Hello to all of you this Saturday in the late afternoon. The weather today was not very conducive to the ones who wanted to get their flying machines out of winter storage and go flying. Maybe the list of "honey do" items at home got shortened some instead.
We have had many guests over the past few months and many people have expressed an interest in our organization. Look around and see if you have any friends, family members or acquaintance that are interested in aviation. Take the time to invite them as a guest to the next meeting. If you see somebody new, introduce yourself, welcome him or her, and invite them to sign up.
EAA Chapter 1311's dues for 2006 are now due. Send your $10 to the treasurer, Vern Sullenger, 1763 Ramsey Lane, Plainfield IN 46168 317-839-8728. Thanks!
RV Service Bulletin Posted
Van's claims that compliance can be done for approximately $20, and without removing tank. Chapter 1311 RV builders and EAA Tech Counselors Troy Grover and Gary Reynolds say that the job may not be so easy.
Van's also has a document for installing an Anti-Rotation Bracket inside the wing fuel tank for aircraft with fixed fuel pick-up tubes. This fix does not include aircraft with aerobatic flop-tube fuel pick-ups.
Download a copy of the service bulletin at Van's RV site http://www.vansaircraft.com. Go to the bottom of the page and click on "Mandatory Service Bulletin."
EAA Chapter Leaders BBQ at Sun 'n Fun 2006
Wisconsin-style bratwurst will be served at 5:30 p.m., located near the EAA Publications Tent on the Sun n Fun Grounds, adjacent to Johnson's BBQ, which is the same location as last year.
Come join us for some great free food, and an evening of interacting with other Chapters Leaders, and EAA Staff. We are also pleased to announce that EAA President, Tom Poberezny, will be attending the barbecue this year.
All Chapter Leaders are invited. Also invited are any Chapter Members who are interested in the future direction of EAA and your chapter. If you plan on attending, please RSVP by emailing to me at ttoelle@eaa.org, and include your name and Chapter Number. If you are bringing other Chapter Leaders/Members with you, please include their information in your reply. Space and food is limited so please don't wait to RSVP. Please share this message with all members of your Chapter who do not have email.
Other Sun N Fun chapter leadership forums on tap:
Vincennes University Offers Retirees Free Classes
Vincennes University offers the entire F.A.A. Part 147 Airframe and Powerplant Certification courses. The four-week classes can be taken individually or combined to meet a student's individual requirements. Classes offered are Piston Engine Overhaul, Airframe Electrical, Ignition Systems, Fuel Metering Systems, Sheet Metal, Powerplant Electrical, Propellers, and Assembly & Rigging.
For more information on the program contact J.R. Means at 1-317-381-6040 or visit VU's ATC website at http://www.aviationtechcenter.com.
AirVenture 2006 Welcomes CAF's B-29 and B-24
EAA AirVenture 2006, the 54th annual convention of the Experimental Aircraft Association, welcome the airplanes from the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) as part of its "Ghost Squadron," based in Midland, Texas. The B-29 "Fifi" and LB-30 "Diamond Lil" are extremely rare flying examples of these aircraft models, which played significant roles during that conflict.
The two airplanes are scheduled to arrive on Monday, July 24 (EAA AirVenture's opening day) and remain throughout the event's duration. While at EAA AirVenture, the two airplanes will be parked on the main AeroShell Square showcase ramp. The LB-30 was part of EAA AirVenture's salute to the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II last year, while the B-29 makes its first appearance at Oshkosh since 1995. The B-29 was scheduled to appear at AirVenture 2005 until mechanical difficulties prevented that visit.
FAA Posts Online Airspace Course
A 25-question, multiple-choice quiz concludes the course. When completed, pilots receive a certificate of completion as well as a wallet-sized card they can print to carry with them as required by recent legislation.
Visit the site now at http://www.faasafety.gov/. You will be required to register before taking the course.
Aviation on the Web
Titled "B-17 Reconstruction Project, the web site chronicles the restoration to B-17-6 number 44-85813. Similar to the restoration of the P-38 "Glacier Girl" that took place in Kentucky, the project is relying on volunteers for its restoration. A work schedule is posted on line.
