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July 1, 2010 Volume
11, Number 27
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TURTLE NESTING SNARLS AIR
TRAFFIC AT KJFK
 It's
the time of year again for Diamondback Terrapin turtles to seek a
nesting spot in the a sandy and marshy area near the corners of runways
4L and 31L at John F. Kennedy International Airport. It's not a new
phenomenon, so port authority workers and biologists were ready. The
annual early summer migration is just in time for the wind patterns to
shift to this little-used runway, thus tying up traffic for about 30
minutes Wednesday morning as ground crews were busy removing the turtles
from 4L and parallel Taxiway Kilo. About 150 turtles crossed the runway
and taxiway, which kept controllers and air crews amused but concerned
enough to delay takeoff or movements until they were removed.
Hear the audio (courtesy: LiveATC.net)
| Watch
the video
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YOU
CAN STILL BLOCK YOUR N NUMBER - MAYBE
The FAA has issued a Q&A document to help explain which airplane
owners can continue to block display of their flights after the Blocked
Aircraft Registration Request (BARR) program ends later this year. Only
those who are able to "certify" that a "Valid Security
Concern" exists will be allowed to block the tracking of their
flights by N number on Internet sites that are available to anyone in
the world. Read
more
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EAA APPLAUDS GAMA/IAMAW
RESPONSE TO ATTACK ON AVIATION INDUSTRY
EAA today voiced its support to a response by the General Aviation
Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and the International Association of
Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) against President Obama's
statement that attacked American's aviation industry. In a joint letter
to President Obama, GAMA and IAMAW expressed deep concern over recent
comments and actions questioning the value of corporate aircraft use and
proposing tax changes that would negatively impact the entire general
aviation industry. Read
more
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 MAINTENANCE
REGULATIONS - THERE AREN'T MANY
I had a chance to meet Mike Busch, the Savvy Aviator, a couple
of weeks ago when people who write for Sport Aviation magazine
got together to chat in Oshkosh. I really loved talking to Mike
because he and I have written a lot about how badly most piston
airplane owners misunderstand the FAA regulations governing
maintenance of their airplanes. There just aren't a lot of
rules.
Continue
reading | Subscribe to Mac's Blog
| Recent posts |
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CIRRUS AIRCRAFT, CAIGA
COMPLETE MERGER
 Cirrus
Aircraft and China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co. Ltd. (CAIGA)
announced this morning that the two companies have completed their
merger that was announced
in February 2011. In a news release, Brent Wouters, Cirrus president
and CEO, stated, "We're very excited to have joined forces with
CAIGA. This partnership will benefit our business and our customers; we
share with CAIGA a vision of worldwide growth. CAIGA has the resources
that will allow us to expedite our aircraft development programs and
accelerate our global expansion." Read
more
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EAA HELPS GATHER
BIPARTISAN SUPPORT FOR BARR PROGRAM
More than one-quarter of U.S. Senate signs letter to DOT
EAA joined other general aviation organizations in generating
support from 26 U.S. Senators who are expressing concern over the
Department of Transportation's plan to dismantle the Block Aircraft
Registration Request (BARR) program and invade the privacy of thousands
of aircraft owners. In a June 29 letter to DOT Secretary Ray LaHood, the
bipartisan group of Senators - led by Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Sen.
Mike Begich (D-AK) - noted that the BARR program "provides owners
of general aviation aircraft the ability to prevent the public
dissemination of their aircraft movements. For reasons of individual
security, privacy, and business competitiveness, this program is
essential." Read
more
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ICON SECURES $25
MILLION OF FINANCING
 ICON
Aircraft announced this week securing a $25 million round of equity
funding that will fund the company through the completion of its ongoing
engineering development program, manufacturing setup, and the beginning
of production of its A5 amphibious light-sport aircraft. Financing was
led by U.S. and UK venture investors Satyen Patel and Bart Becht, with
other participating investors Eric Schmidt, chairman of Google; Phil
Condit, former chairman/CEO of Boeing; and undisclosed Silicon Valley
venture capitalists. ICON will receive $15 million initially, with an
option for an additional $10 million, the company reported. Read
more
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HELP
EAA BUILD THE FUTURE OF AVIATION ONE STUDENT MEMBER AT A TIME
Are you a Young Eagles pilot or chapter member? Talk to brand new Young
Eagles and tell them how to go online and activate their free
EAA Student Memberships. There's no cost to join. Be sure each Young
Eagle gets an official Young Eagles Logbook with detailed instructions
inside. An EAA Student Membership is the next step in the EAA Young
Eagles Flight Plan, a program that can take Young Eagles from first
flight to left seat. It's sponsored by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
University.
