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October 29, 2010 Volume
10, Number 50
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KENYAN
HOMEBUILT ATTEMPTS FIRST FLIGHT
 Two
weeks ago we showed you Kenyan Gabriel Nderitu's final preparations for
the first flight of his scratchbuilt aircraft. The interest in Nderitu's
unique design and prospects for his success have involved the worldwide
aviation community as the original news report went viral. Since then
Nderitu has made an attempt to fly his aircraft with very little
success; however, the enthusiasm and determination of Gabriel has
inspired fellow aviators and builders to cheer him on and find some way
to bring him to EAA AirVenture 2011. See
the first flight attempt and learn about the effort to bring Gabriel
Nderitu to Oshkosh.
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EAA
FOUNDER RECEIVES HOMEBUILT FLY-BY SALUTE DURING EAA CHAPTER 288 VISIT
 Members
of EAA Chapter 288, based in Spruce Creek Fly-In airpark near Daytona,
Florida, rolled out the asphalt carpet for a visit from EAA Founder Paul
Poberezny to their October membership meeting. It wasn't your typical
meeting as EAA 288 staged more than 130 aircraft along Cessna Boulevard
(the main drag/taxiway at Spruce Creek) for a grand review by Paul.
Selected aircraft and projects were shown to the EAA founder, along with
a review of three P-51s and WWII vehicles. Plus, there was a flyover by
several formations of homebuilt aircraft in honor of Paul's visit. Read
more and see Paul air-to-air
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ON-BOARD
CROC CAUSED PANIC, LED TO CRASH
Did a smuggled crocodile get loose onboard an airplane, panic
passengers, and ultimately cause a deadly crash into a house in the
Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa? That seems to be a strong
possibility, according to a report by investigators, based on a bizarre
accounting of events from the crash's sole survivor. The August 25 crash
of a Czech-made Let L-410 Turbolet operated by FilAir took the lives of
20 souls onboard during the routine flight from Kinshasa to Bandundu,
Kenya. Read
more
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WK2
AND SS2 FLYOVER HELP DEDICATE 'SPACEPORT AMERICA'
 The
New Mexico Spaceport Authority dedicated a two-mile runway near Truth or
Consequences, New Mexico, Friday (October 22) as the "Governor Bill
Richardson Spaceway." The landing strip is part of Spaceport
America, a facility that began providing commercial launch services to
space-bound customers in 2006. Virgin Galactic is the spaceport's most
well-known tenant and helped celebrate the dedication with a fly over
and landing of WhiteKnightTwo in a captive carry with SpaceShipTwo. Read
more
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DIVERSE
FLEET DRAWS CROWD AT COPPERSTATE
 Long
a Southwest hotbed for showing experimental aircraft, last week's
Copperstate Fly-In at Casa Grande, Arizona, showed a diversity of
aircraft types, covering the gamut from powered parachutes to heavy
iron. Fly-In Manager Jim McChesney said more than 300 aircraft
participated in the 37th annual event and there would have been even
more had the weather to the west and north cooperated for aviators. Read
more | See
a photo gallery of aircraft winners
 Dream
Comes True for Longtime Copperstate Head Judge
Doug Slade, EAA 109639, has been the head of aircraft judging at
Copperstate for 28 years, and he’s has also been an AirVenture Oshkosh
judge since 1986. A private pilot since 1954, Doug has owned 22
aircraft, built a Glasair, and rebuilt a Luscombe, two Stinsons, and a
Bellanca. He’s also an A&P with inspection authorization and still
owns a Cessna 195, Piper Comanche, Glasair, Luscombe, Swift, and
Schweizer glider. Read
more
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FROM
OCTOBER'S EXPERIMENTER: SOMEONE'S
BEEN LOOKING OUT FOR ME ...
Accident investigation; why did the winglet fail?
