Emergency Ad issued for TCM

The FAA has issued an emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD), effective immediately for all Teledyne Continental Motors. The AD issues TCM reporting three occurrences of rapid wear on the face of hydraulic lifters; if not corrected could result in loss of engine. 

Mooney Echelon STC Available Only at Lycoming Service Centers

Lycoming Authorized Service Centers have been appointed the sole installers for Lycoming's newest Echelon Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), which covers Mooney M20E, M20F and M20J. The Mooney owners will be able to choose from around 50 Authorized Service Centers to upgrade their power supply more powerful. The STC includes new or rebuilt IO-390-A3A6, Slick Start System and required documentation.

Harrison Ford Recieves Award

Harrison Ford has received "Spreading Wings" award from the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. The award recognized Harrison Ford's work in promoting aviation to youth in addition to his films. 

Carter Aviation Technologies First Licensing Deal

Carter Aviation Technologies LLC of Wichita Falls, Texas has completed negotiations with AAI Corporation. AAI Corporation is an aerospace and defense development and manufacturing firm in Hun Valley, Maryland. The 40-year deal covers all Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) using Carter's Slowed Rotor/Compound (SR/C) Aircraft Technology. 

TSA Rules Targets Repair Station

The Transportation Security Administration has prepared new regulations governing security procedures at the repair stations. It'll require stations to establish security protocols to guard against unauthorized access to the facility, aircraft and parts. Read more at http://www.tsa.gov/assets/pdf/nprm_aircraftrepair.pdf

FAA Finalizes Changes in Hudson River Airspace to Enhance Safety

For Immediate Release

November 16, 2009
Contact: Laura Brown
Phone: (202) 267-3455

FAA Finalizes Changes in Hudson River Airspace to Enhance Safety

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today finalized a federal rule, effective November 19, 2009, that will enhance safety by separating low-altitude, local aircraft flights over the Hudson River from flights transiting through the river airspace.

“Better separation of aircraft means a higher margin of safety,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “These new rules will ensure that aircraft can operate safely in the busy Hudson River airspace.”
"These changes will define separate corridors for aircraft operating locally and those flying along the Hudson River area," said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. "Separating aircraft on different missions and improving pilot situational awareness will add more layers of safety to this high-demand airspace."

The rule also now requires pilots to follow safety procedures that were previously recommended, but were not mandatory. In a new Special Flight Rules Area over the Hudson and East Rivers, pilots must:

• Maintain a speed of 140 knots or less.
• Turn on anti-collision and aircraft position/navigation lights, if equipped.
• Self-announce their position on specific radio frequencies.
• Carry current charts for the airspace and be familiar with them.

In an exclusion zone below 1,300 feet over the Hudson River, pilots must announce their aircraft type, position, direction and altitude at charted mandatory reporting points and must stay along the New Jersey shoreline when southbound and along the Manhattan shoreline when northbound.

Pilots transiting the Hudson River must fly at an altitude between 1,000 feet and 1,300 feet. Local flights will operate in the lower airspace below 1,000 feet.

The rule also will incorporate provisions of an October 2006 Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) that restricted fixed-wing aircraft in the exclusion zone over the East River to seaplanes landing or taking off on the river or those specifically approved by FAA air traffic control.

All three updated pilot charts that local fixed wing and helicopter pilots use for navigation will include these airspace changes on November 19, 2009.

The FAA will conduct seminars and coordinate with pilot groups to make pilots aware of the new requirements. The FAA also has developed an online training program that covers flight operations in the New York area.

FAA New Hudson River Rules Takes Effect on Thursday, November 19, 2010

FAA released its final version of the new flight rules for the VFR corridor for the Hudson River and it'll take effect on Thursday, November 19, 2009.

Lawsuits Filed Against Eclipse Executives

Former deposit-holders for Eclipse 500 jets recently filed four lawsuits in New Mexico district courts alleging various wrongdoing by Eclipse Aviation executive Vern Raburn, Roel Pieper, Peg Billson, Michael McConnell and Mark Borseth, as well as sales and support personnel about the company filed for bankruptcy a year ago. 

Solar Impulse First Flight

Solar Impulse is a European long-range solar-powered plane. Solar Impulse is also the first solar-powered plane.

• Wingspan 63m
• Weight 1,600 kg,
• Take-off speed 35 km/h
• Average flying speed: 70 km/h
• Motor power 4 x 10 HP electric engines
• Battery specific capacity: 220Wh/kg
• Solar cells: 11,628 (total area 200m²)
• Maximum altitude 8,500 m (27,900 ft)

The first flight was made on December 3, 2009 by the pilot named of Markus Scherdel.

From: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8393688.stm

Solar-powered plane makes first historic 'hop'

The Solar Impulse prototype plane, part of a planned solar-powered circumnavigation of the globe, has left the ground for the first time.

The maiden flight was dubbed a "flea hop" by project leaders, at 350m in length and a height of just one metre. 

The plane will now be transported to a different airfield for a flight of a few hours in March. 

The final version of the plane will attempt a transatlantic flight in 2012 prior to the round-the-world trip.

The prototype first ventured outside a hangar in November, with a range of on-the-ground tests and a run-up of the plane's motors.

Thursday's flight, with test pilot Markus Scherdel at the controls, was the first time the plane had been brought to takeoff speed.

"The airplane flew the way we have experienced it in the simulators," said Bertrand Piccard, a founder of Solar Impulse and the first person to carry out a round-the-world balloon flight.

"That's of course a very big comfort for all the engineers who've worked for six years to build this airplane."

The next flight, at the Payerne air force airfield in western Switzerland, will see the plane reach an altitude of nearly 9,000m.

Only after this flight will the plane make its first "solar flight" - that is, powered by the solar generators rather than the on-board batteries.

The team plans a flight of a full day and night in the summer of 2010, building up to a transatlantic flight in small steps as the crew ensure the plane's behaviour is well-understood.