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THURSDAY IS LAST
DAY TO WIN THE ULTIMATE AIRVENTURE EXPERIENCE!
 Make
sure you’re in on the big drawing for the Ultimate AirVenture
Experience by getting your admission to AirVenture 2011 in
advance, but you have to hurry - the deadline is tonight,
Thursday, June 30, 2011, at 11:59 p.m. CDT. Today is also the last
day for the $5 per weekly adult ticket or $2 per daily adult
ticket discount on advance purchase. Read
more
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COMING OUT
PARTY FOR REFURBISHED #74 SUPER CORSAIR SET FOR OSHKOSH
 On
June 24, a newly refurbished #74 Super Corsair F2G-1 fired up its
Pratt & Whitney R-4360 and taxied around the hangars to test
the brakes for the first time since being salvaged from Walter
Soplata's Aircraft Collection. Aviation photographer Moose
Peterson was privileged to capture the first shots of #74 as Bob
Odegaard and his family first cranked over the elite warbird. Read
more
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SEE HONDA'S
ASIMO ROBOT AT OSHKOSH
 This
year's Honda exhibit at EAA AirVenture will feature not only the
HondaJet advanced light business jet, but also ASIMO, the world's
most advanced humanoid robot. For the first time in Wisconsin,
Honda will be demonstrating its amazing bipedal humanoid robot,
which is capable of independently walking forward, backward, and
up and down stairs and running in straight lines and on curves.
ASIMO is the only bipedal humanoid robot in the world capable of
independent high-speed running up to 4 mph, and it will be showing
off these capabilities and more in daily demonstrations at the
Honda "Power of Dreams" exhibit located just north of
ConocoPhillips Plaza along Wittman Road. Read
more
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AEROINNOVATE OFFERS
NETWORKING, TECHNOLOGY SHOWCASE AT AIRVENTURE
For the third consecutive
year at AirVenture, the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs' Network and the
UW-Oshkosh Business Success Center are organizing AeroInnovate,
which highlights new technologies, entrepreneurs, emerging
companies, and investment trends. Read
more
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MASS
ARRIVAL UPDATE: AIRPLANE GROUPS PREPARING FOR OSHKOSH
 EAA
has received updates this week from the numerous aircraft groups
planning to arrive en masse at Wittman Regional Airport for
AirVenture 2011. The largest group this year will be Bonanzas to
Oshkosh (B2Osh) with 115 aircraft scheduled to arrive beginning
at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 23. B2Osh stages at Rockford
(Illinois) Municipal (RFD). Read
more
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FLYING
AIRCRAFT EXAMPLES TO HONOR BOB HOOVER
 Robert
A. "Bob" Hoover, the pilot's pilot, will be honored at
Oshkosh on Tuesday, July 26, with a number of examples
representing the airplanes he flew - if not the actual models
themselves. "On Tuesday, Hoover Day, we hope to fly several
of Bob's old airplanes," remarked Joe Schumacher,
AirVenture's director of flight operations. Read
more
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TENTS BEGIN
TO GROW ON AIRVENTURE SITE
 With
AirVenture less than a month away, volunteers and workers have
already begun setting up. The big event begins July 25 and will
bring thousands of pilots, planes, and aviation enthusiasts from
all over the world to Oshkosh. Here is a look at how well the
tents are growing around the main exhibit areas. We'll feature
more looks at the progress of setup in the coming weeks. View
the gallery
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18 YEARS OF
MAKING WISHES COME TRUE AT AIRVENTURE
 For
the 18th year in a row, EAA AirVenture will make dreams of
Make-A-Wish families come true as "The World's Greatest
Aviation Celebration" hosts children and their families on
Saturday, July 30. "We plan a very special day for the kids
and their families, fulfilling the kids' dream activities,"
said Randy Hansen, EAA government relations director and MAW
program support coordinator. "Activities and partnerships
like Make-A-Wish day is the essence of EAA and AirVenture." Read
more
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ENJOY NIGHTLY
ENTERTAINMENT AT THEATER IN THE WOODS
 With
seating for 3,500 people, Theater in the Woods is the largest
public gathering structure on AirVenture convention grounds. From
Sunday, July 24, through Saturday, July 30, you can see
entertaining and informative evening programs - from SR-71
Blackbird pilots to astronauts; aviation icons Burt Rutan and Bob
Hoover to the latest developments in the commercial race to space;
and music from an all-volunteer concert band to Gary Sinise's Lt.
