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AUGUST 13 2010 Volume 10, Number
39
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STARJAMMER
FINALLY ARRIVES IN OSHKOSH
 Aerobatic
performer and accomplished musician-composer Elgin Wells, EAA 373602,
planned to bring his one-of-a-kind monoplane Starjammer to AirVenture
2010, but mechanical problems caused him to miss the convention. He
finally made it to Oshkosh late last week though, where we got our first
look at the aircraft's custom, on-board sound and light system. Wells
claims the system can play sounds as loud as 200db, which would likely
make it one of the loudest airplanes in history - louder than Concorde,
and louder even than the Space Shuttle! Read more
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the video
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VEEP'S
PLANE DAMAGES SUPER CUB ON LONG ISLAND
 Jet
wash from Vice President Joe Biden's plane, Air Force Two, caused
significant damage to a parked and unoccupied Piper PA-18 on Wednesday,
August 11, according to the Associated Press. The Super Cub, owned by an
undisclosed aerial media company, was parked and tied down a few hundred
feet away, at Malloy Air East FBO on Francis S. Gabreski Airport (FOK),
in Westhampton Beach, New York. The Boeing C-32, a special version of
the 757, was carrying Biden back to Washington after a two-week vacation
with friends in the Hamptons in eastern Long Island. Read more
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FORMER
SEN. TED STEVENS KILLED IN ALASKA PLANE CRASH
 Authorities
have confirmed that former Alaska Senator Ted Stevens and four others
were killed in a plane crash 20 miles north of Dillingham, Alaska, on
Monday night, August 9. Former NASA chief and EADS executive Sean O’Keefe
and his teenage son were also on board. Sean is currently in critical
condition at a hospital in Anchorage, Alaska. Read
more
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STEVE'S
BLOG: AN AIRVENTURE WRAP-UP AND LOOK AHEAD
 EAA
facilities manager Steve Taylor's AirVenture blog provides a wrap-up on
this year's unprecedentedly challenging event as well as a peek into
what visitors can look forward to next year. As expected, weather and
its related challenges dominate his latest post. EAA will spend the next
month or so working to repair the damages to the grounds caused by the
record levels of rain Oshkosh experienced in July. As Steve reports,
we're also working to upgrade the grounds to prevent future problems in
the event of more heavy rain. Read the latest post here.
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EAA
VIDEOS NOW VIEWABLE ON MOST SMARTPHONES
 EAA
Videos have been re-encoded and now can be viewed on a full range of
web-enabled mobile phones, such as the iPhone and Blackberry. A recently
completed video player upgrade means all 1,500+ videos have been
converted to a new format called "H264," which allows them to
be viewed on the go. If you haven't been to the new EAA Video site, now
is your chance as it features all videos from AirVenture 2010, as well
as Hints for Homebuilders, past webinars, Timeless Voices, and more. Launch
the EAA Video Player
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IS
YOUR 2-STROKE ENGINE ABOUT TO FAIL? KEEP IT RUNNING WITH THIS WEBINAR
This webinar is presented by Brian Carpenter who, along with his wife
Carol, teaches an annual three-week LSA repairman course here in
Oshkosh. The Carpenters own Rainbow Aviation, a full-service Sport Pilot
facility in California. Brian teaches the Repairman Inspection &
Maintenance courses for airplane, weight shift, and PPC. Brian is a
Sport Pilot Examiner, a CFII, an A/P Mechanic with an inspection
authorization, and an EAA Technical Counselor. He has built many
experimental and ultralight aircraft and is the designer and builder of
the Ranger.
To find out more about upcoming EAA
Webinars and to register, visit the webinars
page.
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YOUNG
EAGLES PILOTS, KIDS ACTIVE AT AIRVENTURE
 You
can always count on AirVenture to showcase the latest innovations and
preview what lies ahead in the future of flight. The future on display,
however, wasn't only the newest gadgets and gizmos. The future was
captured through young people's eyes filled with awe and amazement as
they took their first steps toward seeing their aviation dreams
fulfilled.
