Antonov Charter
http://www.eaa.orgReno Races Receive Conditional Approval for 2012 Event
The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority Board has given a one-year special permit to the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) to hold the annual Reno National Championship Air Races, provided RARA obtains $100 million in insurance coverage, according to a report in the Reno Gazette-Journal. The permit also stipulates that RARA must pay any increase in insurance rates incurred by the authority for holding the races, which are scheduled for September 12-16 at Stead Airport.
EAA Director Charlie Precourt Selected for Astronaut Hall of Fame
Congratulations to Charlie Precourt, a member of the EAA board of directors, who was inducted into the prestigious U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame on May 5. Precourt is best known for his 15 years at NASA, where he qualified as a space shuttle astronaut in 1991 and flew on four space shuttle missions, logging more than 932 hours in space.
Kickstarter.com Approves Synergy Aircraft Project
If at first you don't succeed ... The Synergy aircraft project, looking to generate funding to proceed with its potentially game-changing aircraft design, has been approved by Kickstarter.com after initially being denied by the crowdfunding website. Kickstarter.com provides an effective way for creative people to generate grassroots funding efforts.
TIG Welding: Chromoly DVD an Essential Guide for Builders
EAA's new DVD, TIG Welding: Chromoly, is a must-have for anyone planning on TIG welding a fuselage. Mr. TIG, Wyatt Swaim, does a fantastic job of explaining the TIG welding process, and more importantly, showing the viewer exactly what is happening during each phase.
Cessna, Lear Announce New Jets at EBACE
Cessna Aircraft Company and Bombardier announced new jets on Monday at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE). For Cessna, the Longitude medium-sized, long-range business jet has room for up to eight passengers, a range of 4,000 nautical miles, and a maximum speed of Mach .86.
Carroll Shelby Passes Away
EAA joins the automotive and aviation communities paying tribute to icon Carroll Hall Shelby, who passed away in Dallas on Thursday, May 10, at the age of 89. An EAA member from 1988 to 2010, he was a frequent AirVenture attendee, signing autographs and participating in numerous activities including the Gathering of Eagles fundraiser.
Hundreds of Young Eagles Soar With EAA Chapter 18
EAA Chapter 18 in Milwaukee helped the Wisconsin National Guard 128th Air Refueling Wing open its Armed Forces Week event last Saturday and Sunday (May 11-12) by conducting a large Young Eagles rally at Mitchell International Airport (MKE). Members of the chapter flew a total of 319 kids with about 15 volunteer aircraft and pilots each day.
Comment Period Open for Revised BARR Rules
Aircraft owners, operators, and the public have until June 8, 2012, to comment on the FAA's revised rules for the Block Aircraft Registration Request program. The BARR program allows aircraft owners to prevent real-time public access to flight information, which includes departure and destination airports, plus actual altitude, speed, and location of the aircraft.
Aviation World Mourns Loss of Evelyn Bryan Johnson
Evelyn Bryan Johnson, who had more flight hours logged than any living female pilot in the world, died Thursday, May 10, in Jefferson City, Tennessee. She was 102 years old.
DWI Charges Dismissed Against Former FAA Boss Randy Babbitt
A district court judge in Virginia dismissed drunk driving charges against former FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt on Thursday. The story was first reported in The Washington Post.
EAA Aircraft Insurance Plan Creates Specialized Coverage for IAC Members
International Aerobatic Club (IAC) members seeking comprehensive, affordable aircraft insurance for their aerobatic aircraft now can obtain that specialized coverage from within their own organization, as the EAA Aircraft Insurance Plan now includes policies for aerobatic pilots.
Pioneer Airport Set to Open This Weekend
Savor the sights and sounds of aviation's 'Golden Age' at Pioneer Airport, which opens for the season this weekend, May 12-13, at EAA Oshkosh. More than 50 vintage airplanes are displayed in seven unique hangars that take visitors back to the 1920s and 1930s when the magic of flying astounded and charmed the whole world.
EAA Invited to Participate at NTSB GA Safety Conference
EAA and the Vintage Aircraft Association have been invited to be among the key groups participating in this month's 'General Aviation Safety: Climbing to the Next Level' conference at the National Transportation Safety Board headquarters in Washington, D.C.