"It's a completely new flight domain," said Dr Piccard.

"It's the first time in the history of aviation that an airplane so big and so light using so little energy gets in the air - basically everything is new."

Watch First Flight

Hawker Beechcraft AmSafe Seatbelt Airbage Available

Hawker Beechcraft has announced that AmSafe Seatbelt Airbags are now available for the pilot and co-pilot seats on its Baron and Bonanza aircraft.

Updated Blogger: Redesign

I finally heard about this and updated my blog to the latest Blogger redesign (September 2009). To read more about it visit http://www.google.com/support/blogger/bin/answer.py?answer=156829.

New Features

Improved Image Handling
Improved Raw HTML

Add your Location to your posts with geotagging
Vertical Resizing

Easy Link Editing in Compose Mode
Full Safari 3 Support

New Preview Dialog
Placeholder Image for Tags
New Residing Toolbar

ACR Electronics Debuts Personal Locator Beacons

ACR Electronics has introduced its newest Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) -- the SARLink 406 MHz GPS PBL.

GPS-Integrated Personal Locator Beacon with Digital Display

The SARLink™ broadcasts a unique registered distress signal that not only tells rescuers where you are, but who you are. The onboard GPS can fix your position to within 100 meters and then utilizes a powerful 406 MHz signal to relay your distress call to orbiting SAR satellites. As local Search and Rescue is deployed, a separate homing signal and integrated LED strobe light guide rescuers to your location.

The SARLink View™ takes PLB technology one step further with its breakthrough digital display. In an emergency, the high-visibility screen provides automatic prompts for optimizing the beacon and confirms critical data such as your exact GPS coordinates, data bursts and remaining battery power. Additional functionality allows the user to test and view GPS coordinates multiple times with minimal impact on useful battery life.

Calm in the Storm

The SARLink View’s digital display provides a measure of calm in an emergency — displaying critical data so that you know the beacon is working to summon help.

• Most sensitive internal GPS in the industry, pinpointing your exact location faster than standard GPS-enabled

PLBs

• High efficiency electronics = performance you can count on

• Professional grade design tested and built for years of backcountry use

• Feature-rich self-test display

• Super Bright LED Strobe

• On Board 66 Channel GPS

• Typical Performance 30 Hours

• Made in the U.S.A

Increase the functionality of your SARLink View with optional 406Link nonemergency

messaging service.

Product Number: 2885

Model Number: PLB-350 C

Size: 2.25 x 5.88 x 1.29” (5.72 x 14.94 x 3.28 cm)

Weight: 8.9 oz (258g) with lanyard

Battery: Class 2 (non-hazmat) lithium battery packs; 6 years from date of manufacture. 11 year storage

Material: Engineered polycarbonate blend

Color: High visibility ACR-treuse™

Deployment: Manual

Activation: Manual

Operation: 2 steps: deploy antenna, press ON button, giving clear view of sky

Waterproof: 16.40ft (5 m) @ 1 hr., 33 ft (10 m) @ 10 min.

Factory tested: @ 70°F, exceeds RTCM waterproof requirements

Radiated Power: 5 W +/-2dB (406 MHz), 50 mW +/-3dB (121.5 MHz)

Operational Life: Exceeds required 24 Hours @ -4°F (-20°C)

Typical Performance: 30 Hours @ -4°F (-20°C) Longer in higher ambient temperatures

Storage: -40°F to + 158°F (-40°C to +70°C)

Accessories: Attachment clip included, Optional flotation pouch (P/N 9504)

Certification: Cospas-Sarsat, FCC Pending: Canada, Europe

Limited Warranty: 5 years

Lead Free: Yes

and

Head out with confidence. With three levels of integrated signal technology — GPS positioning, a powerful 406 MHz signal and 121.5 MHz homing capability — the SARLink™ quickly and accurately relays your position to a worldwide network of Search and Rescue satellites, reducing search time and increasing your chances of survival. It’s reliable signaling technology that has saved more than 25,000 lives since 1982.

The SARLink™ broadcasts a unique registered distress signal that not only tells rescuers where you are, but who you are. The onboard GPS can fix your position to within 100 meters and then utilizes a powerful 406 MHz signal to relay your distress call to orbiting SAR satellites. As local Search and Rescue is deployed, a separate homing signal and integrated LED strobe light guide rescuers to your location.

The SARLink is light in weight and small enough to be easily carried in a pack or pocket by skiers, hikers, hunters, kayakers, climbers, pilots, snowmobilers or any other outdoor enthusiast. Performing a full functional self test of the PLB’s internal circuitry, battery voltage & power, and 406 MHz transmission gives you the peace of mind knowing your PLB will work the moment you need it to the most. ACR Exclusive: Built-in GPS acquisition test mode allows you to test GPS functionality up to 12 times over the life of the battery life.

Tap in to the same field-tested rescue technology used by the U.S. Military, Coast Guard, NATO Special Forces and Arctic explorers.

• No Subscription Fees
• Super Bright LED Strobe
• On Board 66 Channel GPS
• Self-Test and GPS Test Features
• Typical Performance 35 Hours
• Non-Hazmat Battery
• Made in the U.S.A

Model Number: PLB-350 B

Size: 2.25 x 5.88 x 1.29” (5.72 x 14.94 x 3.28 cm)

Weight: 8.9 oz (258g) with lanyard

Battery: Class 2 (non-hazmat) lithium battery packs; 6 years from date of manufacture. 11 year storage

Material: Engineered polycarbonate blend

Color: High visibility ACR-treuse™

Deployment: Manual

Activation: Manual

Operation: 2 steps: deploy antenna, press ON button, giving clear view of sky

Waterproof: 16.40ft (5 m) @ 1 hr., 33 ft (10 m) @ 10 min.

