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JUNE 11, 2010 Volume 10, Number
23
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AVIATION
GROUPS UNIFIED IN REQUEST TO EPA ON FUELS
Leaders from the general aviation and petroleum industries met recently
and formed a coalition to work together and develop a process to reduce
lead emissions from GA aircraft, balancing environmental benefit with
aviation safety, technical feasibility and impact upon the GA industry.
The group wants to ensure that a stable aviation fuel supply exists in
the near term while the long term solution is identified, certified, and
implemented. At this stage, all potential solutions, including lower
octane fuels, higher octane candidates, and chemical or bio additives,
remain as possible options. Read more
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INTERNATIONAL
YOUNG EAGLES DAY IS SATURDAY
 This
Saturday, June 12, upwards of 8,000 kids between ages 8 and 17 will get
their first flights during EAA’s 17th annual International Young
Eagles Day, adding to the more than 1.5 million Young Eagles listed in
the World’s Largest Log Book. Young Eagles co-chairmen Sully
Sullenberger and Jeff Skiles will each be flying Young Eagles in
separate events, with Sullenberger in California and Skiles in Illinois.
EAA is also announcing this weekend the launching of the First Flight
Lesson program, providing a free flight lesson to any Young Eagle age 14
or older who completes the first part of Sporty’s Complete Pilot’s
Training Course. Look for more details on this new program next week.
Pilots are encouraged to tell their Young Eagles about the Sporty’s
course so they can soon earn a free flight lesson. EAA will also follow
up with Young Eagles and provide details about this exciting new
opportunity. Read
more
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WISCONSIN
TEEN FIRST SPORTY'S GRADUATE TO EARN PILOT CERTIFICATE
 Two
days after his 17th birthday, Tyler Stargardt climbed into a Cessna 172
in Marshfield, Wisconsin, and passed his FAA checkride, thus earning his
Private Pilot Certificate. Tyler, who will be a high school senior next
fall, was inspired to become a pilot by a Young Eagles flight, then
completed the Sporty's Complete Pilot Training Course and passed his FAA
written exam. He is the first person to complete the Sporty's course and
go on to earn his private ticket. Read
more
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SUBSONEX
PROGRAM HEADED FOR REDESIGN, DELAYS AFTER RUNWAY INCIDENT
 Last
week (June 4) Sonex Aircraft, LLC. announced that their SubSonex
personal jet program will enter a thorough design review process after a
series of what Sonex termed "high-speed taxi tests" revealed
controllability issues as the aircraft reached takeoff speeds. Early
reports from several media sources quoted a preliminary FAA accident
report that the aircraft exited the runway on landing sustaining minor
damage. Sources tell EAA that the aircraft never left the ground. Read
more
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FAA
COMPLETES REVIEW OF SLSA CERTIFICATION PROCESSES
The FAA recently completed its assessment of certification processes and
procedures for Special Light-Sport Aircraft (SLSA). This was a project
that EAA had asked the agency to complete during meetings with FAA
officials at the 2008 Recreational Aviation Summit in Oshkosh. Read
more
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STEARMANS
HERALD RARE VISIT BY GA TO REAGAN NATIONAL AIRPORT
Boeing Model 75 Slow-Motion Flip on Landing Causes Sensation
 A
glorious morning in the Washington DC area was the backdrop for a rare
flight of vintage Boeing Stearmans that flew from nearby Manassas
Regional Airport (KHEF) to Ronald Reagan National Airport (KDCA). The
flight of eight brightly colored open cockpit bi-planes was part of a
kick off for the world premier of the IMAX film, Legends of Flight at
the Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum. It seemed that the gods and the
government were cooperating on this day and that the ghost of 9/11 would
finally be banished from DCA, at least long enough to allow the group of
Stearmans to land. Read
more
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JUNE ISSUE OF VINTAGE
AIRCRAFT ONLINE CELEBRATES THE 100 YEARS OF THE SEAPLANE
The June issue of Vintage Aircraft Online features an article on
Frenchman Henri Fabre aeroplane Le Canard; the first powered seaplane to
lift off the water under its own power, plus pictures of Boeing's first
and newest airliner flying in formation, and a sneak peek at the new
Vintage Aircraft Flightline Operations Building. Read