First U-Fuel Box Station up and Running at Charleston Executive
U-Fuel reports it has completed the first installation of its 'Box' self-service aviation fuel station, at the Atlantic Aviation FBO on Charleston Executive Airport (JZI), South Carolina.
Stowaway Kitty Home Safe and Sound
Many local airports have a 'hangar cat' that, along with serving as an airport mascot, helps keep aircraft-damaging mice at bay. Sullivan Field (27LL), a small, private airfield near St. Louis, is one of them.
EAA Participates in Homebuilt Safety Panel Discussions
Chad Jensen, EAA Homebuilders Community manager, joined other industry representatives for a pair of industry safety panels last week in the Washington, D.C., area. Panelists included Sandra McClure from the Baltimore FSDO and East Region FAAST team manager; Avemco President Jim Lauerman; David Kenny, statistician from AOPA; and local builder/FAAST team member Terry Bartley.
Volunteers Sought for Ford Tri-Motor Tour
Would you like to hit the road with the EAA Ford Tri-Motor tour? EAA is looking for volunteers to commit to one-week stretches to help recreate the experience of 'barnstorming' with the 1929 'Tin Goose' as it tours several locations throughout the country. Couples are especially welcome to apply.
Local Events Will Celebrate EAA's International Learn to Fly Day
On Saturday, May 19, dozens of local events will turn dreams of flight into reality during the third annual International Learn to Fly Day, an aviation community-wide effort helping people of all ages take that first step to discover the fun and freedom of flight.
Comments Still Open for Young Eagles Fuel Exemption
EAA members and pilots can still comment to EAA's petition for an exemption from pilot reimbursement restrictions when Young Eagles pilots receive free fuel while flying youth in the popular aviation education program.
FAA Gives Advance Notice of TFRs for G8, NATO Summits
The United States will host the NATO and G8 summits in two weeks, and two recently issued FAA flight advisories inform pilots that TFRs will be in place in those designated 'National Defense Airspace' areas. The G-8 Summit will be held at Camp David, Thurmont, Maryland, May 18-19, and the 25th NATO Summit will occur in Chicago May 19-21.
Vote for EAA Museum as 'Best of the Road'
The EAA AirVenture Museum is known as one of the world's great aviation museums, and now aviation enthusiasts can vote for the Oshkosh, Wisconsin, home of sport aviation as one of the 'Best of the Road' in a contest presented by Rand McNally and USA TODAY.
Cessna Firms up Plans With China
Cessna is moving along with the cooperative agreements with China's national aircraft company that it announced several weeks ago. The new strategic plan that Cessna has made with China Aviation Industry General Aircraft (CAIGA) will eventually lead to single-engine turboprop Cessna Caravans being assembled and supported in China for the Chinese market.
AOPA Chief Visits With EAA Staff
AOPA President Craig Fuller talked flying, fuels, and the political world in Washington on Monday, as he joined EAA President/CEO Rod Hightower for a lunch with the EAA staff inside the EAA AirVenture Museum's Founders' Wing.
EAA-AOPA Medical Proposal Garners Nearly 900 Comments So Far
Since the end of March, when the federal government officially posted a third-class medical certification exemption request from EAA and AOPA, aviation enthusiasts have registered 856 comments (as of Thursday morning, April 26).
White House Rejects Congressional Plea on GA User Fees
Nearly 200 members of the House of Representatives have received the same polite but curt response from the White House as the GA community received earlier this year to requests to keep user fees off the table in the Obama administration's proposed budget: Thanks for your input, but we're not listening.
All by My Lonesome: Audra Hoy Recounts First Cross-Country Solo Flight
You would think the idea of a solo cross country wouldn't be too overwhelming once you've logged a handful of solo hours outside the pattern, but it was. I was about to fly more than 50 nautical miles to an airport I don't know, over terrain I don't know, deal with new towers, not get lost, and get there and back without bending metal? Yikes!
EAA and VAA Introduce New Vintage Aircraft Insurance Program
EAA and EAA's Vintage Aircraft Association (VAA) are taking steps to support owners of vintage aircraft after the changing insurance environment may have left some owners questioning whether they had coverage for their aircraft.
Voices Heard: Swift Action Helps Reverse Course on Warbird Issue
Swift action by members of EAA and Warbirds of America, plus other aviation enthusiasts, made a difference in reversing a threat to warbird aircraft posed by a possible amendment to the House National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 4310).