Factory tested: @ 70°F, exceeds RTCM waterproof requirements

Radiated Power: 5 W +/-2dB (406 MHz), 50 mW +/-3dB (121.5 MHz)

Operational Life: Exceeds required 24 Hours @ -4°F (-20°C)

Typical Performance: 35 Hours @ -4°F (-20°C) Longer in higher ambient temperatures

Storage: -40°F to + 158°F (-40°C to +70°C)

Accessories: Attachment clip included

Optional flotation pouch (P/N 9504)

Certification: Cospas-Sarsat, FCC Pending: Canada, Europe

Limited Warranty: 5 years

Lead Free: Yes

Power Flow Unveils System for Bonanza

Power Flow Systems, has tuned exhaust systems on more than 3,500 aircraft, has designed a tuned exhaust system for the Beechcraft Bonanza. The company is planning on obtaining STCs for the IO-470, IO-520, and IO-550 configurations. Power Flow tuned exhaust systems increase engine efficiency and horsepower by doing a fantastic job of evacuating exhaust fumes from cylinders, allowing better fuel flow into the chambers.

Price: Unknown

IWASM Debuts New WASP Playing Cards

International Women's Air & Space Museum (IWASM) in Cleveland, Ohio has produced the third collectible deck of playing cards for the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) of World War II.

Price: $10.00
Online Store: http://womensairandspacemuseum.com/eshop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=18&products_id=298

50th Anniversary of Hawker Beechcraft Baron

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is making its 50th anniversary of the Beechcraft Baron by making a limited edition model.

Special Tribute to Conan O'Brien

The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien on NBC is officially over. “Walking away from ‘The Tonight Show’ is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. this is the best job in the world, I absolutely love doing it. I did it my way, with the people I love and I do not regret a second. I have more good fortune than any I know. Please do not be cynical. I hate cynicism. For the record, it’s my least favorite quality. Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you’re kind, amazing things will happen.” Some early reporters report that Conan O’Brien is going to Fox. But, he has to wait until September 1, 2010. Watch Conan O’Brien’s Tonight Show on NBC memories of the last 7 months. I wish Conan O’Brien the Best in all future endeavors.

Avidyne Entegra Release 9 Now Available for Pipers

The Avidyne Entegra Release 9 is optional avionics for the Piper PA-46 Meridian, Piper PA-46 Mirage, and Piper PA-46 Matrix aircraft. The Avidyne Entegra Release 9 is a high-resolution IFD5000 displays, dual-redundant FMS900W systems with QWERTY keypad, digital 16-watt VHF NAV/COM radios, and dual WAAS/RNP-capable GPS receivers.

The certification of the Avidyne Entegra Release 9 for the Piper PA-46 Matrix is expected to come out in the 2nd half of 2010 and the certification of the Avidyne Entegra Release 9 for the Piper PA-46 Mirage and the Piper PA-46 Meridian are expected in 2011.

Price: $50,000.
Information: http://www.avidyne.com/landing/release9.asp

NextGen ADS-B Technology Now Available for Pilots in Gulf of Mexico

NavWorx, Inc. now has available its ADS6000-series receivers, which provide display of TIS-B traffic and FIS-B weather Information. The ADS6000 line of Universal Access Transceivers (UAT). The UAT is designed to capture and display broadcast information from Air Traffic Control, enhancing situational awareness for pilots.

The NextGen system ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast), is a combination of ground-to-airplane-to-satellite. The UAT ADS-B is operating on 978 MHz frequency.

Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin for Zodiac CH601XL & CH650

Header Information
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

SAIB Number:
CE-10-08

Issue Date:
11/07/2009

Subject:
Wings: Zodiac CH601XL and CH650 Wing Structural Modifications

Title:


PDF Copy:




SAIB Scope

Full Text of the SAIB
Introduction

This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin informs you of an airworthiness concern on all variants of Zodiac CH601XL and CH650 airplanes, all serial numbers, including special light-sport category aircraft (S-LSA), experimental light-sport aircraft (E-LSA), and experimental amateur-built aircraft.

Background

Since April 2009, the FAA has been conducting a special review of the Zodiac CH601XL and the nearly identical CH650 to evaluate design and operational details of these aircraft. This review was a continuation of efforts to investigate several in-flight structural failures of the CH601XL dating back to 2005. Five in- flight structural failure accidents have occurred in the United States and several abroad. The U.S. accidents involved two S-LSA, one E-LSA, and two experimental amateur-built kit aircraft. The design of all CH601XL & CH650 airplanes is essentially the same, but only the S-LSA aircraft are designed and produced to ASTM International LSA standards. We quickly launched the FAA special review because of the accidents exhibited signs of structural failures. After the review we made a determination that these accidents did not clearly indicate a single root cause. Instead, it implicated the potential coupling of design and operational aspects of the aircraft.

Our analysis did reveal several areas of concern regarding the CH601XL design that may impact the overall safety of the design. Those causing the greatest concern are as follows:

· Wing structure: FAA analysis shows bending loads used to design the wing structure were non-conservative and the basic static strength of the CH601XL/CH650 does not appear to meet the intent of the ASTM standards for a 600kg (1320 lb) airplane, given the current flight envelope in the Pilot Operating Handbook.
· Structural Stability: Other aviation authorities have noted the presence of buckling in the wing structure, including in the center section. Such structural instabilities can have a significant effect on static strength and flutter characteristics.
· Flutter: Our detailed review of available flutter analysis reports was inconclusive. However, accident photos clearly indicated flutter was present during the in-flight structural failures. The FAA believes flutter may either be a first order root cause of in-flight structural failure or a secondary cause after some initial wing structural deformation or twisting.
· Airspeed calibration: Calibration procedures do not appear to adequately account for basic static pressure source error due to the location of the static port. This could lead to potential airspeed indication anomalies, particularly since the CH601XL/650 derivatives can be delivered/built with several different airspeed indicators installed or without an indicator at all. The situation could lead to the potential of operating the airplane above the maneuver speed and/or the design cruise speed, potentially leading to structural failure.
· Stick force characteristics: Flight test data from foreign authorities indicates at aft center of gravity the stick forces become very light. The FAA believes this may be a contributing factor in structural failure accidents if coupled with operations over gross weight, at speeds higher than VA, and/or for aircraft loaded improperly. In such conditions, it would be very easy to dynamically load the CH601XL/CH650 wing beyond its design structural load limit.

