Our goal is to promote and encourage the preservation and safe operation of ex-military aircraft, better known as Warbirds.
These wonderful aircraft are an important part of our aviation heritage. Please join us in our efforts to “Keep ‘Em Flying!”
Learn more about the benefits of membership in EAA Warbirds of America!
Report: TSA Confirms LASP Changes
Will work with GA on a more reasonable approach to GA security
February 5, 2010 — Based largely on the negative response from the general aviation community, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) signaled major changes to the Large Aircraft Security Program (LASP), consistent with those EAA has been reporting, in an interview that aired Friday on National Public Radio. TSA also publicly acknowledged its intent to work with GA stakeholders to come up with a more reasonable approach to GA security through the formation of a General Aviation Working Group under the Aviation Security Advisory Committee, on which EAA has been invited to participate.
The report quotes Brian Delauter, TSA General Aviation Manager, stating, “We’re going to be 10 times more successful in partnership (with GA) than we are being combative.” About a year ago, EAA, AOPA, GAMA, and NBAA, called on TSA to dump the LASP and instead form a rulemaking committee made up of industry stakeholders to design more sensible and implementable measures. That resulted in several meetings between industry and TSA to find alternatives to the original proposal. (Read more)
User Fees Not in 2011 Proposed FAA Budget
February 4, 2010 —The While House has released its proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2011 and unlike previous proposal, there is no call for a system of user fees to be imposed on general aviation. Since virtually all of GA has rejected the notion of user fees to fund the FAA, this demonstrates the success of the GA community in finally convincing policy makers that user fees would severely affect general aviation’s viability.
Since user fees were first proposed in early 2006, EAA members and EAA have made it clear that funding the FAA and air traffic modernization is best accomplished through the existing, efficient fuel excise tax mechanisms. User fees would only impose greater costs and require creation of a new bureaucracy to administer them, and result in no additional revenue. (Read more)
2010 Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In, Lakeland, FL. will be held on April 13 – 18, 2010.
Sun ‘n Fun NOTAM Available – Pilots heading to Lakeland Regional Airport for the Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In are advised to download a copy of the 2010 Sun ‘n Fun NOTAM at: Sun 'n Fun 2010 NOTAM
For more information visit www.sun-n-fun.org
Hotel Reservations
EAA Warbirds of America has a block of rooms for our members at a discounted rate. Reservations are now open and can be made by clicking on: S 'n F Room Reservation 2010 . (You will need to enter your EAA warbirds membership number on the form.)
Aircraft Pre-registration.
Please pre-register your aircraft at: https://secure.eaa.org/warbirds/sf_aircraftregistration.html
Please call the EAA Warbirds Headquarters with any questions – 920-426-4826.
B-17 ‘Flying Fortress' 75th Anniversary Part of Big Celebration at EAA AirVenture 2010
January 25, 2010 - Exact 75th Anniversary Date of First Flight Arrives During Oshkosh Gala
The Boeing B-17 “Flying Fortress,” perhaps the most readily recognized bomber of the World War II era, will be center stage for its 75th anniversary during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2010, “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration,” on July 26-August 1 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.
Only about 15 of the iconic aircraft remain airworthy anywhere in the world, including EAA’s renowned “Aluminum Overcast,” which brings aviation history to the public through its annual national tours. Potentially, at least four B-17s could be present at Oshkosh as the exact 75th-anniversary date of the B-17’s first flight on July 28, 1935, comes during AirVenture. (Read more)
Emergency Notice
Notice Number: NOTC2101
Emergency Notification
The FAA has been made aware of an issue with an update to a navigation database that became effective on 14 January 2010. To date, the known affected models are: Honeywell Bendix/King KLN 35, KLN 88, KLN 89, KLN 89B, KLN 90, KLN 90B, KLN 94, KLX 100, KLX 135, KLX 135A, KLN 900.
Please refer to the following Honeywell website for more information:
https://www.bendixking.com/wingman/servlet/com.honeywell.brga.wingman.gps.GpsUserRoles?page=database_downloads
For more information, please contact: Jason Brys, FAA Flight Test Engineer in the Wichita ACO, at jason.brys@faa.gov or (316) 946-4138.
