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A New Era: AirVenture Planning Through Unknowns
Coordinating the countless moving parts of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is a challenge in the best of times, but coming back from 2020's COVID-caused cancellation raises expectations regarding health and safety measures in planning this year's event on July 26-August 1.
EAA AeroEducate Initiative Helps Young People Explore And Cultivate Aviation Interest
AeroEducate, the newest youth aviation initiative from EAA, will bring an interactive, educational, and engaging experience to young people ages 5 to 18 beginning in 2021.
This Year's NBAA BACE Made Me 100,000 Times Happier
By Paul T. Glessner, M.S.
Tuesday (Oct. 10) morning speech participants. (Paul T. Glessner)This year’s NBAA-BACE held in Las Vegas last month marks the 70th anniversary of the organization and just nine days after the horrific shooting, was the first major convention since the nightmare. Extra security was present in the form of added staff to check IDs and plenty of K-9s. I have luckily attended a handful of these conventions over the last 20 years, including last year’s Orlando location, and I must say, if you have any business in aviation, you must attend! If not for the educational seminars and the tactile touch and display of products and aircraft, the social aspect where new acquaintances today mean more profits and avenues tomorrow. While I will do my best to give my personal overview in this short article, NBAA did a more extensive and detailed summary that can be found at www.nbaa.org/events/bace/2017/newsroom.
The event featured about 1,100 exhibitors, including more than 100 new exhibitors. Attendees, estimated at 27,000, represented all 50 U.S. states and dozens of countries, according to NBAA. Approximately 100 aircraft were on static display, both at Henderson Executive Airport and inside the convention center.
Tuesday kicked off with the leaders of six influential general aviation (GA) advocacy groups delivering a powerful and coherent message of united opposition against ATC privatization during the “No Plane No Gain” Media Kick-Off Breakfast. All the acronyms were represented: NBAA, EAA, GAMA, HAI, NATA, and AOPA.
“This year, we mark NBAA’s 70th anniversary,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “Starting at our first convention in 1950, 19 companies came together in a hotel to work together and pool their resources. They realized we could do more together than any company can do by itself. And today, we’ve grown to more than 11,000 members.
GA Pilots Aid in Hurricane Harvey Relief Efforts
Pilots rally against ATC privatization at AirVenture
EAA AirVenture – one of the most-loved, most-renowned aviation events in the world that showcases all segments of the industry – would likely be shut down under air traffic control privatization being advanced in H.R. 2997, Experimental Aircraft Association CEO Jack Pelton told hundreds of pilots gathered at the show July 24 for a rally against ATC privatization.
“This would be the most devastating thing that could happen to AirVenture,” Pelton said.
Pelton was joined by AOPA President Mark Baker, National Business Aviation Association President Ed Bolen, and General Aviation Manufacturers Association President Pete Bunce, who united in speaking out against ATC privatization and debunking myths that are being perpetuated by the airlines.
GA will be in the “fight for our lives for the next four or five or six months,” Baker said. “Thanks to all of you in the room, they do listen to us,” he continued, adding that the 20,000 pilots now flying under BasicMed is proof of the influence pilots have on Capitol Hill.
Flight Test: The Theory of Evolution
By David Brown
Many years ago, I was involved in production testing of a jet trainer in the UK. Initially we had unpressurized jets and used to climb to 30,000 feet for our production testing as a matter of course. With the exuberance of youth, we ignored the occasional sinus problems, the bends, fatigue, and other such inconveniences, while accepting the rock-hard cushions of the Martin-Baker ejection seats as part of the cost of doing business. A couple of years later, we had progressed to a pressurized version of the same jet, as by now the powers-that-be had realized that the Royal Air Force CFIs were having problems with the day-after-day effects of climbing to high altitude two or more times a day without the benefits of pressurization. From our flight-test point of view, we soon realized that life was much better in a pressurized aircraft.
Fast forward a decade or two, and I was ferrying a military turboprop trainer west across the USA, part of a two-ship formation. Again we were unpressurized, and at 24,000 feet, I was monitoring my oxygen blinker rhythmically opening and closing. Occasionally, I would have to give control to my colleague in the other cockpit, unclip my military-style oxygen mask, blow my nose, eat a sandwich, take a sip of water, etc. before clipping the mask back on. Again, we were on the same Martin-Baker ejection seats, and again the cushions were rock hard after a couple of hours droning west over Texas and the Arizona desert.
