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Saturday, July 30, 2011

Women Pilots: Helene Dutrieu


From Wikipedia
Hélène Dutrieu (10 July 1877 – 26 June 1961), was a cycling world champion, stunt cyclist, stunt motorcyclist, automobile racer, stunt driver, pioneer aviator, wartime ambulance driver, and director of a military hospital.

Biography
Hélène Dutrieu was born on 10 July 1877 in Tournai, Belgium, the daughter of a Belgian Army officer. She left school at the age of 14 to earn a living.

Cycling success
Dutrieu became a professional track cyclist racing for the Simpson Lever Chain team. In 1895 she gained the women's world record for distance cycled in one hour. In 1897 and 1898 she won the women's speed track cycling world championship in Ostend, Belgium, and earned the nickname "La Flèche Humaine" ("The Human Arrow"). In August 1898 she won the Grand Prix d’Europe (Grand Prix of Europe) and in November of that year she won the Course de 12 Jours (12-day race) in London, England. Leopold II of Belgium awarded Dutrieu the Cross of St André with diamonds in honour of her cycling success.

She later began performing in variety shows as a cycling speciality act and in July 1903 she cycled a loop inside a vertical track at the Eldorado in Marseille, France. In September 1903 she appeared at Olympia, London. She became a successful stunt cyclist, a motorcycle stunt rider, an automobile racer and stunt driver.

Achievements in Aviation
In 1908 Dutrieu was asked by the Clément Bayard factory, in France, to be the first pilot of its new ultralight aeroplane, the Santos-Dumont-designed no.19 Demoiselle (Young Lady) monoplane. She crashed on take off during her first flight and the aeroplane was wrecked. She later successfully piloted and flew solo in an aeroplane. On 19 April 1910 she reputedly became the first woman pilot to fly with a passenger. On 25 November 1910 Dutrieu became the fourth woman in the world, and the first Belgian woman, licensed as an aeroplane pilot, receiving Aéro-Club de Belgique (Aero Club of Belgium) licence #27. Her appearances at air shows earned her the nickname the "Girl Hawk". There was a minor scandal early in her aviation career when it was revealed to the press that she did not wear a corset while flying. In September 1910 Dutrieu flew non-stop from Ostend to Bruges, Belgium. From 26 September to 1 October she flew, frequently carrying passengers, at the aviation week in Burton-upon-Trent, England. She was the first woman pilot to stay airborne for more than an hour and on 21 December 1910 she became the first winner of the Coupe Femina (Femina Cup) for a non-stop flight of 167 km in 2 hours 35 minutes. In 1911 she regained the Coupe Femina temporarily with a flight of 254 km in 2 hours 58 minutes but that year's cup was eventually won by Marie Marvingt.

In September 1911 Dutrieu travelled to the United States with her Henry Farman type III biplane. She competed for the women's altitude record and the Rodman-Wanamaker trophy, subsequently won by Matilde Moisant, at the Nassau Boulevard airfield meeting in Garden City, New York. In the same year Dutrieu beat 14 male pilots to win the Coppa del Re (King's Cup) in Florence, Italy.

In 1912 she reputedly became the first woman to pilot a seaplane. Later the same year she won a prize in competition against four other seaplane pilots, including Réne Caudron, at Ouchy-Lausanne, Switzerland. In 1913 Dutrieu became the first woman aviator awarded membership of the Légion d'honneur (French Legion of Honour).

World War I and afterward
During World War I Dutrieu became an ambulance driver. Général Février put her in charge of the ambulances at Messimi Hospital. She later became the director of Campagne à Val-de Grâce military hospital. After the war she became a journalist. In 1922 she married Pierre Mortier and took French nationality. She later became vice president of the women’s section of the Aéro-Club de France (Aero Club of France).

In 1953 she was awarded the Médaille de l'Aéronautique (French Medal for Aeronautics). In 1956 she created the Coupe Hélène Dutrieu-Mortier (Hélène Dutrieu-Mortier Cup) with a prize of 200,000 francs for the French or Belgian woman pilot who made the longest non-stop flight each year.

Death
Hélène Dutrieu died in Paris, France, on 26 June 1961, at the age of 83.


Flying by the seat of your pants - no cockpit, no seatbelt
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Bibliography
Before Amelia, Eileen F. LeBow, 2002

Friday, July 29, 2011

Women Pilots: Raymonde de laRoche


(From Wikipedia)
Raymonde de Laroche (22 August 1882 – 18 July 1919), born Elise Raymonde Deroche, was a French aviatrix and the first woman in the world to receive an aeroplane pilot's licence.

Biography
Early life

Born on 22 August 1882 in Paris, Elise Raymonde Deroche was the daughter of a plumber. She had a fondness for sports as a child, as well as for motorcycles and automobiles when she was older. As a young woman she became an actress and used the stage name "Raymonde de Laroche". Inspired by Wilbur Wright's 1908 demonstrations of powered flight in Paris and being personally acquainted with several aviators, including artist-turned-aviator Léon Delagrange, who was reputed to be the father of her son André, de Laroche determined to take up flying for herself.

In October 1909, de Laroche appealed to her friend, aviator and aeroplane builder Charles Voisin, to instruct her in how to fly. On 22 October 1909, de Laroche went to the Voisin brothers' base of operations at Chalons, 90 miles (140 km) east of Paris. Voisin's aircraft could only seat one person, so she operated the plane by herself while he stood on the ground and gave instructions. After she mastered taxiing around the airfield, she lifted off and flew 300 yards (270 m).

De Laroche's flight is often cited as the first by a woman in a powered heavier-than-air craft. [However there is some evidence to suggest two other women, P. Van Pottelsberghe and Thérèse Peltier had flown the previous year with Henri Farman and Delagrange respectively.]

Decades later, aviation journalist Harry Harper wrote that until de Laroche made her celebrated flight on the Voisin she had never flown except once, for a short hop, as a passenger; when she first took the controls Charles Voisin expressly forbade her to attempt a flight; and after taxiing twice across the airfield she took off, flying "ten or fifteen feet high" and handling the controls with "cool, quick precision".

Although Gabriel Voisin wrote "... my brother [was] entirely under her thumb", the story of de Laroche as a headstrong woman making the flight after scant preparation and against Charles Voisin's orders almost certainly romanticises what actually took place.

Flight magazine, a week after the flight, reported: "For some time the Baroness has been taking lessons from M. Chateau, the Voisin instructor, at Chalons, and on Friday of last week she was able to take the wheel for the first time. This initial voyage into the air was only a very short one, and terra firma was regained after 300 yards (270 m)."

Flight was also responsible for bestowing the title "Baroness" upon de Laroche, as she was not of noble birth.[1]:9 Flight added that on the following day she circled the flying field twice, "the turnings being made with consummate ease. During this flight of about four miles (6 km) there was a strong gusty wind blowing, but after the first two turnings the Baroness said that it did not bother her, as she had the machine completely under control."