EAA, WOA to Present 'Salute to Veterans' at AirVenture
2010 – 01/14 - An extensive list of special programs and events honoring America's veterans will be part of highlights during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, this summer, July 26-August 1. AirVenture's "Salute to Veterans" is a national partnership led by EAA, the Warbirds of America, and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Activities will take place throughout the grounds during the week, with DAV playing a major role in the featured events, including the concluding concert by actor Gary Sinise's "Lt. Dan Band" on Friday evening, July 30.
"Those of us who enjoy the freedom of flight know that freedom comes at a cost-a cost borne by those who have served in uniform," said Tom Poberezny, EAA chairman/president. "This is the right thing to do at Oshkosh, because AirVenture is an event that honors flight like no other and is a great opportunity to salute those who serve and have served, and ensured our ability to participate in aviation. Salute to Veterans will be one of the primary focuses during AirVenture 2010." (Read more)
Redline Brakes to be Raffled for Alan Henley Fundraiser
2010 – 01/13 - Alan Henley, former leader of the famed AeroShell T-6 Aerobatic Team, suffered severe injuries in a home accident over a year ago. Since the accident, Alan’s teammates, including his brother Mark, Gene McNeely and Steve Gustafson have helped rally support for Alan.
Recently, Dan Springer from "Redline Brakes" has donated a set of Redline Disc Brakes for T-6s or Stearman aircraft to the North American Trainer Association (NATA) www.NorthAmericanTrainer.org. The brake kit will be drawn for in April at the Sun 'n Fun Fly-In, Lakeland, FL. The normal selling price for the brake set is $3,500.00. (Read more)
FAA SAIB: Fire Hazard in Resetting Circuit Breakers
Notice Number: NOTC2079
A Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) CE-10-11 advising pilots, owners, operators, and maintenance personnel of potential hazards of resetting an opened circuit breaker on General Aviation aircraft was published on December 23, 2009, and can be found at https://www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2009/Dec/SAIB_CE-10-11.pdf or at http://rgl.faa.gov.
SUBJECT: Electrical: Fire Hazard in Resetting Circuit Breakers (C/Bs)
Date: December 23, 2009
This is information only. Recommendations aren’t mandatory.
Introduction
This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) advises pilots, owners, maintenance
personnel, and operators of an airworthiness concern on all 14 CFR, part 23/Civil Air Regulations
(CAR 3) airplanes. It gives best practices regarding tripped circuit breakers (C/B), inspection and
maintenance of systems, and aging wires. There is a potential hazard when resetting an opened
circuit breaker.
At this time, this airworthiness concern is not considered an unsafe condition that would warrant an airworthiness directive action under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR), part 39. (Read more)
This SAIB also gives in-flight recommendations and best practices regarding tripped circuit breakers, inspection and maintenance of systems, and aging wires.
For Further Information Contact:
Leslie B. Taylor, Aerospace Engineer, Federal Aviation Administration, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust Street, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106; phone: (816) 329-4134; fax: (816) 329-4090; e-mail: leslie.b.taylor@faa.gov.
DC-3s Flocking to Join AirVenture Birthday Bash
January 11, 2010 - They're coming from everywhere; some three dozen DC-3 and C-47 aircraft that have already shown interest in participating in "The Last Time..." 75th anniversary celebration of the aircraft at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2010.
The list of potential aircraft that will be participating in the DC-3 mass arrival is still being finalized, but many of the participants are listed at www.TheLastTime.org website dedicated to the formation arrival coming to Oshkosh.