I liked the speed, as we were covering the ground at a true airspeed of almost 300 knots, better than doing the trip at low altitude in a general aviation aircraft with TAS of just over a hundred knots, as I was doing on weekends. But the discomfort of mask, bonedome, seat, harness, and parachute straps was a different matter
“One day,” I said over the intercom, “We will be able to do this trip in pressurized luxury and comfort.”
“But not today,” came the answer from our imperturbable test pilot in the front cockpit. A moment later, he resumed humming Willie Nelson’s “ …on the Road again…”
I have news for the world. That day has arrived with the introduction of the pressurized Evolution.
The turbine-powered demonstrator N424SM was the race pace plane for the Sport racing class at Reno Races in Sept. 2016. (David Brown)I first saw the Turbine Evolution at Reno last September when it was used as the pace plane for the Sport Racing class. I was impressed by the speed and intrigued by the fact that this was a kit-built plane.
In February, I was fortunate enough to meet up with Evolution Aircraft’s President, Kevin Eldredge, at Cable Airport in Southern California, get the inside story of the Turbine Evolution, and take a short flight in between the storms battering Southern California.
Editorial: Bad is Good?
By Ed Downs
To be sure, editorial comment should have a purpose other than promoting just the opinions or ego of the writer. This writer would like to think that In Flight USA editorial views would inform and be of benefit to at least a large part of our readership. Having set this lofty goal, subject matter becomes important. Fortunately, in this fast-moving world of aerospace, recreational flying, science, and the ever-changing world of Federal regulations, topics are typically easy to find. At least, that is normally the case.
This writer follows PR, news, recent events, and throws in a bit of personal experience to try to be informative and topical; all good intentions, but sometimes hard to achieve. At this time in our country’s history, it seems like our entire news and information world, including virtually every form of social media, is focused on the claptrap we politely refer to as the “political arena.” And with that, this writer comes to the title of this month’s topic… When is bad, good?
Editorial: Support Your Local Lobbyist
By Ed Downs
Seriously, support lobbyists? You mean like the cartoon dudes made famous by the likes of political cartoonist, Tom Nast, often portrayed as fat, ugly, and bombastic, with money sticking out of their pockets, ready to buy favors and influence? You mean that kind of lobbyist? Well, yes, depending on whom you are talking about… but let me back up just a bit and explain where this thought is coming from. First, a disclaimer: These are the opinions of this writer, and as such, are written in the first person. Please do not get mad at the good folks who publish this great magazine. If this editorial opinion sparks your need to respond, please go to www.inflightusa.com, scroll to the end of this editorial, and utilize our interface options to add your thoughts.
You will be reading this editorial in the July issue of In Flight USA, an important month in this country’s history. Three important events take place in the last weeks of July 2016. The first event is one that we all enjoy. It is very relevant to our passion for flying and fully supports the diversity of GA businesses and aviation interests. This is, of course, EAA AirVenture, 2016.
EAA Proposes ADS-B Solution for Light-Sport Aircraft
GA Groups to U.S. Congress: ATC Reform More Than Just User Fees; Request Sufficient Time to Review and Debate Bill
NASA Tests Technology EAA AirVenture
NASA Tests Ground Collision Avoidance Technology at EAA AirVenture 2015
NASA researchers chose pilots at EAA AirVenture 2015 to evaluate improved ground collision avoidance technology that could soon find its way to a smartphone app or commercial glass cockpit systems.
The technology recently integrated in the F-16 fighter jets and other military aircraft is being adapted by engineers at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center, Edwards, Calif., for use in general aviation. Currently in a beta test version as a smartphone app, the improved Ground Collision Avoidance System (iGCAS) provides audible and visual warnings and guidance to pilots as they approach ground collision conditions.
Pilots taking part in this study are asked to provide some general background information about their flight experience and the type of terrain and flight conditions they typically fly in. They are then provided with instructions on how the smartphone app works and are given an opportunity to become familiar with the flight simulator. Approximately 30 pilots will fly the simulator as part of the study during AirVenture 2015.
