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JULY 2, 2010 Volume 10, Number
26
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STAKEHOLDERS
CALL FOR FAA-LED PROCESS ON AVGAS REPLACEMENT
A coalition of industry groups are calling on the FAA to establish and
lead a public-private partnership for finding an unleaded replacement
for 100LL or avgas. Fuels research has been underway for years to
develop a "drop-in" replacement for the 100 octane leaded
avgas, but to date no such fuel has been proven to fully satisfy the
needs of the existing fleet of aircraft. Read
more
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SENATE
CONFIRMS PISTOLE TO HEAD TSA
 After
an 18-month effort, the Senate has confirmed President Obama’s
nominee, John Pistole, to lead the Transportation Security
Administration. Pistole was the third nominee sent to Capitol Hill,
leaving the agency mostly in the lurch as it dealt with several real
threats like the failed bombing of an inbound airliner from overseas
last year. Read
more
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FIFI
TO FLY AGAIN NEXT WEEK
 Pending
receipt of its airworthiness certificate, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF)
plans to make the first flight in four years of its B-29 Superfortress,
FIFI, sometime next week from its Midland, Texas headquarters located at
the Midland International Airport. The flight was announced to take
place this week but had to be postponed due to a scheduling conflict
with the FAA. Read
more
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EXHIBIT
LETS PATRONS GET NOSE TO NOSE WITH HARRIER
The world's only civilian-owned Harrier jet will be seen at AirVenture
this month, but across the Atlantic Ocean another Harrier is getting a
lot of attention. At London's Tate Museum, artist Fiona Banner has
created an exhibit entitled Harrier and Jaguar which displays two aircraft in a unique way. The Sepecat Jaguar XZ118, one of the first Anglo-French military aircrart collaborations is displayed with its
paint completely stripped which affords a literal mirror finish to car.
The Harrier fills the room because it's suspended vertically from the
ceiling in a vertical nose-down position. There is just enough room to
lay prone beneath the jumpjet's nose and see what it is like to be
face-to-face with the business end of this levitating fighter. Read
more on Oshkosh365
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YET
ANOTHER FAA FUNDING EXTENSION COMING
Just when it seemed negotiators were ready to break
the four-year FAA budget reauthorization deadlock, it appears that
more time is needed. The FAA has been operating on short-term
continuation bills instead of annual budgets since 2006, and the latest
stopgap passed in March is set to expire on Friday, July 2. The House
passed a 30-day continuation bill earlier this week and the Senate is
expected to follow before the July 4 recess. Among the contentious
issues remaining is an amendment to change labor laws allowing FedEx
ground operations employees to unionize locally instead of nationally,
putting that company on equal footing with UPS.
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SOLAR
IMPULSE NIGHT FLIGHT PUT ON HOLD
 Solar
Impulse has postponed its attempt to be the first solar powered aircraft
to fly day and night due to a telemetry transmitter failure. On the
morning of July 1, mission team Brian Jones reported on the solar
impulse website
that a failure in the system occurred overnight and a replacement part
was being delivered. Later in the day, he wrote that the repair attempts
were unsuccessful and they were in touch with the manufacturer, although
it was likely that they would likely need to replace the entire
transmitter. It is not clear how long the delay will be but Jones said
it would be at least a few days. "We understand that this will
upset the plans of quite a lot of people, for which we are truly
sorry," Jones wrote, adding that with projects such as this, delays
are "not simply likely, but inevitable."
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OLIVERS
TO RECEIVE 2010 BILL BARBER AWARD FOR SHOWMANSHIP
 World
Airshow News has announced that Steve Oliver and Suzanne
Asbury-Oliver are the 2010 recipients of the Bill Barber Award for
Showmanship. The award will be presented during EAA AirVenture 2010 at
Theater in the Woods on Monday evening, July 26. Read
more
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NEW
FAA SAFETY BRIEFING RELEASED
The July/August issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on aviation
weather and how it influences safe flying. Articles address obtaining
and interpreting weather data, developing strategies for avoiding
marginal or hazardous weather, and what services air traffic control can
and cannot provide in adverse conditions. As an added bonus, EAA founder
Paul Poberezny is featured as well. Click
here to download the free issue.