The registration list for the mass arrival on July 26 has reached its limit of 35 aircraft, because of limitations at the staging airports. Other DC-3/C-47 operators are welcome to participate, however, by individually flying to AirVenture, which will be held July 26-August 1 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. Those aircraft are encouraged to contact Adam Smith at EAA headquarters at asmith@eaa.org. (Read more)
Steve Hinton Wins Third Annual Air Show Buzz Person of the Year Award
ASB Selects Youngest Winner of National Championship Air Races for his Incredible Passion for Flight in 2009
January 5, 2010 – Los Angeles, CA – Air Show Buzz (ASB), the world's first and only media company delivering the passion of aviation and its lifestyle to millions of consumers worldwide, has selected Steve Hinton as the recipient of the ASB Person of the Year Award. The prestigious and highly coveted award is given out each year to an air show icon that captures the passion of flight and this past year Hinton was no exception after becoming the youngest pilot to win the top prize at the National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nevada in September of 2009. Hinton was awarded the prize which includes a custom made plaque. (Read more)
FAA Memo Causes Concern in Warbird Community
Experimental Exhibition Aircraft Targeted
December 18, 2009 - EAA Warbirds of America headquarters is responding to a memo coming out of the Reno, NV Flight Services District Office (FSDO), directing its inspectors to perform a ramp and aircraft records inspection of all experimental exhibition aircraft that are home based in the Reno FSDO area. EAA and Warbirds of America staff members are working this issue, which we view as a very serious matter. At this point, we are in the investigation phase. (Read more)
Poberezny, Kulp, Younkin Inducted into ICAS Hall of Fame
December 11, 2009 — EAA President Tom Poberezny was inducted into the International Council of Airshows (ICAS) Hall Of Fame last night (December 9) at the organization’s gala banquet in Las Vegas, Nevada. The dinner was the final event of the ICAS convention that brings together performers, organizers, production companies, and vendors.
Poberezny was inducted as an air show event organizer for his long stewardship of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the world’s largest general aviation event. Poberezny thanked his wife, Sharon, and reminded the audience of the responsibility that those in the air show industry have. “You are the ambassadors of aviation and the aviation community,” he said. “Think about the tens of millions of people you reach and touch who have the dream of flight and are impacted by this three dimensional space we work in. You represent all pilots, all aviation enthusiasts, all that love and participate in aviation.” (Read more)
EAA Launches EAA Warbirds Briefing e-Newsletter
November 19, 2009 — EAA and its EAA Warbirds of America division has launched Briefing, a new e-newsletter for EAA’s Warbird community and enthusiasts. The monthly publication includes feature stories as well as content focusing on government affairs, operational safety, aircraft under restoration, news from warbird squadrons and regions, and more. The newsletter will also include links to audio, video, and the growing number of warbird discussion topics on Oshkosh365.
Harold Cannon, editor, is an active WOA member and is enthusiastic about his new role. “This newsletter is partially written by you,” he said. “Please submit a note or pictures about your local goings-on. Take some time to write an article about your project; maybe you need help in finding that historic piece or part, or submit a report about what your local squadron has planned.” (Read more)
New FAA NPRM May Affect Jet Warbirds
Rick Siegfried, President of EAA Warbirds of America, EAA 12484, Warbird 13339
On August 31, 2009 the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for changes to 14 CFR Parts 61, 91, and 141. These changes would affect pilot, flight instructor, and pilot school certification rules. The proposals include requiring pilot-in-command (PIC) proficiency checks for pilots who act as PIC of single piloted, turbojet-powered airplanes. This set of rules would govern warbird jet aircraft certificated in the experimental exhibition category as well.
The NPRM does not take into account several issues, such as the number of qualified experimental aircraft examiners who could give the required check rides, under the proposal.
The rule does not take in to account that experimental exhibition jets (EEJ) already have more stringent requirements for the pilot in command and limitations defined by the aircraft’s operating limitations. We feel these requirements offer an equivalent level of safety compared to the proposal. (Read more)
Update on Presidential Succession
November 12, 2009 — Maintaining EAA’s unique culture and taking the organization forward are among the prime qualities needed in EAA’s next president, according to current EAA president/chairman Tom Poberezny. In March, Poberezny announced that he would be additionally assuming the chairman of the board role while the organization began a search to find its next president.
Tom spent a few minutes with EAA’s Dick Knapinski this week to update members on where that search stands, how it’s being conducted, and why the qualities that make EAA members special must be a part of the organization’s next day-to-day leader.
Listen to the interview (approx. 12 min.)
Convenience of Advance-Purchase Camping Now Available Online for EAA AirVenture 2010
Advance-purchase ticket site now open at www.airventure.org
Nov. 12, 2009 — Following on the popularity and success of advance online ticket availability for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh the past two years, attendees staying at the drive-in Camp Scholler area can now also pre-purchase camping for prime arrival dates. AirVenture 2010, “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration,” is coming July 26-August 1, 2010 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.
