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EAA MEMBERS DEAL OF THE WEEK
Save $20.00 on From the Ground Up DVD
Set
 EAA,
in conjunction with Discovery Channel International, presents all 13
episodes of the television series From the Ground Up on 3 DVDs. This set
gives you the behind-the-scenes tips and tricks of the trade using an
RV-8 kit as an example. It’s TV's first how-to aviation program.
Originally priced at $59.99. Member Sale Price $39.99. Click
here to find out how you can save $20 on this set.
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EAA Sport Aviation
Magazine
Can you help?
Join the Discussions!
Post of the Week!
Sometimes we give the hardly coveted PoTW
nod to acknowledge the person who makes the post, but this week, we
honor the post itself as our own Hal Bryan graciously presents the award
to…himself. This recently
unearthed color home movie of four friends building an airplane in
1948 unquestionably deserves special recognition, no matter who
submitted it! In fact, we liked it so much it's also this week's
featured multimedia offering (see above).
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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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Front Electric Sustainer for Maximum Gliding |
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A father-and-son team from Slovenia developed the Front Electric Sustainer, designed to extend the flight time for sailplanes while keeping the operation simple and allowing retrofits on existing aircraft. The one-meter-diameter blades give a climb rate of 1.5 meters/second. |
Efficient Engines: DA42 Diesels Don’t Drink Much |
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Recently certified by the FAA, Diamond Aircraft’s DA42 NG diesel engines only need five gallons of Jet-A per hour per engine to cruise at 152 knots. The DA42 uses 30 percent more fuel at the same speed when using the standard 180-hp avgas engines. |
Stationary Flying on the SkyFlyer |
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The SkyFlyer from Lindstrand AeroPlatforms, a cross between a balloon and an airship, is designed to ‘fly’ in winds up to 40 knots. It will be tethered to the ground and 16 passengers at a time will be reeled from the ground up to 390-feet in an open gondola. |
Pirates Will Treasure the Privateer |
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Designed by a pilot who couldn’t find an amphibian aircraft with all the features he wanted, the Privateer’s first flight is targeted for this year. John Meekins’ Privateer is a six-place aircraft projected to achieve 215 knots with a 1,000-mile range, while still having a very low center of gravity, his top design requirement. |
Army Shifting To Unmanned Aircraft |
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The army recently rolled out its aviation plans for the next 25 years. In addition to UAVs doing surveillance and communications relay missions, this roadmap indicates unmanned aircraft will also fly nearly all missions for attack, armed reconnaissance, and cargo re-supply by 2035. |
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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: ELT
INSTALLATION AND TESTING
 Most
homebuilts require an ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter). Dick Koehler
reviews how to install and what to check during your annual condition
inspection. Dick is a Technical Counselor for Chapter 186, an A&P
aircraft mechanic with Inspection Authorization (IA), and SportAir
Workshop instructor. Watch
the video.
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EAA 'TIMELESS VOICE OF
THE WEEK': LES EASH
 Les
Eash worked as a mechanical engineer for the McDonnell Aircraft Company,
which became McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing). One of his first major
assignments, and perhaps the most interesting, was working on the
development and testing of the McDonnell XF-85 Goblin. The XF-85 was a
design conceived during the later years of World War II. With the advent
of practical aerial refueling and extremely long range aircraft still on
the horizon; the idea was for a small fighter that could be carried in a
bay of a bomber and released when enemy aircraft were near, then
recovered into the bay after fending off the enemy. The Goblin was
designed to meet the USAF requirements and two prototypes were ordered
in March 1947. Les was not only involved in the design and development
of the XF-85; he was also involved in the design and development of the
B-29 “mothership” that carried the Goblin in lieu of a B-36 for
which it was being designed. This interview includes color footage of
the XF-85 during testing that Les provided. Watch
the video.
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Where
Are You Flying This Weekend?
There are 45
fly-ins and events this weekend in the EAA
Events Calendar. Find one near you or add your event! |
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Q
& A:
Question of
the Week
For EAA
Information Services
What is the rule for VFR aircraft determining the
allowable minimum distance one must fly from a
nuclear power plant?
Answer: There
are no regulations at this time regarding a minimum
allowable distance from a nuclear power plant. The
FAA does have a standing NOTAM (FDC 4/0811) that
does pertain to flying in the vicinity, which
states: "Pilots are strongly advised to avoid
the airspace above, or in proximity to such sites as
power plants (nuclear, hydro-electric, or coal),
dams, refineries, industrial complexes, military
facilities and other similar facilities. Pilots
should not circle as to loiter in the vicinity over
these types of facilities."
The FAA also provides
useful information about TFRs and other restrictions
in this
article.
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.
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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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ABLE
FLIGHT ANNOUNCES SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Heather Schultz and Chris Spaur have been selected as the 2010
recipients of the Able Flight-Purdue University flight training program.
Heather and Chris will travel to Indiana in June to fly a specially
adapted Sky Arrow 600 light-sport aircraft. The aircraft is provided by
Philly Sport Pilot, a flight school operated by Able Flight pilot Sean
O'Donnell. Able Flight, a national nonprofit organization that provides
flight and career training opportunities for people with physical
disabilities, has awarded 28 scholarships since 2006. For more
information, visit www.AbleFlight.org
ULTRA-PROP AND
BROLGA SPINNERS NOW AVAILABLE
A new Spinner Kit for Ultra-Prop and Brolga propellers is now available
from Competition Aircraft. Production of this spinner was suspended in
2002 after some 20,000 parts had been produced. The new spinner kit,
including the mounting bracket and hardware, is approved for both
tractor and pusher installations on the Ultra-Prop and Australian-based
Brolga propellers. Visit www.CompetitionAircraft.com
to learn more.
BARCELONA TEAM
ENTERS GOOGLE LUNAR X PRIZE COMPETITION
Barcelona Moon Team, a multidisciplinary joint venture bringing together
Spanish entrepreneurial, industrial, and academic capabilities, has
officially entered into the Google Lunar X PRIZE - a $30 million
competition that challenges space professionals and engineers to build
and launch to the moon a privately funded spacecraft capable of
completing a series of exploration and transmission tasks. Barcelona
Moon Team, headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, is among the 21 teams from
11 countries that are vying for their share of the $30 million prize
purse. The Barcelona Moon Team is the first Spain-based team to enter
the competition. For more information about the Google Lunar X PRIZE,
visit www.GoogleLunarXprize.org.
HARTZELL
INTRODUCES ADVANCED-COMPOSITE AEROBATIC PROP
Hartzell Propeller Inc. has developed an advanced structural composite
propeller for aerobatic aircraft using its proprietary ASC-II
technology. The new Claw 2.0 propeller has recently achieved FAA type
certification, meeting all of the propeller certification requirements.
The original 'Claw' and the new Claw 2.0 are the only certified advanced
composite propellers available for aerobatic use. The propeller has not
yet been STC'd on the aircraft; however Hartzell is making the Claw 2.0
propeller available now for Extra 300/330 series aircraft flying in the
experimental category. To learn more, visit www.HartzellProp.com.
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