Dan Band and country star Aaron Tippin. Read
more
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EAA SALUTES OUR
VETERANS THROUGHOUT AIRVENTURE
 This
weekend marks Independence Day celebrations in the United States,
and in three weeks EAA and hundreds of thousands of attendees will
continue honoring those who have defended our nation's freedom
throughout AirVenture 2011, July 25-31 at Wittman Regional Airport
in Oshkosh. In celebration of the Centennial of Naval Aviation,
AirVenture will host the largest collection of naval aircraft
spanning all eras ever assembled in one location, plus many of the
veterans who flew them, as part of its Tier 1 event status from
the U.S. Navy for the year-long centennial festivities. Read
more
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FREE HAT,
COMMEMORATIVE PIN AVAILABLE FOR ALL VETERANS, ACTIVE MILITARY AT
AIRVENTURE
 Throughout
EAA AirVenture 2011, numerous festivities will honor the service
and sacrifice of veterans and active military personnel who put
their lives on the line defending freedom. Thousands of these
brave men and women will be on hand to celebrate this memorable
week. On Friday, July 29, as part of that day's veterans' salute
activities, all veterans and active military personnel can display
their pride at with a free "Salute to Veterans"
commemorative hat, courtesy of Oshkosh Corporation, the Disabled
American Veterans (DAV), and EAA Warbirds of America. Read
more
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ASK THE
ADMINISTRATOR
 Is
there a question you'd like to ask FAA Administrator Randy
Babbitt? In a moderated session at this year's "Meet the
Administrator" forum at AirVenture, scheduled for Thursday,
July 28, at 11:30 a.m. in the Honda Pavilion, Administrator
Babbitt will answer member questions and one could be yours. To
submit your question via e-mail, click
here.
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FEDEX NAMED
PRESENTING SPONSOR OF AARON TIPPIN IN CONCERT AT EAA AIRVENTURE
2011
 FedEx, a leader in providing customers
and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation,
e-commerce, and business services, will present country star Aaron
Tippin in concert at EAA AirVenture 2011 on Saturday, July 30.
Tippin's energetic performance will kick off a memorable final
evening at The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration, which runs
July 25-31 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. For years,
FedEx has been a preferred shipping provider on the AirVenture
grounds, serving more than 40,000 residents who call Camp Scholler
home for the convention and the more than 500,000 who attend
annually. Read more
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TIME
IS RUNNING OUT: ENROLL BEFORE JULY 10 FOR EAA'S WOMEN SOAR YOU
SOAR 2011
 Spots
are filling up fast! Young women in grades 9-12 can enroll now
in EAA's Women Soar You Soar 2011. This unique program will be
held July 28-31, 2011 - expanded to four days! The program
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. Women Soar included 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, 2011 or until all
spaces are filled. Click
here to find out more about Women Soar You Soar 2011 or call
800-236-1025.
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CAMP SCHOLLER
LAND RUSH IS ON!