Building Tip: Alternative RV Canopy Installation
The adhesive I will use to glue my canopy down is Sikaflex -295UV. It is a polyurethane adhesive designed for bonding polycarbonate or acrylic windows and hatches in marine, direct sunlight, and full water immersion environments. It comes in either black or white, with the white variety being more of a sealant than adhesive. For those who might be familiar with Gorilla glue, it is of the same general family of adhesives, and is also very similar to the adhesive used to glue the windshields into our cars.
There were some pointed questions raised at the meeting about the adequacy of the strength of this product when used in this application. There are about ten folks that I know of that have done this on RVs with great results and no failures. There was one failure of a glued canopy reported, but that involved both an inappropriate glue and application. I've done some math, and anticipate that the weakest aspect of my installation will be the sliding portion of the canopy when it's loaded in shear (drag effects). In this case, the glue should be able to hold 17,719 pounds of load. The strongest condition will occur when the glue holding the windshield is loaded in tension (lift on the windscreen due to the local pressure differential). In this case, the glue should withstand 40,950 pounds of force. Now, assuming that my talents as a mathematician and builder cause a 50% reduction in the projected strength of the material, one should still theoretically be able to pick the fully loaded airplane up by the canopy and shake it at greater than 4 G's without damaging the glue. On a related note, I once watched a technician replace a cracked windshield on my car. He had to use a saws-all to cut the glue line between the windshield and the glass in order to remove it. Another favorable trait is that the glue will elongate greater than 500% before tearing. This should afford me plenty of warning, should something bad happen after all. I am, obviously, perfectly comfortable with this choice of canopy mounting technology.
The actual process involves scuffing the surfaces to be bonded with ScotchBrite or abrasive paper and masking the areas that are to be kept glue-free. The scuffed surfaces are cleaned with a proprietary cleaner, which dries in ten minutes. A primer is next, which takes 20 minutes to dry. After this, I'll place spacers made from garden hose on the canopy frame and bow. This will assure a minimum thickness of adhesive to allow for differential expansion and contraction between the frame and canopy at varying temperatures. The canopy will then be set in place and held at the spacer locations with spring clamps. Next, I'll 'spot glue' the canopy around its periphery at 12-to-18-inch intervals. The glue will start to set in 15 to 20 minutes, be tack-free in 50 minutes, and should stay clamped for 12 hours. Full strength takes a week or more. The next day (or later), I'll use a cutting wheel to separate the canopy from the windscreen. I'll then be able to remove the canopy assembly from the airframe, remove the garden hose spacers, and backfill the entire bond area with the adhesive. At present I anticipate painting the cured glue to match the adjacent structure and make it as unobtrusive as practical. I also plan to use this adhesive to attach the canopy skirts to the canopy. I'll let the chapter know how it all turns out once my schedule allows me to get'r done.
Members With the 'Right Stuff'
Support Our Servicemen
SERVICEMAN UPDATE NEEDED: In December of 2002 Jim Griffin joined Chapter 1311. Shortly before the war with Iraq started Jim signed back up as a Major with the Marines and has been serving in Iraq. He had been receiving the newsletter via email but this past couple of months the emails to him have come back as undeliverable. If anyone knows how to contact Jim, or knows of his whereabouts or of any way to track him down, please contact the newsletter editor at michaelandkatie@tds.net.
Hendricks County Airport News
The grass runway will greatly expands the envelope of the type of aircraft that may potentially use the airport by making the airport more friendly to smaller aircraft and aerial vehicles.
The FAA will be requiring a safety/phasing plan in the event that any shutdown of the existing facilities is necessary to build the grass runway, or "any change in the status or geometrics of runway, taxiways, aprons, or other operating airport surfaces ...."
Clark added that it may be two years before the grass is mature for on-going aircraft use.
