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EDITORIAL
The Best of Experimenter
By the time you read this I'll already be in Oshkosh, probably setting
up the CONTACT! Magazine booth in Hangar C, Space 3107. With so
many of the people I work with also going to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
(those who help put out this newsletter each month), we decided that
to ease our workload a bit we would make this a "best of"
issue and include what we consider to be the very best of what we've
produced in the past two and a half years. Starting with our first
issue in 2009, I didn't get very far before I filled up this issue, so
in reality, it might be called "the best of 2009." EAA
Founder Paul Poberezny once told me that if you've not read it before,
it's new to you. With that in mind, please enjoy this retrospective.
Only the feature articles are a blast from the past; the news items
are current. |
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Experimenter
Improves with
Your Help
The best stories come from you, and we implore you to share your
building experiences with your fellow readers. We need your help in
providing content for each issue of Experimenter. Please
consider submitting an article, especially the next time you feel
compelled to write a report to your e-mail group, type newsletter, or
EAA chapter newsletter. Help us build up a stockpile so we can do a
better job bringing you Experimenter each month. And please
remember to take our survey
when you are done with this issue of Experimenter. |
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PAUL'S PICK
Second Annual EAA Fly-In a
Success!
“Well,
fellows I consider the second annual fly-in of the EAA held August 7
and 8 here in Milwaukee a great success. We had a fine turnout of
experimental aircraft and a large turnout of the membership from all
parts of the U. S. and Canada. I am very sorry that I could not spend
a greater amount of time with each and every one of you, but as you
all realize it takes a lot of work and time to keep things rolling.”
That’s what Paul wrote in 1956 and it would seem that the second
fly-in is similar to the 59th fly-in, beginning this weekend, in that
the organizers are very busy keeping the event going. But that's what
makes this so fun! Read
Paul's Pick
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TALES FROM THE DAR SIDE
Operating Limitations – Major or
Minor Change?
Continuing our discussion of experimental, amateur-built operating
limitations, I want to talk about something that is a constant source of
conversation and questions – the “major change.” One of the
benefits of owning or operating an experimental aircraft is that you are
free to, well, experiment! The aircraft isn’t tied to any sort of FAA
type design or specification, so there are few restrictions on the
changes a person might wish to make or who may make them. As with all
things, however, one must make sure to check and see what the operating
limitations allow and require. One thing you’ll find in all operating
limitations will be requirements for incorporating a “major change.”
What’s a major change, you ask? Well, that’s where the conversation
and questions start. Read
more
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Savoring a New Design
The show stopper for this year’s COPPERSTATE was undisputedly Chris Christiansen’s one-off Savor. With its very short-span cantilevered high wing, extra-wide cabin with leather tandem seating, welded 4130 steel tube fuselage inside a fiberglass fairing with an all-metal wing and empennage filled as smooth as any composite wing, Savor appears vaguely similar to so many tricycle-geared European special light-sport aircraft entrants, until you look in the cooling inlets and see an 0-320. It was quite the enigma to the many attendees who stopped by to take a closer look. Read more |
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Revised 51 Percent Policy Good News for Builders, Kit Makers
“For the past four years, EAA and the amateur-built aircraft community have been facing perhaps the most significant threat ever faced by the homebuilt movement. But today, we’re confident in declaring that the threat is over; the FAA this week released the long-awaited final order that revises the amateur-built aircraft certification policy known as the 51 percent rule as well as Advisory Circular 20-27G, the guide for amateur builders on how to properly certify every step of the building process.” |
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This paragraph and much more hit my e-mail inbox on October 7, 2009, and it’s all good news, as compared to what it could have contained. Here’s a link to the full statement by the EAA, of which the above paragraph is just the opening.