 Brisk
early morning temperatures in the 50s did not dissuade
approximately 50 EAAers from arriving at Camp Scholler for the
campground's annual opening day "land rush." Longtime
AirVenture campers make a point to be here so they can stake out
their favorite spots. It's sometimes a coordinated effort among
those who camp together as some begin to rope off their spot and
others go to the camper registration building to pick up their
passes. Read
more
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GOLF AND AVIATION
JOIN FORCES JULY 27 AT OSHKOSH TO SUPPORT EAA YOUNG EAGLES
 The
Young Eagles Celebrity Golf Classic, held at the historic Oshkosh
Country Club on Wednesday, July 27, is a unique opportunity to
bring together golf and aviation enthusiasts in support of EAA
Young Eagles - the most dynamic aviation youth program in the
world. Since the program teed off in 1992, Young Eagles has
inspired 1.6 million young people to explore the world of flight.
You'll be inspired too, when you tee up with celebrities like
baseball legend Ken Griffey Jr., Pro Football Hall of Famer
Thurman Thomas, aerobatic legend Sean Tucker, and many others. Register
today online or call 800-236-1025 for more information.
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SIGN UP FOR
THE RUNWAY 5K
 Grab
your sneakers! Running and walking enthusiasts can navigate a
unique, aircraft-lined course by competing in the fifth annual EAA
Runway 5K, scheduled for Saturday, July 30, at 7 a.m. during
AirVenture. The 3.1-mile run/walk will benefit the Boys &
Girls Club of Oshkosh, YMCA Strong Kids Fund, and Cerebral Palsy
of Mideast Wisconsin. Read
more
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OSHKOSH
CVB LOOKING FOR YOUR FEEDBACK
 The
Oshkosh Convention &
Visitors Bureau is conducting a survey of EAA AirVenture
visitors who use the website, as a source for finding
accommodations during the event. The feedback generated from the
survey will be used to make improvements on the website, making
it as user-friendly as possible. To access the survey, click
here.
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MAN
WHO HELPED SAVE INDIANA AIRPORT DIES IN PLANE CRASH
 A
Fort Wayne physician who helped organize efforts to save a Fort Wayne,
Indiana, airport in 2002-03 died Friday night in a plane crash in
northern Michigan. Dr. Stephen Hatch, 46, and his wife, Kim, 44,
perished when their Bonanza A36 impacted a garage near north of the
Charlevoix Municipal Airport, according to the National Transportation
Safety Board. Hatch's son, Austin, 16, survived and is in critical
condition at Munson Medical Center, Traverse City, Michigan. Read
more
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JULY
8 MARKS FINAL SPACE SHUTTLE LAUNCH
 NASA
made it official Tuesday: Atlantis will make the space shuttle
program's final launch at 11:26 a.m. EDT on Friday, July 8, from NASA's
Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The planned 12-day STS-135 mission to
the International Space Station will be commanded by Chris Ferguson and
three crewmates: pilot Doug Hurley and mission specialists Sandy Magnus
and Rex Walheim. They'll deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics
module filled with supplies and spare parts to sustain space station
operations after the shuttles are retired, NASA said. Read
more
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AIR
RACE CLASSIC
 The
annual Air Race Classic concluded last week as weather shortened the
competition that has its roots in the 1929 Women's Air Derby, where 20
pilots flew from Santa Monica, California, to Cleveland, Ohio. This year
collegiate teams dominated the 80-pilot field as a team from
Jacksonville University became the first collegiate team to win the
competition after finishing 14th the year before. Read
more
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MY
WORLD WAR II POW EXPERIENCE PART 2 - EVADE AND CAPTURE
From Warbirds Briefing
 This
month is Part 2 of the recollections of the late Walter J. Nachtwey, a
B-17 pilot who was eventually shot down over Germany and spent nearly
two years in Stalag Luft III, a German prisoner of war camp made famous
by the film The Great Escape. Walter finished flight training in early
1943 and was flying combat missions out of England by June. Now, as his
bombardment group was flying their third mission things started to
unravel, right after the bomb run, just after they started for home. Read