Boone County Airport News
The airport property owners declined on an offer from the Jump School to rent the airport and decided to renew their lease to the airport association. On the weekend of Feb 18, Jump Indy took down their signs and closed their web site. Jump Indy told some of the association members that they are ceasing operations. However, Jump Indy owner Phil Chappell continues to work on his building. He's moved two aircraft to the property
There are just a few hangar vacancies available. Anyone desiring to base an aircraft at the airport or use the maintenance hangar will be required to join the association. For more information contact Michael Mossman, association secretary, or see the website http://www.booneairport.org. Rents range from $75 to $110 per month for "open air" hangars, with a one-time $100 application fee required to join. Benefits include access to the maintenance hangar, right to bring in your own mechanic to do your annual or repairs, use of the operations building and a steady supply of low-cost 100 LL (currently about $3.20 per gallon).
Young Eagles
Let's continue to introduce kids to the experience of flight and share our passion for aviation. Hopefully we'll inspire more kids to seek careers in aviation or maybe to just study hard, get good jobs and follow in our footsteps. If you would like a copy of the Young Eagles form download it at http://www.eaa1311.org/PDF_files/Young_Eagles_form.pdf.
EAA Young Eagles Update: By newsletter publication date more than 1,207,062 Young Eagles have taken their first airplane ride.
Editorial Comments Sought
Newsletter Participation Needed
Calendar of Events
For details on EAA Chapter fly-ins and other local aviation events, visit http://www.eaa.org/events
Special note: There are many events that don't get on the calendar due to various reasons, but the most common is that the information never got to the newsletter editor. If you know of an event that should be listed here please notify the newsletter editor at michaelandkatie@tds.net as soon as possible. Try to provide as much information as you can, including the date, location and who to contact for more information.
Next Meeting
On the Radar:
Chapter 1311 Board of Directors for 2006
Newsletter editor: Michael Mossman
Classified Ads
FOR SALE: Custom composite 6.24"-wide panel flush-mount for Garmin GPS 296 or 396, $75 Contact Larry Rush k9hxt@sbcglobal.net
FOR SALE: O-470 engine. Contact Bob Vondersaar bobandteresa78@msn.com for details.
FOR SALE: Four sets of very nice Koss headphones. Contact Michael Mossman michaelandkatie@tds.net for details or to make offer. Proceeds benefit Chapter 1311.
FOR SALE: Three lighted and adjustable "flight desks" for aircraft installation. Contact Michael Mossman michaelandkatie@tds.net for details or to make offer. Proceeds benefit Chapter 1311.
FOR SALE: Stinson L-5 Landing gear Struts. Contact Kenny Shull 317-539-5542.
AIRCRAFT WANTED: Sport Pilot aircraft. Contact Gus Gustafson at 317-293-4430 or dalefaye@msn.com
AIRCRAFT FOR SALE: Cessna 150, currently in Florida. Contact Gus Gustafson at 317-293-4430 or dalefaye@msn.com
AIRCRAFT FOR SALE: 1962 Cessna Skylane 182E. For more information download PDF http://www.eaa1311.org/PDF_files/allen_182e.pdf or contact Bill Allen, 765-342-4402, aba@insightbb.com
WANTED TO BUY: Hirth 2702 engine with a 2.59 G-50 reduction unit. Contact Doug Moncreiff at 317-280-1621 or cmoncreiff@netzero.net
WANTED TO BUY: Used 4-foot brake and 4-foot shear. Contact Troy Grover, 317-919-6594 (cell phone), rv6grover@netzero
WANTED TO BUY: Headsets and intercom. Contact Mark Rinehart, 317-745-2466, capt_riney@yahoo.com
AIRCRAFT FOR SALE: 1967 Skyhawk. For more information download PDF http://www.eaa1311.org/PDF_files/weir_skyhawk.pdf or contact Tom Weir at jtweir@frontiernet.net
HANGAR FOR SUBLET: Space available at 2R2 while Luscombe is being restored. Contact Alan Ward 317-446-0785 or Silvaire8A@aol.com
2006 Membership Roster
2005 Members
Did we miss anybody? Please let us know; we'll get it updated right away.
Aviation Humor
March's Program
Now black is a rather unconventional color for an airplane. But after the visitor gets over the shock of black, he'll likely notice that many of the details are unconventional, too.