the June issue
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ATTACK OF THE
MOSQUITOES JUST PART OF THE FUN IN JUNE'S LIGHT PLANE WORLD
In this month's issue of Light Plane World we find out how one
EAA member led an effort to protect small airfield owners in his home
state of Tennessee. Pilot Kevin Szalapski loves the quiet except when
he's flying and the engine stops. We also spend a day in the life of
aircraft designer Leonard Milholland. You'll find those stories plus
videos of the month including "Attack of the Mosquitoes," Jack
Helbeisen's 7,800-mile ultralight odyssey, and an interview with another
world record holder, Peter Burgher. Read
the June issue
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LOPRESTI'S FIRST LSA
HOLIDAY WEEKEND A HIT
The first-ever LSA Holiday - "a summer vacation for aviators"
as described by event organizer LoPresti Aviation - drew hundreds of
pilots and aviation enthusiasts and dozens of airplanes to the company's
headquarters at Florida's Sebastian Airport (X26), June 4-6. Read
more
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PERSONAL JET SOARS WITH
RETRACTABLE TJ-100 JET ENGINE POD
 Desert
Aerospace of Albuquerque, New Mexico has completed phase one flight
testing of their TST-14J 'Bonus Jet'. The self-launching sailplane uses
the same PBS TJ-100 jet engine as the SubSonex, which recently
experienced delays after instability issues became apparent after
high-speed taxi tests. The airplane design includes a pod which holds
the Czech-build engines that can be retracted in flight to reduce drag.
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ANNUAL
GA SURVEY UNDER WAY
The FAA's 32nd annual General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey (GA
Survey) for reporting on calendar year 2009 is now underway. The annual
GA Survey is the only source of information on the size and makeup of
the general aviation and Part 135 fleets, the number of hours flown, and
the reasons people fly. Data collected from the survey helps determine
funding for infrastructure and service needs, assess the impact of
regulatory changes, and measure aviation safety. The survey is also used
to prepare safety statistics and calculate the rate of accidents among
general aviation aircraft, including amateur-built as well as
certificated aircraft. Read
more
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ULTRALIGHTS
LATEST SMUGGLING METHOD EMPLOYED ON US SOUTHERN BORDER
Mexican drug smugglers have a new tool in their arsenal of smuggling
methods: the ultralight. Mexican drug gangs have modified their
aircrafts to carry up to 250 pounds of marijuana which pilots drop in
the middle of the Arizonian desert. In addition to potential jail
sentences of up to 20 years and fines of $250,000, smugglers are willing
to fly along highways and through the desert at night to avoid detection
by border officials, risking any number of hazards including power lines
and other aircraft according to AZcentral.com.
Law enforcement has been met with several challenges in combating these
groups and border incursions via ultralight appear to be on the rise.
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CALIFORNIA
INSTRUCTORS FEAR STATE LAW WILL KILL INDUSTRY
 In
2008 Silver State Helicopters, a Nevada based flight school with
training centers in 33 states, declared bankruptcy leaving 750 employees
out of work and stranding 2,700 students who had paid $70,000 up front
for flight training. EAA Radio's Fareed Guyot reports that most flight
schools use a pay-as-you-go model which protects the student; but in
California a new law to prevent another Silver State debacle may cause
many instructors to stop giving instruction. Listen
to the story
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EAAERS
COMPETE AT WINDSOR RED BULL AIR RACES
 Scruffy
gray skies didn't dull the enthusiasm for the third Red Bull Air Race to
be held in the Detroit, Michigan, Windsor, Ontario area. The twisting,
turning 5-kilometer race course, straddling the United States/Canada
border on the Detroit River, was peppered with 9 gates created with 15
air-inflated fabric pylons. Fifteen pilots race against the clock while
weaving and turning tightly through the low-altitude course. The series
has proven popular with the public at events held around the world, with
two of the races held in North America during the 2010 race season. The
second race on the continent will take place over the Hudson River
between New York City and New Jersey, centered around Liberty State
Park. Read
more
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THE
ART OF AIR-TO-AIR PHOTOGRAPHY, NOW IN A WEBINAR!
