As you know by now, I'm not very happy with the nonprogress in general aviation. For every step forward, it takes two steps backwards. The cost factor is the biggest item hampering general aviation. This all leads me to recommend reading "How to Create Airport Support" on page 70 in the current issue (February) of Sport Aviation. Lots of good suggestions on how to keep the locals happy.
A worthless tip: If you want to put carpet on your concrete hangar floor, keep your eyes open on Hotels/Motels where they are renovating, then be prepared to do dumpster diving. The carpet you may find should be free.
I just learned on last Saturday, February 9, that neither the Air Force Thunderbirds nor the Navy Blue Angels will be at the Mount Comfort August Air Show. I have no idea what type of show they will have this year.
This next month I have no idea where I'll be or what I'll be doing at any certain time. I know I'll be busy moving our personal items back to the Indy area and it will require several trips. I have no plans to be in Florida when it's time for Sun and Fun. Fly safe.
Gus
In Attendance: Fred Baldwin, John Broyles, Tom Chapman, Dennis Crawley, Mark Eminger, Gus Gustafson, Dave Helton, Steve Lathrop, Chuck Leucht, Doug Moncreiff, Michael Mossman, Rick Princell, Gary Reynolds, Bryan Ruberson, Larry Rush, Kim Shumaker, Sean Smith, David Stucker, Paul Vogel and Jim Winings. If you were there but we didn't record it, let us know.
Guests: Kyle Metz, Richard Metz, Tanner Princell and Ernie Winters.
Treasurer's report: None given.
Secretary's report: Michael Mossman gave a report on the previous meeting.
Vice President's report: Doug Moncreiff and Dennis Crawley will be working on a new program schedule for 2008.
President's Remarks: Dale Gustafson expects airports will get further restrictions on access. Right now you can drive right onto the airfield at Sheridan; Boone County Airport is even worse. 2R2 is fenced off. At Greystone in Florida, some kids in a BMW gained access to the runway and rove up and down the 1.5 mile runway has a very high rate of speed. The flew off then end of the runway 200 feet into a tree. All five in the car died. Gus expects Homeland Security to get iinvolved at increase security measures at airports. Greystone is a private airport and is home to John Travolta's 707.
The EAA has a new and improved events calendar that will be available on-line starting in March.
The dates for AirVenture 2008 are now set at July 28 through August 3.
A new museum is planned for Cincinnati at the old Lunken Field. They are asking for $14 per year membership to get starting.
Builder's Roundtable: Chuck Leucht brought in the oil pan from a Lycoming engine and asked for advice on how to repair it. See "Ask Your Tech Counselor" later in this newsletter. Gus Gustafson brought up the subject of a fellow in his Florida chapter who is building a Sonex and his having problems getting and Airworthiness Certificate from a DAR due to problems with rivet holes.
Buy/Sell/Trade: Fred Baldwin has a Sonex kit for sale. See classified ads in this newsletter.
50/50 Drawing: Not held
Program: What's New at Grov-Air. See feature story toward end of newsletter.
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.
To get a downloadable PDF membership application see http://www.eaa1311.org/PDF_files/membership_application.pdf
Dues are Due!
Please send your $15 dues to the treasurer: Vern Sullenger, 1763 Ramsey Lane, Plainfield IN 46168, or give it to Vern at the next meeting. Make your check out to EAA Chapter 1311.
Ask Your Tech Counselor
O320B3B Connection Intake Pipe, Front p/n 61376, Rear p/n 61377
"If the intake pipe bores need repair, go to Lycoming Service Instruction No. 1168A. It describes in detail the procedures necessary to repair the intake pipe bores in the sump."
Tool Rental Program. Lycoming Service Letter No. L234B describes the Lycoming Tool Rental Program for Lycoming engine users. Basically, it's contact your local Lycoming distributor. A good source I have used for Lycoming parts is G&N Aircraft Inc., Griffith, Ind. 219-924-7110. They should have your intake pipe and tool 64781.
Rotax Amends Mandatory Magnetic Plug Service Bulletin
This new amended SB now also requires a detailed magnetic plug inspection at each mandatory oil change in accordance to the current engine maintenance schedule/checklist (found in the Line Maintenance Manual) for all affected engines. To verify if your Rotax engine is affected and for detailed information, including expanded video instructions on how to check compliance and perform the proper inspection and repairs, visit www.Rotax-Owner.com.