Jim decided that he wanted a black airplane, so he relied on his wife, Peggie, who is a retired interior designer, to come up with the schedule for both the exterior design and interior colors.
Jim and Peggie had the seats covered in Tijuana last year and have enough of the matching leather left over for covering the interior side panels.
Jim Lewis is a commercial-rated pilot, who also holds multi-engine and instrument ratings. He retired from Conrail as a conductor. Perhaps his years working for the railroad influenced how he wanted to equip his airplane: he has no analog equipment in the airplane. No "steam" gauges, no wet compass. He truly left the railroad behind and has stepped into the new world of glass panel aircraft.
Powering this aircraft is a Lycoming X360 engine. Jim's engine is modified, using fuel injection, with a Slick magneto and electronic ignition. Since he has no analog instruments, there is no vacuum pump to waste any of the 195 horsepower. The engine turns a two-bladed Hartzell variable pitch propeller; the engine/prop combination is not certified.
Another unique feature of his airplane are his custom wing root fairings.
Jim started on the project by ordering his kit in the fall of 2004 and started work on it in May of 2005. He says that it took 1400 hours to build. He's taken many photos during the construction and kept daily progress reports.
Before starting on the project he looked at a Harmon Rocket. He says that he doesn't have any previous experience building or maintaining an aircraft.
The Lewis's plan on using the airplane for some long distance traveling, including a visit to their son in California during the winter months and for $100 food runs. He already thinks of it as a show plane. When it comes to the issue of other special trips, he recommends checking with check with Vern Sullenger, who is "the event coordinator."
Peggie likes to fly with Jim. She's not a pilot, though. And when asked if she'd be interested in becoming one, she responds "no way."
Jim wraps up his feelings about the project, "I am still learning. The plane cruises at 165 knots at 60% power. I am trying to learn how to work the Garmin 430. I am able to put in 2R2 and pull up the map to watch the 'little airplane' fly the straight line to the airport. I'm going to work on the autopilot next. I am having a problem setting the parameters on the EMS D10. Some of the problems I have are common problems: prop is touching, voltage and amp wires were crossed, pitot tube heater popped circuit breakers, elevator was too tight, brake fluid leak and air in one of the brake lines. Left wing may be too heavy; will have to wait until I have a passenger to tell. I have logged 8.9 hours and am getting ready to change the oil for the first time. Flying the airplane is such a thrill. It is my first experience flying a home built for any length of time. It is just hard to explain after flying Cessnas for over 20 years.
"The time frame was seven months longer than I anticipated and assembly costs were $9,960 over my estimated budget. I thought at one time that I had made a mistake, but now after flying this personally-designed airplane for myself and my wife, I have become a victim of the RV grin. This is also called 'Happiness.'"
Van's Aircraft has received a report from the field that a standard fuel pickup tube allegedly loosened and fell off of the bulkhead fitting inside the fuel tank causing fuel starvation and an off airport landing. Because of this report, Van's has posted Service Bulletin No. SB 06-2-23, mandating the inspection of all fuel pickup tube assemblies and safetying of the nut attaching them to the bulkhead fitting inside both tanks for all single and two-place RV models with wing fuel tank components shipped prior to February 23, 2006. The Service Bulletin includes all Quick Build kits.
By Troy Toelle
EAA Chapter Office
EAA Chapter leaders are invited to attend the EAA Chapter Leaders Barbecue on Thursday April 6th, at Sun n Fun 2006, Lakeland, FL. An RSVP is required.
No registration necessary for the forums. For complete information on the Sun 'n Fun forums go to this web site: http://www.sun-n-fun.org/content/interior.asp?section=flyin&body=convsch/forumsbyday
Project Update
Bob Henderson's Christavia
Bob writes. "My progress has slowed the last couple of months due to a case of pneumonia, but I plan to get back with It now that I'm over It. I'm currently fabricating an aluminum gas tank to go in the nose, and attempting to learn how to MIG weld that metal. I'll braze it if I'm unsuccessful. Most of the main structure is complete, except for covering with fabric. I've attached of photo of the fuselage, so far."
