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April 30, 2010 Volume 10, Number
17
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CONGESTED
AREA?
Yes, according to a recent
court ruling
 George
Folk, EAA 620436, and his son Timothy operate an aerial spraying
business from their Martinsburg, West Virginia farm. In 2006
Federal Aviation Administration Inspector George Cooper Towers informed
the Folks of complaints from neighbors about low flying, and warned that
they must submit a "congested area plan" before flying over
any congested area. When the Folks asked what the term "congested
area" meant, Towers responded that no precise definition existed.
He explained, however, that "a group of…as few as two or three
houses . . . may be considered congested." Read
more
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SPORT
AVIATION WINS THREE DESIGN AWARDS
 Association
& Media Publishing announced the winners of its annual EXCEL awards
this week, honoring "the best and brightest in association media
and publishing." On the list was EAA Sport Aviation, taking
three awards for the redesign work done by Bates Creative Group earlier
this year. The 175 award winners represented 91 non-profit organizations
and associations and were selected from nearly 1,000 entries.
Sport Aviation was
recognized with gold awards for Redesign and Design Excellence, along
with a silver award for Most Improved. Recipients will be recognized at
the 30th Annual EXCEL Awards Gala on Monday, June 14, 2010, in
Washington D.C.
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SIGN UP FOR SPRAY
PAINTING WEBINAR
EAA line-up of Webinars (web-based seminars) continues to gain popularity.
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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PIONEER
AIRPORT OPENS FOR THE SEASON THIS WEEKEND
 EAA's
authentic re-creation of a 1930s aerodrome, Pioneer Airport, opens this
weekend, with EAA's fleet of flying vintage airplanes including the 1929
Ford Tri-Motor, 1929 Travel Air E-4000, 1927 Swallow, as well as a 1956
Bell 47 helicopter. More than 50 vintage airplanes are on display in
seven period hangars that will take you back to aviation's "Golden
Age" of the 1920s and 30s. Younger visitors can enjoy a play area
with swings and pedal planes, and for kids between ages 8 and 17, a free
Young Eagles airplane flight may be available. Pioneer Airport is
operational every weekend until mid-October, and daily from Memorial Day
through Labor Day. To learn more, visit www.pioneerairport.org.
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INTERVIEW:
SOLAR IMPULSE CEO ANDRE BORSCHBERG
 The
Solar Impulse HB-SIA made its first flight in early April, marking the
next stage of an ambitious quest to fly the plane around the world. EAA
Radio's Digital Dave talked recently with project CEO André Borschberg
about the first flight of the aircraft, intended to demonstrate how
existing technologies can be used to employ renewable energy and save
natural resources. Listen
to the interview
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NTSB
TO HOLD FORUM ON COCKPIT DISTRACTIONS, PROFESSIONALISM
Several recent high-profile accidents and incidents involving distracted
pilots and air traffic controllers have brought increased scrutiny from
the FAA and the NTSB. The FAA issued an InFO letter this week to
commercial operators emphasizing the role that Personal Electronic
Devices have played in recent distraction incidents such as the
Northwest Airlines flight that overflew its destination in February. Read
more
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MICHAEL
COMBS' 50-STATE ODYSSEY CONTINUES
 Novice
sport pilot Michael Combs in on his way to complete his dream of flying
in all 50 states in his Remos GX light sport aircraft. Seldom has a new
pilot still fresh out of training had the chance to test and practice
all of his skills so thoroughly. He is discovering every day all the
little problems that veteran pilots know can occur when flying
cross-country. Read
more
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BUILDAPLANE
TO SPONSOR AIRVENTURE TEACHERS' DAY
BuildAPlane, in cooperation with GAMA and EAA, returns as a sponsor of
Teacher's Day, July 26, during AirVenture Oshkosh 2010. The event
exposes teachers to a variety of programs and curricula that allow
educators to put aviation in classrooms, from kindergarten through high
school grades. Read more
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MAKING
SUMMER TRAVEL PLANS? DON'T FORGET YOUR EAA PASSPORT!