On 8 March 1910, de Laroche became the first woman in the world to receive a pilot licence when the Aero-Club of France issued her licence #36 of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (International Aeronautics Federation or F.A.I.).

De Laroche participated in aviation meetings at Heliopolis in Egypt as well as Saint Petersburg, Budapest and Rouen. During the show in St. Petersburg, she was personally congratulated by Tsar Nicholas II. There, she was presented once again as "Baroness" de Laroche. Thereafter, the title became commonly used.

In July 1910 de Laroche was participating in the week long airshow at Reims in France. On 8 July her aeroplane crashed and she suffered such severe injuries that her recovery was in doubt but two years later she was fit again and had returned to flying. On 26 September 1912 she and Charles Voisin were involved in an automobile accident. Voisin was killed, and she was severely injured.

On 25 November 1913 de Laroche won the Aero-Club of France's Femina Cup for a non-stop long-distance flight of over 4 hours duration.

During World War I, as flying was considered too dangerous for women, she served as a military driver, chauffeuring officers from the rear zones to the front under fire.

In June 1919 de Laroche set two women's altitude records, one at 15,700 feet (4,800 m); and also the women's distance record, at 201 miles (323 km).

Death and legacy
On 18 July 1919 de Laroche, who was a talented engineer, went to the airfield at Le Crotoy as part of her plan to become the first professional woman test pilot. She co-piloted an experimental aircraft (whether she flew this plane or was simply a passenger at the time is not known) but on its landing approach the aeroplane went into a dive and crashed, killing both the pilot and de Laroche.

There is a statue of de Laroche at Le Bourget Airport in France.

From 6 March to 12 March 2010, to celebrate the Centennial of Licensed Women Pilots, women pilots from eight countries on three continents used 20 types of aircraft to establish a new world record: 225 girls and women introduced to piloting by a woman pilot in one week.


Raymonde de Laroche in a Voisin biplane, Reims airshow, 1910

Bibliography
Before Amelia, Eileen F. LeBow, 2002

Illinois National Guard Aviator Inducted in Aviation Hall of Fame


Maj. Tammy Duckworth of Hoffman Estates and a 19 year veteran of the Illinois National Guard holds up her Federal Aviation Administration certificate following her final check ride July 19, 2010 with Tom Adams, the senior flight instructor at Dulles Aviation in Manassas, Va. Duckworth was recently inducted into the Women of Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame. In November 2004, she lost both of her legs and partial use of one arm when her Blackhawk helicopter was shot down in Iraq.

By Sgt. Nathan Hastings, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

SPRINGFIELD, IL (07/28/2011)(readMedia)-- There are few people in the world born to fly, but Maj. Tammy Duckworth is one such person. The 19 year veteran of the Illinois Army National Guard and Hoffman Estates resident was recently inducted into the Women of Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame.

"I am extremely humbled to have been inducted into the hall of fame," said Duckworth. "Especially when the other inductees were an astronaut and an original member of the Women's Air Service Pilots or WASPs who served during World War II."

The Women of Aviation International (WAI) is an organization that recognizes and promotes female pilots. The WAI provided aviation scholarships, holds forums for professional pilots, and promotes flying for business or pleasure.

"Because of the WAI, women now have the opportunity to pursue aviation careers as pilots, engineers, or mechanics," said Duckworth.

Duckworth called her induction one of the highlights of her career as a pilot, which began in 1993.

"When I first went to flight school, all I hoped for was to graduate and not embarrass myself or my unit," said Duckworth.

Duckworth said some of her most memorable moments as a pilot happened while deployed to Iraq.

"My memorable moment on deployment was watching our unit execute a flawless Air Assault mission," recalled Duckworth. "We planned, led and executed the entire mission in conjunction with active duty, Reserves and other Guard units. It was the culmination of so many years of training for all of us."

Duckworth is qualified to fly Hueys, Blackhawks, and single-engine airplanes under 14,000 pounds. Serving in the Army National Guard has presented many opportunities for Duckworth.

"I have served next to some of the bravest and finest people I know, and had a lot of fun doing it. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a pilot and would still enlist tomorrow knowing what lies ahead of me," said Duckworth. "I have had a fantastic career as an Army National Guard pilot. To have also been inducted into the WAI Hall of Fame is simply the icing on what is already an incredible privilege, serving in the Guard."

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

2011 AirVenture "Takes Off"

Here are the Daily Highlights From OshKosh.

If you're not there already, might be too late to go and get accomodations, but... FYI...


Subject to change without notice

Sunday, July 24

Flight of the Intruder (1991, PG-13), introduced by EAA Chairman Tom Poberezny and EAA President/CEO Rod Hightower. EAA Fly-In Theater, presented by Ford Motor Company, supported by Hamilton Watches, 8:30 p.m.
Dick Rutan: Unscripted & Unplugged. Theater in the Woods, supported by M&Ms, 9 p.m.

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Monday, July 25

Opening Day

ASIMO demonstrations, HondaJet exhibit, 9:30 a.m. & 1:15 p.m.
Afternoon Air Show, presented by Rockwell Collins, 3:30 p.m.
Opening Day Concert, presented by Ford Motor Company: REO Speedwagon, 5:30 p.m.
Air Mail Centennial. Theater in the Woods, supported by M&Ms, 8:15 p.m.
Top Gun (1986, PG), introduced by Tom Huff, Commander, U.S. Navy Test Pilot School. EAA Fly-In Theater, presented by Ford Motor Company, supported by Hamilton Watches, 8:30 p.m.

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Tuesday, July 26

Tribute to Bob Hoover Day

ASIMO demonstrations, HondaJet exhibit, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
Afternoon Air Show, presented by Rockwell Collins, 3:30 p.m. (featuring aircraft and maneuvers made legendary by Bob Hoover)
A Tribute to Bob Hoover, hosted by former "Good Morning America" host David Hartman. Theater in the Woods, supported by M&Ms, 8 p.m.
True Grit (2010, PG-13), introduced by executive producer David Ellison (pilot and EAA member). EAA Fly-In Theater, presented by Ford Motor Company, supported by Hamilton Watches, 8:30 p.m.

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Wednesday, July 27

Navy Day

ASIMO demonstrations, HondaJet exhibit, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
Old Glory Honor Flight departure to Washington, D.C., from ConocoPhillips Plaza, approx. 8 a.m. (featuring World War II Navy veterans)
Afternoon Air Show, presented by Rockwell Collins, 3:30 p.m. (featuring Naval aircraft spanning 100 years)
Old Glory Honor Flight arrival from Washington, D.C., at ConocoPhillips Plaza, approx. 6 p.m. (featuring World War II Navy veterans)
Salute to Naval Aviation, with former astronauts and Navy pilots, Capt. Gene Cernan and Capt. Jim Lovell, as well as Adm. Gary Roughead, the current U.S. Chief of Naval Operations. Hosted by former "Good Morning America" host David Hartman. Theater in the Woods, supported by M&Ms, 8:20 p.m.
Clear and Present Danger (1994, PG-13), introduced by Harrison Ford (pilot, EAA member, and former EAA Young Eagles chairman). EAA Fly-In Theater, presented by Ford Motor Company, supported by Hamilton Watches, 8:30 p.m.