Vincennes University is offering to Indiana resident retirees free tuition for its aviation maintenance classes. The Senior Scholars Remission of Tuition Program requires that participants be an Indiana resident, be at least 60 years of age at time of enrollment, have a high school diploma or GED and not be working on a full-time basis. The student participant is still responsible for books, laboratory and activity fees.
Condensed from EAA e-Hotline
Two of the greatest airplanes from the World War II era, the Boeing B-29 and Consolidated LB-30 (B-24), will be present at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2006 as The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration takes place July 24-30 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.
Condensed from EAA e-Hotline
The FAA posted a free online course to the FAA Safety Program website titled "Navigating the DC ADIZ, TFRs, and Special Use Airspace." The eight-chapter course aims to help pilots understand different kinds of flight restrictions and special use airspaces, with a special emphasis on requirements and procedures for the ADIZ, the Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ), and security-based temporary flight restrictions (TFRs).
Next time you are prowling on the internet, looking for interesting sites to visit, check out this site recommended by Larry Rush: http://www.b17project.com/index
By Glen Matejcek
At the March meeting, I discussed my plans to glue my RV-8's canopy to the frame. Since I didn't have all the facts and figures at my fingertips, I thought I'd provide more information to fill in the gaps (pun intended).
Recently, Chapter 1311 has had several new members join who have expressed an interest in learning to fly, building an aircraft, partnering in an existing aircraft, or were looking for a Tech Counselor or other aviation-related service or skill. While the newsletter editor knows most of you he doesn't know all about you. We'd like to offer to our members to opportunity for more of you to network with the new members and make your skills known.
Be sure let the newsletter editor know if any of our members or their families has someone in the service, especially if they have been called up for active duty. We'd like to recognize them and thank them for representing us so honorably.
Dave Clark reports that the FAA recently approved a proposal to construct a turf runway at 2R2.
Wayne Deckard sold his Twin Aero Commander on eBay to a buyer in Sante Fe, New Mexico. Wayne and Roy Dawes are now in a partnership and have purchased a Cessna 401 on eBay and brought it back to Boone County Airport. The aircraft was used for freight and passengers on trips to the Bahamas.
The association is hosting their annual "Affordable Flying" Open House on Saturday, June 17. This is a free offering to the non-flying public, trying to get them interested in aviation. The association can take care of everything before and after the event but being a club with only about 30 members, they will need some extra help the day of the event. They need the following volunteers:
The club will be buying volunteer t-shirts, and volunteers will get free food and drink. Contact Chuck Long (317-892-3146) for Young Eagles, Michael Mossman (765-483-9533) for food service, or Wayne Deckard (317-370-7930) for any other volunteer work you might be able to do.
Chuck Long is organizing a Young Eagles event the morning of the Boone County Airport's open house on Saturday, June 17. Volunteers are needed for flying and ground support. Contact Chuck at charles.long@GM.com.
If you have an opinion on any story that appears in the newsletter, or any other aviation-related issue, we want to read about it. We will make editorial space available for your responsible comment. Please contact the newsletter editor at michaelandkatie@tds.net then send it to the newsletter editor at michaelandkatie@tds.net. Or just write what you wish and send it as an email.
The editor is always looking for contributions to the newsletter. Have a story or an idea? Send your Chapter 1311 is endowed with many members who have a vast experience in building, maintaining and flying a variety of aircraft. If you are one of these (you ARE, aren't you?) consider an occasional or on-going contribution to the chapter's monthly newsletter. We can always use a story or photo on the following topics:
Do you have an idea on a story that you'd like to write but need some assistance? Contact the newsletter editor. He'll help you get your ideas into words.
April 4-10 - Sun 'n Fun Fly-In, Lakeland Linder Regional Airport (LAL), Lakeland FL. For more information see http://www.sun-n-fun.org
April 28-29-30 (tentative) - Warbird Fly-In, Freeman Field, Seymour IN. For more information see http://www.freemanfield.org
May 12-13 - EAA Southwest Regional, Hondo Municipal Airport (HDO), Hondo TX. For more information see http://www.swrfi.org
May 20 - Sporty's Fly-In and Open House, Clermont County Airport, Cincinnati OH. Free hot dogs. Many manufacturers and exhibitors will be there. For more information see http://www.sportys.com/flyin.
