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February
10, 2012 Volume 12,
Number 6 |
SENATE PASSES FAA REAUTHORIZATION BILL;
ON TO THE PRESIDENT
The U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passed the
FAA Reauthorization Bill, 75-20, late Monday, so it's on to the
President to sign and give the agency its first long-term funding plan
since 2007. Late last week the House of Representatives approved the
measure on a 248-169 vote, paving the way for Monday's Senate approval.
Passage of this bill provides a stable funding platform for the FAA to
move forward through 2015 with its strategic initiatives such as NextGen
and airport improvements, among others. Read
more
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PIPISTREL
TAURUS G4 NOMINATED FOR COLLIER TROPHY
 The
electrically powered Pipistrel G4 that won NASA's Green Flight
efficiency challenge is one of four aircraft nominated to win the
National Aeronautic Association's 2012 Collier Trophy. The other
finalists are the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy, and
Gamera Human Powered Helicopter. The Collier Trophy is awarded each year
for "the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in
America." The achievement must have been demonstrated in actual
use, not merely proposed or planned. Last year the Collier went to
Sikorsky's X2 helicopter that demonstrated technology that advanced
helicopter speed to new levels. Read more
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AVIATOR OR PILOT?
My boss, EAA President
and CEO Rod Hightower, likes the word aviator. And also aviate.
I am pleased that Rod thinks of me as an aviator. But, as usual,
some have groused about use of the title aviator and would
rather think of themselves strictly as pilots. Actually, pilot
is an older title and predated aviation by many, many years. In
its most common application, pilot is and remains the title of a
person who guides a ship through the tricky conditions of a
harbor. To this day all ships above a certain size are required
to take on a pilot who has the local knowledge of the harbor
that the ship's captain couldn't possibly have.
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EAA
PRESIDENT IN SOUTH CAROLINA
Speaks to state aviation leaders, EAA members
 EAA
President/CEO Rod Hightower outlined EAA's mission of growing
participation in aviation and urged airports to be part of inspiring the
next generation of aviators on Thursday as he spoke to the South
Carolina Aviation Association convention in Myrtle Beach, South
Carolina. The presentation was one of two this week in South Carolina,
as Hightower was also scheduled to make one of his Grassroots Pilot Tour
stops in Columbia on Thursday evening, hosted by EAA Chapter 242.
Among the highlights of the presentations
were overviews of EAA's chapter network, the organization's efforts in
youth education, advocacy, and knowledge and information, as well as
updates to EAA's publications. Audiences in each venue also saw an
exciting, fast-paced video preview for the 60th annual EAA fly-in, EAA
AirVenture Oshkosh, which will be held July 23-29.
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EAA
CHAPTERS SEEK CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION FILING ADVISOR
EAA chapters and membership would like to thank Patti Arthur, who for
many years has provided invaluable assistance while aiding our chapters
with circumnavigating the demands of IRS 501(c)3 filings. Her support
has been instrumental in allowing chapters to reap the benefits of
corporate tax-free status, allowing them to receive charitable
contributions to promote our shared passion. However, while Patti is
retiring from professional life, our need for charitable filing advice
has not ended. If anyone in our membership, either a lawyer or CPA, with
501(c)3 experience would like to act in a professional capacity as a
resource for chapters seeking advice, please contact the chapters office
via e-mail or call 920-426-4876.
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EAA
HOSTS SEND-OFF FOR NATIONAL GUARD COMPANY
 As
one of the more prominent fixtures of the Oshkosh community, EAA gets to
play some pretty special roles, and last Saturday was one of those
times. On February 4, EAA's Eagle Hangar hosted the official send-off
for the Wisconsin National Guard 1157th Transportation Company, with an
estimated 1,200 people from the Oshkosh community attending. The 1157th
was activated for duty and is heading to Camp Shelby in Mississippi
before being deployed for up to a year in Afghanistan. Among the
attendees were U.S. Senator Tom Petri and Wisconsin Governor Scott
Walker.