AERO 2012 Reports Strong Sales, First German EAA Chapter
AERO Friedrichshafen 2012 closed on Saturday, April 21, with many exhibitors reporting brisk orders of aircraft, engines, and other accessories. In a few words, we can say surprising number of novelties, fewer but more qualified buyers, and positive sales numbers in all areas.
GA Caucus Seeks to Close Loophole Stealing Aviation Funds
EAA is asking its members to urge their congressional representatives to support a letter from the House General Aviation Caucus, which supports closing a loophole in federal regulations that is moving aviation fuel tax revenue to highway trust funds.
It's Never Off-Season for Safety
As the nation's pilots head into the prime flying season, EAA is joining with the FAA to encourage all aviators to pay particular attention to safety in 2012. One way that can help is through the FAASTteam Safety Standdown sessions being held in April throughout the country.
Pipistrel Unveils Panthera
A new airplane generating plenty of buzz at AERO 2012 is Pipistrel's Panthera, a sleek, sexy, fuel-efficient, four-place aircraft unveiled Wednesday. Pipistrel claims its new offering will cruise at 200 knots, sipping 10 gallons of unleaded fuel per hour with a 1,000-nautical-mile range with four people on board.
Warbird Community Rises to Meet Threat
EAA and the Warbirds of America are joining with the Commemorative Air Force, Collings Foundation, and other warbird groups in opposition of a proposed amendment to the House National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 4310) that could have a devastating effect on the fleet of civilian-operated historic military aircraft.
AERO New Products Report
A product report from the 20th AERO Friedrichshafen GA trade show in Germany, which runs through Saturday, April 21.
Cirrus Says Jet Now Fully Funded
Last year Cirrus management said the development of its SF50 Vision single-engine jet program was under review by the company's new owner China Aviation Industry General Aircraft (CAIGA). Technical challenges in completing and certifying the design were considered along with market conditions for the airplane. Today, April 18, Cirrus CEO Dale Klapmeier announced that the review was complete and the program is fully funded. Cirrus expects to deliver the first Vision in 2015.
AERO Friedrichshafen Opens 20th Air Show
More than 550 exhibitors from 28 nations have gathered on the scenic shore of Lake Constance in southern Germany for the 20th AERO Friedrichshafen GA trade show, which opens today and runs through Saturday, April 21.
Spits Buried Since 1945 Located in Myanmar
A British farmer announced over the weekend that he has located a dozen or more Supermarine Spitfires buried in their shipping crates beneath Myanmar (Burma) since 1945. David Cundall, 62, told The Telegraph that he confirmed through radar imaging technology at least 12 and as many as 20 crated aircraft are buried some 40 feet underground. In February he saw the crates after sinking a camera through a borehole, and they appear to be in good condition.
Tecnam P2010 Makes First Flight
Just in time for next week's AERO Expo in Friedrichshafen, Germany, Tecnam's new P2010 made 'a faultless first flight,' according to the company, on Thursday, April 12. The flight took place at Tecnam's production facility at Capua, Italy.
EAA Introduces New TIG Welding Instructional DVD
The increasingly popular TIG welding method for aircraft construction is now easier to master than ever, with the help of a new instructional DVD available through EAA, the leading source of knowledge and information for homebuilders.
Students Earn EAA/DAHER-SOCATA Scholarships
Anna Bobrowski, of Valparaiso, Indiana, and Ryan Leeward, of Belleview, Florida, will receive the work internships of a lifetime, as they have been named recipients of the sixth annual EAA/DAHER-SOCATA International Scholarships. Each recipient receives a five-week internship at DAHER-SOCATA's Tarbes facility in France, followed by a week at the EAA Air Academy in Oshkosh, where they'll help Socata during EAA AirVenture 2012.
Third Annual International Learn to Fly Day is May 19
Events continue to be scheduled for EAA's third annual International Learn to Fly Day (ILTFD), set for Saturday, May 19. Tens of thousands of future aviators are expected to participate, taking the first step toward discovering the fun, freedom, and accomplishment of flight.
NTSB Updates Reno Air Race Investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) provided an investigative update today on last year's crash of a highly modified P-51D airplane at the National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nevada.