Recommendations

In order to prevent potential catastrophic structural failure, we strongly recommend that all owners and operators of Zodiac CH601XL/CH650 comply with actions outlined in a forthcoming Aircraft Manufacturing & Design, LLC (AMD) Safety Directive / Safety Alert to address the above-referenced concerns before further flight.

For SLSA owners and operators: We remind all owners and operators of their regulatory obligation to comply with Safety Directive / Safety Alert issued by AMD in accordance with the ASTM International consensus standards safety directive process and recommend the following:.

· Reference 14 CFR §21.190(c)(5) – The manufacturer’s requirement to issue safety directives.
· Reference 14 CFR §91.327(b)(4) – Owner/operator compliance with each safety directive.
· Obtain and install AMD’s modification kit (i.e., major alteration) per drawings and instructions.

• Contact AMD for any requests to correct the unsafe condition in a manner different from that specified in the safety directive.
• Since the AMD safety directive adheres to the applicable consensus standard, the FAA will not likely issue any waivers from the provisions of the safety directive.

· Adhere to the manufacturer’s drawings and instructions. These drawings and instructions address the structural design changes that are required to meet the ASTM design and performance standard T they also address other operating limitations.
· If necessary, obtain a special flight permit to fly the aircraft to a location where the safety directive modifications can be made. The FAA may add special requirements for operating your aircraft to a place where the modifications can be done. The FAA may also decline to issue a special flight permit in particular cases if we determine you cannot move the aircraft safely. To apply for a special flight permit, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 21.199.

For amateur-built and E-LSA owners and operators: Due to shared design characteristics that amateur-build and E-LSA aircraft have with S-LSA, we strongly recommend compliance with the drawings and instructions contained in the AMD Safety Directive/Safety Alert and recommend the following: · Reference 14 CFR §91.7: “(a) No person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in an airworthy condition. (b) The pilot in command of a civil aircraft is responsible for determining whether that aircraft is in condition for safe flight. The pilot in command shall discontinue the flight when un-airworthy mechanical, electrical, or structural conditions occur.”
· Obtain and install the kit manufacturer’s structural modification kit. The modification kit addresses the structural design changes and operating limitations required to meet a safe condition for operation.
· Contact the kit manufacturer with any modifications already incorporated to correct the identified unsafe condition to validate safety-of-flight issues.
· If necessary, obtain a special flight permit to fly the aircraft to a location where the safety directive modifications can be made. The FAA may add special requirements for operating your aircraft to a place where the modifications can be done. The FAA may also decline to issue a special flight permit in particular cases if we determine you cannot move the aircraft safely. To apply for a special flight permit, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 21.199.

For Further Information Contact

Wes Ryan, Manager ACE-114, Programs & Procedures, FAA Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106; Phone: (816) 329-4111; Fax: (816) 329-4090; e-mail: wes.ryan@faa.gov.

(Optional) For Related Service Information Contact

AMD, LLC (SLSA Manufacturer) Mailing address:
Heart of Georgia Regional Airport P O Box 4277 Eastman Georgia 31023 USA
415 Airport Road, TEL: 478-374-2759
Eastman, Georgia 31023 USA FAX: 478-374-2793
Email: http://www.newplane.com/

Zenith Aircraft Company (Kit Manufacturer) TEL: 573-581-9000
Mexico Memorial Airport, PO Box 650 FAX: 573-581-0011
Mexico, Missouri, 65265-0650 USA. Email: http://www.zenithair.com/

FAA issues SAIB on Zodiac CH601XL & CH650

On November 7, 2009 FAA has issued a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) on Zodiac CH601XL and the CH650 airplanes because of the several in-flight structural failures. The FAA did this because of the accidents involving in these particular Zodiac models.

Matt Younkin Injured

On Tuesday, November 10, 2009 aerobatic pilot, Matt Younkin survived a plane crash that happened at 3:00 P.M. in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. He didn't have any life threatening injuries, but he did have a broken hand that got treated on and fixed. The doctors also had to stitch up a cut on his leg. He will perform again!

Younkin's family released the following statement through the Younkin Airshows website:

"Matt Younkin was injured while flying the Younkin Mullicoupe on Tuesday afternoon. During his flight he experienced a loss of power and was forced into an emergency landing near a model airplane field south of his home in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Matt's injuries are non-life threatening and he is expected to make a full recovery in time for the 2010 airshow season. We would like to thank you for your thoughts and prayers at this time."

Younkin Family

ATP Opens FBO at Daytona Beach International Airport

ATP has entered FBO business, opening ATP Jet Center at Daytona Beach International Airport (KDAB) in Daytona Beach, Florida. ATP Jet Center provides internet pricing guarantee for full self-serve avgas and full-service JetA.

PS Engineering Debuts PMA6000B

PS Engineering has debuted an all new audio panel the PMA6000B (an updated version of the PMA6000). THE PMA6000B is smaller and lighter than its predecessor.

The next generation PMA6000B is a low cost audio panel that combines an audio selector panel with a top-quality manually adjusted VOX intercom and a slew of features to enhance versatility and utility.

Among the high points:

• Uses a single 44-pin connector making installation easier.
• Built-in 4 place mono intercom providing great cockpit communications.
• The PMA6000B comes with or without a built-in marker beacon receiver.
• Split mode allows the pilot and copilot to independently and simultaneously use both radios, even transmitting simultaneously on different frequencies.
• Pilot and crew/passenger isolate functions are an integral part of the design.