See
the photo gallery
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MIGRATION
HALTED AS WHOOPING CRANES DECIDE TO STOP FLYING
 The
migration of young whooping cranes following their light-sport aircraft
"parents" to their Florida wintering grounds is over, even
though the group is only in Alabama. The decision to stop the migration
was actually made by the birds, Joe Duff explained in the January 29
Operation Migration blog. They finally had good weather to fly, but the
birds refused to follow their surrogate parents' leads. Read
more
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CLASSIC
J-3 CUB, EAA 2012 AIRCRAFT SWEEPSTAKES GRAND PRIZE
Giveaway part of Cub's 75th anniversary celebration at AirVenture
 There's
nothing like flying 500 feet AGL - low and slow - admiring the landscape
below. When you enter the 2012 EAA "Win the Cub" Sweepstakes,
you'll have the opportunity to do just that, with the one lucky winner
becoming the rightful owner of a beautifully restored 1940 Piper J-3
Cub, TrickAir Sport 1500 Snow Skis included. Not a pilot? No problem. In
addition to the Cub, the grand prize package includes the option to take
$2,500 worth of flight training. All prizes will be awarded in random
drawings at EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh at 5 p.m. on September 10,
2012. Enter now.
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EAA
QUILT BLOCK CONTEST OPEN FOR ENTRIES
 Entries
are now open for the 2012 EAA Aviation Quilt Block Contest, an annual
AirVenture favorite activity featuring the creativity of quilters from
all over the world. Participants submit colorful, aviation-themed quilt
blocks for judging, and the winning entries are showcased in a special
display in the EAA AirVenture Museum throughout the ensuing year. Read
more
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ASTM LSA
COMMITTEE TO HOLD ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT WORKSHOP AT SUN 'N FUN
 The
ASTM International Committee for light-sport aircraft will host a
day-long "International Workshop for Electric Aircraft
Standardization" during the Sun 'n Fun Fly-In at Lakeland, Florida.
The workshop, slated for March 28 at the Hilton Garden Inn, aims to
bring civil aviation authorities, researchers, and
manufacturers/designers together for discussions on standardizing
technologies of this emerging aircraft category. The workshop is being
held in cooperation with EAA and the Lindbergh Electric Aircraft Prize
(LEAP). Registration is required by March 16 and will be on a
first-come, first-served basis. To register, click
here. For more information about the workshop, click
here.
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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
OPENINGS FOR EAA AIR ACADEMY BASIC SESSIONS
 Unforgettable
aviation memories and new friends await students ages 14-15 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, 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. Learn
more
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CUPID-APPROVED:
TICKETS TO EAA HOPS & PROPS 2012
 Surprise
your sweetheart this Valentine's Day with tickets to Hops & Props, a
fine food and beverage tasting event featuring more than 250
extraordinary microbrew beers from around the world. This year's event
will be held on Saturday, March 3, from 6:30-10 p.m. at the EAA
AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Learn the distinguishing
characteristics of different craft beers while you enjoy live music and
fine food from Oshkosh area restaurants. A special VIP pre-event dining
and beer pairing experience is also offered, but tickets for this VIP
experience are selling fast, so order yours today here. You must be 21
years of age to attend. ($60 general admission; $55 EAA members; $100
VIP experience) Order
tickets online or call 800-226-1025.
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APPLICATION
DEADLINE APPROACHES FOR EAA SCHOLARSHIP, INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
 The
deadline is rapidly approaching to take advantage of several exciting
EAA scholarship and internship opportunities for youth interested in
pursuing aviation careers. The EAA Scholarship and Internship program
encourages, recognizes, and supports excellence among EAA members who
are studying the technologies and skills of science and aviation.