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ROTEC
RADIAL GOES SPACEWALKING IN JUNE EXPERIMENTER
Since the beginning of homebuilding, we've had classically lined
airframes that begged a round engine. So a small Australian company
decided to do something about it; Rotec
Engineering has paved the way for homebuilders to give older designs
a new look. We've seen Rotecs in the Fly Baby, Pober Jr. Ace, Pietenpol,
Kitfox, EAA Biplane, and many others that benefit from the looks and
performance of this attractive round engine. Martin Hone describes his
experience with installing a nine-cylinder, 150-hp Rotec in his
Spacewalker II, transforming this already handsome airframe into a
timeless, yet modern, classic. Read
about the Spacewalker II-RR in the June issue of Experimenter
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RESTORED
ANTI-SUB AMPHIB HIGHLIGHTS JUNE BITS AND PIECES
 It
turns out that saving a CANSO amphibian is not as easy as it seems.
These venerable WWII anti-submarine aircraft were noted for their rugged
construction, slow speed, and long flight endurance qualities. Buffalo
Airways used CANSOs in their forest fire fighting service. When they
upgraded the fleet, one leftover hull that had been cannibalized for
parts would soon be destined for a museum, thanks to a group of
60-year-old farmers from Alberta. Read about the CANSO in the June
edition of Bits and Pieces.
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CHECKRIDE
FEARS? TRY THIS WEBINAR!
The practical test is a necessary part of the flight training and
certification process. We all view this final step differently. Whether
you welcome or fear this final examination; or somewhere in between, the
test can be conquered. Join National Association of Flight Instructors
Executive Director Jason Blair - also a Designated Pilot Examiner and
flight instructor - for tips that will help you pass your checkride with
confidence.
To find out more about upcoming EAA
Webinars and to register, visit the webinars
page.
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 THE
HEART OF AIRVENTURE: VOLUNTEERS PREPARE FOR OSHKOSH
 It's
been said so many times that it's almost a cliché: EAA
AirVenture Oshkosh simply could not happen without the
thousands of dedicated volunteers that come to Oshkosh
every year. Along with their hard work during the
weeklong convention, there's also a lot to do to get
ready before the big show. Camp Scholler opened last
weekend - a month before opening day - and volunteers
have been streaming in ever since to begin whatever work
needs be done. Read
more
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CLASSIC
JETS ADD TO IMPRESSIVE WARBIRDS LINEUP
 A
variety of classic military jets, including the
McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II and North American T-2
Buckeye, are among the hundreds of warbirds to be
showcased at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2010. Other jets
scheduled to appear are a North American F-86 Sabre,
Douglas A-4B Skyhawk, Lockheed T-33 T-bird, Aero L-29
Delfin and L-39 Albatros, Cessna T-37 Tweet, as well as
the debut of a civilian-flown British Sea Harrier at
AirVenture. Read
more
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OSHKOSH
DAILY AIR SHOWS HIGHLIGHTS EXCITEMENT, VARIETY
 Warbirds,
aerobatic champions, and precise formation flying are
among the highlights of this year's air shows
performances each day during AirVenture 2010. More than
30 performers, who are among the world's finest air show
pilots, are involved in the daily spectaculars. Special
events include the expanded warbird spectaculars on July
27, 30-31 - including pyrotechnics on July 30-31 - and a
rare Oshkosh night air show on July 31. Read
more
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WARBIRDS
JOIN EAA AIRCRAFT AUCTION LINEUP
EAA's first Spirit of Aviation Aircraft Aviation has grown
to 32 registered aircraft! The auction will take place on
Saturday, July 31 at EAA's Jack Mark Hanger located north
of Wittman Regional Airport's runway 9/27. New additions
to the roster include a pair of Grumman warbirds - a
Wildcat and TBM-3U - along with a wide variety of
aircraft. Learn more about these and other great aircraft,
including detailed descriptions, specifications, and more,
by visiting www.airventure.org/auction,
then click on the "Buyer's" link. Potential
buyers and sellers can also register at the website.
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GO MOBILE
WITH MOBILE DEVICE VERSION OF AV SCHEDULE
You can now search through the hundreds of scheduled
AirVenture presentations on your smart phone! The
AirVenture smart phone web app for iPhones and Droids and
others provides you with the most current version of the
AirVenture schedule so you can plan your days at Oshkosh.
Try it out at www.eaaapps.org/mobileevents.aspx.
