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NTSB Examines E-AB Safety Factors
EAA credited for safety programs and leadership
The National Transportation Safety Board highlighted 16 recommendations to improve homebuilt aircraft safety at a full board meeting Tuesday in Washington, D.C., and it also complimented EAA and its programs as helping to make the amateur-built aircraft community a safer place. An extensive safety study of homebuilt aircraft began in 2011 with EAA assisting NTSB by encouraging EAA members' involvement in an in an initial survey which established an accurate, comprehensive database of the homebuilt community. More than 5,000 EAA members participated in the survey.

Hitting the Silk - Not
UK stunt man Gary Connery achieved what's being claimed as an unprecedented flying feat this week after he survived a jump out of a helicopter wearing only a wing suit and no parachute. After launching from 2,400 feet, Connery glided for about 50 seconds until slamming into a soft runway made of 18,000 cardboard boxes. "It was so comfortable, so soft," he told Sky News. "My calculations obviously worked out and I'm glad they did." Watch the Sky News video.

Other multimedia posted this week:

• Hints for Homebuilders: Replacing the Starter Rope on a Two-Stroke Engine
• Webinar: Entrepreneurship, Investment and Innovation in Aviation
• Timeless Voices: Rusty Sachs, U.S.Marines H-34 medivac helicopter pilot.

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	May 25, 2012 Volume 12, Number 21
RENO AIR RACES SECURES EVENT INSURANCE, ANNOUNCES SAFETY CHANGES At a press conference Tuesday in Reno, Nevada, Mike Houghton, president of the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA), announced that a $100 million insurance policy had been secured, paving the way for the National Championship Air Races to be held September 12-16 at Stead Airport. Houghton also announced that course changes would be made in some race classes to position aircraft farther away from crowds. Other changes include requiring pilots to undergo special g force training and possibly adding more barriers in front of spectators. These came from recommendations by the National Transportation Safety Board and a special Blue Ribbon Panel appointed by RARA in January. Read more
SPORTY'S OPEN HOUSE/INTERNATIONAL LEARN TO FLY DAY DRAWS 1,000-PLUS More than 1,000 people and close to 200 aircraft attended the annual Sporty's Open House and International Learn to Fly Day celebration Saturday at Clermont County/Sporty's Airport in Batavia, Ohio. Several EAA staffers including EAA President/CEO Rod Hightower were on hand, and EAA joined about 40 exhibitors for the event.Nationwide dozens of local chapters and flight schools held Learn to Fly events, aiming to provide introductory flight experiences to aspiring pilots. Read more

CROSSWINDS AND AIRPORT DESIGN
At one time crosswinds mattered a lot. The first landing fields were, well, fields. Pilots could opt to land into the wind because the airport was just an open space. When paved runway airports were built, multiple runways were included where space allowed. Even small GA airports usually had a short "crosswind" runway, even if it was sod instead of paved. And when the military built hundreds of airports during World War II, most had three runways arranged in a triangular shape, so no matter which way the wind blew the crosswind component was minimal.

But as traffic intensity increased it became clear that intersecting runways - or intersecting final approach and departure paths - put strict limits on airport capacity. The only way to maximize airport capacity is to make all runways, or at least the primary runways, parallel. As for crosswinds, that's airplane designers' and pilots' problem.

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AIRVENTURE NOTAM BOOKLETS ARE HERE

EAA has received printed copies of the FAA's official EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2012 Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), meaning those of you who pre-ordered a free copy should receive it soon. Electronic copies can be downloaded now from the AirVenture website, or you can order a hard copy. The NOTAM, which is in effect from 6 a.m. Friday, July 20, through noon on Monday, July 30, outlines procedures for the many types of aircraft that fly to Oshkosh for the event, as well as aircraft that land and depart at nearby airports. It was designed by FAA in partnership with EAA to assist pilots in their flight planning and is required reading if you're flying your aircraft to AirVenture.

