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February
3, 2012 Volume 12,
Number 5 |
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GA SCORES VICTORIES IN
FAA REAUTHORIZATION BILL
As the first full FAA Reauthorization Bill in nearly five years heads
toward a final floor vote in the House and Senate in the next few days,
general aviation will see a number of benefits from the language
approved by House and Senate conferees this week. A major victory for
general aviation is the exclusion of user fees and fuel tax increases in
the legislation. While it is still possible that the Obama
Administration will introduce a user-fee proposal as part of its budget
plan, the lack of them in the reauthorization measure shows that
Congress still has little inclination to support such fees. Read
more
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PELTON,
AUERBACH, PLEASANCE ELECTED TO EAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 Jack
Pelton (left), Stuart Auerbach (center), and Darren Pleasance (right)
have been added to the EAA board of directors, which governs the
176,000-member aviation organization. The three new directors bring
extensive aviation and business background to the board, in addition to
longtime EAA involvement and thousands of hours of flight time. "We
are very pleased to have Jack, Stuart, and Darren join the EAA
board," said EAA President/CEO Rod Hightower. "Along with
their impressive business experience, they are all first and foremost
passionate aviators and EAA members. Their expertise will be very
valuable as EAA aims to grow participation in aviation and inspire the
next generation of aviators." Read
more
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IS A CRASH A CRIME?
In many countries
accidents are considered to be criminal acts. Italy and Brazil
come to mind as nations that have treated high-profile aviation
accidents as criminal acts by the pilots involved. But now a
prosecutor and grand jury in Massachusetts are charging the
pilot of a Cessna 310 with involuntary manslaughter when the
crash of a piston twin - which he was flying without a
multiengine rating - resulted in the death of his daughter, the
only passenger.
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MEDXPRESS
MANDATE
Paper forms for flight physicals to
disappear October 1, 2012
The traditional paper forms completed by many pilots prior to their
airman medical exams will completely vanish by October 1, as the FAA
moves exclusively to its MedXPress online system for these applications
(officially known as FAA Form 8500-8). Federal Air Surgeon Dr. Fred
Tilton reported the change in the Federal Air Surgeon's Medical Bulletin
on January 27. Read
more | Sign
up for EAA's MedCpress Webinar
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PILOT'S
BILL OF RIGHTS INTRODUCED IN HOUSE
 Longtime
EAA member Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO), along with Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-IL),
have jointly introduced the House version of the "Pilot's Bill of
Rights" that would provide aviators with more protection and access
to information in FAA enforcement proceedings. The bill (H.R. 3816) is a
companion bill to the U.S. Senate version (S. 1335) introduced last July
by EAA member Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK). That Senate bill, which was
outlined to aviators by Sen. Inhofe last summer at EAA AirVenture 2011,
already has 60 co-sponsors. Read
more
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HOMEBUILT
AIRCRAFT COUNCIL SEEKING NEW MEMBERS
 Are
you passionate about experimental aviation? Do you want to help guide
the direction of the homebuilt airplane community within EAA? Then you
may be a candidate to serve on the EAA Homebuilt Aircraft Council, which
is looking to fill three to four council positions in the coming months.
Prospective members must be willing to travel to Oshkosh two or three
times a year for council meetings, plus there may be other meetings and
responsibilities occurring during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Read the HAC
charter here. If you're interested in serving as a member, complete
the online application form here.
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TEMPORARY
TOWERS CREATED FOR SUPER BOWL
 This
weekend's Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis brings temporary changes for
pilots flying in that area, and the FAA has three temporary airport
traffic control towers (ATCTs) set up to handle the expected increased
traffic: Eagle Creek Airpark
(EYE), Indianapolis
Regional Airport (MQJ), and Indianapolis
Executive Airport (TYQ) will be control airfields from Wednesday,
February 1, through Monday, February 6. When those towers are open,
pilots need permission from ATC to enter a taxiway or runway. For more
information, click on the above links for each airport. To view the
FAA's Super Bowl NOTAM, click
here. For the official flight advisory, click
here.