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Thursday, July 28

Tribute to Burt Rutan Day

ASIMO demonstrations, HondaJet exhibit, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
Afternoon Air Show, presented by Rockwell Collins, 3:30 p.m. (featuring Burt Rutan-designed aircraft)
A Tribute to Burt Rutan. Theater in the Woods, supported by M&Ms, 8 p.m.
Airplane! (1980, PG), introduced by Robert Hays, who played "Striker." EAA Fly-In Theater, presented by Ford Motor Company, supported by Hamilton Watches, 8:30 p.m.

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Friday, July 29

Salute to Veterans

First public tours of Boeing 787 Dreamliner anywhere (9:30 a.m. arrival, 6 p.m. departure)
World Symposium on Electric Aircraft, Eagle Hangar, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
ASIMO demonstrations, HondaJet exhibit, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
Veterans Parade, Scotts Warbirds Alley to ConocoPhillips Plaza, 2 p.m.
Afternoon Air Show, presented by Rockwell Collins, 3:30 p.m. (an expanded show featuring warbirds from various eras)
Gen. Chuck Yeager. Theater in the Woods, supported by M&Ms, 6:30 p.m.
An Evening With Voyager: 25th Anniversary Celebration. EAA AirVenture Museum, 7 p.m.
Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band, courtesy of Disabled American Veterans and Warbirds of America. Theater in the Woods, supported by M&Ms, 8 p.m.
Red Tails (preview, NR), introduced by Executive Producer George Lucas. EAA Fly-In Theater, presented by Ford Motor Company, supported by Hamilton Watches, 8:30 p.m.
Apollo 13 (1995, PG), introduced by astronauts Gene Cernan and Dick Gordon. EAA Fly-In Theater, presented by Ford Motor Company, supported by Hamilton Watches, 8:30 p.m.

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Saturday, July 30

Super Saturday presented by Southwest Airlines

World Symposium on Electric Aircraft, Nature Center Pavilion, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
ASIMO demonstrations, HondaJet exhibit, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
Mass Hot Air Balloon Launch, Ultralight area, 6 a.m.
Runway 5K Run/Walk, 7 a.m.
Afternoon Air Show, presented by Rockwell Collins, 3:30 p.m. (an expanded show featuring warbirds from various eras)
Da BLOOZE Bros, Blues Brothers tribute band. Ford Hangar, 6 p.m.
Aaron Tippin & the "Red, White & Loud Tour", presented by FedEx. Theater in the Woods, supported by M&Ms, 6:45 p.m.
Rockwell Collins Night Air Show featuring Daher-Socata Fireworks and "Wall of Fire," 8:30 p.m.
The Dam Busters (1955, NR). EAA Fly-In Theater, presented by Ford Motor Company, supported by Hamilton Watches, 9:30 p.m.

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Sunday, July 31

Family Day!
(Students ages 6-18 admitted FREE when accompanied by an adult)

ASIMO demonstrations, HondaJet exhibit, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
Military Scramble: Organized departure of military aircraft
Afternoon Air Show, presented by Rockwell Collins, 2 p.m.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Osh Kosh PR: New Book Provides Much Needed Lesson Planning Resources for Flight Instructors

Newcastle, WA —This new ASA book, the follow-up text and companion to Train Like you Fly, is the latest title written by Arlynn McMahon, 2009 National Flight Instructor of the Year and recipient of the 2009 NATA Excellence in Pilot Training Award.

Lesson Plans to Train Like You Fly presents lesson plans for flight instructors in the form of “maneuver briefings.” A superb resource for active instructors, this book is also helpful to CFI applicants preparing their own materials for their checkride. It is the ideal reference tool to complement any syllabus, with illustrations throughout so instructors know exactly what to draw and what to say to teach every flight maneuver covered in the Private and Commercial training programs. Common errors are discussed in the form of keys to success, and the Practical Test Standard minimum tolerances are included for reference. Each maneuver briefing concludes with a fill-in-the-blanks template to be used for the student’s airplane and location.

In addition to the lesson plans, the book includes templates, checklists, and student assignments to build proper flight preparation habits and help determine the student’s readiness to act as pilot-in-command. These tools are especially helpful to the flight instructor for use with major flight training milestones, such as first solo, solo cross-country, and the checkride.

Lesson Plans will help flight instructors become more effective, and their students will enjoy their flight training as they master their stick and rudder skills in the context of scenario-based training. Soft cover, 8-3/8" x 10-7/8", 192 pages, illustrations throughout.

Visit ASA at the show in Hangar B, Booth #2075 or online at www.asa2fly.com.

More: www.asa2fly.com

Osh Kosh PR: China Pavilion at Booth #256

www.ChinaCivilAviation.com
Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 21, 2011 – The current social and economic situation in China has lead to the ideal conditions for the development of a General Aviation industry.

China currently has the fastest growing major economy in the world, with an average growth rate of 10% per year for the last two decades. In 2011, China has become the world’s top manufacturing country, surpassing the United States in manufacturing capacity. Also, in recent years, the Asia-Pacific region has become the world’s fastest growing aviation market, which was heavily fueled by China’s rapid development of their economy.

With steady economic growth, and a rapidly booming aviation industry, China seems to finally be putting their attention and focus on the development of their General Aviation Industry. Almost all of the development and growth of the aviation industry in China up till now, has been in the area of Commercial Aviation, but just recently, China has finally decided to open up low altitude air space to allow for the development of GA.

The current combination of economic growth and determination to develop a strong and healthy GA industry in China has lead to, for the first time ever, a China Pavilion booth at the 2011 EAA AirVenture, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The China Pavilion will be set up for those who are interested in finding out what is currently happening in China regarding GA and to meet and speak with the Chinese delegates who have come to the 2011 EAA AirVenture event to learn more regarding GA and to meet those who are interested in being a part of the GA industry while it is still in its infancy stage. We hope that anyone who is interested in learning more regarding aviation developments in China or interested in meeting with the Chinese delegates and becoming a part of the development of the GA industry, will come by and visit the China Pavilion, located in booth #256. Due to the busy nature of the event, please email EnlinChao@UniworldUSA.com if you would like to set up an appointment time for a more personalized meeting with the members of the China Pavilion and the Chinese Delegates.

Friday, July 22, 2011

PR: Oliver Aerial Team at Oshkosh

www.OregonAero.com

OSHKOSH, Wis. - Steve and Suzanne Oliver have been performing at EAA AirVenture for 25 years… but 2011 marks the debut of their Oregon Aero® FireDancer Night Show at the Oshkosh venue. Add this to Steve’s scheduled daytime aerobatic performances and Suzanne’s awe-inspiring skywriting… and it’s clear to see why this acclaimed husband-and-wife aerobatic and skywriting duo have been in demand for return performances here since 1986!