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ASLEEP AT
THE WHEEL HEADLINES SATURDAY NIGHT
 There
will be plenty of "oohs" and "aahs"
coming from AirVenture attendees during the Night Air Show
and fireworks on Saturday, July 31. But those will be
preceded by plenty of "woo-hoos!" to begin what
is sure to be a memorable final evening at AirVenture 2010
as nine-time Grammy winning band Asleep at the Wheel takes
the Theater in the Woods stage at 6:45 p.m. Their
performance kicks off AirVenture's fabulous final night. Read
more
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REGISTER
TODAY FOR ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT SYMPOSIUM
A website is now live for accepting registrations to the
EAA World Symposium on Electric Aircraft, scheduled
Friday, July 30, during AirVenture. The symposium,
sponsored by GE Aviation Systems, will be held in the
Founders Wing of the EAA AirVenture Museum and will
explore current developments and future implications of
electrically powered aircraft. The day is split into
morning, lunch, and afternoon sessions, and attendees
can register for one, two, or all three segments. Cost
is free, although prepaid lunch will be available for
purchase online. Read
more
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SPACE IS
LIMITED: ENROLL BEFORE JULY 10 FOR EAA'S WOMEN SOAR YOU
SOAR 2010
 Spots
are filling up fast! 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 more than 90
young women to more than 20 outstanding women, from
engineers to fighter pilots, working in a variety of
aviation and aerospace fields. The three-day event, July
25 - 27, 2010, will include 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. Find out more about Women Soar You
Soar 2010 at www.airventure.org/womensoar
or call 800-236-1025.
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STOP IN AT
HOMEBUILDERS HANGAR
EAA and the EAA Homebuilt Aircraft Council are introducing
a new venue at AirVenture this year - the Homebuilder's
Hangar. Located just north of the "Aces Cafe",
adjacent to the Forums area, the building, formerly used
by NASA, has been converted for its new role. "The
Homebuilder's Hangar will be a hub of activity for the
homebuilder/craftsman community," said Joe Norris,
EAA's Homebuilders Community Manager. "It's the first
step in a multi-phase facelift of the homebuilt area at
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh." Read
more
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Find
AirVenture on Facebook!
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EAA
MILITARY TRAINER FANTASY FLIGHT CAMP
 Through
the Military Trainer Fantasy Flight Camp, September 24-26, 2010,
participants have a rare opportunity to fly in the only remaining
airworthy PT-3 - plus take a second flight in the famed "pilot
maker," the North American T-6. Flights include a pre-flight
briefing on the aircraft and its controls. EAA's own pilots and
instructors will perform the take-off, demonstrate in the air how the
controls work - and then it's your turn! Sign-up now at www.fantasyflightcamp.org.
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TRI-MOTOR
TOUR IN PORT CLINTON FOR THE FOURTH
 EAA's
1929 Ford Tri-Motor makes its way to Carl R Keller Field Airport in Port
Clinton, Ohio, this week for the Fourth of July weekend through Monday,
July 5. From there it travels to Cleveland's Burke Lakefront Airport,
offering rides from July 8-11. For more information, and to book
tickets, visit www.FlytheFord.org.
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SALUTE
THE B-17 IN INDIANA THIS WEEKEND
 EAA's
B-17 tour continues this week as Aluminum Overcast heads to
Indiana. From Friday, July 2 through Sunday, July 4, the restored
aircraft will be in Lafayette, Indiana, hosted by EAA Chapter 256, and
will then head to Kokomo, Indiana, on July 6-7, hosted by EAA Chapter
235. Next weekend, EAA Chapter 29 welcomes the Flying Fortress to
Champaign, Illinois, from July 9-11. For more information and to book
tickets for a ride in Aluminum Overcast, visit www.b-17.org.
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GET
YOUR FLIGHT LINE RADIO IN TIME FOR AIRVENTURE
 Flight
Line Radio is a service that allows visitors at AirVenture to listen to
the air show announcers, the tower, and EAA Radio anywhere on the
grounds including the campground and the museum. Flight Line Radios can
be used at other air shows and future AirVenture events. Quantities are
limited, so be sure to order yours today. Order before July 15 for only
$12 and you’ll receive your radio in time for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
2010. Order online
or by calling toll-free, 1-800-564-6322.
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EAA Sport Aviation
Magazine
Can you help?
Join the Discussions!
Post of the Week!
This
week's post is … well … you see, it's kind of … and then
there's some … with a bit of … hmm. I really don't know just what to
say about it, other than the fact that I want more people to see it. I
think. It's said that artists suffer for their art … now it's your
turn.
