Jet Alliance chairman Randall Sanada, along with fractional share owner David Crowe, received the keys to the new jet. The transaction early in the first of January represented a significant milestone in the 9-year-old company's drive to bring a very light jet from an idea to a fully-type certificated and manufactured project.
Eclipse Aviation is headquartered in Albuquerque, NM. Company founder and chief officer, Vern Raburn, is a former Microsoft executive. His largest investor is his former employer, Bill Gates from Microsoft.
Jet Alliance's first Eclipse aircraft is painted white and is trimmed in burgundy and blue. It sports a tan leather interior. Current list price is a paltry $1.5 million, which is but a fraction of the price of other new jet aircraft. Eclipse has orders in the books for more than 2,000 aircraft. 39 aircraft are in current production, with five ready for delivery after airworthiness certificates are received; they hope to deliver up to 500 planes this year.
Condensed from the Associated Press
Raytheon Exits GA Industry
Raytheon intends to unload its GA business to a new company, Hawker Beechcraft Corp., which is being formed by a division of Goldman Sachs and Onex Partners. The projected selling price of the business if $3.3 billion dollars. After taxes, Raytheon hopes to get about $2.5 billion. About 8,500 employees will be affected by the transaction.
The new company will manufacture the Beechcraft single engine two-and four-seat airplanes and Hawker mid-size twin-engine corporate jets.
GE Buys British Aerospace Business
GE plans on increasing it aerospace offerings by adding Smith's flight management systems, electrical power management, mechanical actuation systems and airborne platform computing systems.
With more than 11,000 employees and generating an annual revenue of $2.4 billion, Smith has been a subcontract for Boeing's 787 aircraft, the Airbus A380 and Lockheed's Joint Strike Fighter.
US Airways Raises Ante for Delta
Delta's management is struggling with the effects of its recent bankruptcy filings but intends to emerge from Chapter 11 as an independent air line. It is unknown whether or not the air lines creditors would force the sale or continue to allow them to follow through with their reorganization plans. If the creditors want to proceed with the buyout, they will begin filing the papers with the Justice Department for the regulatory proceedings. US Airways would like to do the deal before Delta's February 7 bankruptcy hearing and have asked for a postponement of the hearing.
AirTran Increased Offer for Midwest Air
AirTran's first offer was rejected by Midwest's management, who refused to negotiate over the sale of the company. AirTran has taken its newest offer directly to Midwest's stockholders, surprising the airline's management.
Boeing Books 1,044 Jet Orders in 2006
After trailing Airbus for four consecutive years, Boeing is riding high with its orders for the fuel efficient 787 Dreamliner and its single-aisle 737 aircraft. It 1,002 aircraft order book fell a bit short of Airbus' all-time industry record of 1,055 posted in 2005.
Airbus has suffered a significant loss of market share in recent years to the excessive delays in launching its new A380 superjumbo jet, cost overruns, the loss of three CEOs, one A380 customer and a large cancellation order from another customer. Further adding to its woes, the superjumbo airplane concept is perceived to be a better terrorist target, making it more unattractive in the western airline market.
On Boeing's plus side, they cancelled their unpopular superjumbo jet, Sonic Cruiser, and focused more on smaller aircraft with a focus on fuel efficiency, which is where a large share of the world's airline market is heading. The smaller jets will be able to use more of the nation's airports, reducing some of the inefficiencies of the hub-and-spoke travel concept.
Boeing is still offering variants of the 747, where they are picking up a portion of Airbus' delayed A380 cargo plane deals. For example, FedEx cancelled its A380 order to buy 15 new Boeing 777 freighters. It simply can't wait much longer for the A380s to come on line.
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@insightbb.com.
Newsletter Publication Schedule
Get back editions of the newsletter at http://www.eaa1311.org. Click on the link "Members Only" at the left (no passwords required) then when the members Only page comes up click on the link "Newsletters."
Membership Roster Updates Needed
Boone County Airport News
Hangar Space: There are several 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.
Young Eagles
EAA Young Eagles Update: By newsletter publication date more than 1,297,771 Young Eagles have taken their first airplane ride.