“The eyes of the aviation world are on Oshkosh,” says Suzanne. “What happens here makes international news. So the opportunity to perform here, year after year, brings us broader recognition than any other air show. Every performer wants the opportunity to be asked to perform at Oshkosh. To be associated with AirVenture is still a biggie for us, because only those with a proven professional reputation over time continue to be asked back again.”

The Olivers are the 2010 recipients of the Bill Barber Award for Showmanship, presented by World Airshow News and friends and family of the late Bill Barber. The award goes to air show performers who demonstrate great skill and showmanship. They also earned the International Council of Air Shows Sword of Excellence award in 1999 for their extraordinary level of professionalism in the air show industry.

The Oliver Aerial Team, as they are known, offer three different world-renowned acts with their highly-modified 1956 De Havilland Chipmunk: Steve performs rock-n-roll aerobatics as the Oregon Aero® SkyDancer, and Bob Seger-inspired pyrobatic night shows as the Oregon Aero® FireDancer. Suzanne and Steve both perform the rare aerial artform of skywriting as the Oregon Aero® SkyWriter. And the couple offer nostalgic open-air barnstorming pleasure rides in their 1928 New Standard D-25 biplane at venues across the country.

SKYDANCER
Steve’s classic daytime aerobatics will take to the skies at the AirVenture flightline (starting at 3:30 daily) on Tuesday, July 26 and Thursday, July 28. His action-packed 12-minute routine is performed at speeds up to 220mph, set to classic rock-n-roll and lively narration, accentuated by a roaring engine and voluminous smoke trails. Larger than typical air show aircraft, the SkyDancer warbird dominates the aerobatic box with aerial ballet consisting of loops, rolls, avalanches, humpty-bumps, octagon eights, point-n-hesitation rolls, and low inverted passes tight in spectators’ view for optimum photo shots.

SKYWRITER
As the nation’s only female professional skywriter, Suzanne is on call throughout AirVenture to wow crowds on the ground with smoke messages in the sky. If you think you see wisps of clouds forming into the shape of a smiley face or a celebrative message, it’s actually Suzanne in the Oregon Aero® SkyWriter. The aircraft will be barely visible, because it will be 10,000-13,000 feet above ground, crafting letters and images in reverse against a slate of blue sky so spectators below can appreciate the view.

With Suzanne at the controls, the SkyWriter flies high and wide in elegant loops, scripting mile-long letters two miles up in the sky. As Pepsi’s skywriter for more than 23 years, Suzanne is likely the most experienced skywriter in the world. She creates smoke signals that astonish spectators for up to 30 miles in every direction. As Suzanne takes the aircraft through its precisely choreographed penmanship, skywriting fluid vaporizes in SkyWriter’s exhaust system, expanding behind it in legible white smoke.

FIREDANCER
Following its inauguration at AirVenture 2010, the 2011 Night Air Show will return on Saturday, July 30, to bring this year’s aviation extravaganza to a dazzling close. It’s a thrill to see the night sky lit up by colorful streams of sparkling light, drawn through the air by precision aerobatics, set to rousing music and thundering pyrotechnic explosions. Start time is approximately 8:30 p.m.

As darkness falls, Oregon Aero® SkyDancer transforms into FireDancer, brightening the night sky with huge trails of colorful sparks streaming behind each wingtip, tracing Steve’s aerobatics across the black expanse. Smoke, lights, Roman candles and silver fountains are fired electronically from the cockpit, igniting dozens of fireworks from both wingtips. All of this is choreographed to the driving sounds of Bob Seger, which propel FireDancer Against the Wind with Night Moves you’ll Never Forget!

Suzanne preps for Steve’s night show by individually wiring nearly 50 large-scale fireworks to the stainless steel mounts on FireDancer’s wingtips. This painstaking process takes eight hours.

Once Steve sets FireDancer in motion, it takes only eight minutes to set off all the pyrotechnics, including fountains that spew massive streams of sparks that trail 1,000 feet behind the aircraft as it paints loops, rolls and Cuban Eights through the night sky. All the while, multi-colored balls explode into cascading works of pyrotechnic art.

Tens of thousands of fans will be drawn to the flightline, where they will be treated to a stunning night show by Steve and many of the world’s fellow top air show performers (including the AeroShell Aerobatic Team, Bob Carlton, Gene Soucy and Matt Younkin).

Earlier in the day, Steve and the other night show performers will be interviewed during a live broadcast on EAA Radio (Oshkosh 365, www.oshkosh365.org) from the Welcome Center at 11-11:30 a.m. Country music star and pilot Aaron Tippin will follow at 11:30.

Following the night show, performers will be available for a meet-and-greet alongside their aircraft on Conoco Phillips Plaza. In the afterglow of the night air show, a fireworks display will close out AirVenture 2011 with a bang.

THE OREGON AERO CONNECTION
The Olivers have trusted Oregon Aero seating, headset and helmet products since the company’s founding in 1989. Oregon Aero, based in Scappoose, Oregon, designs and manufactures products for aviation and other industries that eliminate pain, improve impact protection and reduce noise. The company has been engineering, testing, certifying and manufacturing advanced seating systems for more than 20 years.

PR: Commercial Pilot Part 141 Online Ground School Released

Gleim has expanded its online training library with the addition of Part 141 Online Ground School curricula for the Commercial Pilot Certificate. This course is an addition to the widely used Part 141 Online Ground School for Sport and Private Pilots and for the Instrument Rating. The Gleim system was the first ever FAA-approved Online Part 141 program.

The Gleim 141 Approved Online Ground School is overseen directly by the FAA to ensure the highest quality of instruction. This course, and the others, are led by the Gleim Chief Instructor and are particularly useful for students who desire a "classroom-style" experience without having to leave home. Once users complete all course requirements, they are provided with a knowledge test endorsement that allow them to take their FAA knowledge test.

This course uses the proven Gleim Knowledge Transfer System to ensure that users master all of the information needed to be competent, safe pilot and to pass the required knowledge test with confidence. Course practice tests emulate the actual knowledge test as presented by both national testing centers.

“Our Online Ground Schools have benefited over 15,000 users in the past eight years,” says Gleim President Dr. Irvin N. Gleim, “and with the addition of this interactive Part 141 approved course, we hope to train the next generation of commercial pilots in an easy, cost-effective manner.”

This course is available for purchase at $124.95 for 12 months of access with real-time updates. Visit Gleim.com/aviation/online_courses/ for more information.