The proposed changes that the EAA fought with due diligence were potentially crippling to the homebuilding community, and this news was welcomed relief. But reading the message had me asking more questions than what it answered. So I decided to read the 100 pages or so of FAA language, and I came away with a few answers to my questions that I’d like to share with you. Read more |
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The Sherwood Ranger
The Sherwood Ranger was designed by Russ Light during the late 1980s and early 1990s and was the second aircraft design from his pen. Unfortunately Russ didn’t see the fruits of his labor, as he passed away soon after his demonstrator first flew. Following Russ’s passing, the business changed hands but met with little success. Two years ago (2007) The Light Aircraft Company Ltd., based at Little Snoring Airfield in North Norfolk, United Kingdom, took ownership and completely overhauled the drawings, converting them into a usable computer-aided design format while revising the part numbering system. Read more |
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Snedden M7
To say that Andrew Snedden is passionate about the current state of the ultralight industry is an understatement. But unlike those who will sit on the sidelines and bemoan the
"good ol' days," he’s doing something about it. His answer is the innovative Snedden M7. Read more |
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Tim Sullivan’s Subaru-Powered Super Zodiac CH 601 HDS
Part 1
Tim Sullivan wasn’t a pilot when he decided to build a Subaru-powered Super Zodiac CH 601 HDS from a kit. He built the plane per the plans, with just a few minor modifications or improvements, and is proud to point out that he drilled each and every hole by hand.
Read Part 1 | Read Part 2
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HOW TO
Prop Balancing
Here’s the incredibly sensitive prop static balance device that Jeff Jeter designed and made for me. When correctly adjusted, it will show an out-of-balance indication when a No. 4 washer is placed at the tip of a 63-inch-diameter prop. Read more |
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HOW TO
Shop Tools
Every experimenter has strong and weak areas. If the weak area is welding, William Wynne wants you to think about burnishing your skills, which may open you up to projects you may not have considered in the past. With proper training, practice, and a special tool William will introduce, you don’t have to be afraid of fire. Read more |
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WHAT
OUR MEMBERS ARE BUILDING
Jack Bally’s 1/3 Scale Replica B-17
Jack Bally and his friends decided that if they were going to build one last plane, it would have to be something different. With a set of 1/9 scale model airplane plans and some seat-of-the-pants structural designing, Jack is confident that his 1/3 scale B-17 Flying Fortress replica will be good for 6 positive and negative
g’s while potentially having Cessna 152-like handling characteristics – but with plenty of power to spare! Read more |
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WHAT
OUR MEMBERS ARE BUILDING
Oscar Zuniga first saw Marvin Barnard’s Flying Squirrel design in Experimenter magazine in the late 1990s. It looked like an airplane he could build easier than the KR-2S he’d been ogling. Learn about the design and Oscar’s building experiences as he details his progress on this project. Read more |
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Looking for more coverage of light-sport aircraft, trikes, and
ultralights? Check out the pages of EAA's Light
Plane World. The following articles are features found in the
recent April 2011 issue and are typical of what you can expect from every issue.
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Bear
Creek Aero Club Restoring Stits Skycoupe
A group of builders and pilots in the Raleigh, North Carolina, area led
by EAA Chapter 1114 President Kent Misegades have formed the Bear Creek
Aero Club. Their aim is to restore forgotten hangar queens and orphaned
homebuilts with a focus on sport pilot eligible aircraft. They're making
good progress on their first project, a Stits Skycoupe (aka Stits
SA-7D). The club is in contact with Ray Stits, now 90 years of age, who
currently flies a Cessna Skycatcher. Read
more
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Combs
Claims World LSA Record
Michael Combs claimed a new world record for time over distance when he
flew his Remos LSA from Fort Worth, Texas, to Branson, Missouri, on July
9. Branson was the 170th stop on Combs' "Flight for the Human
Spirit" mission, in which he aims to land in all 50 states in his
Remos. Since April 2010, he has flown an estimated 28,000 miles into 49
states and Canada. Hawaii is the last remaining state. Read
more
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The
Gathering of Eagles 2011
