Sunday, July 30, 2017
THE OFFICIAL DAILY NEWSPAPER OF EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH
www.EAA.org/airventure
ONLY IN OSHKOSH PHOTO BY SCOTT SLOCUM
Two of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels flank the recently restored B-29 Superfortress Doc in an homage to American military history.
Apollo Astronauts Talk Shop in Historic Meeting Rapt audience hears mission-by-mission account of mankind’s greatest adventure BY JAMES WYNBRANDT
A HISTORIC MEETING of seven Apollo astronauts and their flight director at Friday night’s “Salute to Apollo” at Theater in the Woods shed light on the inner workings of the most successful scientific endeavor in history. It also revealed the human side of the incredible aviators. Recounting his experiences in the program, space shuttle astronaut Joe Engle, who had to give up his seat on the last Apollo mission in favor of geologist Harrison Schmitt, said, “I don’t want to get all gooey, but I got to know this incredible bunch of true American heroes you’ve got on stage tonight.”
PHOTO BY ANDREW ZABACK
Astronauts left to right: Fred Haise, Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and Walt Cunningham
APOLLO / PAGE 3
2017 Lindy Award Winners Announced Best aircraft at AirVenture recognized EVERY YEAR at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, hundreds of aircraft arrive to be entered into competition for the highly sought-after Lindy Awards. Named after legendary aviator Charles Lindbergh, the Lindy Awards are given out to only the best of the best. Aircraft can be entered into one of six categories: Homebuilts, Warbirds, Vintage, Ultralights, Seaplanes, and Rotorcraft. Aircraft can only be entered in one category per year, and are not eligible for the same or lower tier awards if it has won in the past. Lindy Award judging takes into account how an aircraft looks, of course, but the degree of craftsmanship involved plays an important role as well. Award-winning aircraft don’t just look pretty, they are carefully built, restored, and/ or maintained by owners who take great pride in them. For the list of 2017 Lindy Award winners, turn to page 6.
2
AirVenture Today
+ = +02 N1129S
-03
N430G
-10
N222GL
-12
N65927
YOU ALREADY HAVE ADS-B “IN.” GET ADS-B “OUT” WITH A GTX 335 FOR $2,995 , AND GET A MORE COMPLETE PICTURE OF THE TRAFFIC AROUND YOU. -06 1
Meet the requirements for ADS-B “Out” and unlock TIS-B ground station information with a single, affordable solution2. The Garmin GTX 335 ADS-B transponder with built-in WAAS position source. See. And be seen. Visit us at Garmin.com/GTX335 or visit our exhibit along Celebration Way!
+07
MSRP Promotional pricing available on orders placed before Dec. 29, 2017. See your Garmin Authorized Dealer for details. ©2017 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.
1 2
Sunday, July 30, 2017
Apollo / PAGE 1
3
PHOTOS BY ANDREW ZABACK
Moderator David Hartman deftly maneuvered the panelists — astronauts Buzz Aldrin, Frank Borman, Walt Cunningham, Joe Engle, Fred Haise, Jim Lovell, Al Worden, and flight director Gene Kranz — through the succession of Gemini and Apollo missions. Throughout the discussion there were good-natured references to the interservice rivalries between Air Force- and Navy-trained astronauts — and among all the astronauts — for mission assignments. Lovell and Borman, who spent 14 days in space together aboard Gemini 7 (and sat next to each other on the dais), recalled the unusual connection that can develop in such close quarters. Borman asked, “How many people in the audience would want to spend 14 days in a vehicle as small as the front seat of a Volkswagen Beetle with a sailor?” to which Lovell responded, “I know plenty.” EVAs (extravehicular activity), or space walks, were critical to preparing astronauts for the moon landing. However, deficiencies in the spacesuit, external capsule design, and the difficulties of replicating a weightless environment hampered advances until a NASA engineer suggested immersing a capsule in a swimming pool for training. “A few of our test pilots said, ‘How in the world can you simulate being in a vacuum by being underwater and moving around?’” Aldrin recalled. “Well, I had been scuba diving for eight or nine years at the time and thought this was really going to work.” How confident was the crew of Apollo 11, the first slated to land on the moon, that they would accomplish their mission and safely return to earth? Given the many factors that