 June
13, 2009. Placerville, California. Aircraft: Long-EZ. Registration:
N7999H. Injuries: 1 Uninjured. The pilot reported that he applied light
pressure to both the left and right brakes following an uneventful
landing. The left brake and rudder were inoperative, and the airplane
began to veer to the right. Unable to apply brakes or left rudder, the
airplane exited the runway and impacted an unoccupied passenger van
which resulted in structural damage to the right wing, and fuselage,
with substantial damage to the front of the van. Examination of the
brake system by an FAA inspector revealed that the probable cause(s) of
this accident was the pilot's inability to maintain directional control
during the landing roll due to a jammed brake/rudder cable. But why? Read
more
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JOHN
VETTE TO RECEIVE HENRY KIMBERLY LEADERSHIP AWARD AT EAA HALL OF FAME
BANQUET
SNC Manufacturing Co., Inc., CEO
John Vette will receive the Henry Kimberly Spirit of Leadership Award
for his volunteer efforts on behalf of EAA and the community. Vette will
be honored during the EAA Hall of Fame banquet on Friday, Oct. 29, at
the EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh, Wis. As part of the award, named for
renowned Oshkosh business leader and EAA supporter Henry Kimberly, Vette
will receive a $1,000 prize that can be designated toward any of EAA’s
programs. Read
more
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IDAHO
HELICOPTER SHOOTER STILL AT LARGE
Contrary to rumored reports, no arrests have been made in the October 14
shooting incident when a Bell Jet Ranger helicopter was fired upon and
hit twice while operating in Shoshone County, Idaho. The Shoshone County
Sheriff's office and the FBI each confirmed the investigation is
ongoing, reports the Lewiston Morning Tribune. "There's a
whole lot of speculation going on up there. We haven't even done a
report. We're waiting on stuff out of the county," Don Robinson,
FBI spokesman out of the bureau's Coeur d'Alene office, told the Tribune.
Read
more
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FUEL
EXHAUSTED, MAN BAILS OUT OF AIRCRAFT
 A
man trying to land his 1976 Rockwell International 112TC Commander ran
out of fuel and parachuted to safety as the aircraft crashed into a
field and exploded. Barrington Slack of Georgia made several attempts to
land at Augusta Regional Airport before the crash. Witnesses say they
heard a boom and then saw Slack floating down with a parachute. Slack
had minor injuries and refused medical treatment. Thomas Saxon, whose
property the aircraft crashed on, can empathize with Slack: He was a
paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army. Authorities
told WDRU-TV
that it's not clear why Slack was wearing a parachute, but it definitely
saved his life.
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PHILLIPS
66, SKILES TEAM UP TO SUPPORT CHAPTERS
 During EAA Venture Oshkosh 2010,
Phillips 66® Aviation awarded three lucky EAA chapters with special
support for one of their upcoming Young Eagle events. Three Phillips 66
Aviation FBOs hosted the Chapter events - EAA Chapter 237 (Blaine,
Minnesota) at Cirrus Flight Operations, EAA Chapter 579 (Aurora,
Illinois) at J.A. Air Center, and EAA Chapter 810 (Payson, Arizona) at
Payson Aviation. Included in the package were special fuel discounts,
promotional support, and an appearance by Young Eagles co-chairman Jeff
Skiles. Read
more
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THROUGH
THE FENCE: YOU BE THE JUDGE
 EAA
submits comments on proposed residential TTF policy In comments
submitted to the FAA on Monday, October 25, EAA reiterated its efforts
to persuade the FAA that adjacent residential through-the-fence (TTF)
agreements will not harm general aviation airport operations; rather,
they create an economic stimulus tool that will actually strengthen
local community ties to the airport. Read
more
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KERMIT
WEEKS TO HOLD ONLINE Q & A
Sign up for a special session of Q & A with Kermit Weeks, aviation
enthusiast, pilot, aircraft collector, author, and accomplished
aerobatic competitor. Weeks is the founder of Fantasy of Flight, an
aviation-based attraction in central Florida that boasts the world's
largest collection of airworthy vintage aircraft from the earliest days
of flight to the 1950s. He is also an author, recently publishing a
children's book, and was twice US National Aerobatic Champion. Weeks
provided key support to build the EAA research facility in Oshkosh that
bears his name.
All
webinars begin at 7 p.m. CDT. To
find out more about upcoming EAA
Webinars and to register, visit the webinars
page.
EAA
gratefully acknowledges the support
of Aircraft Spruce and Specialty Co.
for their generous sponsorship of
our webinar programs.
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GOT
A GREAT T-SHIRT IDEA? LET US KNOW AND YOU COULD WIN!
Got an original idea for a new t-shirt slogan or design for AirVenture
2011? Let us know about it on this
Oshkosh 365 forum thread and you could be the lucky winner of a $50
EAA merchandise gift card! While you're welcome to submit pictures to
help illustrate your idea, a simple text description is just fine and
we'll take it from there. Post your ideas on Oshkosh365 by Friday,
November 19. The gift card drawing will be held the week of November 22.