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CORVUS
LAUNCHES FUSION LSA
 European
aircraft manufacturer Corvus-Hungary introduced its new aircraft for the
European ultralight and U.S. LSA markets, the Corvus Fusion, at its
assembly hangar in Pordenone, Italy, last Friday, January 27. First
announced in August 2011, the privately owned company developed the
prototype over the past six months and aims to begin test flights in
March. The company claims to have created a "totally
different" airplane with unique features, design, engine, gear and
wing options, and capabilities. Read
more
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LIST
YOUR WAYPOINT AND DEALS FOR THOSE FLYING TO AIRVENTURE
 If
you have a landing facility and would like to be among the alternate
airports, waypoints, FBOs, and other sites listed on the EAA AirVenture
website free of charge, please e-mail your information, including name
of business, airport, phone number, e-mail address, and any special
offers you'd like to announce to communications@eaa.org,
then watch for it on the Special
Offers for Pilots page.
Are you flying to AirVenture? Watch this
page fill with fuel discounts over the upcoming months to help you plan
your trip to Oshkosh!
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OPERATION
MIGRATION SETS RECORD STRAIGHT IN RECENT TEMPORARY GROUNDING
 "It
is in the nature of the pilots to complain about the FAA and the news
about the
temporary grounding of Operation Migration's aircraft and its
migrating Whooping cranes in December sparked some strident criticism of
the agency from pilots," wrote David Sakrison, member of the OM
board of directors, in a recent letter to EAA Publications. "(But)
FAA officials were not the bad guys in this affair - far from it. Read
Sakrison's full explanation of the events as they unfolded here.
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LIMITED
OPENINGS LEFT FOR EAA AIR ACADEMY YOUNG EAGLES, BASIC SESSIONS
 Unforgettable
aviation memories and new friends await students ages 12-15 this summer
at the EAA Air Academy, a series of week-long camps designed to
introduce young people to the aviation world. Participants stay at the
EAA Air Academy Lodge in Oshkosh, while completely immersed in aviation
through a series of activities. Aviation instructors with more than 200
years of combined teaching experience help kids explore the world of
flight through aviation studies, hands-on demonstrations, flight
simulation, and many more exciting activities. Read
more
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KICK
OFF 'DAUGHTER DAY' AT WAI WITH FREE BREAKFAST, NOTABLE AVIATORS
 As
part of this year's Women In Aviation Conference in Dallas, Texas, a
special "Bring Your Daughter to the Conference Day" on
Saturday, March 10, will introduce girls to the excitement and career
opportunities available in aviation. If you're planning on attending,
kick off this memorable day with EAA President/CEO Rod Hightower, his
family, and key figures in the aviation world with a free breakfast
hosted by EAA in the Madrid Room at the Hilton Anatole Hotel.
Thanks to support from American Airlines,
this breakfast is complimentary for girls and their chaperone. Please
RSVP for the breakfast by Wednesday, March 7, through Mindy Pearson at
920-426-6820 or via e-mail. Read
more
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LIMITED
NUMBER OF TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR EAA HOPS & PROPS 2012
 Don't
miss your chance to sample more than 250 microbrew beers from breweries
and distributors around the world at EAA Hops & Props 2012, March 3,
at the EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. A VIP Beer School
presented by Becket's restaurant and New Glarus Brewing will also be
offered, giving guests the opportunity to learn about the process of
brewing specialty beers while they dine on food and beer pairings. You
must be at least 21 years of age to attend. Ticket sales are limited.
Proceeds help support AirVenture Museum events that are offered free to
the local community. Order
tickets online or call 800-226-1025.
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B-29
"FIFI" AND P-51C TUSKEGEE AIRMEN COMING TO SUN 'N FUN
 The
38th annual Sun 'n Fun International Fly-In & Expo, scheduled for
March 27-April 1, will have two special visitors staying all week: The
Commemorative Air Force's (CAF) B-29 Superfortress "FIFI" and
the P-51C Mustang Tuskegee Airmen. "FIFI", the world's
only flyable B-29, will land at Sun 'n Fun on March 27. The
Superfortress will be available for guided tours throughout the week and
the public is invited to purchase rides on the one-of-a-kind airplane.
Rides are scheduled for March 28-30 and April 1 and can be booked in
advance by visiting the CAF squadron
website. Read more
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WEBINARS: HOW
TO USE MEDXPRESS
Dr. Gregory Pinnell of the EAA Aeromedical Council will walk you through
the FAA's online medical application MedXPress and show how it can be
easily completed and not threaten your ability to fly LSA.