Aviation on TV
Red Bull Air Race to go Midwest
Look for a dozen of the world's best aerobatic pilots to tumble over San Diego on May 3 and 4. Last year the location drew more than 50,000 spectators, not nearly as many as foreign races, but enough to help Red Bull build its reputation. In the coming weeks, Red Bull plans to announce a second U.S. stop somewhere in the Midwest.
The series officially gets under way on April 10 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, the traditional location for the season opener. Ten cities in nine countries make up the 2008 schedule, with Sweden playing host for the first time. The finale is in Perth, Australia, in November.
During the race pilots hit speeds of 250 mph and endure up to 10 Gs as they negotiate a series of inflatable pylons. Sometimes they even fly under bridges in a timed aerobatic ballet.
Each race will be broadcast by the Fox Sports Network on Sunday evenings.
Selling a Homebuilt Aircraft — 3 Ways to Reduce Your Risk
1. Sell the aircraft to a qualified buyer. Many homebuilts are high-performance aircraft that are a joy to fly in the hands of a competent pilots … but in the hands of a Cessna "driver," they are just an accident waiting for a location. So when I say "qualified buyer," I'm not referring to a person whose check will clear. I'm talking about someone who can safely fly the aircraft. Just think, no accident = no one to blame.
2. Use the EAA Insurance Plan: We designed the EAA Insurance plan to provide liability coverage after the sale of your homebuilt aircraft at no additional cost. You get this coverage for up to one full year (or the total number of days the policy was in force prior to the sale, whichever is less). Call the EAA Insurance plan at 1-866-647-4322 for details.
3. Have a contract with a waiver and release of liability drawn up by an attorney: EAA provides a sample Experimental Amateur-Built Aircraft Purchase and Sale Agreement with Waiver and Release of Liability document in the Members Only area of http://www.eaa.org. You will find it in the Homebuilders HQ section under Selling/Buying. Use this with your attorney to drat an agreement that covers your unique aircraft.
So, know ahead of time that a few basic steps can help them significantly reduce their exposure to any real of threatened litigation.
Transition Training for Amateur-Built Aircraft
The reason the FAA did not renew EAA's exemption is because of the changes in the regulations that came into effect on September 1, 2004. We all remember this as the date when the sport pilot and light-sport aircraft rule came into effect. But there were several other regulatory changes the FAA made at the same time, some of which had a broader effect than just sport pilots and light-sport aircraft.
One such change is found in FAR 91.319. This is the regulation that sets forth operating limitations for experimental aircraft. The new 91.319(h) allows the FAA to issue letters of deviation authority to allow the use of the aircraft for hire in transition training. In short the FAA took EAA's exemption and wrote it into the regulation. The FAA will issue letters of deviation for flight training directly to the owner, rather than the owner having to apply for an exemption through EAA.
It's important that EAA Flight Advisors and Technical Counselors are aware of this issue so that you can answer questions that your fellow EAA members may ask. Also remember that there is no limitation on giving or receiving flight instruction in an experimental aircraft when no charge is being made for the use of the aircraft. Flight training is not the issue, but rather the rental of the aircraft that must be dealt with by way of the letter of deviation.
The owner of an amateur-built aircraft who wishes to offer his or her aircraft for hire for transition training should contact their FAA Flight Standards District Office to request a letter of deviation. The FAA worked with EAA iin developing the guidance for issuance of these letters of deviation. Of course, EAA members are always welcome to call EAA Aviation services at 888-322-4636 for info.
Chapter 1311 Builders' Local Resource Directory
AED Motorsport Products, 5375 W. 86th St., Indianapolis IN 46268, 317-334-0569 http://www.aedmotorsport.com. AED specializes in 4130 chrome moly, stainless, aluminum, titanium, FK rod ends and spherical bearings.
Chance Aviation, 4444 Decatur Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46241, 317-486-8802, http://www.chanceaviation.com. Chance is a parts supplier tailored to the local FBO's,
Earl's Indy, 302 Gasoline Alley, Indianapolis IN 46222, 1-800-331-INDY http://www.earlsindy.com. Earl's specializes in hoses and related supplies and service, plus AN fittings and hardware.