EAA's Chief Photographer Jim Koepnick talks about his experiences as a
longtime photographer of aircraft on the ground and in the air. Jim will
talk about what it takes to move your air-to-air pictures beyond just an
open window shot to that perfect choreographed photo that you earned
with the cooperation of your photo pilot, photo subject, and Mother
Nature.
More Webinars are added frequently. To
view a complete and up-to-date list of all EAA Webinars, visit webinars
page.
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EAA
OFFERS 10% MEMBER DISCOUNT ON JUNE TIG WELDING COURSE
 EAA
SportAir Workshops is offering a special 10 percent EAA member discount
for the upcoming TIG welding course scheduled the weekend of June 26-27
at the Alexander Technical Center in Griffin, Georgia. An expert Lincoln
Electric instructor will teach the basics of Tungsten Inert Gas welding
using Lincoln's state-of-the-art Precision TIG 225 welding units. "TIG
welding is becoming the method of choice for homebuilt aircraft
enthusiasts," Mark Forss, Director of the EAA SportAir Program
comments. "It's easy to master with the proper instruction, and
users get repeatable results using Lincoln equipment." The recent
re-introduction of the Lincoln TIG 175 welder also lowers the price
barrier of outfitting your shop with a full-featured Lincoln TIG welder,
providing another reason to learn TIG skills by participating in this
unique course. Read
more
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 PRE-AIRVENTURE
TICKET DISCOUNTS END JUNE 15
Deadline for the pre-purchase discount of AirVenture
2010 admission is next Tuesday, June 15! To save $5 per
weekly adult ticket and $2 per daily adult ticket, get
your tickets today at www.airventure.org/tickets/.
WEEKLY
AIRVENTURE PARKING PASS NOW AVAILABLE
Now you can buy a weekly vehicle parking pass when you
buy your admission tickets in advance. This pass is
valid for any general parking lot from July 25-August 1.
When buying your admission tickets at www.AirVenture.org/tickets/,
look for the prompt when you are ready to checkout. Cost
is $50 for the entire week.
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D-DAY
PARATROOPERS AT APPEAR AT C-47 WARBIRDS IN REVIEW PROGRAM
 EAA
Warbirds of America is pleased and honored to announce
that D-Day veterans Col. Ed Shames and 1st Lt. Fred Bahlau
will be presenters at the popular Warbirds in Review
Program during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2010. Col. Shames
and Lt. Bahlau will participate in the C-47 presentation
at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 27, at the new Scotts Warbirds
Alley aircraft display area. They'll join crew members of
the C-47 Tico Belle, a C-47 with documented log book time
of flying missions on D-Day, Operation Market Garden, and
the postwar Berlin Airlift. Read
more
WARBIRDS
SALUTE VETERANS DURING DAILY OSHKOSH AIR SHOWS
Historic warbirds will dazzle audiences and salute the
veterans who flew them as part of the daily air shows at
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2010. As part of the week-long
"Salute to Veterans" commemoration, the warbirds'
legacy from various eras will be celebrated in themed
afternoon air shows. Highlighting the week will be the
"Max Effort" air show on Tuesday, July 27,
honoring the 75th anniversary of the DC-3/C-47 through
formation flights and aerial displays. Read
more
RARE,
PIONEERING AIRCRAFT HIGHLIGHT OSHKOSH VINTAGE SHOWCASE
 Vintage
aircraft enthusiasts are anticipating a veritable treasure
trove of classics at AirVenture Oshkosh 2010. Among the
pioneering aircraft scheduled to appear is an original
Hamilton H-47 Metalplane, plus replicas of a 1909 Bleriot
XI, Avions Caudron C.460, and five warbirds from World War
I that will be a part of the week-long "Salute to
Veterans" commemoration. Read
more AIRVENTURE
AIRCRAFT AUCTION KEEPS GROWING WITH NEW PLANES
With recent additions, 18 aircraft are now listed for sale
for EAA's Spirit of Aviation Aircraft Auction scheduled
during AirVenture (Saturday, July 31). Aircraft listed
include a pair of homebuilts - a 1999 Lake Amphibian
DA-4-550 and a 2003 Velocity with a striking paint scheme
- plus an award-winning 1966 ALON Aircoupe and a 1975
Beechcraft Bonanza V35B. Learn more about these and many
other great airplanes by visiting www.AirVenture.org/auction/
and clicking the "Buyers" button. Read
more
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Find
AirVenture on Facebook!