All webinars begin at 7 p.m. CST unless
otherwise noted, and they require registration. 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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EAA
MERCHANDISE: SAVE UP TO 50 PERCENT ON EAA HERITAGE COLLECTION
 Celebrate
EAA's rich history of grassroots flying and innovation with merchandise
from the EAA Heritage Collection. This unique collection of apparel,
patches, pins, and mugs all feature the original EAA logo that was
introduced in 1953. Best of all, between now and February 29, you'll
save up to 50 percent off items from this collection. Order
online or by calling toll-free, 800-564-6322.
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DEAL OF THE WEEK VALENTINE'S DAY SPECIAL:
SAVE 25 PERCENT ON AVIATION JEWELRY
 Stuck
on what to get her for Valentine's Day? EAA's collection of quality
aviation-themed jewelry features a variety of necklaces, bracelets,
earrings, charms, and more that'll leave a lasting impression, without
breaking the bank. Order any piece of jewelry between now and February 9,
2012, and take an additional 25 percent off the original price. Order
online or by calling toll-free, 800-564-6322.
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Monthly Photo Contest
Enter your pictures now for the April Photo Contest!
Can You Help?
Ongoing 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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Kickstarting
a Vertical Wing Aircraft |
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Matthew
Tanner is an aviation innovator in two ways. First, he's redesigning
his Z300 with large vertical airfoils through the middle of his wings.
He hopes these "vertical wings" will allow him to do
extended distance, knife-edge flight as well as knife-edge aerial
loops. Second, he's financing his aviation redesign project via the
Internet crowdfunding website Kickstarter, allowing anyone interested
in this project to "invest" in it. |
Beam
up My Ion-Thrust PAV |
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The
ion-thrust PAV (personal air vehicle) is a novel type of jet pack
described in a U.S. patent. It uses ion electric air propulsion for
highly efficient and minimal-emissions flight, and uses energy beamed
up from the ground as its power source. |
Scorpion
Survival Strategy for Desert Helicopters |
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The
yellow fat-tail scorpion's hard outer shell is extremely resistant to
erosion from desert sandstorms. Researchers figured out that part of
this resistance is due to the ridged microtexture of the shell. New
helicopter blades are being designed to mimic the scorpion's shell,
with grooves at a 30-degree angle to make those blades last longer
when operating in desert areas. |
Shocking
SCRamjets in Germany |
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The
SCRAMSPACE I SCRamjet (supersonic combustion ramjet) engine is
designed to travel at up to Mach 16. Designing an engine for that
speed requires unique tools, one of which is the German High Enthalpy
Shock wind tunnel. The HEG tunnel creates a brief blast of air that
travels at 22,000 km/h, allowing the scientists to analyze the
engine's performance at supersonic speeds. |
DARPA
Aircraft Show the Future of Aviation? |
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Futuristic
aircraft currently in development by DARPA (Defense Advanced Research
Projects Agency) include the Disc-Rotor aircraft, which is a cross
between a helicopter and fixed-wing plane; the Vulture, planned for
flight durations of up to five years; the Falcon Hypersonic Technology
Vehicle, for getting to any place on Earth within one hour; and the
Transformer flying car, designed for the battlefield. |
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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. |
HINTS
FOR HOMEBUILDERS: SERVICING
DISK  BRAKES
A follow-up to last week's hint, in this video Dick and Bob Koehler
show us how to service disc brakes and pads. Dick and Bob are both
Technical Counselors, A&P mechanics with Inspection Authorization
(IA), and SportAir Workshop instructors. Watch
the video.
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TIMELESS
VOICES OF AVIATION: ED MARQUART
 During
World War II, Ed Marquart served as an aviation machinist mate repairing
damaged fighter aircraft aboard the aircraft carrier USS Shangri-La
(CV-38). After the war, he worked at various aircraft manufacturers in
the Philadelphia area, including Piasecki Helicopter and Lanier Aircraft
Corporation. Ed was an early member of EAA (membership No. 198) and in
1955 he moved to California and went to work for Ray Stits building
aircraft kits at Flabob Airport in Riverside. In 1958, Ed went into
business for himself designing his own homebuilt aircraft, selling
plans, and working on unique restoration projects for others. He is
perhaps best known for his MA-5 Charger biplane design. Ed passed away
at the age of 85 in 2007. Watch
the video.