Team RV to Make First Oshkosh Appearance
Team RV, the world's largest air show team that combines precision formation flying and formation aerobatics, will make its first Oshkosh appearance this summer when it performs at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Team RV members will fly the RV kit aircraft from Van's Aircraft, the most popular amateur-built aircraft in the world with more than 7,000 currently flying. As the RV aircraft are built by individuals, no two are exactly alike, and the multitude of paint schemes creates unmatched color swaths across the sky.
GAMA and IMC Club Bring Seminars to AirVenture
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and the IMC Club will conduct three seminars on instrument flying proficiency during AirVenture this July. Exact dates and times for the seminars will be announced shortly.
EAA Mourns Harry Zeisloft, Longtime Board Member
Harry Zeisloft, who was one of EAA's longest-serving board members and an integral part of EAA's effort to create the auto fuel Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), passed away Sunday, April 1, in Mesa, Arizona. He was 93.
New Build A Plane Program Challenges Kids
Build A Plane, a nonprofit organization that solicits aircraft donations and redirects them to schools across America, announced Kids Across America at Sun 'n Fun in Lakeland last week - a program that encourages kids to find sponsors who will pledge per-mile donations for their journeys to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2012.
Crash Claims Warbirds Hall of Famer Howard Pardue
EAA Warbirds of America Hall of Fame member and veteran Reno race pilot Howard Pardue, 77, died Wednesday as a result of a plane crash in Breckenridge, Texas. According to reports, Pardue took off in his Grumman F8F Bearcat from the Stevens County Airport (KBKD), but immediately developed a problem that caused the plane to crashed and catch fire less than 2 miles away from the runway.
Australia Studying Change in Medical Standards
The EAA/AOPA medical certificate exemption request is not the only such proposal that is emerging in the flying world, as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Agency (CASA) is considering a system that would allow private pilots to obtain medical certification based on the unconditional driver's license standard in that nation.
Diamond DA52 Makes First Flight
Diamond Aircraft reports the maiden flight of its new flagship design DA52 twin diesel aircraft Tuesday in Wiener Neustadt, Austria. The DA52 is powered by two Austro Engine AE300E 180-hp turbo-diesel engines and is designed to carry up to seven people, the company states.
Paul Poberezny Takes Granddaughter Up for Likely His Last B-17 Flight
EAA Founder Paul Poberezny has flown nearly 500 aircraft types and logged more than 30,000 flight hours in his 90-plus years, but he called his 30-minute flight on mid-day Wednesday morning in EAA's B-17 Aluminum Overcast 'the highlight of my career.'
Woman Lands Twin-Engine Aircraft When Husband-Pilot Stricken
A woman with very limited flying experience landed a twin-engine Cessna Monday when her pilot-in-command husband became incapacitated during an afternoon flight near Wisconsin's Door County Cherryland Airport (KSUE). According to the Door County sheriff's report, John Collins, 81, and his wife, Helen, 80, of Sturgeon Bay, were on a return flight from Florida in their 1980 Cessna 414A when John suffered a medical problem and became unresponsive less than 10 miles south of Sturgeon Bay.
Aspen and Avidyne Team for Digital Autopilot Upgrade
Aspen and Avidyne have teamed up to create an autopilot upgrade that offers owners of existing airplanes the latest autopilot performance and capability, and potentially lifesaving new features. Certification of the system is expected soon in Cessna 182s and Cirrus SR22s.
Terrafugia's Transition Makes Maiden Flight
Terrafugia announced Monday morning that the production prototype Transition roadable aircraft made its maiden flight on March 23 at the Plattsburgh International Airport in Plattsburgh, New York. The same vehicle, which earlier conducted initial drive and conversion testing, qualifies as a light-sport aircraft. The company calls the flight 'a significant step' toward bringing the Transition to market, which is expected to occur 'within the next year.'
Comment Period Open for Medical Exemption Request
The exemption request filed by EAA and AOPA earlier this month pertaining to third-class medical certificates has been officially posted by the federal government, making it possible for the public to submit comments on the proposal.
Lightspeed Foundation Announce 2012 Pilot's Choice Awards Finalists
The Lightspeed Aviation Foundation announced the 20 nominated charities for its third annual Pilot's Choice Awards at a special presentation held at the Nikon Media Center at the Sun 'n Fun International Fly-In and Expo in Lakeland, Florida. The top five vote-getters will receive $10,000 grant awards for their efforts.