McKinney Corp, Lafayette, IN http://www.mckinneycorp.com. They stock a wide variety of 4130 steel and 6061 aluminum tubing, AN hardware, NACA scoops, and other items
Check out our online directory at http://www.eaa1311.org. Click on the link "Homebuilder's Resources" on the left. Note that all resources listed are merely suggestions; as a chapter we do not endorse any of them. Our recommendation: "Caveat Emptor" (let the buyer beware).
Aviation on the Web
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. 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 "Newsletters" at the left then click the link for the edition that you want.
Membership Roster Updates Needed
Boone County Airport News
Members: Jim Kunz bought a 1969 Piper Cherokee 140B from a partnership in Oaktown IN and plans on bringing it to the field when it's brought into compliance with an oil pump AD. Jason Sharkey moved his 1945 Stinson L-5 to the field.
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.
Columbus Airport News
• The cab has inadequate working space for equipment, restroom facilities, etc., and therefore does not meet FAA minimal requirements;
• The tower lacks structural integrity to be safely occupied during high winds; it must be vacation if wind is over 35 knots, which is 20 knots less than FAA standards;
• The tower has inadequate heating, air conditioning and plumbing;
The estimated cost of a replacement tower is $2.5 million. In order to obtain funding assistance from the FAA, the Airport Board will request a "place name" in the Air Traffic Organization (ATO) portion of the FAA Appropriation Bill within the Department of Transportation. For this request to be successful, there will need to be documented support for the need to improve the facility.
The airport is home to 76 based aircraft, and had more than 45,000 operations in 2006, of which almost 5,000 per military operations. They estimate that 130 businesses utilize the airport. Six businesses are based at the airport, two of which are Fortune 500 companies. Local employment of these six businesses if an estimated 11,500 persons. The estimated economic impact of the airport was more than $50 million in 2005.
If you support this project, please send a letter of support explaining your view of the need and benefits of this project to Rod Blasdel (Airport Director) who will consolidate the input from the public. The file attached below is an example of what a business user might send; but input from individuals is also requested.
Regular mail (rather than E-Mail notes) carry more weight; so it is suggested that you use the template above and modify it to fit your situation and perspectives (rather than sending multiple copies of the same letter).
A group from the airport will be traveling to Washington DC in mid to late February to formally make the request so you are asked to provide your input prior to their trip.
If you have questions, please contact one of the people listed below:
Karla S Price, Project Manager; R W Armstrong; Union Station; 300 S. Meridian St.; Indianapolis, IN 46225; kprice@rwa.com; 317-786-0461 (W); 317-507-3558 (C)
Rod Blasdel, Airport Director; Columbus Municipal Airport; 4770 Ray Boll Blvd.; Columbus, IN 47203; rblasdel@columbus.in.gov; 812-376-2519 (W)
Condensed from an email by Mike Foushee, Columbus IN EAA Chapter 729 newsletter editor
Indianapolis Airport News
Tobias is the former director of U.S. Foreign Assistance and administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and has also previously served as the ambassador for the President's Emergency Fund for AIDS Relief. He stepped down as deputy secretary of state last year.
The target opening date of the new airport was set for October 28. That's a Tuesday, and it was picked because that day tends to see the lowest volume of traffic.
The board also agreed to contribute $8.8 million toward a new airport hotel and to extend utility service lines to the hotel site, with contracts in negotiation..