PR: Chris Heintz to be honored at AirVenture

Chris Heintz to be honored at AirVenture

http://www.zenithair.com

Likely the largest gathering of Zenith aircraft owners and builders ever assembled will convene on Oshkosh at AirVenture 2011 to celebrate the man who created them. Over the years, Chris Heintz has introduced more than a dozen successful kit aircraft designs, including the STOL CH 701, Zodiac CH 601, CH 650 LS and LSi, STOL CH 801, Zodiac XL, STOL CH 750 light-sport utility kit airplane, and CH 2000.

"Zeniths to Oshkosh" is a grassroots effort created through various Internet groups involving owners and enthusiasts from around the world. Attendees are coming from as far away as Australia and New Zealand. Fifty aircraft parking spaces have been reserved in the Homebuilts area, and they're expected to be filled early.

Monday will be designated Chris Heintz Day and will include a special recognition event on ConocoPhillips Plaza with examples of Heintz-designed aircraft followed by showcase flights. Other events during the week will include forum presentations on the various Zenith models, an address by Chris Heintz at the Homebuilders Hangar, and a banquet.

Here's some info on Chris Heintz
Chris Heintz is not a new name for serious sport pilots. If a generation equals twenty years, then two, and going on three generations of pilots are familiar with this engaging and approachable man. He has been one of the leading figures in bringing dependable, no nonsense, economical aircraft to General Aviation. His hallmark is designing aircraft that are affordable, easy to build for the first-time builder, easy to fly for the low time pilot, and, above all, safe. Over the years, he not only designed and built his airplanes, but worked tirelessly to promote and formulate the homebuilt aircraft industry and create timely, technologically advanced aircraft for a diverse aviation marketplace.

Back in the beginning, when the Experimental Aircraft Association was getting started, there were a few guys like Paul Poberezny, Curtis Pitts, Molt Taylor, Steve Wittman, and Frank Smith, who designed smallish aircraft that a man or woman could build in their basement or garage. They would sell plans via a simple little newsletter, over the phone, for a hundred bucks or so. The new builder would then go out and scrounge parts and materials to begin a multi-year project that would result in an airplane that performed better than a factory airplane at much, much lower cost. Besides beginning what they called the homebuilder movement, they created something on a much grander scale. They created a pervasive dream. Chris Heintz was infected by this dream. Even thousands of miles away from the center of the activity, he became enamored with the idea of an independent design, personal construction and the freedom and accomplishment every homebuilder feels.

The son of a physicist and an ophthalmologist, Chris had always been creative and
inventive, drawing and sketching his way through his childhood, designing and building canoes, and when applying at ETH Technical Institute, in Zurich, Switzerland, he was able to catch a ride in a Piper Cub, an incentive, or maybe bait, offered by the aviation department. He was hooked! Immediately following his graduation in 1960, Chris went to work for Aerospatiale, working as a flutter engineer on their project that would become the Concorde. Later, after his mandatory stint in the Air Force, Chris went to work for Avions Robin, to update their “Jodel” line of wood and fabric aircraft and ultimately designed two all metal aircraft that were later Certified, the HR –100 and the HR-200. This set the tone for his model designations in the future.

Allowed to use the facilities at the factory during his off hours, Chris designed and built his first personal airplane, the CH-200. He completed it and flew in 1970. It was all metal and relatively simple, and was powered by a 100 hp. Continental engine. Chris realized that his forte was designing, not necessarily craftsmanship, so he designed the airplane for its simplicity to fabricate and assemble. This is a philosophy that has been a constant thread throughout all of his designs.

It wasn’t long before Chris and Annemarie had five children, and they began to
consider moving to another continent where the family would have access to good schools, creative freedom and Chris could start his own small plane business. One of their first trips was to Brazil, at a time when the country was courting any and all businesses to invest. The aviation industry in particular was a key Brazilian Focus. Embraer was one of the companies formed there, but the heat and humidity just didn’t work for the Heintz’s. Canada, with its friendly people and much cooler climate, along with European flavor and language, won out.

Upon leaving Avions Robin, Chris had signed a “non-compete” clause, so he accepted a
position with de Havilland where he was assigned the Dash 7 Regional Commuter, working on the Tail section. The CH-200 arrived in a container and Chris set about creating a set of plans and materials for it, and flying to local airshows to show the airplane and sell the plans. It’s growth in popularity and the requests by a number of anxious builders prompted him to provide materials and some parts, hand formed ribs being among the first, and suddenly he was an airplane factory; from his two-car garage; in a residential neighborhood! The growing demands resulted in Chris’ leaving deHavilland in 1974, and starting Zenair Ltd.

Any successful businessman knows that once you start a project it very soon takes on a life of its own. A successful design oils the machinery and soon more ideas begin to “pop” and new designs start to take shape. Sometimes these designs are market driven, like the Ultralight boom in the ‘80’s, that spawned the “Zipper” and “Zipper II” and “Mini-Z.” Initially, though, the impetus was on refining the CH-200 into he best airplane it could be and creating comprehensive detailed drawings and kits. Zenair, Ltd. took off with great success, bolstered by Chris’s enthusiasm, his attention to economy, simple fabricating techniques and the resultant quick build time, resulted in a very attractive project for the first time builder.

Chris’s trademark is a long chord, thick, high lift wing. Forsaking high end speed,
he has always opted for a wing that created a safety factor. With this wing, a modified NACA 64A515, all of his airplanes require minimal landing and takeoff space. This trait, along with all aluminum construction, the use of pull rivets, which has become an industry standard, and multiple powerplant options created a flexible and friendly family of aircraft.

During their first year of business, Zenair was awarded the Best New Design Award at
Oshkosh, for the CH-200. The next year, the company won the National Assoc. of Sport
Aircraft Designer’s award for best and most complete plans, as well as the Pazmany Efficiency Contest. This latter was a wonderful competition held annually at the Oshkosh event. It was a “Proof is in the Pudding” event that pitted all aircraft designs against each other for pure efficiency. An aircraft would fly two passes through a closed course, first at cruise speed and next at slowest speed above stalling. It was a simple yet effective gauge of an aircraft’s performance envelope. Marketing pressures eventually caused the demise of thisevent.

In 1976, the company performed an outrageous but very effective demonstration of the
simplicity of its design. An aircraft was assembled and flown in just eight days. This “Eight Day Wonder” demonstration was and ambitious and highly successful, and was followed with similar feats in 1986, when a new Zodiac was built and flown in ten days, and later in 1993, with a Zodiac being built and flown in just seven days at Sun ‘n Fun, in Lakeland, FL. Today, even this extraordinary build time can be drastically reduced by the use of CNC matched holes and pre cut aluminum panels. Fifteen thousand drilled, deburred and riveted holes took a lot of time. The company was recently granted the FAA’s 51% endorsement for the newest build kits.

All the while, the company was putting out new or updated versions of their designs,
including the Zipper, which won Best New Design in 1984, and in this same year, a second Best New Design with the iconic CH-600 Zodiac. The company was dabbling in STOL designs and even had time to develop a set of floats, both straight and amphib, that are very popular among its builders. Chris’ STOL projects were more than a passing fancy.

