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EDITORIAL
Letters!
Please don't be afraid to take the survey
It's time once again to go
through the mailbox and answer a few letters, the majority of which
are actually comments and questions posted in the
survey we conduct in every issue, one I would encourage you to
participate in. Please remember that when you click on the survey
link, you won't be required to enter any personal information. There's
no logging in, no passwords to remember, no unexpected surprises at
the end, and this isn't some stealthy method of gathering anything but
your honest opinion. I read every comment in every survey and use that
information to assure myself that we're delivering top-notch content
in each issue. So with that, I would encourage you to click the
"Read more" link, read the letters, and then participate in
the current and future surveys. Read
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PAUL'S PICK
Have Things Really
Changed?
There's a lot of great discussion and feedback out there on how EAA's
focus and direction are changing. It's important to note that the
inclusion of all things aviation has always been at the forefront of
the organization. As Paul Poberezny wrote in November 1988, none of
the EAA founding members ever dreamed that the stature of the
organization within the aviation community would grow so large. Read
Paul's Pick
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We Need Your
Help!
Experimenter is about you, the homebuilder. Whether you are
building or flying an experimental aircraft, we need your story! If
you don't think you have a story worth sharing, this
short video may help. While not every plane or project can be
highlighted in the pages of Sport Aviation, your fellow readers
still want to see your accomplishments, including any tips you may
have to share, or tools you may have created along the way. All we
need is 500-1500 words, 5-10 photos and a brief description or caption
for each one. If you would like to write more, it is encouraged, and
don't be surprised if we contact you to ask more about your project.
The best stories come from you. And please remember to take
our survey when you are done with this issue of Experimenter.
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Air
and Its Majestic Role in Producing Lift
Paul Lipps was an extraordinary thinker with an innocent sense of
humor. Known most for his work in the advancement of propeller
efficiency, Paul's ability to see complicated things in simple terms had
him question conventional wisdom in all aspects of his life, especially
those used in aviation, a passion of his since his first flight in a Cub
when he was just a teen. The following article was written in his usual
tongue-in-cheek style that hopefully you'll find as fun to read as he
intended. The topic is a bit controversial, but no matter your opinion,
it will get you thinking about what's going on with your wing. Read more
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Tip
Tanks: Design - Fabrication
For Designers and Homebuilders
Ordinary building materials like stucco, drywall compound, and
¼-inch Douglas fir plywood are transformed into a simple fuel tank
shape, following the full-size patterns outlined in a new publication by
longtime EAA member Mick Myal. The end result is a two-piece fiberglass/vinylester
tank that is sized by the builder to meet his mission/fuel needs. His
book Tip Tanks: Design - Fabrication shows you how to create tip tanks
for your aircraft and includes full-scale plans that help take the
guesswork out of the design. Read more
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Bruce
Sturgill's The Big Book of RV Aircraft
A great holiday shopping idea
It's getting close to that time of the year again, thinking of
what you'd like your spouse, kids, or significant other to get you for
Christmas. An excellent gift that comes to mind (besides avionics or an
engine) is one that can be enjoyed by you family, and friends, now and
for many years to come. One such gift would be a coffee table book of
airplanes-and not just any old airplane book, but one devoted only to RV
aircraft. The Big Book of RV Aircraft is Bruce Sturgill's second
coffee table book on a specific aircraft type. The first was The Big
Book of Canards, put together using pictures taken by photographers,
owners, and builders of canard aircraft from around the world, just like
the RV book.
Read more
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WHAT
OUR MEMBERS ARE BUILDING
Mike Studer's Corvair-Powered Cassutt
When considering his options for an aircraft to build, Mike Studer's
goals were simple. He simply wanted a fun, fast aircraft that was
reasonably inexpensive to build, own, and operate. That's why he opted
to build the sport version of the Cassutt. The Cassutt is a small,
single-seat, mid-wing experimental aircraft, made mainly for air racing.