Applicants must be EAA members or recommended by an EAA member, with
consideration given to those who are well-rounded in school and
community activities. The deadline to apply for scholarships and
internships is February 28, 2012. Read more
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AIRVENTURE
VOLUNTEERS WELCOMED IN SEVERAL POPULAR AREAS
 The
success of EAA AirVenture for 60 years is due in no small part because
of the combined efforts of volunteers - more than 4,000 of them every
year! These dedicated aviation enthusiasts handle almost every kind of
job throughout the site before, during, and after "The World's
Greatest Aviation Celebration." If you'd like to join EAA's
volunteer corps, we'd love to have you. Find a task that relates
directly to your skills or your current profession, or try something
you've never done before. All interests, experience, and skills can find
application as an EAA AirVenture volunteer. Read
more
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O'LENA
EXPANDS EAA YOUTH PROGRAMS ROLE
Will manage Young Eagles and Youth Pathways
 Brian
O'Lena, who joined EAA in 2009 as youth programs manager, is expanding
his role to include management of the EAA Young Eagles program, the
largest youth aviation education program in history with more than 1.6
million young people flown. As manager of Young Eagles and Youth
Pathways, O'Lena will be responsible for the administration and
development of EAA's programs that inspire and encourage young people to
discover and explore aviation. In addition to Young Eagles, O'Lena's
responsibilities will also encompass the EAA Flight Plan programs that
introduce aviation to young people, including Sporty's Online Flight
Training Course that is available free of charge to all Young Eagles.
O'Lena and Michelle Kunes will be the
primary contacts for Young Eagles at EAA headquarters, as part of the
department headed by Young Eagles co-chairman Jeff Skiles, who joined
EAA full-time last month as vice president of chapters and youth
programs. O'Lena has flown more than 100 Young Eagles. He is currently a
member of EAA Chapter 252 in Oshkosh and has also been active in EAA
Chapter 838 in Racine, Wisconsin.
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WEBINARS: ONEX
KIT AIRCRAFT
Jeremy Monnett, CEO of Sonex, will discuss the company's newest kit
aircraft: the single-seat, folding-wing, aerobatic Onex. The
folding-wing design can fit into a garage, share a T hangar with your
flying buddies, or be trailered on local roads, and the wing panels are
easily removed for trailering at highway speeds.
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: TAKE 10 PERCENT OFF ORDER, PLUS RECEIVE A FREE 2012 EAA
CALENDAR
 Right
now, when you place an order at ShopEAA.com, you'll receive an extra 10
percent of your entire order, plus receive a free copy of the 2012 EAA
World of Flight Calendar, featuring the best in air-to-air photography.
Just type in the coupon code PLUS10 when you check out to receive the
savings. There's no minimum order required, so take advantage of this
stellar deal before it ends on February 15, 2012. Shop
online or by calling toll-free, 800-564-6322.
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DEAL OF THE WEEK: PRE-ORDER YOUR
AIRVENTURE 2012 COLLECTOR MUG AND SAVE
 Handcrafted
by master skilled potters from Dale, Wisconsin, the AirVenture 2012
Collector Series Mug is the perfect addition to any Oshkosh collection.
Each mug features a subtle variation in the color of the glaze and even
has ripples that were left behind from the potter's fingers on the inside.
The mug holds up to 16 ounces and is safe for all foods, dishwasher safe,
microwave safe, oven safe, and lead free. Pre-order a mug before March 31,
2012, and receive the special price of $19.95. (Pre-ordered mugs will be
shipped in May 2012) Shop
online or call 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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Drone
Swarm Demonstrates Formation Flying |
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A
squad of 20 quadcopter drones does some pretty amazing formation
flying in the video in this article, especially the contract/expand
maneuver to go through an open "bedroom" window. Researchers
at the University of Pennsylvania have formed a company to
commercialize this technology, which will be impressive - or scary -
when it helps armed UAV swarms do the same type of maneuvers. |
New
Russian Fighter Makes First Flight |
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A
new Sukhoi Su-35S prototype went on its maiden flight last month. The
jet fighter has advanced radar, reputed to spot aircraft further away
than any other combat aircraft, engage up to eight airborne targets at
once while tracking up to 30, and also tracking and engaging several
ground targets at the same time. With a range of 2,200 miles, a
ceiling of 59,000 feet, and a maximum speed of 1,400 mph, this Russian
jet can cover a huge airspace. |
Dragon
Spacecraft Propulsive Landings Like Science Fiction Rockets |
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Yesteryear's
science fiction spacecraft were usually pictured as having rocket
engines blasting away to ease the spacecraft down to a landing on
Earth or a distant planet. The Dragon spacecraft from SpaceX plans to
turn this science fiction into real life. The company successfully
test-fired its new landing rocket engine last month. SpaceX plans to
have the Dragon bring astronauts back from the International Space
Station with rockets blasting to gently lower the spacecraft to Earth. |
Spider
Web Design for Fault Tolerant Airframes |
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Spider
webs are designed to be resilient and strong, to bend without
breaking, and to keep damage in one area from spreading to other
sections of the web. Researchers are working to create new materials
that use these spider web design principles to localize damage. An
aircraft built using these types of materials will be safer because
it's able to keep operating in spite of a significant amount of local
damage. |
Butterflies
Teach Military How to Build Drones |
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Miniature
aircraft used for search and rescue in confined areas and for stealthy
reconnaissance need to be designed differently than large aircraft.