Advance camping purchase for the drive-in Camp Scholler area provides the convenience of express registration at the campground entrance through specially designated gates. First introduced for admissions at EAA AirVenture 2008, the advance purchase system allows EAA members and non-members to pre-purchase AirVenture admission via a secure website and speed through the admissions process. Both daily and weekly admissions are available, as is the ability to join EAA and immediately receive the best possible admission prices available only to EAA members. It also gives discounts to those who pre-purchase their AirVenture tickets before June 15, 2010, including $2 on daily admissions and $5 on weekly admissions for advance online purchasers. (Read more)
Gary Sinise and His “Lt. Dan Band” Returning to EAA Airventure Oshkosh in 2010 Nov. 11, 2009 — A weeklong salute to veterans during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2010 will be highlighted by the return of actor Gary Sinise and his “Lt. Dan Band” at AirVenture’s Theater in the Woods.
The concert, sponsored by EAA Warbirds of America and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), is scheduled for Friday, July 30.
It’s the second EAA visit for Sinise, best known for his role as Vietnam veteran Lt. Dan Taylor in the classic film “Forrest Gump,” and as star of the hit TV series “CSI: New York.” Sinise also plays bass in The Lt. Dan Band, which made its first, hugely popular appearance at Oshkosh in 2008. (Read more)
Bipartisan Group to Mr. President: No User Fees!
October 20, 2009 — One hundred eighteen members of the United States House of Representatives signed a letter sent to President Barack Obama today urging him not to propose user fees as a means of funding the FAA in the federal FY 2011 budget. The letter was spearheaded by Reps. Jerry Costello (D-Ill.) and Thomas Petri (R-Wis.), the chairman and ranking member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Aviation Subcommittee, as well as Rep. Vernon J. Ehlers (R-Mich.) and Rep. Allen Boyd (D-Fla.), co-chairs of the General Aviation Congressional Caucus.
The letter stresses to the president that “the current system of excise taxes has proven to be a stable and efficient source of funding for our aviation system” and that user fees would place an “undue administrative burden, and associated costs, on system users - particularly on small businesses and general aviation users.” (Read more)
A Vintage Lot
Keeping Aviation History Alive
By Tom Hoffmann
The word vintage can take on several meanings. For some, it could invoke memories of a bold, crisp cabernet sauvignon. Others might think of floral-embroidered bell-bottoms or velvet mini-dresses. Or, it could even be a light-hearted euphemism for those folks in their more “advanced” years.
But for pilots and airplane aficionados, the word vintage immediately conjures images of P-51 Mustangs, DC-3s, Ford Tri-Motors, and more as it rekindles the nostalgia of a bygone era.
Vintage aircraft are often the headliners at air shows and fly-ins across the country, and with their colorful and patriotic livery, are among the first spotted by spectators. Yet, have you ever stopped to appreciate how these aerial “landmarks” are able to safely grace our skies, well after their original tours of duty?
Behind the scenes of air shows, aircraft displays, and air races—like those found at Reno’s National Championship Air Races & Air Show—is the hard work of several hundred dedicated individuals, who ensure the vintage aircraft on display all look, sound, and fly just like they did in their prime. Despite the showbiz glitz and glamour associated with these types of aircraft, maintaining their safe operation and historical accuracy is not easy. It’s often a labor of love for these stalwarts of aviation history, whose reward is the knowledge these flying national treasures will continue to safely astound spectators for generations to come. (Read more)
Notice Number: NOTC1834
FAAST Blast—August 21, 2009
Biweekly FAA Aviation News update — SPECIAL EDITION
FAA Publishes Revisions to Flight Training Rules
Today, the Federal Register published revisions to the Code of Federal Regulations (parts 61, 91, and 141) (available at: http://frwebgate2.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/TEXTgate.cgi?WAISdocID=RuAi8b/0/1/0&WAISaction=retrieve ) that revise certain training, qualification, certification, and operating requirements for pilots, flight instructors, ground instructors, and pilot schools. “This final rule is a result of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) issued in early 2007,” said John D. Lynch, of FAA’s Certification and General Aviation Operations Branch. “These changes have been in the works since we issued the previous final rule changes to parts 61 and 141 in August 1997.”