It was designed by Tom Cassutt in 1951 and can still be built today from
plans as an experimental, amateur-built airplane. No kits have ever been
available; this is a plans-only build. The aircraft is still active in
the race scene today and used in the Formula One class competitions
every year at the Reno National Championship Air Races. Read more
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HOW
TO
Tab-Holding Jig
A unique method to hold tabs while welding to round tube
Mark
Eminger, a Christavia MK1 builder from Cloverdale, Indiana, sent us this
very helpful construction tip. He’s designed and built a very simple
jig for holding clip-nut tabs while welding them to fuselage tubing,
aiding the builder in such a way that could easily reduce setup time by
at least 5 to 10 minutes per tab. Read more
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Burt's 'Research
Project'
Tinkering with the wing ship-seaplane idea
When we heard rumors that Burt Rutan, in retirement, is back at
the drafting table, we thought we should go right to the source. In a
private chat last week (November 9), he confirmed he is working on a
new design, Model 372-3. "It is a combination wing ship and
seaplane," Burt revealed about 372-3, inspired by a Soviet "ekranoplan"
he learned about while on a trip to Russia nearly two decades ago. But
he also made it clear we should not expect to see anything anytime
soon. Read
more
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Sharpen Your
Homebuilding Skills in Houston, December 10-11
If you've ever dreamed of building your own aircraft, or are
currently in the process and want to perfect the techniques before
applying them to your own project, don't miss your chance to sign up
for the upcoming EAA SportAir Workshops in Houston, Texas, December
10-11. These two-day workshops cover a variety of aircraft building
skills and techniques. Master the basics of aircraft sheet metal, find
out how to properly cover an airplane with fabric, become confident
with composites, excel in electrical systems, and more. Best of all,
we provide the place, the expertise, and all the tools and materials.
For more information on the workshops offered in Houston, or to
register for a course, click
here.
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The Eagle Has Landed
For the last time
An important airplane that fueled the growth of the homebuilt
kit aircraft industry arrived in Oshkosh last month, where it will take
its rightful place in the EAA AirVenture Museum's aerobatics gallery.
The prototype Christen Eagle II, Frank Christensen's powerful and nimble
aerobatic biplane designed in the 1970s, flew a nine-leg journey from
California with longtime builder and airline pilot Dick (Butch) Pfeifer,
EAA 42135, at the controls. "Well, that's the last landing for this
airplane," Pfeifer said as he exited the rear seat. Read
the story and see photos
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Cyber-Homebuilding
Draws New Fans
Largest Wisconsin Daily Features cover story on DreamBuildFly.com
The story of two young men scratchbuilding a Bearhawk in a
basement while a Web audience watches and comments in real time was
Thursday's cover story in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Wisconsin's
largest daily newspaper. Caleb Ihrig, an Oshkosh engineer, and EAA
Multimedia Journalist Brady Lane are friends and building partners who
wanted to use basic tools and their basic mechanical knowledge to show
how accessible homebuilding can be. A baseball cap-mounted camera
streams live video to the Web, which allows viewers to comment, offer
tips, and learn along with them. Read
the article | Photo
gallery | EAA
Radio interview
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Thousands
Enjoy Sun-Drenched Copperstate
About 500 aircraft and 5,100 attendees attended last week's 39th
annual COPPERSTATE Fly-In & Aviation Expo at the Casa Grande
Municipal Airport, Arizona. According to Fly-In Manager Jim McChesney,
attendees enjoyed a wide variety of aircraft on the ground and in the
air - from ultralights, to World War II fighter jets, to micro-jets and
much more. "And, as always, we received many compliments on how
family-friendly the event was," McChesney said. Read
more
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EAA
Chapter 1 Hosts SportAir Workshops at Flabob November 19-20
Don't miss your chance to attend the upcoming EAA SportAir Workshops
being held at historic Flabob Airport in Riverside, California, November
19-20. Hosted by EAA Chapter 1 at its hangar located on the airport,
these two-day weekend workshops cover a variety of aircraft building
skills and techniques. You could master the basics of aircraft sheet
metal, figure out how to fabric cover an airplane, gain confidence with
composites, excel in electric systems, or find out just exactly what's
involved in kit building. We provide the place and all the tools and
materials, so the only thing you need to show up with is a desire to
learn! For more details on the workshops offered, or to register for a
course, click here.