Young Eagles News
Editorial Comments Sought
Calendar of Events
June 6-8, 2008 — Golden West EAA Regional Fly-In — Yuba County Airport (MYV), Marysville Ca. For more information see http://www.GoldenWestFlyIn.org
June 14-15, 2008 — Virginia Regional EAA Fly-In — Suffolk Executive Airport (SFQ), Suffolk, Virginia. For more information see http://www,VAEAA.org
June 27-29, 2008 — Rocky Mountain EAA Regional Fly-In - Front Range Airport (FTG), Watkins CO. For more information see http://www.RMRFI.org
July 9-13, 2008 - Arlington Northwest EAA Fly-In — Arlington Municipal Airport (AWO), Arlington WA. For more information see http://www.NWEAA.org
July 28-August 3, 2008 — EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, Wittman Regional Airport (OSH), Oshkosh WI. For more information see http://www.AirVenture.org
August 23-24, 2008 — Indianapolis Airshow — Mount Comfort Airport (MQJ), Greenfield IN. For more information see http://www.indyairshow.com
August 25-26, 2008 — EAA Mid-Eastern Fly-In, Marion OH (MNN)
September 27, 2008 — Wood, Fabric & Tailwheel Fly-In — Lee Bottom Field, Hanover IN (64I)
October 10-11, 2008 — EAA Southwest Regional, The Texas Fly-In — Hondo Municipal Airport (HDO), Hondo TX. For more information see http://www.SWRFI.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 2008
Newsletter editor: Michael Mossman, 1-765-483-9533, michaelandkatie@insightbb.com
February 2008 newsletter continued onto Section 2
Once again it's time for Chapter 1311 members to ante up with dues. The chapter's board of directors again set the 2008 dues at $15 to help meet the chapter's on-going expenses. Since we don't have any chapter fund raising events, we need to pay our EAA assessments, insurance, web site maintenance, and other internal expenses with what we raise from dues.
By Gary Reynolds
At the February meeting Chuck Leucht brought in the oil pan from a Lycoming 320 engine that had one of the sump intake pipes knocked loose from an accident. He asked the group if they had any ideas on how to fix it. Here is the procedure from the Lycoming Overhaul Manual.
"Intake Pipe Connection-Installation: Place a new connection on the end of the swaging tool (64781) and tighten the screw until the rollers have expanded sufficiently to hold the connection on the tool. Insert the connection into the hole in the sump. Making sure that the connection is fully inserted in the hole and seated on the machined shoulder provided. Begin to rotate the tool, stopping every couple of turns to expand the rollers by tightening the screw one or two full turns. When the groove in the connection is fully swaged in the groove in the sump (this will be evidenced by the increased resistance of the screw) collapse the rollers and withdraw the swaging tool."
Alert Service Bulletin SB-912-051/SB-914-034 (including UL variant), "Checking of Magnetic Plug on Rotax Engine Type 912/914 (series) engines," has been amended by Rotax. The "Alert" status has been removed and the engine serial number list for affected engines has been reduced to a more defined range. The camshaft and lifters on affected engines could have a higher than normal wear issue due to a finishing problem on a limited batch of lifter mating surfaces. To verify if an engine is affected, the engine overhaul/repair history and serial number must be checked against the Service Bulletin. For those found in the affected range, a detailed inspection of the engine magnetic plug is needed to verify if in fact a higher wear rate then normal is taking place.
'Inside Oshkosh' TV Special To Premiere February 22
You may recall seeing or hearing about two crews from National Geographic Television on the grounds at AirVenture Oshkosh last year. They were taping segments of the event for a one-hour PBS special about some of the inside elements of organizing and operating The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration. Well, after several months of reviewing nearly 100 hours of footage, the special is finished and will premiere on Friday, February 22, at 9 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the PBS/HD Channel. Check your local listings and PBS outlet for local availability, since this channel may not be available in all regions.
From EAA eHotline Volume 8 Number 6
The Red Bull Air Race World Series is returning to America in 2008 with not one but two events planned.
From AOPA ePilot
By Charlie Becker, EAA Director of Aviation Services
We get a lot of calls from members when they start to think about selling their aircraft. I would imagine that the TC/FAs are probably asked similar questions by fellow EAA members. Typically, the member wants to know what they can do to eliminate their liability after the sale. As I tell them, in the good ol' USA, there is not way to completely eliminate liability and still sell the aircraft. The best they can do is to minimize their risk exposure. The good news is EAA HQ is not aware of any successful lawsuits against an amateur builder. Even so, you still want to make yourself an unappealing target because any lawsuit, even if you win, will cost you money. So here are three real world ways to significantly reduce your exposure:
From EAA Safety Wire, January 2008
By Joe Norris, EAA Senior Aviation Specialist
We've had several calls and emails here at EAA HQ concerning the FAA's non-renewal of the EAA Transition Training exemption. Most were from people who were concerned that transition training would no longer be available. This is of course not the case.