Editorial Comments Sought
Calendar of Events
June 1-2, 2007 - EAA Southwest Regional - The Texas Fly-In, Hondo Municipal Airport (HDO), Hondo TX. For more information see http://www.SWRFI.org
June 8-10, 2007 - Golden West EAA Regional Fly-In - Yuba County Airport (MYB), Marysville CA. For more information see http://www.GoldenWestFlyin.org
June 23-24, 2007 - Rocky Mountain EAA Regional Fly-In - Front Range Airport (FTG), Watkins CO. For more information see http://www.RMRFI.org
July 11-15, 2007 - Northwest EAA Fly-In - Arlington Municipal Airport (AWO), Arlington WA. For more information see http://www.NWEAA.org
July 23-29, 2007 - EAA AirVenture Oshkosh - Wittman Regional Airport (OSH), Oshkosh WI. For more information see http://www.AirVenture.org
August 25-26 - EAA Mid-Eastern Regional Fly-In - Marion Municipal Airport, Marion OH. For more information see http://www.MERFI.info
October 6-7, 2007 - Virginia Regional EAA Fly-In - Dinwiddle County Airport, Petersburg VA. For more information see http://www VAEAA.org
October 5-7, 2007 - EAA Southeast Regional Fly-In - Middleton Field Airport, Evergreen AL. For more information see http://www.SERFI.org
October 25-28, 2007 - Copperstate Regional EAA Fly-In - Casa Grande (AZ) Municipal Airport. For more information see http://www.Copperstate.org
For details on EAA Chapter fly-ins and other local aviation events, visit http://www.eaa.org/events
Next Meeting
Directions from Indianapolis:
On the Radar:
Chapter 1311 Board of Directors for 2007
Newsletter editor: Michael Mossman, 1-765-483-9533, michaelandkatie@insightbb.com
Classified Ads
FOR SALE: Four sets of very nice Koss headphones. Contact Michael Mossman michaelandkatie@insightbb.com 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@insightbb.com 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
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@sbcglobal.net
WANTED TO BUY: Headsets and intercom. Contact Mark Rinehart, 317-745-2466, capt_riney@yahoo.com
AIRCRAFT FOR SALE: '57 C172 TT approx. 3700 hr. Engine approx. 700 hr since overhaul. Good paint, nice interior. VFR: Narco Mode C, Narco 720 channel comm.; Horton STOL kit w/gap seals. Last annual 6/06. Hangared at Franklin, IN. $30,500. Reason for selling: starting a project. Tom Chapman, cell 317-625-3126, home 317-888-6866, tschapman1@aol.com
RV KIT FOR SALE: RV-6 elevator and vertical stabilizer. Both in decent shape, leftover from a previous project. Make offer. Mike Jackson 317-496-8513 mjack40@comcast.net
2007 Membership Roster
Did we miss anybody? Please let us know; we'll get it updated right away.
Quote of the Month
Go back to January 2007 newsletter Section 1
As companies like Cessna, Eclipse, Honda and Adam Aircraft clamor with new business with the projected new opportunities in very light jets, heavy hitter Raytheon is getting out of the business of building general aviation aircraft to concentrate on it core offerings and the world's fifth-largest defense contractor.
Condensed from the Associated Press
The world's largest aircraft engine manufacturer, General Electric Co., gobbled up the aerospace business unit of Smiths Group PLC, Britain's third largest aerospace company for a reported $4.8 billion.
Condensed from the Associated Press
With a nearly 20 percent increase in its initial offer, UA Airways Group Inc. has pledged $10.4 billion to buy bankrupt air carrier Delta Air Lines. The bid consists of 89.5 million shares of US Airways stock and $5 billion in cash. The offer is open until February 1.
Condensed from the Associated Press
Another airline is at risk for being gobbled up by a competitor. This time it's AirTran Holdings Inc. that has raised its offer for rival airline MidWest Air Group Inc. The new offer is up to $345 million, which is almost an 18 percent increase in price.