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Where
Are You Flying This Weekend?
There are 30
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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Q &
A: Recently
I have become aware of a product called Sta-Bil
ethanol treatment that neutralizes the detrimental
effects of alcohol in auto fuel. Can this additive
be used to eliminate the potential problems of using
autofuel in aircraft engines?
Answer: We
frequently get asked this question as our members
search for ways to find ethanol-free autogas. The
answer is no - products such as Sta-Bil purport to
improve the storage stability of fuels containing
ethanol but do nothing to address the safety,
performance, and durability issues raised by the use
of autogas with ethanol in aircraft.
Ethanol raises a
fuel's vapor pressure beyond acceptable limits under
the autogas STC, heightening concerns for vapor lock
in some fuel systems. It attracts water, which
becomes extremely corrosive to aluminum aircraft
fuel systems. (This could also lead to accretion of
ice crystals in the fuel system, which could cause
loss of power or engine stoppage at altitude or in
cold weather). Ethanol also reduces the fuel's
energy density, decreasing power and/or range.
Products like Sta-Bil
are also prohibited because the resulting fuel does
not meet the ASTM fuel specification for octane and
other characteristics required by the STC without
the inclusion of the ethanol.
Ethanol and other
alcohols are prohibited under the FAA approval for
the use of autogas under both the EAA and Petersen
STC programs for good safety and durability reasons.
EAA does not support the use of ethanol-blended
autogas in any aircraft and urges you to test
autofuel for the presence of the ethanol prior to
loading it in any STC'd aircraft.
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
February 2012
Ed
"Turbo" D’Arcy, EAA 603274, took this
photo of a Kitfox Model IV during a pontoon boat
tour of the AirVenture Seaplane Base in 2004. Ed and
his father, who recently passed away, took the tour
together; besides sharing a love of aviation, they
loved the water and sailed more than 30,000 miles
together.
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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AV-SUN READERS COMBINE SUNGLASSES AND
READING GLASSES
Pilots who use both sunglasses and reading glasses no longer have to
switch with the AV-Sun Readers, designed for pilots who need reading
glasses for maps and instruments. The reading bifocal is placed low so
vision outside the plane will not be distorted, and the sunglasses
aren't polarized, so GPS screens and glass panels are still viewable.
AV-Sun Readers sell for $99.95 with a case and free shipping. For more
information, click here.
SPORTAIRUSA TO BRIEF IA'S ON LSA RULES
SportairUSA will present a seminar on the certification, operation, and
maintenance of S-LSA at the FAA Inspection Authorization Clinic in
Jacksonville, Arkansas, on February 10, 2012. The clinic is sponsored by
the Arkansas Department of Aeronautics for those FAA A&P mechanics
who hold the rating of Inspection Authorization (IA). Instructors will
present IA recurrent training, Rotax engine maintenance and operation,
annual condition inspection terms, and more. For more information, click
here.
KODIAK RECEIVES BRAZILIAN
CERTIFICATION
Quest Aircraft Company's Kodiak has received full certification from
Brazil's National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC). The Kodiak is now
certified in seven countries around the world, and work continues on
additional certifications. The Kodiak, a 10-place single-engine
turboprop utility airplane, is designed for STOL use and float
capability. Kodiaks are in service with charter operators, small
businesses, personal owners, U.S. and international governments,
humanitarian organizations, and more. For more information, click
here.
NASA RELEASES EDUCATIONAL ATC GAME APP
NASA has released a new free educational game with an air traffic
control theme for the iPhone and iPad. The Sector 33 app is designed to
challenge students in middle school and above to use basic math and
problem-solving skills. In the game, the player acts as an air traffic
controller guiding airplanes through a sector of airspace spanning
Nevada and California. The player can adjust the planes' paths and
speeds to safely reach certain spots in the sky in the fastest time
possible while keeping the planes a specific distance from each other.
For more information, click
here.