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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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| A SolarPlane Built For Two |
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The Sunseeker III will be the world’s first solar aircraft built for two people. Using solar cells that are 22.8% efficient and a 20 kW electric motor, Eric Raymond’s newest solar soarer is incorporating the aeronautical and technology learnings from many flights in Sunseeker and Sunseeker II. |
Electric Flying Ladder |
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The Demoichelle variant of the “Ladder Flea” family of aircraft came about after Daniel Dalby saw the Pouchelle II of the Corbeil-Essonnes high school parked next to a Demoiselle built by French engineering students. The electric powered Demoichelle had its test flight on April 11, 2010. |
LA County Choppers: Flying Motorcycle |
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Joe Caravella is spending his days in a Los Angeles garage putting finishing touches on his second version of the body for CaraVellair, a flying motorcycle. Although it won’t be ready to fly by AirVenture 2010, Joe hopes to drive it around the grounds, with a goal of flying a prototype in 2011. |
Sharing The Road With Drones |
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The FAA has a program under way to figure out how to “integrate unmanned aerial vehicles into U.S. airspace alongside conventional aircraft.” Part of the research program is flying a Boeing ScanEagle UAV with air-traffic-control simulations at the Hughes Technical Training Center in New Jersey. |
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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: USES
FOR CHALK IN YOUR WORKSHOP
 Richard
Koehler shares handy uses for chalk in your workshop. Dick is a
Technical Counselor for Chapter 186, an A&P aircraft mechanic with
Inspection Authorization (IA), and a SportAir Workshop instructor. Watch
the video.
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EAA 'TIMELESS VOICE
OF THE WEEK':  PAUL
JOHNS
Born in 1914, Paul Johns
is a living legend in Wisconsin aviation circles. After soloing a glider
at age 15 in 1929, Paul joined an older pilot from the Waukegan,
Illinois area on a barnstorming tour with a Fairchild airplane and the
glider throughout Indiana and Illinois in 1930. Unbeknownst to Paul, the
pilot he was flying with was wanted for the theft of the airplane, and
the tour ended after that summer. Paul continued flying, eventually
earning his commercial and airline transport pilot certificates and
landing a job flying passenger joy rides for Northshore Airways. In
1934, he joined the Naval Air Reserve and became a Link Trainer
instructor teaching some of the first Navy pilots instrument flying.
After a short stint as a Link instructor for United Airlines, Paul
joined Pan American World Airways giving instrument instruction before
becoming a line pilot flying DC-3s from Miami to multiple stops in South
America. He then started flying Consolidated PB2Y-3 Coronado flying
boats on the San Francisco – Honolulu route, making over 200 trips
before joining the Boeing 314 Clipper crews during their last year of
operation between 1945 and 1946. Paul continued flying as a corporate
pilot and recreationally until giving it up at age 85. In 2009, Paul was
inducted into the Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame. Watch
the video. |
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Where
Are You Flying This Weekend?
There are 35
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
Will I be able to fly a motorglider if I fail a
medical exam?
Answer: Yes,
because glider pilots are exempt from the
requirement for a medical certificate, per FAR
61.3(c)(2)(vii). Also, there is no penalty for
having failed a medical exam, as there is with Sport
Pilot regulation FAR 61.303(b)(3).
To fly a motorglider,
all you will need is a glider license or rating,
with self-launch endorsement. No medical or any
other certificate is needed; however you must still
comply with FAR 61.53(b) which prohibits acting as
PIC with a known medical condition that would make
you unable to operate the aircraft in a safe manner.
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
July
2010
The Iron Eagle Aerobatic Team of Bill Gordon and
Billy Segalla celebrate their 20th season as a
two-plane formation aerobatic act this summer in
their Christen Eagle biplanes, including a
performance at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2010.
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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SPORTAIRUSA'S
ICUB COMES WITH AN IPAD
SportairUSA has introduced the iCub, a newly certified light-sport
aircraft from Zlin Aviation. The central feature of the iCub's
instrument panel is a dock-mounted iPad, pre-loaded with a selection of
aviation and navigation apps. The standard engine is the 2,000-hour TBO
Rotax 912 ULS. Other features include leather-seating, cross bracing in
the tail and atop the cabin, reinforced landing gear attachments, a full
overhead skylight, vortex generators, and 18-gallon fuel tank with an
option to increase to 24 gallons. The iCub, with standard gear and
tundra tires, offers a 565-pound useful load for less than $93,000. For
more information, visit www.iCub.aero.
ROTAX 503 DECLARED ASTM COMPLIANT
The type 503 Rotax engine has been declared ASTM compliant after it
completed a testing program by Kodiak Research Ltd. No features or
characteristics were found that would make the engine unsafe, provided
it is installed, operated, and maintained properly. Only engines with
serial number 6479168 and higher are ASTM compliant. This will allow
manufacturers to use the type 503 on a fixed-wing aircraft in the
special light-sport aircraft category. Click
here for more information.