 The
EAA Museum Passport Program begins this Saturday, May 1. In partnership
with the Association of Science-Technology Museums (ASTC) and over 300
museums around the world, your EAA membership now provides you with free
admission to participating museums. Read
more
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HARRISON
FORD SPEAKS TO GA CAUCUS MEMBERS
 At
an event co-hosted this week by EAA and four other aviation
organizations, actor, pilot, and aviation advocate Harrison Ford talked
of general aviation’s vital importance before members and staff of the
House and Senate General Aviation Caucuses. Ford, who served as EAA’s
Chairman of the Young Eagles program for six years, is now serving as
spokesman for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Associations' (AOPA)
General Aviation Serves America campaign. Read
more
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EIGHTY-NINE
YEARS DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PILOT AND PASSENGER
 Terry
Lutz, longtime EAA member and one of the pilots who flew the Airbus
A-380 to Oshkosh last year, sent us this story about a newly
certificated private pilot in France who took a very special passenger
up on her first-ever flight. Terry writes: "A story that I just
heard about…a new private pilot, Maxime Langlois, age 17, took a
senior citizen, Maria Vidal, up for her first flight at age 106. The
difference in age between pilot and passenger is 89 years, and to really
put it in perspective, she was born just one year after the first flight
of the Wright Brothers! I have decided, in recognition of this flight,
to provide Maxime with an EAA membership." The event was featured
on this
French website.
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FAA
FUNDING BILL EXTENDED ONCE AGAIN
The Senate and House are not expected to complete agreement on
reauthorization of the FAA before the temporary extension expires April
30, so Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.), chairman of the House Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure, introduced legislation Wednesday to
again extend FAA operations and programs through July 3, 2010. Read
more
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ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT
ADVANCES SHOWCASED AT CAFE SYMPOSIUM
The CAFE Foundation's fourth annual Electric Aircraft Symposium last
weekend in Santa Rosa, California, showed evidence that electric
propulsion continues evolve. Several hundred participants gathered for a
series of discussions and presentations on issues surrounding electric
aircraft (both fixed-wing and rotor). The gathering also addressed the
overall role of electric-powered vehicles in the future energy picture
which may have implications ranging far beyond those of aircraft alone. Read
more
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 FINAL
WEEKEND SCHEDULE IS SPECTACULAR FINALE TO EAA AIRVENTURE
OSHKOSH 2010
Nonstop activities
Friday through Sunday, July 30-August 1
Airplanes, fireworks and entertainment will be part of
the action as a full week of “The World’s Greatest
Aviation Celebration” reaches a spectacular finale
during the final three days of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
2010, which will be held July 26-August 1 at Wittman
Regional Airport in Oshkosh.
Among the highlights of
the final three days at Oshkosh on July 30-August 1 are:
Warbird extravaganzas during the Friday and Saturday air
shows; a rare night air show; a special “Salute to
Veterans” reunion day with the Disabled American
Veterans; the “WomenVenture” recognition to women
pilots; a morning balloon launch; musical entertainment
from actor Gary Sinise’s Lt. Dan Band and the
legendary Asleep At The Wheel; an impressive fireworks
display; and much more included with regular AirVenture
admission rates. Read more |
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BROWN ARCH BRICK
NOMINATIONS OPEN AT OSHKOSH365
 This
year EAA is honoring six members who have made significant
contributions to AirVenture and recreational/sport aviation with
a complimentary brick at the Brown Arch. One brick will be
placed and its owner recognized each day of AirVenture starting
at noon at the Brown Arch. If you know of someone who should
share in this special recognition, please visit the AirVenture
forum at Oshkosh365
and enter the name or names of people you think deserve this
honor. EAA Chapter leaders will be receiving a letter shortly
with more detailed information.
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ALUMINUM
OVERCAST VISITS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
 The
EAA B-17 Tour featuring Aluminum Overcast continues in California
this weekend, April 30-May 2, in Hayward with EAA Vintage Chapter 20
serving as host. The restored Flying Fortress heads to Watsonville next
week, May 4-5, hosted by EAA Chapter 119, then it's on to Napa for a May
7-9 tour stop hosted by EAA Chapter 167. For complete tour information,
or to make a flight reservation, visit www.b17.org.
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SIGN UP FOR EAA YOUNG EAGLES CAMP
The EAA Young Eagles Camp introduces ages 12-13 to the wondrous world of
aviation. Small group activities and close counselor relationships
present aviation material through a unique combination of fun and
discovery in a science camp format. Session 1 is June 14-18, and there
are several spots still open. Session 2, June 20-24, is filling up so
visit www.airacademy.org today
to download your application.
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ENROLL NOW FOR EAA'S
WOMEN SOAR YOU SOAR 2010
Young women in grades 9-12 can
enroll now in EAA's Women Soar You Soar 2010. This unique
program, now in its sixth year, introduces young women to more than 20
outstanding women working in a variety of aviation and aerospace 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, or until all spaces are
filled. To find out more about Women Soar You Soar 2010, click
here or call 800-236-1025.
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EAA MERCHANDISE: SAVE $5 ON EAA
SHEET METAL BUILDING BASICS BOOK
 For
one week only, save $5 on the book, Sheet Metal Building Basics, written
by longtime builder and EAA SportAir Workshops instructor Jack Dueck.