Volunteer pilots took approximately 80
young people on EAA Young Eagles flights throughout AirVenture,
including about 50 in fixed-wing aircraft, 25 in helicopters thanks to
RotorWay, and four very deserving kids enjoying the ride of their lives
in the Spirit of Goodyear blimp thanks to Make-A-Wish. Read
more
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EAA'S
$60,000 ELECTRIC FLIGHT CHALLENGE
EAA is offering a $60,000 prize to the individual or corporation
that demonstrates the most promising level of achievement in electric
flight at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2011. Contributions to the prize came
from AeroLEDs, Aircraft Spruce & Specialty, Dynon Avionics, and
Wicks Aircraft Supply. The electric flight prize is one of many steps
EAA will take in the next 10 years to stimulate research and development
in electric-powered flight.
Read more
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NEW
TAXI PROCEDURES IN EFFECT, RUNWAY PHRASEOLOGY CHANGES IN SEPTEMBER
The Federal Aviation Administration has implemented new procedures for
taxi instructions from air traffic controllers. The new rules took
effect June 20 and requires controllers to issue specific routes to
follow when taxiing, replacing the "taxi to" phraseology.
Instead, instructions will now be given in the form of "Taxi on
[route] to [location]." Once aircraft reach their departure, runway
pilots will no longer hear "Position and hold." Read
more
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YOUNG
EAGLES RAFFLE WINNER GLADLY MAKES EXTRA TRIP TO OSHKOSH
 Don
Van Cura Sr. is now the proud owner of a 2010 Ford Mustang Convertible,
thanks to the Young Eagles raffle held during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
2010. Last Friday, he drove up from Chicago, Illinois, with his wife
Sonia and daughter Raquel so that EAA could hand over the keys.
"It's wonderful," he said. "I can't imagine a nicer trip
to Oshkosh." When asked if Raquel will get to drive the car, he
said he'd be willing to let her in the driver's seat "after she
graduates high school and drives her mother's car without accident for a
year." The car was provided by Ford Motor Company and Kocourek Ford
of Wausau, Wisconsin."
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RED
BULL PREPARES FOR HIATUS, ANNOUNCES 2010 SERIES WINNER
 Paul
Bonhomme of England had been named the Red Bull Air Race World Champion
for the second year in a row. He was declared champion after taking
second in the final race of the year at the EuroSpeedway in Lausitz,
Germany, completing the course in 1:12.66. Austria's Hannes Arch won the
race over the 15-gate track in 1:12.30. "It feels good,"
Bonhomme said. "The key thing is that we won back-to-back
championships; that's what I'm going to be taking away." Read more
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EAA
MOURNS LOSS OF
AOPA EXECUTIVE KILLED IN MIDAIR COLLISION
 EAA
extends its condolences to the family and friends of Chris O'Callaghan,
AOPA's vice president of eMedia. Chris was killed in a midair incident
on Wednesday, August 4, after completing an aerial contest circuit in
his Schempp-Hirth Ventus-2bx sailplane over Uvalde, Texas. The other
pilot was able to land safely. He is survived by Laura, his wife of 18
years.
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VIRGINIA
SALUTES TOP YOUNG EAGLE PILOTS
The Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV),
a long-time supporter of EAA's Young Eagles program, annually recognizes
the top Young Eagles pilots in the Commonwealth. This year, Rick Rahim
of Great Falls, Richard Largent of Stephens City, and William Bryant of
Woodlawn, were honored with "Top Eagle" awards for their
participation in the program, which has provided more than 1.5 million
children ages 8-17 with a general aviation flight since its inception in
1992.
Young Eagle volunteers are encouraged to
contact their respective state's department of aviation and urge them to
follow Virginia's lead. The Young Eagles office would be happy to work
with any agency to further promote and recognize Young Eagle volunteers.
For more information contact youngeagles@eaa.org.
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SPORTAIR
WORKSHOPS BEGINS FALL TOUR
 EAA's
SportAir Workshops is hitting the road again with an aggressive fall
workshop program schedule to bring techniques of aircraft construction
and restoration to members around the country. Next weekend, August
21-22, the program will be in the Chicago area at Lewis University in
Romeoville, Illinois. "Lewis University and its extensive aviation
programs provide a perfect backdrop to learn building techniques in
sheet metal, electrical systems, fabric covering, and composites,"
said Mark Forss, program coordinator.