Lynch reports the majority of the rule changes in parts 61, 91, and 141 are to “further FAA’s safety mission, incorporate international flight standards, and respond to recent technological advances in aviation. Many of the changes reflect and incorporate comments and suggestions made by trade organizations, flight schools, manufacturers, individual pilots, and others.” FAA received nearly 2,000 comments from across a wide range of the aviation community in response to the NPRM issued in February 2007. (Read More)
NATA Receives AMOC for T-6/SNJ Inspections
August 12, 2009 - Just before EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2009, the North American Trainer Association (NATA) received final paperwork from the FAA on an alternate method of compliance (AMOC) for an emergency airworthiness directive for North American T-6, SNJ, and Harvard aircraft. AD 2005-12-51 was issued in June 2005 after an AT-6 experienced a catastrophic wing failure in May that year.
The original procedure outlined in the AD was taken from a service letter developed by an FAA-approved repair station in South Africa after a similar failure in a South African Air Force (SAAF) T-6. The inspection called for the removal of all wing attach angle bolts in a specific order, stripping the paint, inspecting for cracks with a fluorescent dye penetrant, and reinstalling the bolts. Inspection interval was mandated at every 200 hours of flight time. (Read more)
FAA Announces Full Electronic Distribution of AD’s
Federal Register: August 5, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 149)
[Notices]
Page 39135-39136]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr05au09-134]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
Full Electronic Distribution of Airworthiness Directives
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of policy change; final disposition.
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SUMMARY: This notice announces the FAA's schedule for transitioning to
full electronic distribution of airworthiness directives (ADs). This
transition will provide a timelier and more cost effective method for
the FAA to provide safety information. (Read more)
EAA AirVenture 2009 Facts and Figures
August 3, 2009 - Comment from EAA president Tom Poberezny:
”I had high expectations for AirVenture 2009, but even those expectations were exceeded. After each event, you like to say it was the best ever, but you can’t do that every year. But I’m going to say it this year – AirVenture 2009 was the best ever. It’s difficult to imagine a week that matched the highlights, enthusiasm, and passion for aviation that we saw this year at Oshkosh.”
Attendance: 578,000 – An increase of 12 percent over 2008. (Read more)
2009 AirVenture Aircraft Awards Announcement
EAA Leads Advocacy Efforts For Experimental Exhibition Aircraft
July 9, 2009 — EAA led an industry team to FAA headquarters in Washington, D.C. this week to clarify regulations and reduce burdens on Experimental Exhibition certificated aircraft owners and operators.
EAA, teaming with the FAA and other grass roots organizations, have conducted an in-depth review of FAA Order 8130.2’s operating limitations and inspection requirements. Those discussions, a follow-up joint EAA/Industry meeting and further talks at AirVenture 2008 and the EAA/FAA 2009 Winter Aviation Summit produced results that led to this week’s meetings in Washington D.C.
“We are very close to the final process improvement product,” said Randy Hansen, EAA government relations director. “The success of these efforts is directly related to the long-term dedication of the entire EAA/FAA/Industry team.”
Also involved in ongoing discussions are EAA Warbirds of America, the Commemorative Air Force, and the Classic Jet Aircraft Association.
DHS Inspector General: GA Operations Pose No Homeland Security Threat
June 18, 2009 — The current status of general aviation (GA) operations does not present a serious homeland security vulnerability requiring the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to increase regulatory oversight of the industry, according to a report released by The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) this week.
The report, TSA’s Role in General Aviation Security, was drafted at the request of Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection, House Committee on Homeland Security. According to the OIG, the study objectives were to identify: TSA security requirements for general aviation airports; threats to general aviation; measures already taken to secure general aviation; steps nonfederal stakeholders have taken to enhance the security of general aviation; and any “incidents of concern” with security at general aviation airports.
The OIG visited a number of large and small, public and privately owned general aviation facilities in metropolitan areas where people could be perceived to be at risk in the event of a terrorist attack launched from the airports. “We determined that general aviation presents only limited and mostly hypothetical threats to security,” the OIG stated. “We also determined that the steps general aviation airport owners and managers have taken to enhance security are positive and effective…coupled with voluntary measures taken by the owners and operators of aircraft based at general aviation sites.” (Read more)
May 1 – FAA Issues SAIB Regarding Jet Fuel