June (TBA) - Annual Antique Aircraft Fly-In and Spring Burger Burn, Columbus IN Airport (BAK). Breakfast and lunch, many activities. EVENT TENTATIVELY RESCHEDULED TO JUNE. For more information contact Mike Williams at 812-375-1954
June 9-11 - Golden West EAA Regional Fly-In, Yuba County Airport (MYV), Marysville CA. For more information see http://www.goldenwestflying.org
June 24-25 - Rocky Mountain EAA Regional Fly-In, Front Range Airport (FTG), Watkins CO. For more information see http://www.rmrfi.org
July 5-9 - Northwest EAA Fly-In, Arlington Municipal Airport (AWO), Arlington WA. For more information see http://www.nweaa.org
July 24-30 - EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, Wittman Regional Airport (OSH), Oshkosh WI. For more information see http://www.airventure.org
August 27-28 - EAA Mid-Eastern Regional Fly-In, Marion Municipal Airport (MNN), Marion OH.
September 30 - 10th Annual Wood, Fabric & Tailwheels Fly-In, Lee Bottom Flying Field, Hanover IN. For more information see http://www.leebottom.com
September 30-October 1 - Virginia Regional EAA Fly-In, Dinwiddie Co. Aiport (PTB), Petersburg, VA. For more information see http://www.vaeaa.org
October 6-8 - EAA Southeast Regional Fly-In, Middleton Field Airport (GZH), Evergreen AL. For more information see http://serfi.org
October 12-15 - Copperstate Regional EAA Fly-In, Casa Grande (AZ) Municipal Airport (CGZ). For more information see http://www.copperstate.org
The next meeting will be Wednesday, April 5, 6:30 p.m. at Hendricks County Airport (2R2) operations building. Program: TBA.
April 5 - TBA
May 3 - TBA
June 7 - TBA
July 5 - TBA
August 2 - TBA
September 6 - TBA
October 4 - TBA
November 1 - TBA
December - Christmas Party
President: Dale "Gus" Gustafson
Vice President: Dennis Crawley
Secretary: Michael Mossman
Treasurer: Vern Sullenger
Director: Dave Helton
Director: Glen Matejcek
Director: Paul Vogel
FOR SALE: Brand new Airwolf oil filter system, still in the box. Paid $ 510, will take $ 300. Fits all Lycoming motors, has STC. Dave Helton, 317-590-5001 or dhelton@iquest.net
Current as of February 8, 2006
NAME EMAIL ADDRESS PROJECT(S)
BROYLES, John JohnC-DELTA@worldnet.att.net -
BUDNY, Skip skbudny@tds.net Mini 500 helicopter
BYRUM, Jon jbyrum@byrumarchitects.net RV-7A
CHAPMAN, Jef PoP6756@aol.com Piper Tri-Pacer
CLARK, David davecpd@iquest.net Restoring 1946 Aeronca Chief
CRAWLEY, Dennis Crawley27@comcast.net Grumman Tiger
GROVER, Troy rv6grover@netzero.net RV10
GUSTAFSON, Dale DALEFAYE@msn.com Piper J-4
HELTON, Dave dhelton@iquest.net Piper Tri-Pacer
HENDERSON, Robert robert_10215@msn.com Christavia MK2
HILL, Ken khill5@indy.rr.com RV-9A
KOPESCHKA, Dave iedvk@iquest.net -
KOPESCHKA, Steve stephen.j.kopeschka@rolls-royce.com Little Wing Autogyro
LeBARON, Tim TJLebaron@CS.com RV8, Breezy, 1946 Ercoupe
LEWIS, Jimmy rudder4@aol.com RV-7A
LONG, Chuck charles.long@GM.com Zenair 601 HDS
MATEJCEK, Glen aerobubba@earthlink.net RV8
MATEJCEK, Robin aerobubba@earthlink.net RV8
MONCREIFF, Doug cmoncreiff@netzero.net Ultralights, LSPA
MOSSMAN, Michael m_mossman@enovationgraphics.com Zenair 601 HDS