• Dual mono music inputs for passengers and crew are standard feature.

• PSE's renowned Soft Mute technology gently and subtly ramps the music down when conversation comes across either the intercom or the radio.

• A patented "swap" function (Patent #5,903,227) allows pilots to use a yoke-mounted switch to select Com 1 and Com 2 options without reaching for the panel.
• High quality, single VOX manual control, voice-activated circuitry and individual microphone channels form the heart of the intercom system.
• Passengers have their own voice and audio amplifiers.
• Backlit switches linked with a photo sensor carefully calibrates panel lighting to cockpit levels for all situations.
• Fail-safe feature automatically hard-wires the pilot to Com1 in the case of an outage.
• 
  Price: Audio Panel w/ 4 Place mono intercom remote $1195.00
  Price: Audio Panel w/ marker beacon receiver $1095.00
  

Viking Air DHC-6 Series 400 "Twin Otter" in Final Phase of Certification

The de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Series 400 "Twin Otter" is scheduled for customer deliveries in mid-2009, powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34 or optional PT6A-35 Hot & High Performance engines, and available on standard landing gear, straight floats, amphibious floats, skis, wheel skis, or intermediate flotation (Tundra) landing gear. The Viking Air series 400 "Twin Otter" certification work has entered final phase towards Transportation Canada and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification, which is expected in the next few months. It is in its final stages of process before releasing to the people and it could be here by 2010.

Piper Aircraft Gets New President

The new president of Piper Aircraft is C.G. Taylor who is also CEO of the company as well.

FAA Denies Curfew at Bob Hope Airport

The FAA has denied a request to institute a night-time curfew at Bob Hope Airport (KBUR) in Burbank, California. The airport is owned by Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority, which proposed a curfew from 10pm to 6:59am. The FAA denied the request because the curfew would restrict commerce and worsen air traffic in the Los Angeles, California area.

Teterboro Airport people wants new Tower

The Teterboro Airport KTEB in Teterboro, New York has asked FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt to increase the priority for construction of a new Air Traffic Control Tower.

Women's Wing Debuts At AOPA Summit

Women in Aviation International has teamed up with AOPA to create "Women's Wing" for the Aviation Summit in Tampa, Florida. The group hosted a breakfast for the women pilots.

Avidyne Debuts EX600 MFD

Avidyne debuts new EX600 Multi-Function Display for General Aviation airplanes and helicopters. The EX600 is an easy-to-use multi-function display system.

For more information: http://www.avidyne.com/products/ex600/functionality.asp

Dynon Avionics Debuts SkyView

Dynon Avionics has debuted the SkyView, a new generation glass cockpit for experimental and Light Sport Aircraft. SkyView offers a PFD, Synthetic Vision, and terrain maps as standard features.

Pricing:

MODEL NUMBER	DESCRIPTION	PRICE
SV-D700	SkyView 7” Display (includes main wiring harness)	$2,700
SV-D1000	SkyView 10” Display (includes main wiring harness)	$3,600
SV-ADAHRS-200	SkyView ADAHRS - First	$1,200
SV-ADAHRS-201	SkyView ADAHRS - Additional	$800
SV-EMS-220	SkyView Engine Monitoring Module	$600
SV-MAP-270	SkyView Navigation Mapping Software (*not yet available)	$500*
SV-GPS-250	SkyView GPS 5Hz Receiver Module	$200
SV-BAT-320	SkyView Backup Battery	$180
SV-NET-3CC	Network Cable – Both ends with connectors, 3’ long	$40
SV-NET-6CC	Network Cable – Both ends with connectors, 6’ long	$45
SV-NET-10CP	Network Cable – 1 end with connector, 1 end with pins only, 10’	$50
SV-NET-15CP	Network Cable – 1 end with connector, 1 end with pins only, 15’	$55
SV-NET-20CP	Network Cable – 1 end with connector, 1 end with pins only, 20’	$60
SV-NET-25CP	Network Cable – 1 end with connector, 1 end with pins only, 25’	$65
SV-NET-30CP	Network Cable – 1 end with connector, 1 end with pins only, 30’	$70
SV-NET-SPL	Network Splitter	$50

For more information: http://www.dynonavionics.com/docs/SkyView_intro.html

Support the Haiti Disaster Relief Effort

As you may all know about the Haiti 7.0 disastrous earthquake that happened on January, 12, 2010, I (Adam) will be taking part in the Haiti Disaster Relief Effort by putting a Blogger widget (that's in the top left corner); so that my readers can contribute to the Red Cross's International disaster relief effort. Just click the picture (in the top left corner) and you can donate money.

Ryan Christopher Mouritsen Dead at 33

I received an email from Brennan Callan and here's what it said.

Dear Adam,
I am so very grateful for all that you do to honor EAA members in such a respectful manner. The quality of your EAA Memorial wall photos was so good that I could read the names by using a magnifying glass to see them more closely. That said, Ryan's name was just out of the frame. Perhaps a future addition to your otherwise wonderful site could be a broad (wide shot) of the memorial, then close-ups of the various sections. Millions of people can benefit from viewing your webpage, but most of those people shall never be able to visit the memorial in person. For that reason, we, the viewing audience are dependent upon your generous nature to maintain the webpages.

Next month, 27 Feb. 2010 is the first anniversary of the death of my young friend and I do not know how I shall mark his passing, but I am sure that a great deal of crying will be involved as my tears cannot be contained each day.

Adam, you aren't just running webpages for a few (living and deceased) pilots, you are expressing your loving nature by helping the EAA membership to deal with our grieving process. Someone needs to hug you for your efforts as you are a wonderful young man to help out strangers, to honor them, respect them, and I thank you for going further to post my note. It is through our expression of loss that some alleged healing can begin. I say "alleged," for the pain grows exponentially at this point instead of subsiding.