Buzz Aldrin
Al Worden and Joe Engle
Gene Kranz
SALUTE TO APOLLO PANELISTS: BUZZ ALDRIN Pilot, Gemini 12; lunar module pilot, Apollo 11; former USAF fighter pilot and test pilot FRANK BORMAN Command pilot, Gemini 7; commander, Apollo 8; former USAF fighter pilot and test pilot WALT CUNNINGHAM Lunar module pilot, Apollo 7; former Marine Corps fighter pilot and physicist JOE ENGLE Lunar module pilot, Apollo 17 (replaced by geologist Harrison Schmitt); commander, Space Shuttle STS-2; commander, STS-51-1; former USAF fighter pilot and test pilot FRED HAISE Lunar module pilot, Apollo 13; former USAF and USMC fighter pilot and NASA research pilot GENE KRANZ NASA flight director during the Gemini and Apollo missions; aerospace engineer and former USAF fighter pilot JIM LOVELL Pilot, Gemini 7; commander, Gemini 12; command module pilot, Apollo 9; commander, Apollo 13; former Navy fighter pilot and test pilot ALFRED WORDEN Command module pilot, Apollo 15; former USAF fighter pilot and test pilot
could cause an abort to the lunar touchdown, “The three of us felt maybe [there was a] 60 percent chance that we would be able to land successfully,” Aldrin said, but “a 95 percent chance of coming home safely.” When Apollo 13 experienced the near-catastrophic explosion that transformed the mission from a flight to the moon to a fight for survival, what did Lovell really say? “That famous line [from the movie Apollo 13], here’s the actual situation:
The first time, Jack [Swigert, command module pilot] said, ‘Houston, we’ve had a problem here.’ But the transmission wasn’t copied, and when Mission Control asked Swigert to repeat, “I said, ‘Houston, we have a problem. We have a main B bus electrical problem,’” he said. Looking ahead to the future of mankind in space, Aldrin said, “I believe humanity will move and settle on Mars, and people will go there and will spend the rest of their lives there. … I think that is our destiny.”
AirVenture Today 2017
The official daily newspaper of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh – Vol. 18, No. 8 PUBLISHER: Jack J. Pelton VP OF COMMUNITY & MEMBER PROGRAMS: Rick Larsen DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATIONS: Jim Busha EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Kelly Nelson ASSISTANT EDITOR: Sienna Kossman EDITORIAL STAFF: Hal Bryan, Randy Dufault, Megan Esau, Katie Holliday-Greenley, Frederick A. Johnsen, Barb Schmitz, Ti Windisch, James Wynbrandt SENIOR COPY EDITOR: Colleen Walsh COPY EDITOR: Tom Breuer
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Brandon Jacobs GRAPHIC DESIGN INTERN: Nick Newman PHOTOGRAPHERS: Scott Pelkowski, Andrew Zaback, DIGITAL MANAGING EDITOR: Sara Nisler ADVERTISING MANAGER: Sue Anderson AirVenture Today is published during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017, July 23-30, 2017. It is distributed free on the convention grounds as well as other locations in Oshkosh and surrounding communities. Stories and photos are Copyrighted 2017 by AirVenture Today and EAA. Reproduction by any means is prohibited without written consent.
When summing up what space travel taught him, Lovell said, “We all think about, ‘I hope to go to heaven when I die.’ Ladies and gentlemen, you go to heaven when you’re born. You arrive on a planet with the positive mass that provides the gravity that contains the water and an atmosphere and the essentials of life. … God has given mankind a stage that we saw out there for us to perform on. How that play turns out is up to us.”