REYNOLDS, Gary n98gr@aol.com RV6A
ROLDAN, Erick Phone 765-482-7287 Ducted fan research
ROTTLER, Mark mark@rottler.org -
RUSH, Larry k9hxt@sbcglobal.net RV6A, RV-8
SHUMAKER, Kim kkrv-9a@sbcglobal.net RV-9A
SULLENGER, Vern sullenger@iquest.net Cherokee 140, RV-7A
UTLEY, Ted ted.utley@in.ngb.army.mil -
UTTERBACK, Tom Phone 317-839-2505 -
VOGEL, Paul pvogel@indy.rr.com Helping others
VONDERSAAR, Bob btvondersaar@sbcglobal.net Steen Skybolt
VONDERSAAR, Teresa btvondersaar@sbcglobal.net Steen Skybolt
NAME EMAIL ADDRESS PROJECT(S)
BALDWIN, Fred bladerunnerxz11@netzero.com Sonex BEETHAM, John jabeetham@earthlink.net Fokker D VII, Piper Dakota CHAPMAN, Tom tschapman1@aol.com 957 Cessna 172 DAVIDSON, Ginger planecrazy13@att.net RV3 DAVIDSON, Rich ifitsoldillflyit@msn.com RV3 EDWARDS, John jwayneedwards@aol.com RV6 GORDON, Jeff Jgordon@speedwayengines.com 1961 Cessna 182 GRIFFIN, Jim jimg@netcapade.net Questar Venture HARRINGTON, Bill bhis60@yahoo Cessna 182 LATHROP, Steve lathropdad@worldnet.att.net BearHawk LAURENZANO, Mike mikelaurenzano@yahoo.com Bushby Mustang II MELCHIOR, Dirk d-r-melchior@msn.com F1 Rocket NG, Bart bng@math.iupui.edu RV-7A NOLAN, Bill TBA - RINEHART, Mark capt_riney@yahoo.com Kolb Mark III Classic ROBBINS, Will werobbins@flightline.com - ROEVER, Doug dmroever@iquest.net RV-7 Tail kit SHULL, Kenny Phone 317-539-5542 Helping Others TURNER, Arvel aero451@hotmail.com RV-9A
See our chapter roster online at http://www.eaa1311.org/memberroster.html.
"Honey, I'm home!"
Thanks to Mike Foushee, EAA Chapter 729 newsletter editor
Larry Rush presented Jim Lewis's recently completed RV-7A during the program portion of Chapter 1311's March 1 meeting. Upon stepping into the hangar, the first thing a visitor is likely to say is "Oh my gosh, a black airplane!"
Once the airplane was completed with Rush's assistance, they trucked it to Larkin Collision in Plainfield for paint. After the paint was set, they used decals made by TKO Graphics in Plainfield for the contrast colors, N-numbers, and other external visual details, based on Peggie's design. The result is a striking, beautiful scheme on a beautiful airplane.
When you look at Jim's panel there is a lot of real estate that is occupied only by painted metal. There's plenty of room for lots more equipment, but after you take inventory of what he installed, he doesn't need more. He's got an EZ Pilot, Trio Avionics and Van's altitude hold. In the radio center stack he's installed a Garmin 340 audio panel, GMS 430, Garmin SL30 comm radio, and Garmin GTZ 327 transponder. Elsewhere on the panel he's placed an EFIS D10A electronic Flight info system and a Dynon EMS D10 engine monitoring system. Along the bottom of the panel he has a neat row of all-Mooney rocker arm switches, which are all labeled and internally lit. Incidentally, he says that N103JJ is the first airplane flying with Dynon EFIS and EMS combination.
In spite of his lack of building experience, he says that the only mistakes were the unanticipated heavy left wing. He also says that if he would have preferred to have his instrument panel laser cut and built on an outsource basis.