On the night I held Ryan Christopher Mouritsen's Aviation Memorial on 28 September 2009, over the city of Louisville, Kentucky (the 16th largest city in the USA) (over Bowman Field-KLOU)(the oldest operating continuously airport in the world) (formerly the busiest airport in the world--WWII), honoring Ryan at this field seemed appropriate. While I hadn't probably written a poem in about 15+ years, I was so inspired by Ryan's life to return home and take notice of the emptiness and pain in my heart and mind.

************
As a reaction to the Aviation Memorial, I wrote the follow poem:

A poem for Ryan Christopher Mouritsen by Brennan James Callan, 28 September 2009:

Flying with Ryan's memorial aerial banner gave me the feeling of his presence for the flight.

Blustering, flowing, blowing, his banner soured across the sky just before the night.

Free of the troubles of life, we flew together, my friend and I.

Flittering in the sherbert colored sky, Ryan was with me.

If only for those moments now, if only those moments until I die.

Rather than moments for me, it was we.

My friend, the cute little guy.

What shall I do until we meet again.

For he is not mine to keep, but to think of now than then.

Endless tears keep coming each day and each week.

Perhaps he should inspire me to live life to its peak.

Yet, I still weep.

Others knew him better, but I knew him well enough.

He was an actor, a writer, an aviator, an adventurer, he had the right stuff.

I was a coward and never told him how I felt.

Those are the cards I was dealt.

To fall in love with someone and keep it to yourself.

Maybe that was selfish, or to doubt one's self.

Would he reflect the love or tell me to take a hike?

Investing in those words, those thoughts, those feelings, did seem right.

Youth was on our side, time seemed abundant, no need to rush,

Why cloud up a friendship with too much mush?

Who knew the darkest night was drawing near?

Ryan raced toward adventure without any fear.

He was a person loved by one and all.

He never heard those words from me for I was in a stall.

When is the right time to express your love to a new friend?

You had better do it soon, as we never know when life will end.

My love for Ryan was a secret to one and all.

To him, to his friends in California, and to his family in Utah.

Therefore, no one told me when the ultralight came to that fatal stall.

I learned of his passing months later in the National Gay Pilots Association periodical,

Now knowing why he never returned my call.

Now I can only tell everyone else, but not the adorable little guy.

He was the apple of my eye.

Putting his name above the Louisville sky today, what else could I do?

That's right, I should have found the courage during his living days and said, "Ryan Mouritsen, I love you."

Virtual hugs for you Ryan and and also for you Adam.

My older brother told me I should focus on the fact I was honored to know Ryan and not focus on how much I miss him from my life. That is easier said that done.

Broken hearted and adrift.

Hon. Brennan James Callan, Col.
bc@brennancallan.com
President/ Founder of Kentuckiana Cinematography Club (KCC)
http://www.brennancallan.com/kcc.html
http://www.brennancallan.com/cine.html
http://www.brennancallan.com/

Aeronautical Scientist, Underwater Geo Archaeologist, Anthropologist, Geographer, Paralegal, Criminologist, Cinematographer, Aerial Videographer, Still photographer, Writer, Producer, Director, Actor
PGP Fingerprint 929C 6FDD 5A1C B8F0 F5D8 645E 1924 B86A C99D E311

My School -Bettendorf Community School District- has an Airplane Article Up

MS Student Receives 3 Year Scholarship to EAA Camp
The Experimental Aircraft Association, Inc. recently announced that Brandon Gore, BMS student, has been accepted to attend the EAA Young Eagles Camp 2010 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Brandon is receiving 3 full scholarships from the local EAA Chapter 75, Quad Cities, IL to attend the next 3 years.

The EAA Air Academy offers young people the opportunity to meet and work with aviation professionals, while living and learning the arts, sciences, and lore of aviation in both classroom and workshop settings. Participants are ages 12-13 and come from around the United States and several foreign countries for the 64 slots.

Note: This is My School District
Official Site: http://www.bettendorf.k12.ia.us/

Ryan Christopher Mouritsen Dead at 33

I received an email from Brennan Callan and here's what it said.

Dear Adam,
Thank you for all of your work on the 2009 EAA Memorial Wall information. Ryan Christopher Mouritsen, 33-years of age at death, was a beloved friend and I miss him desperately to the point it is hard to breath when I think of his absence and my heart aches in ways that seem unnatural. Seeing that you have honored my friend only makes me proud to be a fellow member of EAA.

Adam, as someone who has a loved one on this 2009, I must thank you from the bottom of my broken heart for your efforts to maintain the webpages and honor the special pilots so enumerated on this list.

I loved him so much that I held an Aviation Memorial in Louisville, Kentucky on 28 September 2009 for him with a 1935 Waco biplane and a banner-plane that pulled a banner saying, "Goodbye Ryan Mouritsen [heart shaped symbol]."

At this ceremony, Ryan Mouritsen also posthumously was awarded the "Kentuckiana Cinematography Club (KCC) Lifetime Achievement Award" for his contributions to the motion picture and Television and entertainment industry." http://www.brennancallan.com/kcc.html

I tried to post my note to your site, but I do not have any of the social network assoications required to post to you. I hope this note makes it this time.

The following aviation poem inspired me to put on the Aviation Memorial for Ryan in the way I did with the banner-plane and the biplane.


Sincerely,

______________________________

___________________
Hon. Brennan James Callan, Col.
bc@brennancallan.com
President/ Founder of Kentuckiana Cinematography Club (KCC)
http://www.brennancallan.com/kcc.html
http://www.brennancallan.com/cine.html
http://www.brennancallan.com/

Two Qantas Pilots Suspended for Landing Gear Up before Landing

Quantas, Australia's national carrier, has suspended two pilots for failing to deploy the landing gear when an aircraft was coming in to land in Sydney. The aircraft was a Boeing 767-300 and at 700 feet the aircraft's warning system alerted the crew and the plane was able to climb back up to the altitude and land again but this time with the wheels down. No one was injured. It appears that it was a pilot communication error that caused the problem. The pilots are suspended.