Mother Nature has developed some pretty capable small flying
creatures, so university researchers and the U.S. Air Force are
analyzing the flight mechanics of painted lady butterflies. The
scientists hope to use the butterfly's aero techniques for designing
better micro air vehicles (MAVs). |
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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: CALIPERS
 Bob
Koehler, an A&P mechanic with Inspection Authorization (IA), shows
us various common uses of the dial-type caliper - a very useful tool to
have in any shop. Watch the video
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TIMELESS
VOICES OF AVIATION: CHAUNCEY SPENCER
 Chauncey
Spencer (1906-2002) was a charter member of the National Airmen's
Association of America - an organization founded in 1934 for the purpose
of providing opportunities in aviation to African-Americans and others
interested in flight. In May 1939, he and copilot Dale Lawrence White
flew a Lincoln-Paige biplane on a 10-city tour from Chicago to
Washington, D.C. They used the flight to demonstrate the aviation
abilities of African-Americans and lobbied Congress to include
African-Americans in the Civilian Pilot Training Program and Army Air
Corps. Their flight drew national attention and helped convince Congress
to establish funding for the training of black pilots at the Tuskegee
Institute in Alabama, paving the way for the first black military
aviators - the Tuskegee Airmen. This interview was recorded during EAA's
1992 convention salute to the Tuskegee Airmen. Watch
the video
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Where
Are You Flying This Weekend?
There are 36
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: I
was told recently that the airworthiness inspection
prior to the 40-hour flight-testing regime had to be
accomplished at the field where flight testing was
to occur. I thought an FAA inspector (or DAR) could
do such an inspection for a special airworthiness
certificate at the builder's assistance hangar or at
a nearby airport, and he could then take his plane
back to his hometown where he planned on doing his
flight testing. Which is correct?
Answer: Your
understanding is correct. There is no regulatory
requirement mandating that the airworthiness
inspection be performed at the location where flight
testing is to be conducted. The flight test area
will be specified in the Operating Limitations
document issued by the DAR or FAA inspector, and you
need to limit your testing to that area. But you can
certainly have the inspection at another location
outside that area, disassemble the aircraft, trailer
it to a location within the flight test area,
reassemble, and conduct your test flights.
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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SPORTY'S, FRASCA PARTNER TO IMPROVE
FLIGHT TRAINING
Sporty's and Frasca International have partnered to develop an
integrated training program and other products that utilize Sporty's
training expertise and Frasca's simulation expertise. The partnership
will work to create training materials, course content, and programs for
flight students to use with Frasca simulators. Flight students at
Sporty's will soon have their training experience enhanced with the
addition of a Frasca Mentor Cessna 172S Advanced Aviation Training
Device (AATD) flight simulator with a 200-degree visual system. For more
information, click here.
FLY IT FORWARD: WOMEN OF AVIATION
WORLDWIDE WEEK
The second annual Women of Aviation Worldwide Week celebration takes
place March 5-11. Fly-It-Forward events designed to introduce flying to
girls and women by taking them on a short flight are planned across the
world. Once again, the coveted "Most Female Pilot Friendly Airport
Worldwide" award currently held by the Frederick Airport Community
in Maryland will be awarded to the airport community who introduces the
most girls and women to flying during the week. Participants will be
eligible for more than $11,000 worth of prizes. For more information, click
here.