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THE 50-FOOT TALL
ATTRACTION YOU WON'T SEE AT AIRVENTURE
 AeroShell
Square, AirVenture's main aircraft display area, has hosted some very
large aircraft - like the Airbus A-380, Boeing Dreamlifter, C-5A Galaxy,
and the Beluga. But an image posted on Gizmodo.com
this week shows a Photoshopped image of a woman sitting on the showcase
ramp surrounded by tiny AirVenture visitors. "David" as he
calls himself in his post, says today's kids' Godzilla fantasies take
place with Photoshop, not on the beach with toy planes and soldiers. See his interpretation of "Attack
of the 50 Foot Woman" by clicking
here.
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ELECTRIFYING
AIRCRAFT - MOTHER NATURE A FAN OF ALUMINUM OVERCAST
 Sometimes
timing is everything, as this photo of EAA's Aluminum Overcast shows.
Nathan Gingles, who works at Signature Flight Support at Centennial
Airport in Denver, Colorado, shot this dramatic picture of a lightning
strike behind the B-17G on Wednesday evening during a passing
thunderstorm. The Flying Fortress is at Centennial through next Tuesday,
June 15, for an extended tour stop hosted by Denver's Wings Over the
Rockies Museum. From there the airplane flies back to Oshkosh for
maintenance, then it's on to Waukesha, Wisconsin, June 25-27, and eight
other stops before the big week at AirVenture. For more information, or
to book a flight on Aluminum Overcast, visit www.b17.org.
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EAA MERCHANDISE: SAVE
UP TO 33% ON OFFICIAL EAA AIRVENTURE DVDS
 Relive
each exciting moment of Oshkosh with official EAA AirVenture DVDs.
Choose from AirVenture 2003 through 2008. These DVDs regularly sell for
$14.99, and are now on sale for $9.99! AirVenture 2009 is $11.99. Click
here to visit EAA’s web store, or call toll-free 800-564-6322.
Offer good through June 30, 2010.
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EAA Sport Aviation
Magazine
Can you help?
Join the Discussions!
Post of the Week!
Actor, director, and musician Gary Sinise
has been nominated for an Oscar and he's won SAG awards, an Emmy, a
Golden Globe, and even something called an Obie. However, I think it's
safe to say that none of that prepared him in any way for this latest
accolade: the arbitrary and largely non-fictitious honor we like to call
Post of the Week (a Posty?)! Here's what he said to his roughly 30,000
Twitter followers, many of whom picked up the message and passed it
along:
"Air Venture is about the biggest
air show in the country. 5,000 airplanes. Amazing! Check out The Salute
to Veterans on their website."
We promise to show him the other roughly
7,000 airplanes when he gets here, but, most kidding aside, it's a nice
plug from a nice guy whom we're proud to say is a friend of EAA. Be sure
to check out his performance with the Lt. Dan Band at AirVenture on
Friday, July 30! (And if you get a chance to congratulate him on winning
PotW, don't be surprised if he acts like he either knows nothing about
it or doesn't want to discuss it ... that's just the kind of gracious
and humble guy he is.)