The first flight of the unique CH- 701 was in 1986. Twenty-five years later, as this is being written, the design is virtually unchanged and is still in production. Initially considered boxy and rather homely as most aircraft designers were going for “sleek”, the –701 has developed a passionately devoted and protective horde of builders who are the adventurers of aviation. The airplane was designed for off airport, unimproved and exceedingly short landing areas, as well as water operations. Its full span flaperons and permanently slotted leading edges, combined with Chris’s trademark thick and long chord wing, offer takeoff and landing potentials that border on pure levitation.

The Zenair Float Kit was developed for this airplane, no doubt through Chris’ repatriation to Canada and the country’s penchant for bush flying. Often called the smoothest flying airplane in the world, for control input balance, the –701 fostered the much larger, heavy hauling CH- 801 in 1999, that doubled the lift and carry capacity of the –701 to 1,000 lbs, and the slightly larger, LSA category CH-750, to bring back country flying to sport pilots. While this was going on, Chris’ family was growing and having families of their own. Sons Matthew and Sebastien decided to join the family business upon graduation from college.

Matt stayed in Canada to oversee Zenair Ltd. while Sebastien started a new business, Zenith Aircraft Company in Mexico, Missouri, in 1992, to build and market Chris Heintz designs in the U.S. Here is where all of the kits are created and shipped and all customer support is handled. Builder seminars are held on a regular basis, teaching the basics of construction and assembly. Sons Michael and Nicholas are also involved in the family business at Zenair Ltd. in Canada.

Removing himself from the day-to-day grind of running a company, Chris returned to
designing. Over the years he developed the CH-4000, a four seater that was placed on a back burner when the LSA market loomed. The neat little Ch-620, a low wing twin that had sport aviation all abuzz for a long time, is just one of two twin-engine homebuilt designs, Rutan’s Defiant being the other. The –620 may yet make it to the marketplace.

The company took the time to design and certify a four seat aircraft. Chris had worked on a couple of initial versions, the CH-400 and the CH-640, before developing the CH-2000 that was eventually configured into two aircraft, the AMD Alarus trainer ( manufactured in Georgia) and the SAMA CH-2000 Military Tactical and Surveillance Aircraft. His latest accomplishment was being the lead writer of Transport Canada’s TP101.41 document that helped create the ASTM standards for building Light Sort Aircraft. Even industry Giant Cessna uses Chris’s work.

In 2001, Chris was awarded the Light Aircraft Manufacturing Association’s President’s Award for Outstanding Individual in Light Aircraft, just one of many, many accolades he has received from both within and outside of aviation.. Chris officially retired in 2006, but is ever available to his sons when the need arises.

He took the time to write a book, Flying Your Own Wings. It is a combination autobiography and primer on aircraft design and construction; a wonderful introduction to the man, his family and the art of designing airplanes that you will fly yourself. It is easy to read, entertaining, and except for some of the math, explains things in a way that any interested, intelligent person can grasp. He and his sons worked diligently to identify the causes of a number of accidents involving his designs, and while determining that they were unrelated, they developed kits and directions for builders to modify existing aircraft to totally eliminate any similar accidents in the future. And at a very small cost! This form of proactive response and consideration to owners is unique to aviation.

Completed versions of Chris’s designs are nearing the 4,000 mark. You can find Chris
Heintz designs in most of the countries of the world, and this doesn’t count all of the pirated versions coming out of Russia, Brazil, Italy, and other countries. Imitation is the highest form of flattery, they say.

It is ironic that towards the end of his illustrious career, events and bureaucracy
conspired to create the largest bump in the long, long road. A series of accidents involving the CH 601 XL, including factory built, kit built and plans build aircraft, drew unprecedented national attention from the NTSB and FAA, and in an example of bureaucratic malfeasance, the problem grew and spread, impacting the confidence builders had in their aircraft. Though retired, Chris dived into this problem with his sons, and worked countless hours gathering information and working in their shops. Any areas that were questioned (whether design, builder, or pilot related) were subjected to hours of testing and redesigning, if for no other reason than to let builders and owners regain confidence in the design. A comprehensive “upgrade kit” was developed and was sent to builders at cost, and addressed not one but all items in question. This hands-on concern is unique to aviation and a testament to Heintz’ dedication to his designs and his customers. (The FAA subsequently concluded that its thorough review of the accidents “did not indicate a single root cause, but instead implicated the potential combination if several design and operational aspects.”)

The company has developed two “next generation” light sport aircraft, the new CH-650
and the CH–750, LSA certifiable aircraft. Both are refined designs, based on the –600and – 701, and are quick build kits (using CNC drilling extensively in the kit manufacturing process), with glass panels if the builder desires, and different cowlings and kits for myriad engines that have become available to light aircraft builders, including the new generation UL Power engine with full FADEC. These aircraft will usher in a new generation of pilot to keep sport aviation alive and growing.

Today, at 72 years young and now living in his native France, Chris sits back and watches the two generations of pilots and two generations of family continue to build and enjoy the aircraft he has designed. What greater legacy can a man hope for? What greater life could a man live?

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Australia: Women have the right altitude

The Coff Coast Advocate: Women have the right altitude
THE Coffs Harbour Aero Club put out the call for local women interested in aviation to come fly with them and what an amazing response they had.

In conjunction with the Australian Women Pilots' Association, the aero club welcomed a squadron of potential trainee pilots, including Coffs Harbour deputy mayor Denise Knight, who took to the skies for a lap of the airfield.

President Reynold Peterson said women of all ages attended the weekend's event.

“It's great to meet women not only looking to make it a career but also those that have chosen to have families and have put off learning to fly now coming forward and keen to find out what they need to do to get their wings now the kids are at school,” Mr Peterson said.

“Coming down on the weekend and meeting others with an interest in flying means they've been able to see they are not alone and in fact there is a huge network of female pilots, not just Australia-wide, but globally, all happy to share knowledge and lend support to those with an aviation interest.

“Many of the ladies got to fly over the weekend courtesy of our pilots.”

Bellingen High School student Georga Hulbert, 15, who aims to become an RAAF pilot, was one of the trial introductory flight winners.

“It was amazing and great to feel how the aircraft responded, it was much easier than I thought,” said Georga after her first flight experience.

A tour of the control tower was conducted, with a briefing from air traffic controllers Craig and Chris.

Both explained their roles and answered questions.

Anyone interested in booking a trial introductory flight should call the club on 0424 225 186 or email info@coffsharbouraeroclub.com.

Saturday, July 9, 2011

PR: Flying Musician AirVenture MusicJam: Oshkosh, USA

PR: The Flying Musicians Association’s first “FMA AirVenture MusicJams” will take place Monday through Friday during this year’s convention, 7-10 p.m. nightly in Honda Forums Plaza, Forum Building #9. Each night will open with a scheduled performer who will be followed by special guests, an Open Mic segment, and lastly, an Open Jam.