Today’s
SPONSOR OF THE DAY
4
AirVenture Today
Thanking the Fox Valley as AirVenture 2017 Winds Down
PHOTO BY CHRIS MILLER
AirVenture Highlights: Sunday, July 30
EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2017 would not have been possible without the generosity shown by the Fox Valley for hosting this event. As a way to say thank you to everyone in the surrounding area, tickets for Sunday are sold at a discounted rate of $19 for the day. The opportunity to see both the air show and the spectacle of so many aircraft departing Wittman Regional Airport is a special opportunity — and one that Fox Valley and Oshkosh residents are more than welcome to take part in. In addition to welcoming all local residents, EAA is extending a special invitation to all youth Scouts on Sunday. Any Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc. who come to AirVenture in their uniform will be given free admission. Special opportunities for Scouts will be available from the EAA education team in the Blue Barn, located on Knapp Street across from Forums Plaza, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Although AirVenture is winding down today, there are still plenty of fantastic events and activities happening on the grounds for everyone in attendance. Walk around and find something that’s just right for you.
YOUNG EAGLES RAFFLE DRAWING TODAY The winner of the 2017 EAA Young Eagles Raffle will be drawn today at 3 p.m. in the EAA AirVenture Welcome Center. Prizes include a Mustang GT convertible and a flight with Young Eagles Chairman Sean D. Tucker or lunch with Miracle on the Hudson First Officer Jeff Skiles, $5,000 and a Lightspeed Zulu 2 headset, and $2,500 and autographed EAA memorabilia. Proceeds from the raffle support the Young Eagles program. Winner need not be present for the drawing to win.
Fox Valley Day
10 A.M. EAA Memorial Wall Induction Service at Memorial Wall 10 A.M. Homebuilts in Review at Homebuilders Hangar 2:30 P.M. Daily Air Show, Presented by Quest Aircraft Company and Pratt & Whitney Canada, Including Blue Angels Non-Aerobatic Demo 3 P.M. Young Eagles Raffle Drawing on Boeing Plaza
PHOTO BY ANDREW ZABACK
Names Released in Thursday Seaplane Incident THE WINNEBAGO COUNTY Sheriff’s Department has released the names of those aboard the Lake Renegade amphibious aircraft that overturned on Lake Winnebago Thursday evening. The Winnebago County coroner also reported that one passenger, a woman, died Friday of her injuries. Those aboard the airplane were the pilot, Ray C. Johnson, age 84; passenger Anthony Stanlake, age 74; and passenger Diane M. Linker, age 71. No hometowns
were made available. At approximately 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 27, that aircraft was involved in a takeoff incident on Lake Winnebago near the Seaplane Base used for the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in convention. There were three occupants in the aircraft, which overturned during takeoff. The NTSB is continuing the investigation into the accident.
IMPOSSIBLE IS OPPORTUNITY WRAPPED IN CHALLENGE.