SMALL ENGINE MAKER LIMBACH FLUGMOTOREN
SOLD
After more than 40 years of operation with some 6,000 engines
manufactured, the Limbach family has sold its company, Limbach
Flugmotoren GmbH, to German-Chinese investor Shuide Chen. Peter Limbach,
the previous owner, will continue to assist the new company in technical
issues, but it's anticipated that manufacturing of the engines will be
relocated to China while research and development will remain in
Germany. In making the announcement, the company also hinted that a new
family of ultralight/experimental/light-sport aircraft engines is under
development, ranging from 50/60 hp to 120/130 hp. The new company's
strategy will be to open up new markets, predominantly in Asia. For more
information, click here.
ALL AMERICAN HELICOPTERS WINS APPROVAL
FOR ATP COURSE
The FAA and Veteran's Administration have approved All American
Helicopters' proposal for a Part 141 Helicopter ATP course. This means
that veterans who qualify for the program will be able to sign up under
the GI bill for 25 hours of flight time with an instructor and receive
40 hours of ground school for the written exam. The VA covers the cost
of everything but the checkride. The program should take about two weeks
total. Upon completion of the course, the pilot should earn an ATP
rating. For more information, click
here.
OREGON AERO SEATING SYSTEMS HEADED FOR
SCOTT'S-BELL 47
Under a new working agreement, Oregon Aero, a manufacturer of seating
systems for the aerospace industry, will develop a specialized seating
system and custom interior solutions for Scott's-Bell 47's fleet of
Model 47 helicopters. The seating systems will be Oregon Aero's
FAA-compliant VK SmartCushion systems, each designed for a specific
flight deck, taking into account variables of space, interface
locations, and other customer requirements. For more information, click
here.
NEW EDITION OF DEFINITIVE CHART GUIDE
NOW AVAILABLE
A new, updated 10th edition of the Aeronautical Chart User's Guide by
the FAA AeroNav Products branch is now available from ASA. The guide is
a learning aid and reference document for understanding how to read and
interpret all FAA aviation charts and chart navigation publications. The
10th edition includes changes and additions to chart symbology, updates
to Flight Restricted Zones and Special Use Airspace areas, and more. For
more information, click here.
BRAZIL APPROVES GARMIN GTN
TOUCH-SCREEN STC
Garmin International has received Brazil's National Civil Aviation
Agency's validation of the U.S. Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for
the GTN 650 and 750 series touch-screen avionics and GPS antennas. With
this validation, the GTN is certified and approved for installation in
hundreds of makes and models of Brazilian-registered GA aircraft. The
GTN 650 and GTN 750 series are the successors to the GNS 430W and 530W
series GPS/NAV/COM avionics. They combine the latest in multi-function
display (MFD) features with touch screen data entry and integrated radio
tuning, as well as optional remote transponder control. For more
information, click here.
ILOPANGO 2012: SOUTH OF THE BORDER AIR
SHOW CIRCUIT HEATS UP
El Salvador's Ilopango Air Show, held each January at Ilopango
International Airport (MSSS), has become a favorite stop for aerobatic
aces on a growing circuit of Central American aerofests. This year's
show included U.S. stars Rob Holland, Patty Wagstaff, Skip Stewart, and
Jack Knutson. The Ilopango Air Show, staged by the Club Salvadoreño de
Aviacion Civil, is Central America's largest and longest running general
aviation gathering. Homegrown talents also entertain the 30,000-plus
crowd: Poma performed aerobatics in his Fouga Magister jet. Capt. Carlos
Dardano of TACA Airlines, famed for safely dead-stick landing a B-737 on
a levee in Louisiana after both engines flamed out, flew routines in a
Stearman and - in tandem with a 1/2-scale R/C model - a Decathlon. Tito
Gutierrez proved a Piper Navajo can roll gracefully.
PIPER ADDS SOUTH AMERICAN DEALER IN
CHILE
Piper Aircraft has named a distributor for its new airplane sales in
Chile. Eagle South America S.A., located near Santiago at the Aérodromo
de Chicureo and headed by General Manager Martin Andrés Busquets, will
handle Piper sales in the South American country. Piper is headquartered
in Vero Beach, Florida, and offers single-engine and twin-engine
trainer, personal, and business aircraft. For more information, click
here.
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2012
Experimental Aircraft
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