Condensed from the Associated Press
Boeing Co. claimed a record 1,044 commercial airplane orders for 2006, shoving archrival Airbus aside as the top airliner manufacturer.
Condensed from McGraw-Hill Companies Inc.
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.
In order to report on the monthly meetings and programs, and give adequate notice of the next month's schedule, the EAA Chapter 1311 newsletter is published by email notice on the 15th of each month. A PDF will be available on the chapter web site on or around the 20th of each month. Newsletter contributors: Please email your material to the newsletter editor by the 14th of the month.
If you change your email address or internet service provider, please be sure to let the newsletter editor know of the new address. We've recently starting getting some "Undeliverable" messages from our monthly newsletter email publications. If you don't notify us, we can't get the newsletter or other chapter information to you. If you have changed your email address lately, or if you know of a chapter member who's changed the email address or is no longer getting the newsletter, please let us know. Contact the newsletter editor at michaelandkatie@insightbb.com michaelandkatie@insightbb.com
Lebanon IN manufacturer Air Systems Components donated an antique propeller balancer to the Boone County Airport Association recently. Originally purchased by Bayley Fan for balancing industrial fan blades. During World War II, many local companies manufactured war materiel, including aircraft and aircraft parts. The balancer was used for balancing wooden aircraft propellers during the war. Nowadays, Air Systems Components balances blades with laser analysis, making the mechanical balancing stand obsolete. The association will be using it to balance members' aircraft propellers.
Chapter 1311 has tentatively set Saturday, May 12 as the date of its first Young Eagles event of the year. The event will be co-sponsored with Hendricks County Aviation, who will contribute some aircraft, pilots and food. HCA will be advertising the event in local media, and will be offering adult and family rides for sale after the conclusion of the Young Eagles portion. Volunteers will be needed for flying, aircraft, ground support, registration and food service.
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 1-765-483-9533 then send it to the newsletter editor at michaelandkatie@insightbb.com. Or just write what you wish and send it as an email.
Chapter 1311 will try to list the aviation-related events in Indiana and surrounding states, plus the major events across the country. Do you know of an event that isn't listed? Please inform the newsletter editor to get it included.
February 17, 2007 - Indiana Wing of CAF Valentinešs Dance, 6 p.m., Indianapolis Executive Airport. For more information see http://www.indianawingcaf.org or call Carl J Winkler at 317-769-4487
April 17-23, 2007 - Sun 'n Fun Fly-In, Lakeland Linder Regional Airport (LAL), Lakeland FL. For more information see http://www.Sun-N-Fun.org
The next meeting will be Wednesday, February 7, 2007, 6:30 p.m. at Hendricks County Airport. Program: Michael Mossman will talk about computer-based aviation art and will do a basic computer animation.
Take U.S. 36 (Rockville Road) west past Avon.
Turn left (south) on CR 300 E (84 Lumber is on the SW) corner of the intersection.
At about 1/2 mile turn right (west) into the airport.
The operations building is straight back from the road.