If you have room for your guitar, sax, flute, or other musical instrument in your plane, bring it along and let’s jam! Performers are invited to come early and sign up for an Open Mic slot. “You never know who will show up,” says FMA co-founder John Zapp.

Adds FMA co-founder Aileen Hummel, “The number of Flying Musicians will astonish some, but certainly won’t shock the music- and aviation-minded individual.”

Everyone is welcome to join the Flying Musicians at the MusicJams. Bring your friends and family. You do not need to be a musician or a pilot to attend. We'd love you to have fun, meet new people, and enjoy the music!

More from FMA at AirVenture 2011

This year at AirVenture FMA performers will play under the Brown Arch on Tuesday, July 26, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Award-winning singer, songwriter and film and television composer Suzanne Brindamour (who wrote the music for the documentary film, Barnstorming) will perform at 11:30. At 12:30 p.m., hear Dr. Ian Blair Fries, accordionist extraordinaire and world-traveling TBM pilot, play French musettes, popular American standards, and early 1900s South American music.

You’ll also find a Flying Musician performing at the Sennheiser Pavilion Monday through Friday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Bring your lunch, sit a spell, and enjoy the music.

A special FMA presentation, “Symphony in the Skies: a Correlation Between Aviation and Music,” will be presented on Monday, July 25, 2:30-3:45 p.m. in Forum Pavilion 01. Have you ever wondered why there are so many pilots who play music and why there are so many musicians who fly? What do these seemingly unrelated pursuits have common? Are the musically-inclined better equipped to learn to fly? The Flying Musicians have compiled information to answer questions and more.

Throughout the week visit the Flying Musicians Association’s informational table in the Vintage Hangar (#269 on the online map) to find out more about this popular, fast-growing group of passionate aviators and musicians. You’ll never know who will be there, so stop by and visit. Perhaps we’ll strike up a tune!
For more information, visit the FMA website.

7/25-31/2011: Air Venture at Osh Kosh, WI

From their website:
First Time's the Charm
A first-time visitors guide to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

There's really no place in the world like the EAA's annual convention – EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. With so much to see and do, AirVenture can be a little overwhelming, especially if you're not already an EAA member or you're not traveling with friends who know the ropes.

Before heading to AirVenture for the first time, make sure you check out this Survival Guide that will go a long way to ensuring a comfortable day.

A couple of quick tips to start you off:

Get a free map of the grounds when you arrive: Even if you’ve been here before, the new site improvements implemented in recent years bring a new look to one of the world’s great aviation events. You don’t want to waste a minute while you’re here.
Take advantage of trams for convenience and give your feet a needed rest. There’s a lot to see and do at AirVenture, and the trams will help you get the most out of your day.
Please don't touch aircraft without permission. Many who bring their aircraft to AirVenture put in long, painstaking hours into building, restoring, and/or maintaining their dream. Please be respectful of their work and dedication.
Follow the "Oshkosh Rules": EAA AirVenture is regarded as one of the cleanest major events anywhere in the world, because people follow some basic rules. Make sure all trash goes in the trash or recycling containers, and if you see trash on the ground, please pick it up and throw it away.

Aircraft

ConocoPhillips Plaza: This is AirVenture's marquee display area that is home to many of the featured attractions, ranging from historic warbirds to the latest innovations in flight. Aircraft rotate in and out throughout the week, so be sure to check back to see what's showcased each day.

Flight Line: Inspect firsthand the craftsmanship and design advancements that come from the hands and minds of EAA members. As you walk along the flight line, you'll see many of the newsmakers and personalities who make the world of aviation so exciting.

Scotts Warbirds Alley: See historic World War II-, Korea-, and Vietnam-era military aircraft painstakingly restored to flying condition at one of AirVenture's most popular attractions. The twice-daily "Warbirds in Review" sessions feature informal presentations on a military aircraft by the pilots who flew them and the restorers who care for them.

Homebuilts: Homebuilt aircraft has existed as long as powered flight. Homebuilders use their own abilities and craftsmanship to construct a safe and efficient flying machine, much like the Wright Brothers did over a century ago. Walk among the thousands of homebuilt aircraft flown to Oshkosh. Watch for daily "Homebuilts in Review" presentations.

Vintage Area: Take a trip way back in time to the early years of aviation. From monoplanes to biplanes to triplanes to metalplanes, an assortment of authentic and replica aircraft will bring you back to aviation's roots. Daily "Vintage in Review" programs at delve into these classics even further.

Seaplane Base: Nestled deep in the trees in a picturesque cove along the Lake Winnebago shore is a place where all visitors should try to visit. Seaplane base pace offers a respite from AirVenture's hustle and bustle. People often just sit on the shore and watch the planes come and go. Buses make regular runs between the AirVenture grounds and the Seaplane Base, departing from the Bus Park Tower.

Getting Out of the Sun or Rain?
EAA Welcome Center: Located on Celebration Way at the edge of ConocoPhillips Plaza, the EAA Welcome Center is stocked with EAA and AirVenture information, member services and an Internet café. Plus, each day features a variety of speakers and presentations.

AirVenture Museum: Free with your AirVenture admission, museum attractions include an impressive collection of more than 200 historic airplanes, six movie theaters, art and photo galleries, flight simulators, and two "hands-on" interactive galleries for kids of all ages. Additionally, a multitude of special activities take place in the museum throughout the week, including the popular "Speaker Showcase."

KidVenture: Located at Pioneer Airport near the AirVenture Museum, KidVenture features hands-on, educational, and fun aviation-based demonstrations and presentations. Kids get to build their own gliders and rockets, fly simulators, see aviation legends tell their stories, and so much more.

EAA Wearhouse: AirVenture apparel, model airplanes, DVDs and books galore are only a sample of what can be found at the official AirVenture store. Plus, meet authors and get autographed copies of their aviation works at Authors Corner.

Forums: During the week more than 500 forums are conducted by aviation leaders and NASA researchers, along with FAA personnel, aircraft designers and a host of others.

Learn to Fly Center: This is the place to discover how you can make your dream of flight a reality. You'll learn what you need to know, including time and financial commitments, so you’re ready to begin your own flying experience.

Aviation Learning Center: Discover the latest innovations in aircraft technology and ways to fly affordably at the Aviation Learning Center, which opened in 2009 and is located just east of the Forums Plaza.

Federal Pavilion: Take in exhibits, aircraft from the various government agencies, live radar and weather monitoring demonstrations, and interactive displays, including the Wright Flyer and NOAA Hurricane simulators.

Exhibit Buildings: Just about everything available in aviation is there. Instruments, avionics, insurance, aircraft parts... the list goes on and on. Nearly 800 exhibitors participate at AirVenture.

The Main Events
Afternoon Air Show: Unique aircraft, from early air racers to historical airplanes, participate, along with the world's finest air show performers – all of whom are headliners on their own, but at Oshkosh are part of an all-star lineup in a daily three-hour spectacular.