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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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First Aircraft to Fly on Pure Algae
Fuel |
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A Diamond Aircraft DA42 powered by 100 percent algae biofuel in one of its two Austro AE300 diesel engines flew this week marking the first time the technology has been used to power a flight. (The other engine used regular jet fuel.) Certain types of algae contain high amounts of extractable oil with a higher energy content than traditional jet fuel, and can be grown on poor quality land or in polluted water. Measurements indicated that the algae biofuel contained eight times fewer hydrocarbons than traditional kerosene derived from crude oil. |
EQP2 Excursion Electric Amphibian Aircraft |
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The EQP2 Excursion from Equator Aircraft of Norway is a concept two-seater electric amphibian aircraft designed with a maximum speed of 220 kts. Equator has built a 1:4 scale model for testing and plans to have a flying prototype by 2013. |
Dreamliner Gallery: Custom Interiors
for Boeing 787s |
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One of the main ways airlines can stand out from their competitors is with aircraft interior design. The 54,000 square foot Boeing Dreamliner Gallery in Everett, Washington, USA, helps airlines design the best passenger experience while allowing them to complete the interior design in days rather than months. |
Korea’s KAI to Build First GA Aircraft |
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Korean Aerospace Industries hopes to build its first GA aircraft, the KC-100 light piston single with an all-glass cockpit and mid-air collision avoidance system, by late 2010 or early 2011. The four-seater will have an all-composite fuselage, with a 315 hp Teledyne Continental engine, a maximum speed of 240 kt and maximum range of 1320 nm. |
3X Power
for Electric Aircraft with Laminar Batteries |
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Planar Energy Devices laminar batteries are designed to have three times the energy density and half the cost per KWh compared to conventional Li-ion batteries. Because flight time for electric aircraft is limited by battery weight, laminar batteries should be an efficient power source once the production process is commercialized. |
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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: BRAIDING
WIRE
 In
this hint, Kas Osterbuhr shows how to braid wire. Kas is an EAA SportAir
Workshop instructor for the Electrical Systems, Wiring and Avionics
workshop. Watch
the video.
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EAA 'TIMELESS VOICE
OF THE WEEK':  CHUCK
SLUSARCZYK
Chuck Slusarczyk built model
airplanes throughout his childhood. This interest progressed to full
sized aircraft, and Chuck became a research technician at NASA’s Lewis
Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, where he worked on various
propulsion systems. After leaving NASA he took a job with the Scheutzow
Helicopter Corporation as part of their type certification team. In the
late 1960’s he became interested in hang gliding, and in 1971 founded
Chuck’s Glider Supplies to design and sell hang glider kits and parts.
In 1973 he began experimenting with motorizing his hang gliders, and as
a result developed a reduction drive unit that allowed heavier pilots to
fly ultralight aircraft. Chuck’s Glider Supplies morphed into CGS
Aviation, and Chuck began designing and selling reduction drives and
engine packages for various hang gliders and early ultralights like the
Easy Riser, Fledgling, Mitchell Wing, Quicksilver, and various others.
In 1979 he flew his Easy Riser 62 miles across Lake Erie as part of a
promotion for the Cleveland National Air Show. That aircraft is now part
of the EAA AirVenture Museum’s collection. In 1981 Chuck sold the hang
glider portion of his company and began work on an ultralight of his own
design - the CGS Hawk. It has since become one of the most popular
ultralights on the market. In 1999, Chuck was selected as an inaugural
inductee into the EAA Ultralight Hall of Fame.
Watch
the video. |
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Where
Are You Flying This Weekend?
There are 102
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 made some changes to my Fisher Celebrity including
replacing the Continental C-75 engine with a ROTEC
110 hp radial and installing a new landing gear. The
weight and balance is still within the limits of the
configuration but my mechanic says that I have to do
something with the FAA to be able to fly the plane.
Can you advise me how I must proceed from here?
Answer: Since
replacing the engine constitutes a "major
change" to your aircraft, you will need to
notify the FAA. This notification will be to your
local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). As a
minimum you will need to write them a letter
detailing what you have done, and the geographic
area where you plan to test the aircraft in Phase 1
testing. Expect a minimum of 5 hours of Phase 1
testing, which must be conducted SOLO, although the
FSDO may require more. Normally you will need to
wait until the FSDO has responded to you before
proceeding with the testing. Just follow the
guidance in the Operating Limitations documents that
were issued with the aircraft's airworthiness
certificate.