LONGTIME VAA DIRECTOR JOHN S. 'JACK' COPELAND PASSES AWAY

EAA and the Vintage Aircraft Association mourn the passing of longtime VAA Director John "Jack" Copeland, who died on Wednesday, May 16. He was 81. Jack joined EAA in 1971 and has been a volunteer with the VAA (then the Antique/Classic Division) dating back to 1975. He served the membership as Classic Parking co-chairman, manpower chair, and, for more than two decades, the enthusiastic chairman of the Participant Plaques. He'd been a VAA director since 1984, and was a familiar face to countless members as he headed up the Participant Plaque program during the annual fly-in. Read more

LOOMING THREAT TO AIR TOUR INDUSTRY
House GA Caucus seeking co-signers to opposition letter
A provision tucked into the Highway Reauthorization Bill before Congress would hand over unprecedented authority to the National Park Service for flights over national parks and tribal lands, grabbing control of the nation's airspace from the FAA and threatening jobs and companies of those involved in the air tour industry. Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) and Rep. John Barrow (D-GA), co-chairmen of the House General Aviation Caucus, are seeking co-signers for a letter in opposition to the bill's provision, Section 100301 of Senate Bill 1813, the "Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act." It would weaken a policy that balanced protection of the national parks with a safe and viable air tour industry, which allows thousands of people to enjoy the national parks from the air each year. Read more

FAA ISSUES AD ON CESSNA 210 WING SPARS

On Monday the FAA issued an airworthiness directive (AD) requiring inspection of the lower wing spar caps on all models of the Cessna 210 piston single with cantilevered wings - all but the first version of the airplane, which had a strut-braced wing. The inspection is looking for cracks in the lower wing spar cap and if cracks are found, the cracked spar components - or the entire wing - must be replaced. The FAA says several cracks have been discovered the in the lower spar cap on a number of 210s, and in one case the spar cap had been severed and the skin split. The FAA determined the situation is so urgent that the AD was issued effective June 5 and comments are being accepted through July 5, 2012. Read more

SPACEX DRAGON COULD LINK WITH ISS FRIDAY

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched a Dragon spacecraft to orbit Monday in the first-ever commercial attempt to send a spacecraft to the International Space Station. The unmanned mission, launched from SpaceX's launch pad at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, could link with the ISS on Friday, May 25, if NASA gives the OK. ISS astronauts will open Dragon's hatch, unload supplies, and fill Dragon with return cargo. The mission is scheduled to conclude on May 31 when Dragon detaches from the ISS, returns to Earth, and lands in the Pacific several hundred miles west of Southern California. Read more

SLING RECEIVES FIRST S-LSA CERTIFICATION

South African company The Airplane Factory received special light-sport aircraft (S-LSA) airworthiness certificate for its first Sling LSA, N511NG, on April 18 in Torrance, California. The Sling began development in 2006 in South Africa, and has delivered more than 60 aircraft worldwide. Thus far more than 100 orders have been received. The Sling LSA will also be available as an E-LSA (experimental amateur-built) kit.

EAA AirVenture 2009 attendees, including a fair number of South Africans, enthusiastically welcomed Airplane Factory owners Mike Blyth and James Pitman, who flew a Sling prototype from Johannesburg to Oshkosh - 92 hours of flying time over more than 10,500 miles. Read more

PENNSYLVANIA HOUSE APPROVES AXING TAX ON AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE, PARTS
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives voted 179-19 this week in favor of PA House Bill 1100, which eliminates the 6 percent use tax on all aircraft parts, including maintenance and installation, on all aircraft. The state senate is expected to take up the measure in early June. The effort involved several segments of the GA community, including EAA, AOPA, NBAA, and NATA. EAA issued two EAA Government Relations Notices asking state members for their support. Special thanks to Ben Armen, EAA 857265, and Robert Rockmaker, EAA 1024323, executive director of the aviation council of Pennsylvania, who were key players in the advocacy effort. Read more

AIRVENTURE'S LEARN TO FLY CENTER ADDS PILOT PROFICIENCY PROJECT

The Learn to Fly Center at EAA AirVenture will expand beyond its traditional mission of welcoming new participants to the world of flight, as a pilot proficiency project will be added to the 2012 offerings. Staffed with experienced flight instructors and aviators, the center is located across from the EAA Welcome Center at the center of the AirVenture grounds. The Pilot Proficiency Project is a joint initiative by EAA, the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI), and the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE). It will feature pilot-targeted forums and simulator training sessions that address key aviation safety issues such as angle of attack awareness, type-specific aircraft issues, glass panels, aeronautical decision making, and much more. Read more

CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION SESSION FOR AVIATION ATTORNEYS AT AIRVENTURE
Seminar new in 2012, offers CLE accreditation credits
EAA and AOPA are joining forces to offer a seminar, "Ethical Considerations for Attorneys Handling FAA Enforcement," on Wednesday, July 25, during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2012. The seminar is hosted by the EAA Legal Advisory Council, along with John and Kathy Yodice on behalf of the AOPA Legal Services Plan. The one-hour seminar, beginning at 5 p.m. on July 25 (following the afternoon air show), complies with Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements in most states. Read more