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EAA,
AOPA FAQ on Medical Certification Exemption Request
EAA and AOPA have joined in developing a Frequently
Asked Questions sheet to answer the most common questions regarding
the upcoming exemption request allowed expanded use of a driver's
license in lieu of third-class medical certification. The two
organizations in September announced their intention to file the request
with the FAA shortly after the first of the year. The FAQ sheet also
includes a link for EAA members and other to register for regular
updates on this important issue for aviators. To see previous story, click
here.
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Virgin
Galactic Unveils 'Gateway to Space'
First purpose-built commercial spaceport is here
Scores of enthusiastic future astronauts, celebrities, key
government officials, and several EAA leaders were among the hundreds of
invited guests on hand Monday to help dedicate Spaceport America, the
world’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport in southern New
Mexico. Virgin Galactic Chairman Sir Richard Branson, who along with his
children Sam and Holly will be the first commercial passengers on
SpaceShipTwo, provided one of the day’s highlights when they rappelled
from the roof of the gleaming new 114,000-square-foot building
proclaiming the terminal as the “Virgin Galactic Gateway to
Space."
Read
more and see the photo gallery
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Experimenter
Subscribers Save on 'Hints for Homebuilders' DVD Combo Pack
If you love reading about homebuilt aircraft but are apprehensive to
begin your own project, EAA has a deal that could help you toward those
first building steps. For one week only, Experimenter subscribers
can pick up the Hints for Homebuilders DVD combo pack for just
$19.95. Featuring demonstrations and narration by the experts at EAA,
these "how-to" videos cover a variety of aircraft building
skills and techniques, including the basics of sheet metal construction.
You'll learn the tips and tricks - as well as the tried-and-true methods
- of building your own aircraft. This offer is good through November 23,
2011. Enter the coupon code EXPERIMENTER when you check out to
receive these special savings. Order
now, or by calling toll-free, 800-564-6322.
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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 issue and are typical of what you can expect from every issue.
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New
Soaring Trike From North Wing
North
Wing, manufacturer of weight-shift
trikes and wings for trikes and
hang gliding, has announced a new
lightweight soaring trike will
soon be available. The trike is
lighter and more streamlined than
the North Wing ATF trike and is
powered by a four-stroke Bailey
engine. The trike can fly with the
North Wing Stratus XP wing, your
hang glider wing, or a paraglider
wing designed for power. Visit
their website for more
information, or call 509-886-4605.
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Zenith
and UL Power Announce Firewall
Forward Kit
Zenith
Aircraft Company and UL Power
North America LLC announced the
availability of complete firewall
forward kits for the CH 650 kit
aircraft. The firewall forward
package includes the direct-drive,
air-cooled, UL350iS aircraft
engine. The 130-hp powerplant is a
horizontally opposed,
four-cylinder, four-stroke engine
with FADEC. The
full firewall forward kit includes
everything builders need to
install the engine in their Zenith
airframe, including engine mount,
oil cooler, fuel pumps, propeller
and spinner, and fiberglass cowl. Read
more
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Flying
in the Thunder Over the Valley Air
Show
Mike
Geddry Sr., CEO and curator of the
Santa Maria Museum of Flight, Santa
Maria, California, said that he
would like me to fly in the August
2011 Thunder Over the Valley Air
Show with my experimental gyroplane.
I agreed without really thinking
about it. Then I thought, what could
a homebuilt gyroplane do in an air
show that would be interesting? I
felt it was an opportunity and vowed
to make the best of it. At the very
least it would make a good story for
hangar flying. 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 just
purchased a used Lycoming IO-360-A1B previously installed on a
Type-certificated airplane. I'm assuming the engine is in fair to good
shape, but I still would want to make some changes. Because I'm not an
A&P mechanic, my question is, can I do this work on my engine since
it's going in my experimental?