All my stories are based on real experiences. However, some elements are
slightly embellished, others are stretched a bit, while a few are
outright lies. It is up to the reader to figure out which is which. It
takes me so long to get anywhere in my Airbike that getting there is
half the fun! Such was the case this past Father's Day weekend as I
planned my overnight trip to Gardner, Kansas (K34), to attend the
Gathering of Eagles Fly-In sponsored by EAA Chapter 200. Read
more
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Invitation
From Quicksilver
This year EAA is going to have a "Salute to Quicksilver" theme
at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, July 25 to 31. All Quicksilver pilots that
fly in will receive air show memorabilia from EAA. There will be an area
roped off for Quicksilver parking, and camping is allowed under the
wing. In conjunction with this event, Quicksilver Mfg. Inc. will have
free gifts for pilots, daily prizes, and a one-time drawing for a $500
cash prize. Read
more
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FAA Seeks Wide
Participation in GA Survey
The 33rd annual General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey (GA
Survey) for reporting on calendar year 2010 is well underway. The survey
is a scientific sample of aircraft from the Civil Aviation Registry and
serves as the FAA's primary source of information about the size and
activity of the GA and on-demand Part 135 fleet. Data helps the FAA
determine the number of hours flown and the ways people use their
aircraft, allowing it to better determine funding for infrastructure and
service needs, assess the impact of regulatory changes, and measure
aviation safety. Read
more
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It's
a Snap!
And light-sport to boot!
In less a week, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh will be upon us, and it
doesn't look like it will disappoint! According to SportairUSA, the
company will be unveiling the American prototype version of the Dallair
FR-100 Snap, an all-new purpose-built aerobatic light-sport airplane.
There's not a lot of information available about the aircraft yet, but
we'll bring you all the juicy details once we've had a chance to drool
all over the plane in Oshkosh. If you're going to be at AirVenture, you
can see SportairUSA reveal the new aircraft July 26 at noon in front of
the IAC Pavilion. Read
more
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Connect
to Oshkosh Through AirVenture Live
Whether you are on convention grounds or following from afar, you
can connect to AirVenture through AirVenture
Live. We'll be collecting all types of AirVenture content,
including news stories, videos, photo galleries, and features, in one
convenient portal. You can also participate by using the #OSH11 hash tag
to upload your own tweets, Flickr photos, Facebook feedback, and YouTube
videos directly to the website. Other features included are access to
LiveATC.net, where you can listen to air traffic control live on the
Web, and the e-Hotline newsletter, published daily during AirVenture.
Via Oshkosh365, you'll have access to five AV webcams located throughout
the grounds streaming live video during the week including air shows and
evening programs at Theater in the Woods.
Click
here to visit AirVenture Live
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AirVenture
Webcams Now On-Air
This year EAA is offering members several ways to see AirVenture as
it happens. The ever-popular AirVenture webcams return this year
offering great views of North (Warbirds area), Central (ConocoPhillips
Plaza and Vintage), and South (Ultralights). Each camera will have views
of the runways; however, they will be panning to capture as much of the
look and feel of the event as possible. This members-only benefit also
includes live streaming video of the daily air show and Theater in the
Woods evening programming Sunday through Thursday during AirVenture.
Watch
the webcams here
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EAA
Radio Ramps Up Coverage for AirVenture
EAA Radio is ready to be your constant convention companion with
live interviews, special event coverage, and daily broadcast of the
Showcase flights, air show, and Theater in the Woods. AirVenture
programming resumes the evening of July 24 with a strong lineup of
interviews and new programs. On-field attendees should stop by the EAA
Welcome Center daily at 11 a.m. for EAA Radio Live featuring notable
guests including EAA President/CEO Rod Hightower, B-787 Chief Pilot Mike
Carriker, Astronaut Gene Cernan, a Navy Day special, EAA Young Eagles
Co-Chairmen Sully Sullenberger and Jeff Skiles, and Aaron Tippin. Read
more
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Q&A
Got a
question? Send it to us at Experimenter@eaa.org.
Whether you're building, restoring, or just an
enthusiast, we want to know what has you
stumped.