In addition, SportAir Workshops will offer
its Saturday evening course, "What's Involved in Kitbuilding,"
a great introduction to the world of homebuilt aircraft. Space is
available in all courses and information is available at www.SportAir.com/Schedule.
Also next weekend, SportAir Workshops will
present its RV Aircraft Construction class at the EAA Aviation Center in
Oshkosh. This two-day intensive "boot camp" will teach the
essentials of constructing classic RV designs, including the new RV-12
light-sport aircraft. Limited space is still available, so call
800-967-5746 today to enroll or visit www.SportAir.com.
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EAA
B-17 AND TRI-MOTOR BEGIN FALL TOURS
 The
second half of Aluminum Overcast's tour is underway as EAA's restored
B-17 makes its way across the eastern half of the country hosted by EAA
Chapters and Warbirds of America Squadrons. This week, it will be in
Latrobe, Pennsylvania, hosted by EAA Chapter 531. On the August 17-18,
the team flies to Schenectady, New York, with EAA Chapter 45 hosting.
 EAA's
1929 Ford Tri-Motor is also flying around the United States giving rides
and tours of the aircraft. From August 16 -18, it will be at Rosencrans
Memorial Airport in St. Joseph, Missouri, then it heads to Branson
August 19-22 at the M. Graham Clark-Taney County Airport.
The time to buy tickets for rides on these historic airplanes is
starting to dwindle, so visit www.B17.org
and www.FlytheFord.org for more
information on locations and tickets.
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LINCOLN'S
NEW VIKING EAA HELMET BENEFITS YOUNG EAGLES
 Lincoln
Electric launched its new limited edition VIKING EAA auto-darkening
welding helmet, an addition to the company's 700G Series, at AirVenture
this year. The company will donate $10 from every sale to the EAA Young
Eagles program. It's solar powered and lightweight, at 18 oz. - lighter
than many helmets in its range. It comes loaded with a number of
features and accessories, including a 3.78 x 1.85 in. view size with
continuously variable nine to 13 external shade control. The 700G Series
is magnifying cheater lens capable and also includes continuous variable
delay (0.1 - 1.0 sec.) and sensitivity. Each limited edition EAA welding
helmet comes with a free Sport-Pak style welding helmet bag and Lincoln
Electric bandana. Visit www.lincolnelectric.com
to obtain Bulletin MC10-70 to learn more.
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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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DEAL
OF THE WEEK: SAVE $3 ON THE WORLD DIRECTORY OF LEISURE AVIATION
 This
directory is the ultimate worldwide source book for leisure aviation.
Find more than 1,000 aircraft including microlights and light-sport
aircraft, certified, trikes, gliders, motorgliders, homebuilts,
gyrocopters, and helicopters. Plus - find information on engines,
accessories, importers, and more! Regular price $16.99. Member price
$13.99. Click here to
find out how you can save $3 on the World Directory of Leisure
Aviation.
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AIRVENTURE 2010 DVD AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER
 Pre-order
your copy of the official EAA AirVenture Oshkosh souvenir DVD today,
featuring the best of the 2010 convention, for only $14.99. You'll have
the best of the 2010 convention for only $14.99. Makes a great gift! Order
online or by calling toll-free, 800-564-6322.
2011 EAA WORLD OF FLIGHT CALENDAR NOW AVAILABLE
 Be
the first to own EAA’s World of Flight 2011 Calendar. EAA's
2011 calendar features stunning aircraft photographed in the famous EAA
style. This calendar highlights some of the world's finest aviation
photography and is the perfect size for recording your appointments.
Makes a great gift too! Click
here to order or call 800-564-6322.
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EAA Sport Aviation
Magazine
Can you help?
Join the Discussions!
Post of the Week!
- Emily Willemse of Apple Valley, CA,
shook all of us out of our "post AirVenture blues" when
she shared this
wonderfully drawn cartoon of a big-eyed airplane just begging
to be flown. She said it only took her a minute or two … here's
hoping we'll see more from her!