ASA eKITS COMBINE TRUSTED CONTENT WITH
DIGITAL CONVENIENCE
ASA's latest eProduct additions bring together trusted and time-tested
ground school eBooks with the essential pilot supplies students need to
complete their training. The new Private Pilot and Flight School eKits
provide a one-stop solution for the aspiring aviator looking for digital
flexibility. The eKits are tailored to Part 61 and 141 training
programs, respectively. For more information, click
here.
NEW REMOS AIRCRAFT WEBSITE IS ONLINE
REMOS has switched on an entirely new website, designed to provide
customers with the functionalities they desire. The site features a new
"configurator" that allows visitors to choose from all the
available models and options that REMOS has to offer. With each optional
item the price and weight of the aircraft is automatically recalculated
and displayed. Visitors can then place their order requests directly
with the manufacturer. To see the new REMOS website, click
here.
DRE HEADSETS AVAILABLE WITH BLUETOOTH
Headsets Inc. now offers the new Model DRE 8001 active noise reduction
headset with Bluetooth. The headset integrates a new LYNX Bluetooth
audio controller into the existing DRE 6001 headset. LYNX is a complete
audio/comm/power controller providing Bluetooth, hi-fi amplification of
audio input, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, plus traditional E6B
functions. For more information, click
here.
CHESAPEAKE SPORT PILOT ACCEPTING
DEPOSITS FOR NEW SEAREY LSX
Chesapeake Sport Pilot is now accepting deposits for the new
factory-built SeaRey S-LSA. Delivery is expected to begin in 2012 and a
deposit of $5,000 will secure one of the first delivery slots for the
two-place, amphibious flying boat. The SeaRey has been available as a
kit for nearly 20 years; there are nearly 300 flying in the U.S. and
more than 500 sold worldwide. For more information, click
here.
TICKETS FOR DOOLITTLE REUNION ON SALE
FEBRUARY 15
A limited number of tickets to a banquet and two luncheons honoring the
Doolittle Tokyo Raiders during their 2012 reunion will go on sale to the
public on February 15 at 9 a.m. These special activities are part of the
events planned as the Raiders commemorate the 70th anniversary of their
raid on Japan during a reunion April 17-20 at the National Museum of the
U.S. Air Force in Ohio. The banquet, which will be held on April 19 at
the museum, will begin with cocktails at 6 p.m. and seating for dinner
at 7 p.m. The cost is $70 per ticket. Both luncheons will take place at
the Hope Hotel and Richard C. Holbrooke Conference Center. The cost is
$35 per ticket for the luncheon on April 19 and $30 per ticket on April
20. For more information, click
here.
TANIS, BRUCE'S CUSTOM COVERS TO
DELIVER ROTARY WING AIRCRAFT COVERS
Tanis Aircraft Products announced the further development of its
business partnership with Bruce's Custom Covers. New design elements of
the companies' custom covers increase their effectiveness with cold
weather protection. Also under the partnership, Tanis and Bruce's will
fabricate and market new insulated covers designed specifically for
rotary wing aircraft. The companies have developed a new and improved
cold weather cover system that serves to drastically reduce preheat
times when using a Tanis preheat system. For more information on
Bruce's, click here. For
more on Tanis, click here.
FLIGHT DESIGN OFFERS UPGRADE TO C4
Flight Design has announced an incentive program to present-day buyers
of its CTLS LSA. Buyers who elect can gain a delivery position for the
German company's coming four-seater, the C4, plus an additional
discount. The initial $7,000 order deposit will be fully funded by
Flight Design, then credited toward the balance due along with an
additional discount of $10,000. For more information, click
here.
NEW X-PLANE/MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR
TRAINING BOOK
Although PC-based flight simulations have been available for 30 years,
many pilots, instructors, and flight schools don't understand how best
to use these tools in real-world flight training and pilot proficiency
programs. Scenario-Based Training With X-Plane and Microsoft Flight
Simulator by Bruce Williams bridges the gap between simulation tools and
real-world situations by presenting hands-on, scenario-based exercises
and training tips for the private pilot certificate and instrument
rating. The book, based on FAA-Industry Training Standards (FITS),
steers its focus on a scenario-based curriculum that emphasizes
real-world situations. For more information, click
here.
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2012
Experimental Aircraft
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