Vision and perseverance are the launch pads of innovation. As a proud sponsor of Oshkosh 2017, Boeing salutes those who have the passion to turn dreams into reality.
6
AirVenture Today
2017 Lindy Award Winners HOMEBUILT
STAN DZIK MEMORIAL AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING DESIGN CONTRIBUTION
SPECIAL AWARD
For embodying the homebuilding spirit Dennis Reynolds & Donna Svoboda Cottage Grove, Oregon Bearhawk Patrol, 240BP
William O’Neil Richland, Washington Berkut 360, N204BL
GRAND CHAMPION KIT BUILT – GOLD LINDY
BEST AEROBATIC – PLAQUE
Brad Hood Henryville, Indiana F-1 Rocket, N767BR
Curtis Cumberland Woodbine, Maryland Pitts S-1C, N834T
GRAND CHAMPION PLANS BUILT – GOLD LINDY
KIT OUTSTANDING WORKMANSHIP – PLAQUE
Bruce Paylor Guelph, Ontario Jungmann, CFEBU
Thomas Enns Thamesford, Ontario RV-8, C-FDTQ Stephen Eckrich Rapid City, South Dakota Evolution, N45EK Robert Anderson Stillwater, Oklahoma RV-8, N184GC Mark Coplon Shaumburg, Illinois RV-9A, N119RV Steven Allison San Jose, California RV-6A, 9806A Berni Breen Diamondhead, Mississippi Lancair Legacy, N444XD
PLANS OUTSTANDING WORKMANSHIP – PLAQUE
PHOTO BY SCOT SLOCUM
VINTAGE
ANTIQUE (THROUGH AUGUST 1945)
Pitts S-1C, N834T
KIT CHAMPION – BRONZE LINDY
PLANS CHAMPION – BRONZE LINDY
Richard Catch Libertyville, Illinois Lancair ES, N520RC
Melvin Meyer Duncan, British Columbia Meyer #2, C-GMJM
Jeremy Schult Gilbert, Arizona RV-7, N424JD
Scott Thomson North Bend, Washington Glasair SII FT, N605RS
Scott Elhardt Minneapolis, Minnesota RV-8, N32SE
Matt Flamini Yorkville, Illinois Pitts S-1S, N7TS
Gregory Read San Jose, California Tarragon 8, N27RR
RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION KIT BUILT – SILVER LINDY John Garred Whiting, Iowa Pitts Model 12, N171JG
Robert Unger Tinley Park, Illinois RLU-1 Breezy, N83X
Marvin Wessel Chandler, Arizona Lancair ES, N546ES
Les Krumel Cedar Crest, New Mexico T-18C, N48LK
Darrell Anderson Great Falls, Montana RV-4, N144DV
James Kidd Poplar Grove, Illinois Skybolt, N330HP
Harold Strittmatter Georgetown, Texas Acrosport II, N416H
Dave Schuler Urbandale, Iowa RV-14, N14B
PAUL POBEREZNY FOUNDER’S AWARD FOR BEST CLASSIC HOMEBUILT
G. Bardin Granville, New York Bel Aire 4000, N671EB
John Corneal Petersburg, Pennsylvania Subsonex, N465JC
RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION PLANS BUILT – SILVER LINDY
Harvey Swift Clinton, Arkansas Pitts S-1C, N593A
ANTIQUE CONTINUOUSLY MAINTAINED AIRCRAFT - SMALL PLAQUE Larry Harmacinski Redondo Beach, California 1930 Stearman 4E, N663k
WORLD WAR II MILITARY TRAINER/ LIAISON AIRCRAFT - LARGE PLAQUE Brad McGinnis Worthington, Kentucky 1941 Boeing A75N1, N55569
TRANSPORT CATEGORY - LARGE PLAQUE Yannick Bovier Savièse, Switzerland 1940 Douglas DC-3, H-BIRJ
CUSTOMIZED AIRCRAFT OUTSTANDING SMALL PLAQUE Timothy Shea Pearland, Texas 1940 Piper J-4A, N28209
CUSTOMIZED AIRCRAFT LARGE PLAQUE Frank Winkler Dallas, Texas 1941 Waco UPF-7, N32094
WWII ERA (1942-1945) OUTSTANDING OPEN-COCKPIT BIPLANE - SMALL PLAQUE Patrick Weeden Oregon, Wisconsin 1929 Stearman C3-B, N8811
Sunday, July 30, 2017
T H E
U LT I M AT E
speed machines