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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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Amphibian Seagull 300 a First for Chinese GA Industry |
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The
Seagull 300, China’s first homegrown amphibious plane, started test
flights last Thursday. Made by Shijiazhuang Aircraft Industry Co.
Ltd., the aircraft needs about 600 meters of water or runway for
takeoff and carries up to six people. |
Metal Alloys that are Lighter than Composites |
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As composite technology becomes more prevalent for aircraft such as the 787 Dreamliner, Alcan and other metals manufacturers are developing advanced alloys to compete with composites. New aluminum-lithium alloys are being used for the Bombardier C-Series airliner fuselage. Also available are other aluminum, titanium, and magnesium alloys that have better recyclability and impact tolerance, while still offering the fuel savings and reduced emissions enabled by lightweight composite materials. |
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‘Kangaroo’ Carries Motorcycle in Belly Pouch |
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One
way to provide your own transportation to and from a small airport is
to use the ‘kangaroo pouch’ approach. The MotoPOD belly pouch
carries a street-legal motorcycle, and it only takes 90 seconds after
landing to unload the motorcycle and drive away from the
airport. |
Electric-Powered Cessna 172 |
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Cessna is collaborating with Bye Energy to develop a hybrid electric propulsion system for the Cessna 172. About 43,000 172s have been delivered, more than any other aircraft, so this partnership may have a huge impact on general aviation and provide an attractive alternative to 100LL for many aircraft already in service. |
Reaction A2 is Newest Concept Supersonic Transport |
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The A2 next-generation supersonic airliner being designed by Reaction Engines has a 4.7-hour targeted flight time from Brussels, Belgium, to Sydney, Australia. This is a concept 300-seat aircraft with a cruise speed of Mach 5; the aircraft will complete the second phase of its design in two years. |
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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: GAS
WELDING - SETTING THE NEUTRAL FLAME
 Earl
Luce show how to set a neutral flame for gas welding 4130 thin-wall
steel tubing. Earl is an EAA SportAir Workshop instructor and a
volunteer EAA Technical Counselor. He also offers plans for the Wittman
Buttercup. Watch
the video.
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TIMELESS
VOICE OF THE WEEK: CHARLES STITES
 Charles
Stites worked as a television producer for 20 years before focusing his
attention on aviation full time. During his years working in television
he had a second "career" as a writer for various aviation
publications, including AOPA Pilot and Plane & Pilot magazines.
While writing for a UK aviation publication in 2006, Charles learned of
a young woman who, despite losing her legs in the 2005 London terror
bombings, was learning to fly in a modified airplane. Two weeks earlier
he ran into an old friend at Sun 'n Fun who'd developed hand controls
for a light-sport aircraft. Inspired by the hand-controlled LSA and the
young woman's perseverance, Charles founded Able Flight, a non-profit
organization that offers sport pilot flight-training scholarships for
people with disabilities using modified or adapted light-sport aircraft.
Able Flight also provides career training scholarships for those who
wish to earn an FAA-issued Repairman Certificate (light-sport aircraft)
with Maintenance Rating. In four years Able Flight has awarded 28
scholarships. Watch
the video.
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HERTZ
OFFERS TWO NEW UPGRADES
Hertz is offering EAA members two new upgrades for car rentals. At Hertz
airport locations, members get a one-car class upgrade when promotional
code 113783 is included in a weekly or weekend rental reservation of an
Economy through Full-size Class car. Members can get the same discount
at Hertz Local Edition locations using promotional code 107796. These
offers are valid for vehicle pickup through December 31, 2010. Be sure
to include your Customer Discount Program number when reserving!
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Where
Are You Flying This Weekend?
There are 60
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'm thinking of buying sections of a homebuilt
projects others have built. What are the
requirements to establish the ability to do your own
maintenance and annuals?
Answer: Since
Experimental Amateur-Built certificated aircraft are
exempt from FAR Part 43 maintenance requirements,
anyone may perform any maintenance, repair,
modification, or alteration of the aircraft.
However, performing
the annual condition inspection requires applying
for and receiving the "Repairman's
Certificate" for that particular aircraft. The
FAA guidelines for obtaining the repairman
certificate can be found in FAA Advisory Circular
65-23A, which you can view here.