EAA Clears Confusion Over Training in Restricted Category Aircraft
Uncertainty surrounding flight training in restricted category aircraft, and potentially experimental exhibition aircraft, has been clarified following EAA efforts to reach out on behalf of those who own these unique aircraft and train pilots to fly them.
EAA received reports from specialty aircraft examiners of restricted category aircraft that the FAA was considering policy changes that would prohibit the aircraft from being used for initial type rating exams, recurrent proficiency exams, and other flights necessary to operate as pilot in command of the aircraft. The restrictions would have put owners in the awkward position of not being able to qualify pilots to fly their unique airplanes.
While aircraft in the restricted category are generally not associated with EAA members, such as agricultural and firefighting aircraft, any policy change could have an unintended effect on experimental exhibition category aircraft, including warbirds and unique vintage airplanes.
Homebuilders' Workshop: February 2015
People
By Ed Wischmeyer
EAA founder, Paul Poberezny, said that people come to EAA for the airplanes and stay for the people. For whatever reason, that seems an appropriate reminiscence on this clear, brisk Georgia winter afternoon.
The current issue of EAA Sport Aviation has a marvelous summary of the U.S. homebuilding movement, written by Richard VanGrunsven, the “RV” in the RV series of airplanes. In addition to being perhaps the preeminent homebuilt kit vendor, Van knew some of the very earliest homebuilders who coincidentally lived nearby in Oregon.
I first met Van at Oshkosh one year, about the time that the RV-4 came out. I had sent him three dollars or so for an information packet, and it came in the mail. Then I noticed an ad that said that the information packet was four dollars, but he had sent me the information packet anyway. At Oshkosh, I gave him the extra buck, and we had maybe a brief conversation.
EAA to FAA: ADS-B Mandate Fraught With Hurdles for GA
Cost, Compliance, Lack of Benefits Preventing Adoption
EAA Vice President of Advocacy and Safety, Sean Elliott, told the FAA on Oct. 28 that while the recreational aviation community is willing to work toward a modernization of the national airspace system, mandated ADS-B compliance is still fraught with too many hurdles to motivate general aviation aircraft owners to install the costly equipment.
Speaking at an FAA-sponsored “call to action” summit on ADS-B and NextGen in Washington, D.C., Elliott emphasized that the low installation rate in GA aircraft thus far–only about 6,200 aircraft out of 157,000 in the fleet––is due to a dubious cost/benefit ratio for aircraft owners. The FAA has mandated that ADS-B be installed in those aircraft by 2020 as a cornerstone of the NextGen system.
On the Wings of Young Eagles
By Donia Moore
(Donia Moore)The magic carpet shot into the sky like an arrow heading straight and true into the heart of the young adventurers on board. They were taking their premier step to becoming Young Eagles, and they were in their first small aircraft ride. Eyes grew larger and stomachs grew tighter with the excitement of flying above the clouds for the first time in a small plane. They would never forget the feeling of euphoria brought on by their 20 minutes of freedom from the ground as the plane climbed to altitude. When asked how long he’d like the flight to last, one young potential aviator said “forever!”
Hands on the Controls
Robert Baker, an FAA Safety representative and veteran EAA Young Eagles host pilot understands that sentiment. He has been involved with the Young Eagle program in Southern California for close to 10 years, personally flying “first flights” for nearly 200 kids. “1.9 million Young Eagles have safely enjoyed flying through the Experimental Aircraft Association program since its start in 1992,” says Robert. The Young Eagles program was designed to give children from the ages of 8 to 17 an opportunity to experience flight in a general aviation airplane. Spearheaded by donations and help from EAA’s network of volunteer pilots, this program is offered free of charge with the goal of educating our next generation about the possibilities in the aviation field. For many, their first flight is the beginning of their journey towards a career as a pilot, aircraft mechanic, air traffic controller, or other aviation related possibilities. Interest in the program is growing. EAA is an international aviation membership association founded in 1953 and headquartered in Oshkosh, Wis. Local chapters are located in all 50 states and many countries. Members are aviation enthusiasts of every age group, including many airline and commercial pilots, engineers, business people and even astronauts.