Part 2 | Part
1
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ELECTRIC CRI-CRI BREAKS
OWN WORLD ELECTRIC SPEED RECORD
 Hugues
Duval broke his own world speed record for an electric aircraft, flying
his electric Cri-Cri MC15E E-Cristaline to a speed of 152.7 knots
(262 kph) at the Paris Air Show on Saturday, June 25. Duval's previous
record - also in E-Cristaline - was 141 knots, set in September
2010 at the Pontoise (France) Air Show. Saturday's record speed was
verified by the Aero Club of France and must be approved by the
Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) to become official. Read
more
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eGENIUS
SETS DISTANCE RECORD
 The
Airbus-sponsored electric airplane called the eGenius set a record for
distance flown by an electric aircraft over a two-hour time period
earlier this month. After making its maiden flight nearly three weeks
prior on May 25, the aircraft covered a distance of 211 miles averaging
100 mph at 4,000 feet. The two-seat, side-by-side aircraft is powered by
a 60-kW electric propulsion system and a battery capacity of 56 kWh. Read
more
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ARLINGTON
FLY-IN BEGINS NEXT WEDNESDAY
 The
43rd annual Arlington Fly-In gets under way next Wednesday, July 6,
running through Sunday, July 10, at the Arlington Municipal Airport in
Washington. This is the last major regional aviation fly-in event before
AirVenture and although Arlington is one of the largest aviation events
in the country, attendees say it has a grassroots, down-to-earth feel to
it. Read
more
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 While
a number of you told us last week that you were pretty interested in
the idea of a flying car, 64 percent said they were perfectly happy with
one vehicle for the road and another one for the sky.
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION looks to the
east, at a couple of Chinese homebuilt aircraft projects that we've
heard a little about. Both of them get straight A's for effort and
enthusiasm, but to our knowledge neither of them has flown yet. Based on
the photos at the beginning
and the end of this article, we'd like to know:
Which of these two designs do you
think is more likely to fly? Vote
now!
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WEBINARS: NEW
CHAPTER WEBSITES ARE HERE
The new EAA Chapter web sites have been
created. OK, now what? How do you begin taking your chapter's web site
to the next level. Join EAA's Hal Bryan as he takes you through a tour
of the web sites and explains some of the quick steps you can take to
customize your chapter's site.
All webinars begin at 7 p.m. CDT unless
otherwise noted. 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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GIVE WINGS TODAY - HELP
GROW A VIBRANT AND HEALTHY AVIATION COMMUNITY
 Flying
is uplifting and immediately exciting - a testament to what we can
achieve with hard work, determination, and focus. More than 7 percent of
the total active pilot population between the ages of 15 and 34 (nearly
12,000 pilots) got their start as Young Eagles; let's keep this going!
The EAA community is made up of the most active participants in aviation
- your support of the Young Eagles program opens doors to future
generations and plays a critical part in ensuring the freedoms of flight
we enjoy today. Donate to “Give
Wings” today or call 800-236-1025 to learn more.
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ALUMINUM OVERCAST
TO SPEND INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY IN ILLINOIS
 EAA's
B-17 Aluminum Overcast is spending the Fourth of July weekend in
Illinois. From July 1-3, EAA Chapter 770 will host the Flying Fortress
in Springfield for tours and flights. After a day off, the World War II
bomber will fly in to the Greater Peoria Regional Airport for a July 5-6
tour stop hosted by EAA Chapter 563. For a full tour schedule and
booking information, click here.
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TRI-MOTOR
CONTINUES TOUR OF THE MIDWEST
 EAA's
Ford Tri-Motor landed at the Griffing-Sandusky Airport in Sandusky,
Ohio, on Thursday and EAA Chapter 50 will host the "Tin Goose"
for tours and flights through July 4. From there it's on to Jackson,
Michigan, where EAA Chapter 304 will host the airplane from July 5-7.
For more information on booking and tour stops, click
here.