Night Air Show and Daher-Socata Fireworks (Saturday): The world's top aerobatic performers light the night skies with an amazing picturesque display that wowed all in its 2010 debut. Fireworks, supported by Daher-Socata, and the always-breathtaking "Wall of Fire" cap off AirVenture's final night.

Opening Day Concert (Monday): Free for all Monday attendees, AirVenture kicks off with a big-time concert, courtesy of the Ford Motor Company, on ConocoPhillips Plaza following the Afternoon Air Show. Previous Opening Day concerts have featured Chicago, The Doobie Brothers, The Beach Boys, and Foreigner.

Winding Down
Ultralights in evening: The aerial displays don’t stop with the Afternoon Air Show. In the evening, head down to the south end of the flightline (take the tram to get there faster and rest your legs as a bonus) to see the unique Ultralights in action. Ultralight forums and exhibitors are also in this area.

Theater in the Woods: Located just south of ConocoPhillips Plaza, Theater in the Woods, supported by M&Ms, is the largest public gathering facility on the grounds and is home to a variety of educational and entertainment acts each evening, including Friday and Saturday night concerts that keep AirVenture rocking after the sun goes down.

Fly-In Theater: The walk-in theater, presented by Ford Motor Company and supported by Hamilton Watches, is reminiscent of the famous drive-in theaters of the past, complete with open-air seating and popcorn. Each evening’s show begins at approximately 8:30 p.m. with an introduction by a celebrity presenter, followed by a classic aviation film shown on a five-story-high projection screen.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

AirExpo takes flight July 16-17 in Eden Prairie, Minnesota

Eden Prairie News: AirExpo takes flight July 16-17 in Minnesota
The Wings of the North, a nonprofit organization founded in 1998 to preserve and present aviation history, will be presenting the eleventh AirExpo at Flying Cloud Airport from Saturday-Sunday, July 16-17. The AirExpo will feature appearances by aviation heroes, aircraft and opportunities to ride in a few of the planes. According to the Wings of the North website, with each year Air-Expo, attendance has at least doubled.

The aircraft scheduled to appear at the 2011 AirExpo are the P-51C Mustang, which was made famous by the Tuskegee Airmen and has rides available; the Flying Fortress B-17 “Yankee Lady”; the B-25 “Miss Mitchell,” which has cockpit tours available; the A-10 “Warthog”; the Hawker Sea Fury “Sawbones”; Clay Adam’s 1929 Travel Air 400, which has rides available; the TBM 3-E Avenger; the Navy SNJ; the L-29 Delphin; the T-6 Texan; the Stearman; the BT-13; the Stinson; the Champ; the Harvard and the BT-15 Project.

The Commerative Air Force will be offering flights on the P-51 C Mustang for $1,500 per person for a 30 minute ride. The Yankee Air Force will be offering rides on the B-17 Flying Fortress for $425 a person. The flights last 30-45 minutes and the B-17 can hold 10 passengers. Flights will depart once enough people have signed up. 1929 Travelair rides will also be available, which can hold two people per flight. Pricing information will be available at the show. Helicopter flights are available in the Robinson R44 and the Schwitzer, which can hold two to three people per flight. The flight will last five to seven minutes and the cost will be posted at the show. All flights will run 9 a.m. to 5 p.m and are first come, first served.

Also scheduled to appear are the Hall of Heroes, which include a NASA Space Shuttle astronaut, pilots from WWII, Korean and Vietnam Wars, Forward Air Controllers and Navy and Marine pilots.

Before the Airshow begins, there will be a pancake breakfast both mornings of the AirExpo at the show site at Flying Cloud Air-port. The breakfast will be served from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, July 16 and Sunday, July 17 and costs $7 per adult, or $5 for children 7 and under. The cost includes all you can eat pancakes, coffee and beverages. The pancakes will be provided by Chris Cakes.

In conjunction with AirExpo 2011, U.S. Bank is holding An Evening with Eagles Dinner and Symposium from 5:30-10 p.m. Satur-day, July 16 at Marriott Southwest Hotel, 5801 Opus Parkway, Minnetonka. The cost is $45 per person, and this includes dinner and the symposium. Dinner seating will take place at 6:30 p.m. and the symposium will be held from 7:30-10 p.m. An Evening with Eagles is an opportunity to meet and dine with several of America’s Aviation Heroes and hear about their experiences. A silent auction will also be held throughout the evening.

Scheduled to attend An Evening with Eagles include Tuskegee Airmen, Doolittle Raiders, aces from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, 8th Air Force crewmembers, and World War II Naval aviators. Also invited are members of the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association, River Rats, who flew missions over North Vietnam, members of the Women’s Air Force Service Pilots, WASPs, who flew a variety of missions here at home which supported the nation’s war effort during World War II, and prisoners of war from World War II and Vietnam, according to the AirExpo website.

The main gates will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the air show hours will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages eight to 12. Cash, check or credit cards are accepted and cash machines are available onsite.

Discounted tickets are available online at airexpo-mn.org. Parking is located at the Southeast corner of the Flying Cloud Airport on Flying Cloud Drive. The onsite parking is free and it is just a short walk to the show.

PR: Newest Chabord High-Performance Exhaust System Flies on


Press Release: Newest Chabord High-Performance Exhaust System Flies on Lycoming 360 / Siai-Marchetti

Epagny, France: The new Airworthiness Certificate actually changed the model number of the Americqan-registered, Swiss-flown Siai-Marchetti, from S205-18R to -20R, and the Lycoming IO-360A1A is running at 200hp, thanks to a new, lightweight, high-efficiency Chabord exhaust system.

Owner/pilot Ariel Beresniak worked with Alain Chabord and the FAA to gain approval for the conversion, which saves some 40% of the weight, compared to the stock system, and also produces less noise, ven while allowing the engine to produce additional power.

"I needed to replace the oroiginal exhaust system," said Beresniak, "and the original was no longer available. The chabord system was very easy to install, it weighs less, it is quieter, it produces more power… and it looks good." Early testing, conducted in mid-April, showed both a marked improvement in performance and a reduction in noise.

The Inconel® system includes everything from exhaust gasket to exhaust tip, and was developed in the Chabord shop, where exotic exhaust systems are normal fare. (Chabord engineers and produces Inconel and other exotic-material exhaust systems for Le Mans and Formula 1 race teams, as well as special-order custom systems for high-performance prototypes in automotive, motorcycle, and aerobatic competitions, including the Red Bull championship.)

"We wanted to demonstrate exceptional performance, quieter operation, and customer satisfaction, before we announced this exhaust system," said Alain chabord, head of the engineering and production firm that produces the exhausts. "We will be showing this system, as well as systems for other popular aircraft applications, including Van's RV, Cessna C-150 and -152, and the Rotax 912 series, at AirVenture Oshkosh – Booth 437 -- this July."

More information: www.echappement-chabord.fr/