A. You absolutely
can. Anything that is used as part of an experimental amateur-built
aircraft becomes experimental as well, and you may repair, modify,
alter, or maintain it in any way you see fit-it's your experiment.
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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FROM THE ARCHIVES
Sport Aviation, May 1980
Gary Green's Award Winning Cassutt IIIM
By Gary E. Green, EAA 69220
It all started over a
beer at the Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, officer's club in early
1971. A friend of an acquaintance mentioned he was building an airplane,
and the conversation accelerated from there. He was talking about a
machine called a Cassutt that was capable of speeds in excess of 250
mph. I couldn't believe it. I was a MAC C-141 pilot in the U.S. Air
Force and had never heard of EAA or the homebuilt aircraft movement. Read
the article
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Video
of the Tail Wheel of a Mustang II on Landing
This video was shot to see if the standard tapered tail wheel spring
shimmies left and right, causing directional instability after tail
wheel touchdown. You'll see how the wheel actually spun to 90 degrees
during the many spring bounces. The side springs and chains were
shortened after seeing how loose they appeared in flight.
Watch the video | Visit
the complete website
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The
Eyeballing Game
Yes, this is a game, but for those who build things with their hands
and sometimes have to eyeball dimensions and alignments, this is a nice
distraction. Read more
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New
Split-Cycle Engine Concept: The Doyle Rotary Engine
Check out an interesting new engine design that is similar to a radial
rotary from a bygone era but does it without the use of a crankshaft.
The pistons are oriented with their crowns toward the center of the
engine. This four-stroke engine has no valves and instead uses chambers,
similar to a two-stroke but located in the top of the head. Watch
the video
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Got
Weather?
Look at some stunningly beautiful photographs of weather phenomena
that, while breathtaking to witness from the safety of the ground, we
don't think many of us would want to fly through any of it.
View the gallery
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Surfing
a River?
As the ocean tides come in and the river's flow of water to the sea
reverses, a gentle tidal wave that the locals like to surf - for
literally miles on end - is created. A troupe of microlight pilots
captured this phenomenon on video. So if you like science, surfing,
soaring, and scenery, you might like this video, too. Watch
the video
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An
Owl Landing
This very detailed, slow-motion video of an owl coming in for a
landing gives us a surprising view of the aerodynamics and airflow over
the wing as he flares for a landing. Watch
the video
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Eric
Clutton's FRED
For anyone interested in a simple, rugged, homebuilt aircraft for low
and slow flying, maybe consider Eric Clutton's FRED. In this brand-new
video by Mike Perkins, builder of G-PFAF, we see an early flight by this
cheery yellow little homebuilt at Sutton Cheney airfield circa
1999.
Watch the video
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HOMEBUILDER GALLERY OF
THE MONTH
Brandon
Jewett's Super Chub
In the November issue of EAA Sport Aviation, Brandon Jewett
shared the story of his one-off original design, borne of a need for
more space in the flight deck. At 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, the only
airplane Brandon ever flew comfortably was the Airbus he flies for his
day job. His solution was to build a bigger Super Cub, made by modifying
a Wag-Aero 2+2 frame, that he lovingly calls the Super Chub.
Watch the video | View
the gallery | Read
the AirVenture Today article
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WEBINARS
Options for
Building a Super Cub
Join Bill Rusk as he gives an overview of the options available for
building a Super Cub, to include a brief look at the kits available,
such as Cub Crafters, Legend Cubs, and Backcountry Cubs. Also included
will be discussion on scratchbuilding Super Cubs from plans and a look
at common modifications to this always popular workhorse.
All webinars begin at 7
p.m. CST 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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From the Experimenter
Online Community
The following discussions can be found in the EAA Forums:
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Can
you help?
Join
the discussion!
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SURVEY
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