As the world’s fastest single-engine turboprop aircraft, Daher’s TBM 910 and TBM 930 attain jet-like speeds, yet are simple to fly and maintain. Equipped with state-of-the-art integrated flight decks (Garmin’s G1000 NXi in the TBM 910, and G3000 version for the TBM 930), they navigate the skies effortlessly at 330 kts., climb smoothly to FL310, and travel up to 1,730 NM. With Daher’s all-inclusive maintenance program and a five-year warranty, the ultimate combination of reliability, comfort and performance is a reality Speak to a TBM expert: (Americas) +1(954) 993-8477 (International) +33 5 62 41 77 88
www.tbm.aero
7
8
AirVenture Today OUTSTANDING ERCOUPE SMALL PLAQUE
CUSTOM CLASS D (236-PLUS HP) SMALL PLAQUE
Robert Porter Batavia, Illinois 1946 Ercoupe 415-C, N93949
William Guerrieri Simpsonville, South Carolina 1947 Ryan Navion, N660NE
OUTSTANDING LUSCOMBE SMALL PLAQUE
BEST CUSTOMIZED - LARGE PLAQUE
James Spurgeon Stillwater, Oklahoma 1946 Luscombe 8E, N1201K
OUTSTANDING PIPER J-3 - SMALL PLAQUE
B-29 Doc
BRONZE AGE (1937-1941) OUTSTANDING CLOSED-COCKPIT MONOPLANE SMALL PLAQUE Lowell Baker Effingham, Illinois 1941 Taylorcraft BC12-65, N29654
BRONZE AGE (1937-1941) - LARGE PLAQUE Alvin Musser Memphis, Missouri 1940 Piper J-3C-65, N26868
SILVER AGE (1928-1936) - LARGE PLAQUE Luke Lachendro Beaver Dam, Wisconsin 1932 Fairchild 22, NC13166
ANTIQUE RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION SILVER LINDY
Bruce Bowen Sturgis, South Dakota 1946 Piper J-3, NC92312
Rod McKenzie New Fairfield, Connecticut 1941 Piper J-3C-65, N37916
OUTSTANDING PIPER OTHER SMALL PLAQUE
ANTIQUE GRAND CHAMPION - GOLD LINDY Scott Woods Tiburon, California 1937 Stinson SR-9F, N18445
CLASSIC (SEPTEMBER 1945 - 1955) OUTSTANDING BEECH - SMALL PLAQUE Brad Gardner Kansas City, Missouri 1954 Beech B50, N633F
Daren Hrabe Tea, South Dakota 1949 Piper PA-11, N5084H
OUTSTANDING SWIFT - SMALL PLAQUE Scott Naumann Arroyo Grande, California 1950 Temco GC-1B, N817CC
OUTSTANDING TAYLORCRAFT SMALL PLAQUE Jeff Guenther Pendleton, Oregon 1948 Taylorcraft BC12D-85, N5612M
James Miller Genoa, Ohio 1954 Piper PA-18-135, N807EJ
CLASS I (0-85 HP) - BRONZE LINDY Shane Vande Voort Pella, Iowa 1946 Aeronca 7AC, N82940
CLASS II (86-150 HP) - BRONZE LINDY Lorraine Morris Poplar Grove, Illinois 1950 Cessna 140A, N5360C
CLASS IV (236-PLUS HP) - BRONZE LINDY Phillip Pedron Denton, Texas 1951 Cessna 195, N195PK
CHAMPION REPLICA CLASSIC BRONZE LINDY Bill Bradford Independence, Missouri 1945 Luscombe 10, NX34337
WORLD WAR II MILITARY TRAINER/ LIAISON AIRCRAFT CHAMPION BRONZE LINDY
OUTSTANDING BELLANCA SMALL PLAQUE
Randy McCoy Winnemucca, Nevada 1941 Boeing A75N1, N311HR
Doug Wilson Delta, British Columbia, Canada 1950 Bellanca 14-19, C-FEDW
TRANSPORT CATEGORY CHAMPION BRONZE LINDY
OUTSTANDING CESSNA 120/140 SMALL PLAQUE
Blake Butler Shelbyville, Tennessee 1936 Douglas DC-3, N17334
Sarah Dickerson Kansas City, Missouri 1947 Cessna 120, N120VW
CUSTOMIZED AIRCRAFT CHAMPION BRONZE LINDY
OUTSTANDING CESSNA 170 SMALL PLAQUE
CUSTOM CLASS A (0-85 HP) - SMALL PLAQUE
Benjamin Redman Faribault, Minnesota 1941 Waco UPF-7, N32083