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EAA
SPORTAIR RETURNS TO ATLANTA/LAWRENCEVILLE NOVEMBER 6-7
 EAA
SportAir Workshops returns to Lawrenceville, Georgia (Atlanta area) next
weekend, November 6-7 hosted by EAA Chapter 690 at their Lawrenceville
Airport facilities. Space is still
available in all courses, including Sheet Metal, Composite
Construction, Electrical Systems and Avionics, Fabric Covering, and our
Saturday evening session, "What's Involved in Kitbuilding,"
which explains the basics of selecting an aircraft, setting up
workspace, registration, certification, test flying, and more (including
a pizza dinner).
E-LSA Airplane Course in North
Carolina November 12-14
Limited space is available in EAA's FAA-approved, 16-hour E-LSA
airplane inspection certification course in Andrews, North Carolina, the
weekend of November 12-14. Successful completion allows you to obtain a
Repairman's Certificate for your airplane certificated in the
experimental light-sport aircraft category, meaning you can perform your
own annual condition inspections. Click
here for more information, but hurry - the course is limited to 16
students.
Aircraft Spruce and Specialty is a major
sponsor of the EAA SportAir Workshop program and offers discounts on
tools, materials and supplies to workshop participants in recognition of
their efforts to take the next step to build or restore an aircraft.
Complete information on all workshop programs and a short video are
available on the SportAir website. You can also register
there, or call 800-967-5746.
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RESERVE
YOUR B-17 FLIGHT CAMP SPOT, USE E-Z PAY
 Experience
the Flying Fortress with four easy payments when you use E-Z Pay. At the
B-17 Flight Camp (December 2-5 , 2010), you will get up close and
personal with one of the most famous airplanes of World War II -
including a 20-minute flight experience! Schedule - Thursday: Arrival
and Tour of B-17. Friday: Maintenance and Fireside Chat. Saturday:
History, Systems, Ground School, and Ball Turret Demo. Sunday: Fly!
Space is limited - secure your spot today. And don't forget to take
advantage of E-Z pay. Get
more details on the B-17 Flight Camp and E-Z Pay.
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2011
EAA AIR ACADEMY DATES ANNOUNCED
Sign up now for EAA's annual aviation camp that explores the exciting
world of aviation for all experience levels. 2011 dates:
- EAA Young Eagles Camp - Ages 12 and 13
Session 1: June 13-17; Session 2: July 12-16
- EAA Basic Air Academy - Ages 14 and 15
Session 1: June 19-24; Session 2: June 26-July 1; Session 3: July
5-10
- EAA Advanced Air Academy - Ages 16,
17, and 18
Session 1: July 19-27; Session 2: July 29-August 6
For more information, visit the EAA
Air Academy website.
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WEBINAR
ALERT: YOUNG EAGLES FLIGHT PLAN - GET KIDS FLYING!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010, 7 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. CST
Brian O'Lena will explain the Young Eagles Flight Plan, designed to
give interested young people a pathway to their pilot certificate. This
includes the new EAA Student Membership, access to Sporty's Online
Complete Pilot Training Course, a free first flight lesson, and flight
training scholarships. Webinars are free, but you need to register.
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UPCOMING
B-17 TOUR STOPS: INDIANA, KENTUCKY, MISSISSIPPI
 After
this week's stop in Talladega, Alabama, EAA's B-17 Aluminum Overcast
will spend Halloween weekend, October 29-31, in Bloomington, Indiana,
hosted by EAA Chapter 650. Next week it's on to Paducah, Kentucky
(November 2-3) hosted by EAA Chapter 807, then next weekend, Olive
Branch, Mississippi, with EAA Chapter 182. Four tour stops remain for
2010, so for more information, click here.
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DEAL
OF THE WEEK: SAVE ON SUPERFLITE FABRIC COVERING PRACTICE KIT AND GET
FREE SHIPPING
 Learn
fabric covering the Superflite way! For just $99 with free shipping,
you'll receive enough material to cover and prime a small control
surface. Kit includes 1 yard of fabric, 3 yards of surface tape, 3 yards
of rib lacing cord, 6 inches of straight rib stitching needle, 1
Superflite glue gun, 1 jar of Invisible Gloves, 1 pint of U500 adhesive,
1 pint of SF6500 primer base, 1 pint of SF6600 primer catalyst, 1 pint
of SF6700 flex agent, 1 quart of SF6820 reducer, and 1 D102 manual and
DVD. Suggested Retail: $125, but EAA members get this practice kit for
$99 with free shipping. Click
here to find out how you can save on Superflite's Fabric Covering
Practice Kit.
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EAA MERCHANDISE: INSTANT SAVINGS!
Take $10 off your order of $50 or more at EAA’s online store. Good
through 10/29/2010.