This book is the newest addition to EAA's continuing "how-to"
series of educational materials for building your own aircraft. You'll
find the fundamentals that everyone starting a sheet metal project
should know, plus advanced material on stress and fatigue. Find more
savings on how-to books at EAA's web store. Click
here to order, or call toll-free 800-564-6322. Offer good through
May 6, 2010.
Attention: Friday, April 30, 2010,
is your last day to register at EAA's
web store for a chance to win great prizes and the last day to
receive a free gift with purchase!
Shop now and save 50 percent on
standard shipping costs!
Offer applies to standard domestic shipping only, and excludes
orders shipped express and express plus. (Offer also excludes 4-ft and
6-ft wooden propellers.) International orders receive 30 percent off
shipping costs. Offer good through May 15, 2010.
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EAA MEMBERS DEAL OF THE WEEK
Save $59.99 on Aviation DVD Set
 Featuring
24 complete DVDs (five sets), this is the largest collection of aviation
history ever on DVD! Set 1: Classic Aviation; Set 2: World War II; Set
3: America’s Fighting Jets; Set 4: Fighter Pilots; Set 5: Advanced
fighter aircraft and the United States government’s Military Stealth
program. Approx. 23 hours. Originally $109.99, Member Sale Price $50.00.
Click here to find out how you can
save $59.99 on this DVD set.
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EAA
MEMBERS SAVE WITH HERTZ
 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
Can you help?
Join the Discussions!
Post of the Week!
One of the most enjoyable things about
making the rules is breaking them, or at least changing them on a whim.
This part of the newsletter has, for the past several months,
highlighted forum posts from Oshkosh365. However, the idea of Oshkosh365
- keeping the spirit of AirVenture alive 365 days a year - goes far
beyond any single website. This week, then, the post of the week can be
found in one of our other online communities: Facebook. Specifically, on
the International
Aerobatic Club's page where manager Trish Deimer posted some great
pictures of the construction of the Vicki Cruse Educational Pavilion.
It's more than just a preview of work-in-progress on the AirVenture
grounds…it's a snapshot of a community building a legacy, and
celebrating the life of a dear lost friend.
(Note: you don't need to sign in to
Facebook or even have an account to view the pictures and the
discussion.)
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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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X-37B Secret Space Plane Launched; Return Unknown |
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Although the US Air Force announced the launch of its 29-foot long X-37B space plane, the announcement didn’t say much about its capabilities and objectives in space. The X-37B is designed to stay in space up to nine months. A USAF representative said, “In all honesty, we don’t know when it’s coming back for sure.” |
Freenox Engine Handles Volcanic Ash and Birds |
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Aero Engineering Company in Spain has designed an aircraft engine they say is completely immune to volcanic ash, sand, and large birds. The Freenox engine has a “secondary mechanism that prevents the air needed to propel the aircraft passing through the compressor, combustor, and turbines” which means foreign debris doesn’t affect the propulsion system. |
Néphélios, the Solar Airship |
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The Néphélios, a 22-meter long solar-powered airship, had a one-hour flight in April. Built by a team of French students, the modern-day airship is scheduled to cross the English Channel this summer. |
F/A-18 and the US Navy’s Great Green Fleet |
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An F/A-18 Super Hornet recently flew on a 50/50 biofuel mix. This alternative jet fuel capability is part of the U.S. Navy’s ‘fuel security’ Great Green Fleet program to reduce dependency on petroleum fuels from ‘volatile’ regions of the world. |
Learning to Fly from Locusts |
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Nature’s flying creatures are teaching aeronautical engineers new design lessons for building micro-aircraft. Locusts are efficient flyers that go long distances on very little ‘fuel,’ and wind tunnel tests are helping researchers understand how the locust’s wings function. |
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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: HOW
TO TEST YOUR MOGAS FOR ALCOHOL
 Joe
Norris demonstrates the “phase separation” test to determine if your
fuel contains alcohol (ethanol).
Watch
the video.
Bonus Hint: Hot Glue Gun for Jigging
Mark Forss shows how to use a hot glue gun
as a temporary jig. Mark is an EAA staff member
who coordinates the EAA SportAir Workshops. Watch
the video
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EAA 'TIMELESS VOICE OF
THE WEEK': JOE GRANT
 Joe
Grant, who attended EAA AirVenture Oshkosh last summer to help debut the
book, King
Abdulaziz...His Plane and His Pilot, passed away on Tuesday at
the age of 102 at his home in Stamford, Connecticut. Grant was the chief
pilot for the King, flying a DC-3 for the Saudi Royal family in the
1940s. The airplane was a gift to the Saudis from President Roosevelt
and served as the foundation for the Saudis' first airline, which was an
important step towards modernizing the country. Joe appeared on
AeroShell Square last year with Prince Sultan bin Salman, the grandson
of King Abdulaziz, and Delano Roosevelt, FDR's grandson, where he was
presented with a lifetime achievement award for his career in aviation.