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DEAL
OF THE WEEK: RESERVE YOUR COPY OF THE OFFICIAL EAA AIRVENTURE 2011
DVD AND RECEIVE FREE SHIPPING
 Pre-order
your AirVenture 2011 DVD today and get free shipping (domestic orders
only). International shipping is $3 for the first DVD and $1 for each
additional DVD purchased. Offer good through July 31, 2011. Click
here to find out how you can save on shipping when you order your
AirVenture 2011 DVD.
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EAA MERCHANDISE: JEWELRY SALE! SAVE UP TO 50 PERCENT
 Now
through July 7, 2011, you can save up to 50 percent on select jewelry
items at EAA's Web store. Limited quantities remain, so be sure to order
soon. And remember, when you shop at the EAA online store, you support
EAA programs that help grow participation in aviation. Order
online or call us toll-free at 800-564-6322.
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EAA Sport Aviation
Magazine
Can you help?
Join the Discussions!
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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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Super-Conducting Electric Motors to Power VoltAir Airliner |
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The VoltAir electric propulsion concept airliner from EADS will use high-temperature superconducting (HTS) electric motors. EADS predicts the HTS materials will make possible motors that exceed the power to weight ratio of current gas turbine engines. When cooled with liquid nitrogen, the HTS motor windings have an “almost lossless electrical current.” This lossless current makes feasible high power-density motors that drive two large co-axial, counter-rotating shrouded propellers at the rear of the aircraft and can power commercial airliners. |
| Harnessing Energy From Takeoff/Landing Wakes |
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The leaf-shaped wind power generation device designed by the “Wings of Phoenix” team from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics won first prize in the Airbus Fly Your Ideas 2011 competition. “Leaves” are meant to be installed along airport runways, where they capture energy as they bend back and forth in the wake of aircraft that are taking off and landing. Watch the interesting video from Team Wings of Phoenix here. |
DA36 E-Star: First Flying Hybrid Gives a Jolt |
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The DA36 E-Star is the world’s first-to-fly serial hybrid electric propulsion aircraft, with an electric drive design similar to that of the Chevrolet Volt. Siemens, EADS, and Diamond Aircraft collaborated on the two-seat design, featuring a 94-hp electric motor and 40-hp Wankel rotary engine. |
Fast Flights Zero Emission Transport |
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EADS innovators in Paris also rolled out the ZEHST (Zero Emission HyperSonic Transport), a Mach 4 concept airliner. This aircraft will take off with normal jet engines fueled by biofuel processed from algae. Once the ZHEST reaches an altitude of 6 kilometers, it will kick in the liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen rocket engine to climb to 32 kilometers. At that altitude the ramjet takes over the propulsion and boosts the speed to Mach 4 for a 2.3-hour flight from London to Tokyo. |
D-Dalus: VTOL Propulsion System as Disruptive as the Jet Engine? |
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The D-Dalus aircraft is potentially the most disruptive and exciting aviation innovation since the jet engine. Recently unveiled in Paris, the Austrian VTOL D-Dalus is neither fixed-wing nor rotorcraft and uses four mechanically linked, contra-rotating cylindrical turbines, each running at the same 2,200 rpm, for its propulsion. The aircraft appears to have many advantages over other VTOLs, including the ability to safely hover very close to vertical surfaces and to exert its thrust in any vector on any of the three axes. |
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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: MAKING
TIE DOWN ROPES
 In
this video, Dick and Bob Koehler demonstrate how to make tie down ropes.
Dick and Bob are both Technical Counselors, A&P aircraft mechanics
with Inspection Authorization (IA), and SportAir Workshop instructors. Watch
the video
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TIMELESS VOICES OF AVIATION: SEAN
SWEENEY, TAYLOR AEROCAR PILOT
 Sean
Sweeney has been interested in aviation for as long as he can remember.
His father Ed is a pilot and owner of the 1956 Taylor Model I Aerocar,
Serial #4. Sean soloed a glider at age 14, and as he got older and
attained his flight ratings he began flying commercially, eventually
making his way into the left seat of a Boeing 727. About six years ago
he had a change of heart and decided to make a move. He took a job
flying for the Kissimmee Air Museum and Warbird Adventures giving T-6
instruction and wrenching on airplanes. In his spare time, Sean ferries
vintage and warbird aircraft all over the country and takes his father’s
Aerocar to air and auto shows throughout the U.S. Sean brought the
Aerocar to the AirVenture Museum this week, and we spoke with him about
the aircraft and his plans for AirVenture 2011. Watch
the video
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Where
Are You Flying This Weekend?