Q. I am
building a Dominator gyrocopter. It is nearly complete. Parts are
getting painted. It will be certified experimental amateur-built. Do I
need to install a shoulder harness in addition to a seat belt?
A. Since you are
building an experimental amateur-built aircraft, you are not required to
install a shoulder harness; however, it is a good idea to do so. The
added protection is well worth the added cost, weight, and time to
install it.
Read more Q&As
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AVIATION GLOSSARY
Confused
by a strange aeronautical term? EAA's online
Aviation Glossary can help.
VARIOMETER -
(also known as a vario, rate of climb and descent indicator [RCDI], rate
of climb indicator, vertical speed indicator [VSI], or vertical velocity
indicator [VVI]) is one of the flight instruments in an aircraft (mostly
used in sailplanes, hang gliders, paragliders, etc.) used to inform the
pilot of the near instantaneous (rather than averaged) rate of descent
or climb in order to detect the presence of a thermal or other forms of
lift for unpowered aircraft.
More
glossary terms
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The
AirVenture Cup
The AirVenture Cup, July 24, 2011, is the world's largest cross-country
air race. 2011 is the 10th year that the AirVenture Cup will be run from
Dayton-Wright Brothers Airport, Ohio (KMGY), with the promoters hoping
to replicate the excitement of the Bendix Trophy Races of the 1930s by
providing a race that is open to EAA members. Founded in 1998, this
event has become one of the most successful racing events in aviation.
The race is open to all experimental aircraft, operated by pilots with
at least a private pilot certificate. Read
more
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The
Indy Air Race
The Sport Air Racing League, now in its fifth season, welcomes all types
of piston engine airplanes to compete by class. Yep, whatever you fly,
we have a class for that! It's fun, fun, fun, and we hope you'll join
us. The Indy Air Race is less than a month away! August 13 is the date;
Indianapolis Executive Airport in Indianapolis, Indiana (KTYQ), is the
place. This is a sanctioned event of the Sport Air Racing League. Read
more
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Homebuilt
Area Poised for Record Year
Features and activities surrounding the Homebuilt area at EAA
AirVenture Oshkosh 2011 are shaping up to be memorable, as a record
number of homebuilt aircraft - including 100 Burt Rutan designs and 50
Zenith designs - are expected to attend. As part of this year's Tribute
to Burt Rutan, the "I Flew My Homebuilt to AirVenture" patch
features his first design, the VariViggen. Also, this year includes the
"Zeniths to Oshkosh" grassroots gathering of Zenith Aircraft
builders organized to honor designer Chris Heintz. The additional Rutan
and Zenith aircraft, combined with others, are projected to bring the
total of homebuilt aircraft to more than 1,000, a new record for the
area. Read
more
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HOMEBUILDER GALLERY OF
THE MONTH
Early Homebuilt Arrivals to AirVenture
2011
At the time of this writing there are three days before AirVenture 2011
begins. Director of Member Programs Charlie Becker snapped a few photos
of early homebuilt arrivals, including a Dyke Delta that arrived
Wednesday. Be sure to follow the EAA Homebuilders Facebook page for more
pictures and information about what's on the grounds and in the air
during AirVenture. View
the gallery
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WEBINARS
Learn How To Survive a Forced Landing
Engine failure! Aside from a fire, it's the airborne emergency pilots
fear the most. Many pilots simply do not have enough recent practice in
emergency skills to allow them to safely execute an emergency landing.
This presentation, hosted by Gold Seal CFI and corporate pilot Eric
Basile, touches on a number of seldom-discussed factors related to
successfully handling an engine failure, including proper pre-flight
planning, managing stress in emergencies, airspeed control, impact
management, and crash survivability. You'll review some basic procedures
you may have not thought about in a while, and you might learn a few new
tricks as well.
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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We're very happy to
announce the launch of our brand new forums, live now at EAAForums.org!
It's a clean slate - and these forums are simple, reliable, and fast!
Check them out, and join the conversations!
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Here
are a few discussions already in progress:
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SURVEY
Please
review and rate
this issue of Experimenter and its articles.
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