ALPA Adopts New Pilot Fatigue Policy

Release #09.079
November 3, 2009

ALPA Adopts Landmark Pilot Fatigue Policy

WASHINGTON – The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), has adopted a leading-edge flight-time/duty-time and rest policy that is anchored to the Association’s “Schedule with Safety” motto and tailored to take into account the latest science on how pilots deal with fatigue and maintain maximum alertness.

“This new policy, which reflects ALPA’s seven-decade commitment to safety, is the culmination of a dedicated three-year effort focused on developing a truly modern, science-based position,” said Capt. John Prater, ALPA’s president. “With the FAA’s commitment to issue a new proposed flight- and duty-time rule by the end of the year, ALPA seized the opportunity to improve the safety and quality of work life for airline pilots by forging the strongest policy possible.”

In 2007, ALPA created a Blue Ribbon Panel on Pilot Fatigue to review the science and recommend actions for the union to pursue in taking on this extremely important issue. In addition, the Association has testified before Congress on numerous occasions as part of its efforts to draw attention to the need for urgent action.

ALPA’s Executive Board unanimously approved the new flight-time/duty-time limits and minimum rest requirements policy on October 28 after thorough deliberation by pilots from regional, national, flag, and cargo airlines. The policy sets very specific goals for both the flight- and duty-time regulatory reform (which is already under way in the United States and likely to follow in Canada) and for negotiating rules on scheduling in future pilot contracts.

ALPA’s policy takes on pilot fatigue in seven major areas: rest, duty, extension of duty, cumulative fatigue, augmentation, reserve, and fatigue risk management systems (FRMS). Among other approaches, the policy uses the time of day when a pilot reports for flight duty to determine the appropriate flight-duty period length.

For example, a 13-hour flight-duty period that includes a 9-hour flight-time limit would comply with ALPA’s new policy for pilots who report for work between 7:00 a.m. and 12:59 p.m. and will fly one to four legs during that duty period. On the other hand, ALPA’s new policy would set a maximum flight-duty period of 9 hours with a limit of 7 hours of flight time for pilots who report to work between 12:00 midnight and 3:59 a.m., because the duty period runs contrary to natural circadian rhythms.

“We have a scientific bibliography for every part of ALPA’s fatigue policy,” said Capt. Don Wykoff, ALPA’s Flight Time/Duty Time Committee chairman. “This policy also harmonizes ALPA’s position with that of the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization—two of the most important aviation safety organizations in the world.”

“We won’t know what is in the FAA’s proposed rule until it is published,” cautioned Prater. “But if the FAA considers ALPA’s new policy, and those of the other international aviation safety organizations, the result should be a regulation that sets the pace for progress in combating pilot fatigue around the globe.”

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilots union, representing nearly 53,500 pilots at 36 airlines in the United States and Canada

Adam Leon Sentenced to Two Years for Airplane Theft

ST. LOUIS A Canadian student pilot who stole a plane in hopes he would get shot down when he crossed the U.S. border was sentenced Tuesday in St. Louis federal court to two years in prison.

Adam Dylan Leon, 31, admitted that on April 6, he used his student key card to steal a fully fueled, four-seat Cessna 172 from the Thunder Bay, Ontario, flight school he attended.

U.S. District Judge Charles Shaw gave Leon a longer sentence than outlined in federal guidelines which was 12 to 18 months.

"Under the guidelines, this is treated like a stolen car," Shaw said. "This is very serious. I think this is an extraordinary situation in terms of cost and the hours involved. And it posed a significant disruption to government."

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection plane and two Wisconsin Air National Guard F-16 fighters gave chase after Leon flew over Lake Superior and crossed the U.S. Border.

Ignoring radio calls, plane-to-plane hand gestures and warning flares, Leon had wandered south in a 7 1/2 hour pursuit that triggered the evacuation of the Wisconsin Capitol in Madison and prompted alerts in a half-dozen Midwestern cities, including St. Louis.

Leon's attorney, Lucille Liggett said her client suffered from severe depression after his parents were killed in a car crash in Turkey in 2002. Soon after, Leon migrated to Canada to live with a cousin. Two days before the incident, his girlfriend called a suicide hotline and took Leon to the emergency room.

Depression medication had not yet taken hold when he decided to hijack the plane, Liggett said.

"He didn't have any malicious intent," Liggett said. "He was hoping he would die in a plane crash."

Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sauer said the overwhelming cost of the response warranted a tougher sentence. Documents show that the pursuit costs the government roughly $230,000.

A lenient sentence would also embolden those who wish to harm the United States, he said.

"Mr. Leon posed a threat to our national security," Sauer said. "We know now that he is not a terrorist, but other potential offenders may think they can get away with this too."

Leon passed west of St. Louis at about 14,000 feet, and commercial flights heading to Lambert-St. Louis International Airport were warned to avoid him.

As the plane's fuel gauge got low, Leon set down on a rural road near Ellsinore, Mo., about 120 miles southwest of St. Louis.

"I looked for an airport, but I couldn't see any. So I landed on a rural highway," Leon told the court.

Leon stashed the plane under an overpass and caught a ride to a nearby store to get a drink. That's where the Missouri Highway Patrol caught up with him.

"I regret what I have done," Leon said. "I wanted to end my life, but God gave me a second chance."

(c) 2009, St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Visit the Post-Dispatch on the World Wide Web at http://www.stltoday.com

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

Adam Leon Sentenced to Two Years for Airplane Theft

Adam Leon, 31 took off from Ontario flight school and stole a Cessna 172 and flew across the border into the U.S. After Leon crossed the border two F-16s and a U.S. Customs and Border Protection airplane perused into the chase. Leon was a student at the flight school in Thunder Bay and used his student key card to gain access which he used to get away in the airplane.