AVIATORS CLUB: AN AIRVENTURE OASIS RETURNS

Last year's debut of the EAA Aviators Club at AirVenture was successful beyond anyone's expectations! The flightline oasis that allowed EAA members to add additional hospitality to their AirVenture experience was sold out throughout the week, so it's coming back in an expanded way in 2012. The Aviators Club, again sponsored by Shell Aviation, is a place to relax, cool down, and watch the air show from some of best seats on the field. It is an additional opportunity beyond the basic AirVenture admission for EAA members, located this year in a prime spot - on the flightline adjacent to the Flightline Pavilion. Read more

CLASSIC J-3 CUB, EAA 2012 AIRCRAFT SWEEPSTAKES GRAND PRIZE
Giveaway part of Cub's 75th anniversary celebration at AirVenture

The Piper J-3 Cub is one of the most recognizable and iconic airplanes ever to grace the sky. Now, you could be the rightful owner of a beautifully restored 1940 Piper J-3 Cub as the grand prize winner of EAA's 2012 "Win the Cub" Sweepstakes. The Cub even comes equipped with a pair of TrickAir Snow Skis and an optional $2,500 worth of free flight training. In addition to the grand prize, sweepstakes entrants will also have the chance to win a bunch of other great prizes like a Sea-Doo Watercraft, a Bose Home Entertainment System, 750 square feet of tile hangar flooring, and more. Enter now.

EAA'S INTERNATIONAL YOUNG EAGLES DAY IS JUNE 9

Thousands of young people will take to the sky on Saturday, June 9, as EAA volunteers continue an outstanding aviation tradition - International Young Eagles Day. The 19th annual event brings together kids and pilots as part of the EAA Young Eagles program, the largest youth aviation education program ever created. Young Eagles was founded in 1992 and has provided nearly 1.7 million free demonstration flights to young people around the world through the efforts of 45,000 volunteer pilots and 50,000 ground volunteers. The program is a focal point within EAA's mission of growing participation in aviation. Read more

WOMEN SOAR YOU SOAR SET TO INSPIRE YOUNG WOMEN AT AIRVENTURE 2012

Young women will be inspired to reach for their aviation dreams as Women Soar You Soar, a four-day mentoring camp featuring inspirational female aviators, returns for its eighth year in conjunction with EAA AirVenture 2012. Women Soar You Soar, scheduled for Thursday, July 26, through Sunday, July 29, will introduce 100 young women to aviation-based careers and a women-mentor network, providing encouragement and support to a possible career in aviation. Read more

A FEW SPOTS REMAIN IN THE 2012 EAA AIR ACADEMY 'YOUNG EAGLES' CAMP

A few open spots remain for the 2012 EAA Young Eagles Camp, with sessions being held from July 5-August 17. This popular summer camp introduces youth ages 12-13 to the world of aviation. Presented in a "science camp" format, campers will enjoy a unique combination of fun and discovery as they participate in hands-on activities, flight simulation, museum tours, and actual flights in a Cessna 162 SkyCatcher and Bell 47 helicopter. Registration fee includes all camping materials, meals, and lodging in the EAA Air Academy Lodge located on the world-famous EAA AirVenture Museum campus in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Enroll now.

MAKE A PIECE OF THE AIRVENTURE GROUNDS YOUR OWN
Plant a tree in your name

Over the past several years, investments in the AirVenture convention grounds, such as clearer signage, updated restrooms, and improved drainage, have helped improve visitors' experiences. This year, we hope to plant about 200 trees to bring much-needed shade to provide relief on those long, hot summer days at the fly-in. We invite you to join us in this effort! Read more

EAA BRINGS 'OVERCAST' TO SEATTLE

This weekend, EAA's B-17 Aluminum Overcast is at the Museum of Flight at Boeing Field in Seattle. The May 24-27 tour stop is hosted by Warbird Squadron 2. The Flying Fortress kicks off the new month in Spokane, Washington, with a June 1-3 tour stop at Felts Field hosted by EAA Chapter 79.