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
One of two
Cessna Skycatchers delivered recently to EAA
courtesy of The Buehler Trust was photographed among
the clouds by EAA Multimedia Journalist Brady Lane.
(He was riding in the other one.) The airplanes will
be used in EAA’s Air Academy and Young Eagles
program efforts.
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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DUAL
ALTERNATOR KIT FOR CESSNA 182/T182
Kelly Aerospace Thermal Systems now offers an FAA STC-approved
dual 95 amp alternator kit for Lycoming-powered Cessna 182 and Turbo 182
aircraft. Targeting 182 owners who use their aircraft in instrument meteorological
conditions and night operations, the system provides a redundant
electrical system with a weight increase of only 23 pounds. The FAA/STC
approved kit includes a duplicate 95 amp alternator to the original
equipment along with all the pulleys, belts, brackets and hardware for
installation on the Lycoming IO540 series engines. To learn more, visit www.kellyaerospace.com.
NEW HIGH-VIS
VISOR FROM LYNX
Lynx Avionics now offers a new High Visibility Visor for use
with its aviation helmets. The visor incorporates a transparent tinted
visor peak that allows unrestricted upwards vision while providing
ultraviolet sun protection. The new visor is available as an option and
is particularly useful for powered parachute pilots where upwards
visibility is important for checking the aircraft's canopy. Find more
information at www.Lynx-Avionics.com.
TOP CUB'S AUTO
FUEL STC
CubCrafters has a new supplemental type certificate (STC) for its
Part-23 certified Top Cub. The auto fuel STC is available from Petersen
Aviation and is approved for all CC18-180/CC18-180A aircraft, for those
seeking greater fuel availability and lower fuel costs. In about 30
minutes, an aircraft mechanic can "install" the STC by adding
the new fuel and engine placards and then fill out a logbook entry and
form 337. For more information, visit www.AutoFuelSTC.com.
ERAU OFFERS
ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION COURSE
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's College of Aviation
will offer a five-day course designed to introduce participants to
advanced aircraft accident investigation procedures involving design,
materials, and aircraft performance. This is a follow-on course for the
accident investigation management course or for an individual who has
experience in accident investigation. Advanced Aircraft Accident
Investigation will be held at the University's Prescott Campus from
August 2-6, 2010. For more information, visit www.EmbryRiddle.edu.
AVIATORS HOT
LINE
Aviators Hot Line has introduced its"Aviators Helping
Aviators" program to help light-sport aircraft (LSA) manufacturers
and buyers. Buyers who place an order with LSA vendors who advertise in
Aviators Hot Line will then be able to place a free ad for the aircraft
they currently own. The company believes that this will motivate pilots
to buy new LSA aircraft since it will be easier to sell their current
ones. For more information, visit www.AviatorsHotline.com.
FIRST SKYCATCHER
TRAINER IN SERVICE
Kansas Aviation, Inc. in Wichita, Kansas, will be the first
to make the Cessna 162 Skycatcher light-sport aircraft available for
flight training and rental. The SkyCatcher is available at a fueled rate
of $98 per hour. Kansas Aviation also plans to offer a Light Sport
Aircraft Transition Course for certificated pilots. For more
information, visit www.KansasFlightTraining.com
or call 316-858-8383.
UAV STUDY
COMMISSIONED
The FAA has reached an agreement with Insitu Inc., of Bingen,
Washington, and the New Jersey Air National Guard to study the
integration of unmanned aircraft into the national airspace system.
Insitu Inc. will provide two ScanEagle aircraft and related support data
to work with the FAA's Research and Technology Development office to
develop new methods for managing the airspace control of unmanned
aircraft. To learn more, click
here.
REVMASTER'S NEW
ENGINE
Revmaster Aviation from Hesperia, California, has released its new
Revmaster R-2300 engine. The engine is a modification of its previous
R-2200 model. The company says the R-2300 (2331cc, 142.2 cu.in.) can
develop more horsepower for any usable rpm and allows for lower cruise
rpms. First deliveries have begun and full production is underway. For
more information, visit www.RevmasterAviation.com
or call 760-244-3074.
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