There are 118
fly-ins and events over
the next two weekends in the EAA
Events Calendar. Find one near you or add your event! |
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Correction: In
last week’s issue we used the company name
LightSpeed in a story about the company,
LightSquared. We regret the error.
Q
& A: RANS
recently raised the gross weight of its model S-7 to
1,320 pounds. Does that mean I have to raise the GW
to 1,320 pounds on my finished aircraft? And if so,
do I have to re-enter Phase 1 testing?
Answer: No,
you do not have to raise the gross weight on your
aircraft, unless you want to. If you do, you would
have to comply with the Operating Limitations
documents aboard your aircraft. Since this would
result in what the FAA defines as a major change,
you would probably have to contact your local Flight
Standards District Office (FSDO) which would most
likely require that you re-enter Phase 1 testing for
a minimum of five hours. You would make the logbook
entry that you are entering Phase 1 testing, loading
the aircraft to the new GW, and flight testing at
that weight.
When finished, you
would again make a logbook entry that you have
completed the Phase 1 testing using the wording
found in the Operating Limitations, and you would
then resume Phase 2, normal operations.
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
July
2011
Boeing’s new
787 Dreamliner is scheduled to make a landmark visit
to AirVenture 2011 on Friday, July 29, including the
first-ever
public cabin tours. (Photo credit: Boeing)
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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UPGRADE
FOR C-180/182/185 JACK SCREW ACTUATORS
McFarlane Aviation Products announced the availability of its new stabilizer jack screw actuator kit for Cessna models 180, 182, and 185. The FAA-PMA/STC-approved kit replaces all wear components and upgrades the actuators with many part life and safety related improvements. The STC was originally developed by North Pacific Welding in Alaska to solve corrosion problems encountered by seaplane operators. McFarlane further improved the design by replacing the steel components with advanced duplex stainless steel for better corrosion resistance in harsh saltwater environments. For more information, click here and search for Part No. 1111.
NOSEWHEEL SOLUTION FOR VAN'S RV-10
Beringer Wheels & Brakes announced a new nose wheel and axle solution for the Van’s RV-10. The new nose wheel kit includes the lightweight Beringer wheel and a mounted tubeless tire, plus the one-piece thru-axle associated parts and hardware necessary for the installation. Builders have long battled the setup of the nose wheel, which, in the original configuration, often results in either a too-tight or too-loose fit, resulting in poor ground handling or excess wear. The Beringer thru-axle eliminates the sensitive problem of front-axle tension. For more information on price and specs, click here.
BLUETOOTH AUDIO ADAPTER FOR OPEN-COCKPIT AIRCRAFT
Lynx Avionics announced a new Bluetooth Audio Adapter for use with its Micro System headsets designed specifically for use in open-cockpit aircraft. The adapter features a waterproof enclosure and a large multi-function control button that can be used while wearing gloves. It also includes built-in Bluetooth telephone and music interface and provides Bluetooth wireless connections for up to eight devices. The adapter has a built-in clip and can be mounted permanently using Velcro, screws, tube clips, or cable tie saddles. For more information, click here.
ZENITH CH 650 KIT MEETS 51 PERCENT REQUIREMENT
A five-person FAA National Kit Evaluation Team (NKET) recently concluded a two-day visit to Zenith Aircraft Company in Mexico, Missouri. Terry Allen, manager of the FAA Production and Airworthiness Division, stated that the evaluation team determined that the kit will “allow an amateur builder to meet the major portion requirement of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations part 21, Certification Procedures for Product and Parts,” better known as the “51 percent” requirement to register the aircraft as an amateur-built experimental. The Zenith kit has been added to the list of amateur-built aircraft kits located on the FAA website.