Self-guided ground tours of the B-17 are available daily from 2-5 p.m. Tours cost $10 per individual or $20 per family (including children up to 17 years old), and active military or veterans can tour for free. Visitors can also book a mission flight on Aluminum Overcast; passengers can save by pre-booking, but walk-ups are always welcome. For more information including the full tour schedule, history of the aircraft, and to pre-book the flight of a lifetime, visit the B-17 website.

TIN GOOSE TREKS TO PEACH STATE

EAA's 1929 Ford Tri-Motor is in Lawrenceville, Georgia, this weekend with a May 24-29 tour stop at Gwinnett County Airport. Next week, the antique airliner, No. 146 off Henry Ford's assembly line, will make a May 31-June 4 stop in Concord, North Carolina. To see the full tour schedule and find out how you can take a ride in this historic aircraft, visit the Fly the Ford website.

EAA MERCHANDISE: ARRIVE AT AIRVENTURE IN STYLE!
Arrive at Oshkosh this year ready to fly in style by purchasing AirVenture 2012 gear ahead of time. Avoid the lines by ordering your souvenir mugs, T-shirts, hats, and more before they hit the racks in Oshkosh. Order online or by calling toll-free, 800-564-6322.

WEBINARS: LEANING BASICS
Maintenance expert and EAA Sport Aviation columnist Mike Busch, A&P/IA, presents an informational webinar about the basics of leaning: leaning without fear, the Embry-Riddle experience, a minimal leaning checklist, why full-rich is too rich, how mixture affects power, interesting mixtures, and more.

Wednesday, June 6, at 8 p.m.: Leaning Basics with Mike Busch (AMT and Wings credit)
Wednesday, June 13: Best Practices for iPads with Tyson Weihs
Tuesday, June 19: Eagle Flights Preview: Growing Participation in Aviation with Jeff Skiles

All webinars begin at 7 p.m. CDT 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.

Monthly Photo Contest
Enter your pictures now for the August Photo Contest!

Can You Help?

Ongoing Discussions

If you have suggestions or submissions for EAA’s weekly AeroInnovations column, please send them to AeroInnovations editor Bob Waldron.

Refreshingly Accurate Weather Forecasts
	NOAA is now using a more accurate weather forecasting computer system with a focus on aviation hazards like clear air turbulence and other types of quickly developing severe weather. Its Rapid Refresh system generates hourly weather forecasts for 18 hours into the future and covers all of North America, not just the contiguous 48 states. This is especially beneficial to Alaska, where much of the travel is done by plane.
ASTRAEA Will Make Conventional Aircraft Optionally Piloted
	In May the ASTRAEA (Autonomous Systems Technology Related Airborne Evaluation and Assessment) system had its maiden flight on a Jetstream 31 airliner. ASTRAEA is a comprehensive automated navigation and flight control system to allow unmanned aircraft to use the same airspace as manned aircraft in the UK. Much more than just sensors and controls to prevent mid-air collisions, this system will avoid bad weather, enable emergency landings, and is envisioned to possibly replace copilots in commercial airliners.
Maiden Flight for QF-16 Target Aircraft
	If you wanted to get custom aerial maps or aerial photographs 10 years ago, you might have had to wait a week or more and paid more than a thousand dollars, depending on the scope of the job. You can now buy the E382, a small aerial mapping airplane, with autonomous autopilot and remote control for only $600. The E382 UAV and free or low-cost software will let you make all the aerial maps or photographs you want at your convenience. Fuel costs for the 60-minute flights will be less than a dollar's worth of electricity.
Atlas Human-Powered Helicopter Kickstarter Project
	The team developing the Atlas human-powered helicopter to try for the $250,000 Sikorsky prize has an impressive track record. They built a human-powered flapping-wing aircraft and a human-powered ground vehicle, both of which set records. Their three keys to success are a competitive speed-cyclist "engine," the latest ultralight-but-strong advanced materials, and cutting-edge aerodynamic modeling that takes into account 30 design variables. They are using a vortex-ring model that emphasizes the "ground effect" airflow, a primary consideration for low-hovering aircraft. The team launched a Kickstarter crowdfunding project to help finance design and construction of the Atlas.
Teamwork Pays Off for DFA
	The Swiss DFA (Distributed Flight Array) motto could be "together we fly" because it is only when a group of these small autonomous single-prop vehicles connect with each other that they can achieve controlled flight. Lone DFA vehicles can lift into the air but have erratic flight after liftoff. If vehicles connect with other DFA units, they can communicate and coordinate to attain and maintain level flight.