Evelyn Bryan Johnson 100 Years old

Evelyn "Mama Bird" Bryan Johnson born November 4, 1909-Alive. Age 100.
Evelyn Bryan Johnson turned 100 years old on November 4, 2009 and still serves as the Manager of Morristown, Tennessee's Moore-Murrell Airport. Congratulations!

NAHF Awarded Seventh Annual Combs Gates Award to Sarah Bryn Rickman

The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) has awarded its seventh annual Combs Gates Award to author and historian Sarah Bryn Rickman for the book, "Nancy Love and the WASP Ferry Pilots of World War II." Sarah received a $20,000 cash award.

Tony Erickson Promoted

Tony Erickson has worked for Oregon Aero, Inc. for 17-year and now he has been named as Chief Operating Officer for Oregon Aero, Inc. He will keep up to the day-to-day activities.

Quest Kodiak Receives Canada Certifications

Quest Aircraft Company has recently received Canadian type certification for the Quest Kodiak.

GAMA Positions Selected

The board of directors of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has elected Robert Wilson, president of Honeywell and General Aviation is elected as GAMA's chairman for 2010. John Rosanvallon, president and Chief Executive Officer of Dassault Falcon Jet is elected as GAMA's vice chairman and continue to serve as chairman of GAMA's Security Issues Committee. Additionally, the board elected four members to committee leadership positions: International Affairs Committee, Peter Edwards, CEO, Jet Aviation; Product Liability and Legal Issues Committee, Kevin Gould, CEO, Piper Aircraft; Safety Affairs and Training Committee, Caroline Daniels, chairman and CEO, Aircraft Technical Publishers; and Technical Policy Committee, Brad Mottier, VP and GM, Business and General Aviation Operation, GE Aviation.

AEA Reveals Convention & Trade Show Dates

Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) has reveled the dates for the convention and trade show dates through 2016.

2010: Orlando, Florida, from April 7-10, at the Gaylord Palms
2011: Reno, Nevada, from March 22-25, at the Grand Sierra Resort
2012: Washington, D.C., from April 3-6, at the Gaylord National
2013: Las Vegas, Nevada, from March 25-28, at the MGM Grand
2014: Nashville, Tennessee, from March 12-15, at the Gaylord Opryland
2015: Dallas, Texas, from April 8-11, at Gaylord Texan
2016: Orlando, Florida, from April 27-30, at the Gaylord Palms

For more information: http://www.aea.net/Convention/FL2010/default.asp

AirGator Debuts NAVPAD 8X EFB & NAVPAD 10X EFB

AirGator has debuted with its all new NAVPAD 8X and NAVPAD 10X. It is high performance, low power consumption Intel ATOM processor at 1.6HZ. It has a 2GB RAM.

HIGHLIGHTS- NAVPad 10X Electronic Flight Bag Specifications

Windows® Windows XP Tablet PC with operating system. XP Embedded, Windows CE, and Linux Optional

Compatible with standard Windows XP applications

Brilliant 10.4" TFT Active Matrix LCD at 1024 x 768 XGA resolution

Integrated touch screen display with "on screen" soft keyboard support

DO-160F Rapid Decompression tested for full FAA Class I/I EFB compliance

2 GB of RAM, optional 1GB models

High Speed, industrial-grade Solid State Disk (SSD) Storage, 32Gb or 64GB capacity

802.11 WLAN adapter and Bluetooth standard. Optional no RF models for military and special mission applications.

Two USB 2.0 ports and proprietary edge connector for external power, USB, ethernet and VGA

Full 16-bit audio with stereo; headset jack; built-in stereo speakers and microphone

Standard life and extended life internal batteries; Hot Swap external batteries (mat be changed while EFB is running)

Quiet and reliable fan-less operation, low heat generation

7 Programmable buttons and multiple hard buttons

Protective Rubber Bumpers for enhanced handling and ruggedness (removable)

Optional Desktop Cradle for charging & USB keyboard and mouse

Optional, mountable cradles for aircraft, wall, desktop, and vehicle deployments

Dimensions - 8.3 x 10.3 x 0.8in; 210 x 261 x 18mm

Weight - 2.05 lbs (0.93 kg)

Price: Starts at $3,660

Display	8.4” Hi-Brite outdoor TFT LCD with Touchscreen
Display Resolution	800x600 (SVGA)
Processor	Intel ATOM 1.6GHz Low Power CPU
Solid State Disk (SSD)	Industrial Grade 32GB; 64GB optional upgrade
Memory (RAM)	1GB; 2GB optional upgrade
Software Operating Systems	Windows XP Tablet
Enclosure	Magnesium-Aluminum alloy
Stylus	Yes
Desktop Cradle	Pass-through for Power and USB for Keyboard and Mouse
Protective Jacket	Adds drop protection
AC/DC adapter	Input: 90-240VAC Output: 12VDC, 3.5A
Power Cords	USA, EU, UK
Battery Packs	Lithium-Ion; Internal14W or 28W, External (26W, 0.5lb), and Tethered (72W, 1lb)
Networking	WiFi 802.11g Wireless standard Ethernet via optional USB cable
Wireless Bluetooth	Included
Input & Control Buttons	Seven (7) Front buttons; One Power (left edge); One “Trigger” (right edge)
Input/Output Ports	12V DC-in Jack; Microphone-In; Headset Jack; USB (1.1) Port
Dimensions (H x W x D)	7.9 x 9.6 x 0.8 (in) 200 x 240 x 18 (mm)
Base Weight	1.9 lbs (0.86 kg)
Regulatory	FCC Class B, CE, UL
Operating Temp.	0° – 40°C
Humidity	0% – 90% PRICE: Starts at $3,280