CESSNA’S NEW MOBILE CUSTOMER SERVICE
WEBSITE
Cessna Aircraft Company launched a new mobile version of its Citation Customer Service website. Customers can go to www.Cessna.mobi on their smartphone, iPad, or tablet to access contact points for technical information, Cessna Service Parts & Programs, Citation Service Centers, field service reps, customer care, authorized service facilities, and the customer service leadership team. In addition, the site includes a calendar of special events staffed by Citation Service Center and Cessna Service Parts & Programs experts. For more information, click here.
PIPER ASSISTS AIRNAV IN FBO APP LAUNCH
Piper Aircraft is sponsoring the launch of AirNav.com’s new application for the iPod Touch, iPhone, and iPad. AirNav.com is an online service that provides updated information to aid aviators and aviation enthusiasts. In addition to the introduction and rollout, Piper is supporting the new AirNav.com app and its various Web pages, including airport, navaids, airspace fixes, aviation fuel, and AirBoss. The first 2,000 subscribers will have the option to receive an annual $4.99 subscription to the application for free when they complete a brief online survey from Piper Aircraft. To subscribe to the new application, click here, and then click on “Apps.”
NETWORK AND ENGAGE AT AEROINNOVATE PITCH & MINGLE
The AeroInnovate team issued a call for applicant companies for the annual AeroInnovate Pitch & Mingle and the newly created AeroInnovate Technology Showcase at EAA AirVenture 2011. Interested applicants for the Pitch & Mingle should send a copy of their executive summary from their business plan to jaegerm@uwosh.edu no later than July 1, 2011. Executive summaries will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and selected companies will be notified no later than July 8, 2011. Selected companies will give an eight-minute pitch followed by a four-minute Q&A to a group of accredited investors, industry advisors, and fellow aviation/aerospace entrepreneurs. For more information, click here.
SPORTY'S UPDATES FLIGHT REVIEW AND IPC
APPS
Sporty’s released updated versions of its Flight Review and Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) apps available on the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad. The Sporty’s Flight Review app now includes a review quiz with the relevant video segment for test review. Also included in the app is the FAA’s Guide to an Effective Flight Review, with the ability to print the worksheets and checklists from this brochure using the AirPrint functionality and networked printer. The IPC app now includes a review quiz as well as the FAA’s Instrument Proficiency Check Guidance, also printable with AirPrint. For more information on both apps, click here.
Meanwhile, Sporty’s Academy now has a new 2011 Cessna 162 Skycatcher, joining its training fleet of late-model Cessna 172s, a Cessna 182, and Diamond Xtreme Motorglider. The Skycatcher will be used for sport, recreational, and private pilot training as well as glass-panel transition flying, rental checkouts, and introductory flights. For more information on Sporty’s Academy, click here.
KING COURSES ON THE IPAD
King School aviation courses can now be accessed on the Apple iPad through an application called iSwifter. The app, which was originally developed to enable running Flash-based games on the iPad, allows users to access King Schools’ online training courses, including video playback and taking interactive questions. For more information, click here.
NEW VIDEO FOR ROTAX 912/914-SERIES
ENGINES OIL PRESSURE
Rotax released a new online video covering troubleshooting of fluctuating oil pressure on 912- and 914-series engines. The video can be streamed on the company’s website and can be viewed at high, mid, or low bandwidth, depending on your computer’s performance. To watch the new video, click here.
DOT GRANTS EXEMPTION REQUESTS FOR
TERRAFUGIA
Terrafugia Inc., developer of the Transition roadable aircraft, has
officially received a grant of all of the special exemptions it had
requested from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),
including two this week. It is allowing for the use of tires that are
appropriately rated for highway speeds and the vehicle weight but are
not ordinarily allowable for multi-purpose vehicles, and the use of
polycarbonate materials instead of traditional laminated automotive
safety glass for weight and aviation safety reasons. In 2010, the
Transition received an additional 110 pounds allowance by the FAA in a
prior exemption action by the DOT. EAA submitted comments in favor of
these latest exemption requests in December 2010. Click
here to read. |
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