February 7, 2007 - Program: Michael Mossman will do a computer demonstration on aviation art
March 7, 2007 - Program TBA
April 4, 2007 - Program TBA
May 2, 2007 - Program TBA
June 7, 2007 - Program TBA
July 11, 2007 - Program TBA
August 1, 2007 - Program TBA
September 5, 2007 - Program TBA
October 3, 2007 - Program TBA
November 7, 2007 - Program TBA
December 5, 2007 (date subject to change) - Christmas Party
President: Dale "Gus" Gustafson, 1-317-293-4430, dalefaye@msn.com
Vice President: Doug Moncreiff, 317-280-1621, cdmoncreiff@sbcglobal.net
Secretary: Michael Mossman, 1-765-483-9533, michaelandkatie@insightbb.com
Treasurer: Vern Sullenger, 1-317-839-8728, sullenger@iquest.net
Director: Dave Helton, 1-317-745-7916, dhelton@iquest.net
Director: Glen Matejcek, 1-317-839-5444, aerobubba@earthlink.net
Director: Paul Vogel, 1-317-272-2106, pvogel@indy.rr.com
FOR SALE: Custom composite 6.24"-wide panel flush-mount for Garmin GPS 296 or 396, $75 Contact Larry Rush k9hxt@sbcglobal.net
Current as of January 15, 2007
2006 Members
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 CLARK, David davecpd@iquest.net 1946 Aeronca Chief CRAWLEY, Dennis Crawley27@comcast.net Grumman Tiger GRIFFIN, Jim jimg@netcapade.net Questar Venture GUSTAFSON, Dale DALEFAYE@msn.com Piper J-4 HELTON, Dave dhelton@iquest.net Piper Tri-Pacer HENDERSON, Robert robert_10215@msn.com Christavia MK2 LATHROP, Steve lathropdad@worldnet.att.net BearHawk LAURENZANO, Mike mikelaurenzano@yahoo.com Bushby Mustang II LeBARON, Tim tjlebaron@sbcglobal.net RV-4, RV8, Breezy, Ercoupe LEWIS, Jimmy rudder4@aol.com RV-7A MATEJCEK, Glen aerobubba@earthlink.net RV8 MATEJCEK, Robin aerobubba@earthlink.net RV8 MONCREIFF, Doug cdmoncreiff@sbcglobal.net JDT Hi-Max MOSSMAN, Michael mmossman@fujifilmgs.com Zenair 601 HDS NG, Bart bng@math.iupui.edu RV-7A SNYDER, Jim jim.snyder1@comcast.net Cherokee 180 SHUMAKER, Kim kkrv-9a@sbcglobal.net RV-9A STUCKER, David d.j.stucker@worldnet.att.net - SULLENGER, Vern sullenger@iquest.net Cherokee 140, RV-7A VONDERSAAR, Bob rvondersaar@austin.rr.com Steen Skybolt VONDERSAAR, Teresa tvondersaar@ausin.rr.com Steen Skybolt
From December 31, 2006
See our chapter roster online at http://www.eaa1311.org/memberroster.html
NAME EMAIL ADDRESS PROJECT(S) BEETHAM, John jabeetham@earthlink.net Fokker D VII, Piper Dakota CHAPMAN, Jeff PoP6756@aol.com Piper Tri-Pacer CHAPMAN, Tom tschapman1@aol.com 1957 Cessna 172 DAVIDSON, Ginger planecrazy13@att.net RV3 DAVIDSON, Rich ifitsoldillflyit@msn.com RV3 GROVER, Troy rv6grover@sbcglobal.net RV10 HILL, Ken khill5@indy.rr.com RV-9A KOPESCHKA, Dave iedvk@iquest.net Little Wing Autogyro KOPESCHKA, Steve stephen.j.kopeschka@rolls-royce.com Little Wing Autogyro LONG, Chuck charles.long@GM.com Zenair 601 HDS MCCORD, PAUL pfmccord@gmail.com RV-4, Kolb FireStar LSA MELCHIOR, Dirk d-r-melchior@msn.com F1 Rocket NOLAN, Bill - - REYNOLDS, Gary n98gr@aol.com RV6A RINEHART, Mark capt_riney@yahoo.com Kolb Mark III Classic ROBBINS, Will werobbins@flightline.com - ROEVER, Doug dmroever@iquest.net RV-7 Tail kit ROLDAN, Erick Phone 765-482-7287 Ducted fan research ROTTLER, Mark mark@rottler.org - RUBERSON, Bryan bruberson@aol.com Aeronca Chief RUSH, Larry k9hxt@sbcglobal.net RV6A, RV-8 SHULL, Kenny Phone 317-539-5542 Helping Others UTLEY, Ted ted.utley@in.ngb.army.mil - UTTERBACK, Tom Phone 317-839-2505 - VOGEL, Paul pvogel@indy.rr.com Sonex
"Fuel conservation is largely a state of mind. There are no secrets left, just an unwieldy assortment of procedures that are employed by the conscientious professional. … At the bottom line you will find better range, minimized burnouts and the satisfaction of knowing you have done your job professionally." From Staying Current by Dan Manningham