The FAA will issue
only one repairman certificate for the aircraft,
which is applicable to that plane only, and is
non-transferable. The ONLY purpose of the repairman
certificate is to allow the holder to perform the
annual condition inspection and make the appropriate
logbook entry.
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
August
2010
Legend Airways' DC-3
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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GROSS WEIGHT
INCREASE FOR ZENITH KIT PLANE
Zenith Aircraft Company announced a design gross weight increase, from
1,320 pounds to 1,440 pounds, for the STOL CH 750 kit aircraft, first
introduced at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2008. The gross weight increase
applies without airframe modifications to all aircraft built to drawings
Edition 2 and operated as "Amateur-built-Experimental"
aircraft. Aircraft built to Edition 2 drawings incorporate structural
changes to justify the extra load, especially to accommodate larger
engines. Aircraft registered as SLSA or operated by sport pilots are not
affected as FAA weight limit rules remain at 1,320 pounds. For more
information, visit www.ZenithAir.com/STOLCH750/.
VERTICAL POWER
ANNOUNCES VP-X PRO AND SPORT
Vertical Power announced the VP-X Pro and VP-X Sport products at
AirVenture 2010. The VP-X products use Electronic Circuit Breakers
(ECBs) to simplify wiring and provide advanced electrical system
capabilities. Avionics, lights, trim, and flaps are all powered with the
VP-X, eliminating older mechanical circuit breakers, relays, and
numerous individual control boxes. 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 EFIS. For more information, visit www.VerticalPower.com.
AMPHIB
AIRCRAFT ENHANCE MIGRATORY BIRD SURVEYS
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Migratory Bird Management program
announced the receipt of nine new Kodiak floatplanes. The aircraft will
be used to monitor and manage waterfowl and other migratory bird
populations. In addition, the aircraft can be used to conduct aerial
damage assessments due to environmental disasters such as hurricanes,
and enable remote sensing and survey work in portions of the continent
previously inaccessible using older, limited-range aircraft. For more
information about the program, visit http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/dmbmdbhc.html.
U.S. NATIONAL
SKYDIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS LAUNCH DATE SET
The 2010 United States Parachute Association (USPA) National Skydiving
Championships will take place on September 10-24 at Skydive Chicago,
which previously hosted the event in 2007. More than 500 of the
country's finest, fastest, most fearless aerial athletes will flock to
Illinois to take the plunge and push their skydiving skills to the
limit, competing for gold, silver, and bronze medals in five
disciplines: Formation Skydiving (4-way, 8-way, 10-way and 16-way
formations), Artistic Events (which include stunning Freeflying and
Freestyle), Freefall Style and Accuracy Landing (also known as the
"Classics"), Canopy Formation, and Vertical Formation
Skydiving. For more information on the event, visit www.uspa.org.
NWS
SEEKS GA INPUT ON 10-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN
The National Weather Service (NWS) released its draft 2011-2020
Strategic Plan and is asking for general aviation pilots to review it
and submit comments to make the plan better for all users. Dr. Jack
Hayes, director of NWS, produced a video outlining thoughts and goals of
the draft plan and asks that all users provide comments, as the end
result will affect the weather products released in the next 10 years.
Comments must be submitted before September 2, 2010. Read the Draft NWS
Strategic Plan here.
To view the video, click here.
To submit comments, visit www.NWSStratPlan.IdeaScale.com.
LINCOLN ELECTRIC
AUTOMATION OFFERS REWARD PROGRAM
Lincoln Electric Automation will launch its Choose Your Reward promotion
at the International Machine Tool Show (IMTS), which offers customers
their choice of reward with the purchase of a new qualifying robotic
welding system. Customers must register for the promotion at IMTS in
Chicago by swiping their IMTS show badge at the Lincoln Electric booth
North Hall 6618 - during show hours - on Monday, September 13, through
Saturday, September 18, 2010. The promotion starts September 13, 2010,
at the show and runs through March 31, 2011. The offer is good only in
the United States. For more information, visit www.lincolnelectric.com/choose-your-reward.
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