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: REPLACING A STARTER ROPE ON A TWO-STROKE ENGINE
Brian Carpenter, of Rainbow Aviation, reviews how to replace the starter rope on a two-stroke engine. Brian is an A&P/IA, DAR for LSA and experimental amateur-builts, sport pilot instructor examiner, and CFI. Brian also serves as an EAA technical counselor and flight advisor for Chapter 1148. Watch the video.

TIMELESS VOICES OF AVIATION: RUSTY SACHS
One hundred years ago, on May 22, 1912, Marine Corps 1st Lt. Alfred A. Cunningham reported to Annapolis, Maryland, to begin flight training in a Curtiss seaplane, marking the birth of U.S. Marine Corps aviation. In honor of the USMC aviation centennial, we present the story of Marine aviator Rusty Sachs. Rusty flew H-34 medivac helicopters with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 362 from August 1966 to September 1967 during the Vietnam War. He later served as executive director of the National Association of Flight Instructors. To Rusty and all the Marine aviators who have come before him and to those who are serving today, we thank you! Watch the video.


Experimenter	Warbirds Briefing	In the Loop

Where Are You Flying This Weekend?
There are 115 fly-ins and other aviation events over the next two weekends listed in the EAA Events Calendar. Find one near you or add your event!

Q&A: I am a new EAA member and plan to fly to the convention for the first time and camp by my plane. Are there any special rules or procedures that I need to know about?

Answer: Your first order of business should be to get a copy of the FAA's AirVenture 2012 NOTAM, which provides procedures for arriving and departing aircraft. You can download a copy or order a free booklet from the AirVenture website. Since it's your first time flying in, you should also check out the Web pages that provide arrival tips and basics for VFR pilots. In addition, be on the lookout for a series of new videos shot from inside an arriving aircraft, including audio from ATC, which will help you become familiar with what to expect when flying in. Those will be available soon.

And since you plan to camp with your airplane, be sure to read the Camping With Your Aircraft page.

See you in Oshkosh!

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.

EAA Desktop Calendar

May 2012
Bert Garrison, EAA 470525, captured this photo of Brian Lansburgh and his Cessna 140 over Prineville, Oregon. For the photo, Bert was shooting out the back passenger door of a Piper PA-20 with his Canon 7D and Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8 IS II lens.

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.

CESSNA CONTINUES AIRCRAFT SAFETY EDUCATION INITIATIVE
Cessna Aircraft Company is building on a proactive safety initiative started in 2011 designed to educate single-engine aircraft owners on new inspection procedures. The latest effort is aimed at 100-series single-engine piston aircraft owners around the word, and informs them about new supplemental aircraft inspection procedures that will be added to 100-series Cessna service manuals. The supplemental inspections cover Cessna single-engine piston aircraft produced between 1946 and 1986; Cessna set up 40-hour training classes for mechanics to be trained on the non-destructive inspection techniques for high-time Cessna aircraft.

ASA OFFERS ONLINE GROUND SCHOOL
ASA's new online private pilot ground school allows students or instructors to access courses on any Internet-connected device. There are two editions: one specifically for students and one for instructors or schools. The instructor/school edition provides a complete LMS toolkit that allows multiple instructors to monitor, manage, and support multiple students as they progress on their journey to becoming private pilots.

BOGERT INTRODUCES PRESSURIZED STRUT FILLER
Bogert Aviation introduced the 16M-PSF pressurized strut filler, which, according to the company, makes servicing landing gear struts faster and safer. With the 16M-PSF, users don't have to drag the jacks out to lift the plane, and the plane never leaves the ground. Technicians don't need to be under the aircraft while the strut is being serviced, and the mechanic doesn't have to compress and extend the strut.

AIRCRAFT SPRUCE CARRIES NEW AVIATION REFUELING PUMPS
Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co. now offers a line of aviation refueling pumps and meters manufactured by Great Plains Industries Inc. There are four pumps to choose from based on required fuel flow and voltage, and the pumps are for use with 100LL or Jet A. Pumps and meters can be ordered separately or as a combination.

NEW NASA APP 2.0 RELEASED FOR IPHONE, IPOD TOUCH
NASA released an updated version of the free NASA App for iPhone and iPod Touch. The NASA App 2.0 includes several new features and a completely redesigned user interface that improves the way people can explore and experience NASA content on their mobile devices. New features include weather forecasts; maps, information, and links to all of the NASA visitor centers; and a section about NASA's programs.

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