 That’s
right, when you purchase $50 or more of EAA merchandise, you save $10 on
your order. Plus - you will receive a coupon via e-mail for $10.00 off
of your next purchase of $50.00 or more. Enter Coupon Code: 10TODAY to
save $10.00 on your purchase of $50.00 or more. Coupon valid on EAA
merchandise only. Coupon is good for web orders only. Coupon valid until
midnight Friday, October 29, 2010. Get a jump start on your
holiday shopping at EAA's web store
and save!
Rather order by mail or have a catalog in
hand? The EAA Fall/Winter Merchandise Catalog is now available with tons
of special savings for EAA members. Request
a catalog online or by calling toll-free, 800-564-6322.
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EAA Sport Aviation
Magazine
Can you help?
Join the Discussions!
Post of the Week!
Twenty-two loops. That's what Chris
Carlson decided to do to celebrate a particularly inviting sunset near
his home in Shreveport, Louisiana. With all of the time and effort spent
on defending and extending GA, it's great to pause for a moment and hear
a short story from someone like Chris who, in his words, just went
"flying for the hell of it." Not all of us would express it so
succinctly, any more than most of us would have the stomach for 22
consecutive loops, but the sentiment is the same: celebrating flying for
flying's sake. Our thanks to Chris for the reminder!
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If you have suggestions or
submissions for EAA’s weekly AeroInnovations column, please send them to
AeroInnovations editor Bob Waldron.
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e-Spyder: Flight Test Report |
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The second generation e-Spyder from Yuneec offers two flight innovations: the chance to be among a handful of people in the world who have experienced firsthand the magic of electric flight, and an extremely easy way to join the ranks of general aviation because of low cost (less than $30,000) and no pilot certificate required by the FAA. |
Amphibious Aircraft Standard With Your Purchase of a Yacht |
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If you’re looking for a new yacht, you’re probably interested in a plane to go with it. Project 116 is an eco-friendly yacht with a cruising speed of 50 knots and comes equipped with a carbon fiber, folding-wing Akoya amphibious aircraft. |
Star Wars Flying Racing Car |
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This concept flying racing car inspired by Star Wars should probably be driven on or above the German Autobahn. Design highlights are the “stabilizing main rear wings, an aerodynamic body, and front wings with independent ailerons for roll control.” |
Aerodynamic, Hydrogen-Powered, and VTOL A350H Airliner |
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The A350H concept airliner incorporates three futuristic aeroinnovations to better serve an increasingly crowded world: a dolphin-like aerodynamic body for better fuel efficiency and speed, cryogenic hydrogen fuel for zero emissions during flight, and VTOL capability to cope with decreasing space for conventional runways. |
Blown-Wing Air Jets Create High Lift |
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The blown-wing technology from Georgia Tech Research Institute is part of the NASA Hybrid Wing-Body Low-Noise ESTOL Program. With a blown-wing design, also known as circulation control wing technology, “high-speed jets of air are directed over the upper surface of the wings during takeoff and landing, creating an unprecedented lift capability,” allowing commercial jets with this design to service much smaller airports than conventional jets. |
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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 MEASURE VOLTS, AMPS, AND OHMS
 Kas
Osterbuhr explains how to use a multi-meter to measure volts, amps, and
ohms. Kas is an EAA SportAir Workshop instructor for the Electrical
Systems, Wiring and Avionics workshop. Watch
the video
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TIMELESS VOICES OF
AVIATION: GORDON STROUB
 Gordon
Stroub enlisted in the Aviation Cadet Program after the Japanese attack
on Pearl Harbor during World War II. He started training as a pilot, but
was washed out during a check ride. He instead became a Central Fire
Control Gunner on B-29s with the 882nd Bomb Squadron (Very Heavy) of the
500th Bomb Group (Very Heavy) based at Saipan. Gordon flew thirty-five
combat missions against targets in Japan before the war’s end. Today
he volunteers as a docent at the EAA AirVenture Museum. Watch
the video
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Where
Are You Flying This Weekend?
There are 36
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
We are holding a Young Eagles
event this Saturday. Our route normally flies near
the Gateway International Raceway where they will be
holding a NASCAR race in the afternoon. The TFR text
states the TFR begins "ONE HOUR BEFORE THE
SCHEDULED TIME OF A MAJOR MOTOR SPEEDWAY
EVENT." The gates open at 0900, with qualifying
beginning at 0935 and the race beginning at 1430.
For TFR purposes, what is "the event?" Is
it the 1430 race and the TFR begins at 1330 or is it
the 0935 qualification laps?