Memorial to Paul Day at AirVenture Oshkosh
By Ed Wischmeyer
Kevin Conner’s Reserve Grand Champion Plans Built Hatz CB-1 from Collinsville, OK. (Ed Wischmeyer)This was the first AirVenture after the death of beloved EAA founder Paul Poberezny, and there were many remembrances during the week. One sign listed the events occurring on Memorial to Paul Day. One EAAer, asleep at the switch, asked me, “Who is Paul Day?” Ahem…
Paul P. often repeated a great truism that folks come to Oshkosh for the airplanes but stay for the people, and that was again true for me. I delighted in sharing the good news of a close friend in a new relationship after losing his wife of 46 years to cancer. Sadly, another friend’s wife continues her long, slow, and painful decline due to illness. Friends from Kansas have children that have grown so much since I last saw them that they were almost unrecognizable. Another friend is retired but left grown kids in Texas to live year round in Oshkosh and volunteer extensively for EAA. I am blessed with good friends. Sadly, one elderly pilot was lost landing a Breezy with an accident sequence that seems to not make sense. His young passenger, an AirVenture volunteer, was seriously injured, but she is expected to make a full recovery.
Mo’Venture: Unique Mojave Experimentals Flying to Oshkosh
The Rutan Catbird joins several other unique airplanes from Mojave in Oshkosh this year. (Jim Koepnick/courtesy EAA)Catbird. Ol’ Blue. Wasabi Siren. Tango2. If those aircraft nicknames sound familiar, they probably should; they’re among a group of homebuilts that have emerged from the fertile experimental hotbed of Mojave, Calif., and they are among a group of aircraft that are assembling to fly to Oshkosh together for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014.
EAA received word last month that six airplanes are confirmed to arrive together on Monday, July 28, and several other well-known airplanes might be added.
Dates Set for AirVenture Job Fair and College Social
Brian Quade of the University of Dubuque speaks with Connie, Leigh, and Hunter Brian Haveneur during the first College Park Job Fair in 2013. (Julie Wagner/courtesy EAA)Online registration is now available for the Third Annual EAA College Social that, along with the Second Annual EAA Job Fair, will provide event attendees opportunities in College Park to leave AirVenture with more than a souvenir. Both events are included in AirVenture admission.
More than 20 aviation companies, airlines, and colleges will be represented at the EAA Job Fair in College Park on Wednesday, July 30, from 12-3 p.m., which will include resume reviews from members of The 99’s. Many employers actively recruit during AirVenture, so business cards and a resume are highly encouraged. No registration is required.
Seven Lockheed 12s Confirmed for Oshkosh
Joe Shepherd’s Lockheed 12, N2072. (Courtesy of Joe Shepherd and EAA)It’s always great to see a freshly polished Lockheed Model 12 Electra Junior on the flightline at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, and some years you’ll be lucky to see two. But this year, visitors to the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration could see seven of the iconic golden age executive transport airplanes parked together in the Vintage area, and there’s a chance as many as eight or nine could show up. “That could set some sort of modern day record for the number of Lockheed 12s together at one time,” says one of plane’s owners trying to make it happen.
“In 2007, we were able to gather three L-12s in one place on the West Coast,” said Les Whittlesey of Coto de Caza, Calif. Whittlesey is the proud owner of NC18906, SN 1277 – an airplane manufactured in 1939 that won a Gold Lindy in 2006. The airplane was also featured in the August 2007 EAA Vintage Airplane magazine.
Large Cessnas 2 Oshkosh Group to Include up to 19 Cardinals
A Cessna 177RG Cardinal leads the way to the Cessnas 2 Oshkosh area in the North 40 at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2012. (Craig Vander Kolk/EAA)The ninth annual Cessnas 2 Oshkosh (C2O) group arrival at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh this year has 56 aircraft registered, including as many as 19 model-177 Cardinals – with many of them retracting gear models.
Jerry Olson, Cardinal owner, has been leading the effort to get model 177s involved in C2O this year. “Nineteen Cardinals may not sound like a lot, but considering there are less than 3,000 left flying worldwide, that is a fairly significant number,” he said. In fact, in this year’s C2O, Cardinals are outnumbering each of the other types registered for the flight, including 172s (43,000 built), 182s (over 24,000 built), and 210s (over 9,000 built).