Joe is this week's Timeless Voice of the Week, originally featured last
September. Grant also told his story in an evening program at Theater in
the Woods. Listen
to the program from the EAA Radio vault.
Watch
the video.
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Where
Are You Flying This Weekend?
There are 64
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
I have two
questions regarding LSA (light-sport aircraft):
1. Is a 1976 Cessna
150 with a 100 hp engine, eligible as an LSA?
2. Can my CFI (who is
rated CFI SEL) qualify me (prepare me for written
and practical tests) for a Sport Pilot certificate?
Answer: We
still receive (on a weekly basis) questions about
whether the older model Cessna two-seaters like the
150 qualify under the LSA rules. The answer is a
resounding NO - none of the previously manufactured
Cessna two-place aircraft models (120s, 140s, 150s,
or 152s) qualify as light-sport aircraft. Cessna has
delivered one of its new LSA models, the C-162
Skycatcher, and expects to ramp up deliveries more
this year.
Your second question:
Yes, your CFI is qualified to do all the training
necessary for you to qualify to take both the
written and practical tests to obtain your Sport
Pilot Certificate. Good luck!
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
Pitcairn Mailwing
EAA's restored Pitcairn Mailwing, NC95W, flies over
Wisconsin countryside, taken by EAA photographer
Bonnie Kratz. The biplane is one of EAA’s vintage
aircraft based at Pioneer Airport, which opens for
the summer flying season on May 1.
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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PHILLIPS
66 SUPPORTS MEDICAL COMPASSION FLIGHTS
Phillips 66 Aviation now offers a fuel rebate for thousands of volunteer
piston pilots who fly seriously ill children and adults to critically
needed medical care. Demand for medical mission flights is increasing,
but costs are keeping some pilots from flying as much. Phillips
66 hopes the program will encourage pilots to take that extra,
needed Angel Flight mission. Initially the program will support two
Angel Flight organizations on the East Coast, but the company hopes to
expand the program. Compassion Flight rebates start on June 1, 2010. For
more information, contact Angel Flight Northeast at 978-794-6868, or
visit www.AngelFlightNE.org;
Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic, 800-296-3797, www.AngelFlightMidAtlantic.org;
Airlift Hope America, 800-325-8908, www.AirliftHope.org.
REMOS: 'NEW
INVESTMENT FOR GLOBAL EXPANSION'
Remos Aircraft has finalized a corporate expansion program to roll out
its global market strategy, the company announced this week. "With
this new investment program, Remos Aircraft is now positioned to
capitalize on its strengths in German precision engineering within the
rapidly expanding LSA (light-sport aircraft) market," said Michael
Bauer, chairman of the board for Remos Aircraft Group. "Now we plan
to strengthen our position by implementing a strategic program targeted
towards the recreational pilot."
Remos also announced the appointment of
Edward Roberto as CEO of the Remos Aircraft Group. Roberto will focus on
the company's core business management and the continued expansion of
Remos in the LSA marketplace. For more information, visit www.Remos.com
or call 877-736-6788.
POTENTIAL USE IN
AIRCRAFT FOR NASA SENSOR TECHNOLOGY
NASA-developed wireless sensor technology is giving recreational boat
owners safer and more accurate readings of how much fuel is in their
tanks. The NASA-developed magnetic measuring system also has potential
use in planes, trains, and automobiles. The wireless fluid-level
measurement system eliminates the need for any electrical component or
circuit to be in contact with combustible fuel or fuel vapors. The
wireless measurement system is simple to use and install and is already
in use by commercial and recreational boaters.
Originally developed by NASA to retrofit
aging aircraft with safety equipment, the technology is a spin-off for
designing and using sensors without the shortcomings of many commonly
used liquid storage measurement systems. The system allows the sensors
to be completely enclosed so the fuel level can be measured without
contacting electrical components, eliminating the potential for fires
resulting from combustible fuel vapors being ignited by arcing from
damaged or exposed electrical wires or panels. Another important aspect
of the wireless fuel-level sensor system is the design can be modified
to detect water and other non-fuel liquid contaminants in a tank. Click
here for more information.
ACE AIRCRAFT
WEBSITE REDESIGNED
Ace Aircraft, Inc., has completely redesigned its website. Included on
the new site is a detailed history of Ace aircraft, going back to 1923
when Orland G. Corben began designing and building aircraft. Visit www.AceAircraft.com
to learn more.
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