TRI-NAV CHARTS COMBINE IFR AND VFR
NAVIGATION
Howie Keefe's new TRI-NAV Charts for GPS, in atlas format, keep you
legal for both IFR and VFR navigation. Internet updates that conform to
the FAA 28-day cycle are also available. Charts include frequencies for
towers, CTAF, UNICOM, ASOS, AWOS, and more. The atlas includes planning
aids, miles between airports, Rand-McNally's Interstate/U.S. Highways
map, and topographical relief charts that show mountain areas, detailed
terrain, cities, and runway layouts. For more information, visit www.TRINAVCharts.org.
SEE GARMIN G3X-PERIENCE AT AIRVENTURE
Garmin International Inc. has expanded its AirVenture 2010 exhibit with
the new "Area G3X." Current and future G3X customers can meet
with "G3X-perts" throughout the show, attend seminars on
electrical systems for kit-built aircraft, and discover the best G3X
configuration for their aircraft. In addition, Garmin will offer rebates
of up to $3,500 on G3X single- and dual-screen system purchases made
between July 1-December 31, 2010. For more information visit www.Garmin.com.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC OFFERS FLIGHT
ASSISTANCE
The Dominican Republic Civil Aviation Authority (IDAC) is offering a
free "Flying Ambassador" service for U.S. and Canadian pilots.
The program will assist private pilots in creating flight plans and will
provide answers about procedures, customs, fuel availability, documents,
and more. Jim Parker of CaribbeanFlyingAdventures.com
will organize escorted fly ins, help pilots plan group visits or
individual trips, and be on-call for pilots while they're in the
Dominican Republic. For more information, visit www.CaribbeanFlyingAdventures.com.
RED BULL STRATOS TEAM ANNOUNCES TEST
RESULTS
Red Bull Stratos hopes to launch a freefall jump in which pilot Felix
Baumgartner would become the first person to break the speed of sound
with the human body. In May 2010, the Red Bull Stratos team conducted
three tests: step-off from the capsule, bungee jumps in the pressurized
space suit to practice step-off technique, and high-altitude skydives in
a fully pressurized space suit. All tests were successful, and the team
plans to move on to the next phase of testing, including successively
higher balloon jumps. To read more about the project, visit www.RedBullStratos.com/newsroom.
MURPHY RENEGADE AND RENEGADE SPIRIT
AVAILABLE
The rights to manufacture the Renegade and Renegade Spirit, including
customer leads and inquiries, intellectual property, fixtures, and
inventory, are once again available to a qualified manufacturer. The
Renegade is a lightweight, two-seat, open-air, positive-stagger biplane
capable of basic aerobatic maneuvers. The sale includes design rights,
drawings, existing inventory, tooling, and more. Designer Darryl Murphy
will be available on a consulting basis. For more information, contact mursales@murphyair.com.
ICAS FOUNDATION HALL OF FAME
NOMINATION DEADLINE EXTENDED
The deadline for the International Council of Air Shows Hall of Fame
nominations has been extended from June 1 to July 31. Typically, up to
three people or groups are inducted, based on nominations from members
of the air show community. You do not need to be an ICAS member to
nominate someone. To make a nomination, visit www.ICASFoundation.org.
VIRTUALHUD OFFERS WINGMAN PORTABLE
EFIS
The Wingman Portable EFIS shows your attitude, position, and
groundspeed at the same time. After planning your flight in a GPS, hook
it to the Wingman for integrated navigation and attitude information.
When used alone, the Wingman is an effective EFIS, giving experimental
aircraft more panel space. The unit features a 4.3-inch screen and an
internal battery that lasts more than an hour. Charging the battery
through any standard accessory outlet draws less than 1/4 amp. For more
information visit www.VirtualHUD.com.
PIPER TO CLOSE FOR A WEEK IN AUGUST
Piper Aircraft will shut-down operations for most employees the week
of August 9, according to a report from Business Aviation Aircraft.
Exceptions will be operations related to Piper Jet development, delivery
of essential parts and finished aircraft. All other staff, including
company management, will be unpaid for that week, the report says. The
move is in response to sluggish demand, which has forced the company to
reduce its forecast from 200 to 160 airplanes produced this year.
NEW SERIES OF HOW-TO DVDs AT WICKS
AIRCRAFT SUPPLY
Wicks Aircraft Supply now offers a new series of DVDs designed to
make aircraft construction and maintenance an easier process. Eight
different DVDs cover everything from scratchbuilding with metal to
choosing an experimental powerplant in the 80-120 hp range. The
Homebuilt Help series of DVDs range in price from $24 to $38 and vary in
length from 1 to 3.5 hours. For more information, visit www.WicksAircraft.com.
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