Answer: A
sporting event TFR is effective "one hour
before the scheduled event until one hour after the
end of the event." Since this TFR also applies
to NASCAR events the NOTAM provides the answer to
your question when it states: "The NOTAM also
applies to NASCAR Sprint Cup, Indy Car and Champ
Series races excluding qualifying and pre-race
events." To read FDC NOTAM 9/5151 in
detail, click
here and reference Part 1, Section 3, FDC
General NOTAMs.
Have a question?
To ask a question regarding government issues,
e-mail EAA Government Relations.
For questions about registration, airmen, aircraft
and medical certification, safety records,
performance, or any other matter, e-mail EAA
Member Services.
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EAA
Desktop Calendar
November
2010
Gene Soucy’s Showcat
biplane lights the ramp during the night air show at
Oshkosh 2010. Photo by Spencer Thornton.
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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CARTER PAV DEEMED WORTHY FOR FLIGHT TESTING
Carter Aerospace Development, a subsidiary of Carter Aviation Technologies, announced that they have received a Special Airworthiness Certificate from the FAA to begin flight testing with the company’s Personal Air Vehicle (PAV). The PAV is Carter’s second generation, proof-of-concept air vehicle incorporating the slowed-rotor/compound technology. The PAV will first be tested as an autogyro; then the wing extensions will be added and the slowed-rotor/compound technology testing will begin. For more information, click here.
FLIGHT DESIGN ANNOUNCES NEW A&P CLASSES
Flight Design USA, which offers factory-approved courses for dealers, mechanics, and owners, announced new Airframe & Powerplant training courses, including classes in composite repair. Mechanics who complete the Advanced CT Composite Repair class will receive authorization to do heavy, complex composite repairs, allowing graduates to service all Flight Design composite aircraft. All classes are conducted at Lockwood Repair in Sebring, Florida. For more information, click here or e-mail Aero Technical Institute Director
Dean Vogel.
BELITE ELECTRONICS ADDS IFR BACKUP
Belite Aircraft has updated several of its featherweight avionics and is offering two new instruments: a solid-state gyro-based Turn Rate Indicator, designed as an IFR backup instrument for experimental aircraft, and a new Air Speed Indicator with a greater speed range. Belite Electronics avionics are designed for ultralight or experimental aircraft and weight half an ounce each; an entire panel of nine instruments weighs less than one pound. For more information, click here.
ROBINSON R66 HELICOPTER CERTIFIED
On October 25, Robinson Helicopter received FAA certification for the new R66, which is powered by a single Rolls-Royce RR300 turboshaft engine and is the first turbine-powered model in Robinson’s product line. The R66 is a five-seat helicopter, including a two-blade rotor system and open interior configuration. In relation to its predecessor, the R66 has increased reserve power and altitude performance. For more information, click here.
FULL LOTUS RELEASES FL950 FLOATS
Full Lotus Manufacturing introduced the FL950 floats, designed for aircraft with a gross weight of up to 1,050 pounds. The floats weigh in at 30 pounds each and the Hull features a rockered design, encouraging the float onto step with little to no input, making it ideal for trike and ultralight aircraft applications. Full Lotus floats are now available in eight sizes, through 2,600 pounds. For more information, click here.
HOMEBUILTHELP OFFERS FLOAT ASSEMBLY DVD
HomebuiltHELP is offering a two-DVD set that shows the step-by-step construction of Zenair metal floats. Zenair floats are offered in kit form or factory-built, sizes ranging from 750 pounds to 2,500 pounds; the DVD is based on the 1,450-pound amphibious floats, designed for light-sport aircraft. The video supplements the assembly instructions and drawings supplied by Zenair. For more information, click here.
ZENITH OFFERS 'TRY BEFORE YOU BUY'
Zenith Aircraft Company’s factory workshops give prospective builders the chance to gain hands-on experience in building a Zenith Aircraft kit plane. Participants get the opportunity to start assembling kit parts under the direction and guidance of factory professionals, culminating in completion of their own aircraft rudder tail section of one of Zenith’s kit designs, including the STOL CH 750 or ZODIAC CH 650. Workshops are held over two days and cover reading drawings and assembly manuals, measuring, drilling, de-burring, blind riveting, and cutting and filing sheet metal parts. For more information, click here.
NEW VFR COMMUNICATIONS VIDEO FROM
SPORTY'S
Sporty's new VFR Communications video features real-world scenarios
and techniques to help pilots communicate accurately - with Air Traffic
Control, at pilot-controlled fields, and in emergencies. Scenarios cover
arriving and departing Class B, C, and D airspace. Special sections
cover non-standard communications heard in the real world and other
common en-route communications such as flight following from ATC. VFR
Communications is available as a DVD or a video download. For more
information, click here. |
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