From EAA Safety Wire, January 2008,
We've all been around town trying to scrounge up a few AN bolts or perhaps some 4130 tubing to finish a last-minute weekend building or repair project. How much easier would it be to know where the best supplies of quality parts and materials are?
Start thinking of the places where you locally buy for AN hardware, sheet metal, paint, tools and other items. We'll need an address, phone number and web site, if they have one. Be sure to let us know if you would recommend them to others or not. The idea here is that members should be able to look to suppliers that you trust and would continue to do business with. Please forward your ideas and recommendations to Michael Mossman at michaelandkatie@insightbb.com.
Rotax On-Line Course Offered
During the week of February 4, the Rotax factory authorized the Rotax Owners Assistance Network (ROAN) to release its first in a series of on line e-learning video modules. This first four-chapter release covers the correct procedures for carburetor tuning and synchronization for the popular Rotax 912 & 914 series Aircraft Engines. Identifying that the correct tuning and synchronization of the Bing dual CV carburetors has been a critical factor in overall engine longevity and reliability, this first on-line e-learning video removes a lot of the mystery and misconceptions regarding this important task. Additional e-learning modules covering the entire context of Service and Maintenance for the Rotax 912/914 series engines will also be made available in the near future. For more information and to view free this on line e-learning video please go to the official Rotax Factory Authorized Information-Education-Support web site at http://www.Rotax-Owner.com.
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.
EAA Chapter 1311's newsletter is published by email notice on the 15th of each month, with a PDF version available on the chapter web site around the 20th. Newsletter contributors: Please email your material to the newsletter editor by the 14th of the month.
If you changed your email address or internet service provider, please be sure to let the newsletter editor know of the new address. If you know of a chapter member who's changed their email address or is no longer getting the newsletter, please let us know. Contact the newsletter editor at michaelandkatie@insightbb.com
TRANSACTIONS: Chuck Leucht sold his Cessna 150 in January to a buyer in Northern Ohio.
Christmas Party: The Boone County Airport Association's annual Christmas Party, scheduled for December 15, was cancelled due to weather and rescheduled for Saturday, January 19. 27 members and guests attended the party, which was held at El Jaripeo Mexican Restaurant in Lebanon.
New Control Tower Proposal
The management at Columbus Municipal Airport is working on a proposal to the FAA for funds to replace its current control tower, which was built in 1953. The tower has served the airport well for more than a half century but is in need of replacement due to its deteriorating condition. Refurbishment is not feasible due to many issues:
• The tower is not ADA compliant or EMT accessible; it's 147 narrow steps, exposed to weather, to get to the cab;
• The tower has an obstructed view of the airfield due to support beams.
Indianapolis — The Indianapolis Airport Authority has a new president. Randall Tobias will lead the Airport Authority as it readies to open a new terminal this year.
EAA Young Eagles Update: By newsletter publication date more than 1,374,204 Young Eagles have taken their first airplane ride.
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 or send it as an email to michaelandkatie@insightbb.com.
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.
April 18-13, 2008 — 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 on Wednesday, March 5, 2008, 6:30 p.m., at Hendricks County Airport. Program: Steve Lathrop's Bearhawk project.
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.
March 5, 2008 — Steve Lathrop's Bearhawk
April 2, 2008 — Dave and Steve Kopeschka Corvair-powered auto gyro
May 7, 2008 — TBA
June 4, 2008 — TBA
July 2, 2008 — TBA
August 6, 2008 — TBA
September 3, 2008 — TBA
October 1, 2008 — TBA
November 5, 2008 — TBA
December, 2008 — TBA
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: Dennis Crawley, 317-387-1737, Crawley27@comcast.net
Director: Dave Helton, 1-317-745-7916, dhelton@iquest.net
Director: Chuck Long, 317-892-3146, LoneEagleHDS@aol.com
Director: Glen Matejcek, 1-317-839-5444, aerobubba@earthlink.net
Director: David Morton, 317-745-4846, djamorton@sbcglobal.net
Director: Gary Reynolds, 317-745-6223, n98gr@att.net
Director: Paul Vogel, 1-317-272-2106, p_vogel@sbcglobal.net
February 2008 newsletter ends on Section 3