Mike Schwarzkopf St. Peters, Missouri 1951 Cessna 170A, N1471D
George Spelman Noblesville, Indiana 1946 Aeronca 7AC, N2688E
BRONZE AGE (1937-1941) CHAMPION BRONZE LINDY
OUTSTANDING CESSNA 180 SMALL PLAQUE
CUSTOM CLASS B (86-150 HP) SMALL PLAQUE
Jeffrey Gaulrapp Coal Valley, Illinois 1941 Waco UPF-7, N32133
Scott Thompson Stoutsville, Ohio 1954 Cessna 180, N3643C
Ronald Morrison Geneva, Illinois 1948 Luscombe 8F, N1866B
SILVER AGE (1928-1936) CHAMPION BRONZE LINDY
OUTSTANDING CESSNA 190/195 SMALL PLAQUE
CUSTOM CLASS C (151-235 HP) SMALL PLAQUE
OUTSTANDING BEECH SINGLE-ENGINE OUTSTANDING IN TYPE
John Cournoyer Maryland Heights, Missouri 1932 Waco UBF-2, NC2091K
Wayne Eggen Langley, British Columbia, Canada 1952 Cessna 190, C-FISR
Mary Build Naples, Maine 1947 Piper PA-12, N4433M
Robert Prange Ashburn, Virginia 1967 Beech A23A, N6928Q
BEST CONTINUOUSLY MAINTAINED SMALL PLAQUE Jeffrey Deaton Morehead City, North Carolina 1954 Beech E35, N3214C
PRESERVATION - SMALL PLAQUE Vaughn Lovley New Prague, Minnesota 1953 Piper PA-22-135, N1301C
CHAMPION CUSTOMIZED CLASSIC AMPHIBIAN - BRONZE LINDY Steve Hamilton Washoe Valley, Nevada 1946 Grumman G-44A, N86611
CHAMPION CUSTOMIZED CLASSIC BRONZE LINDY Kyle Fosso Anacortes, Washington 1954 Cessna 170B, N2771C
RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION - SILVER LINDY Donald Wade Helena, Alabama 1949 Piper PA-11, N5533H
GRAND CHAMPION - GOLD LINDY Daniel Uminski, Ryan Johnson, Cory Johnson Middleton, Wisconsin 1946 PIPER J-3C-65, N88354
CONTEMPORARY (1956 - 1970)
Sunday, July 30, 2017
VISIT US IN HANGAR A: 1022-1029 FOR SHOW SPECIALS AND PROMOTIONS Check Out Our Website For More Show Promotions!
SAVE 15%!
SAVE 10%!
15% OFF PROPLOCK uSa SeCuRitY!
SAVE 10%!
ON THE TENSITRON ACX-SERIES DIGITAL aiRCRaFt CaBle TENSION METERS: • ACX-100-1 • ACX-250-1 • ACX-500-1
GET 10% OFF ALL BONEHEAD PRODUCTS!
GARMIN $40 UPDATES HEADSET BUYBACK PROGRAM FREE GROUND SHIPPING UPDATE YOUR GARMIN GPSMAP 196-696, AERA 500 SERIES, AERA 796/660 FOR ONLY $40! See our booth for details.
1-877-4-SPRUCE www.aircraftspruce.com 7
40% OFF AVIATION tutORialS BOOKS!
FREE AIRCRAFT SPRUCE PRODUCT!*
• SPEND $99 OR MORE & GET THIS T-SHIRT! • SPEND $125 OR MORE & GET THIS USB CAR CHARGER! • SPEND $250 OR MORE & GET THIS LED FLASHLIGHT! ONE PER CUSTOMER*
*Does not apply to oversized or hazardous goods.
See our booth for details.
7
PICK UP YOUR FREE 2017-2018 CATALOG
RECEIVE FREE UPS GROUND SHIPPING ON ORDERS PLACED AT THE AIRCRAFT SPRUCE BOOTH*
WE BUYBACK SELECT USED HEADSETS FOR CREDIT ON NEW HEADSET PURCHASE!
SHOW SPECIAL!
7
8
2
3
Check Out Our Website For More Show Promotions!
*Excludes MRP products. While supplies last!
9
10
AirVenture Today
OUTSTANDING BEECH MULTI-ENGINE OUTSTANDING IN TYPE Christopher White Granville, Ohio 1957 Beech D-50, N261B
OUTSTANDING CESSNA 170/172/175/177 OUTSTANDING IN TYPE Ryan Nelson Hibbing, Minnesota 1959 Cessna 175, N175XX
OUTSTANDING CESSNA 180/182/210 OUTSTANDING IN TYPE Rodd Rickenbach Denver, Colorado 1958 Cessna 180B, N5067E
OUTSTANDING PIPER PA-30 TWIN COMANCHE - OUTSTANDING IN TYPE
OUTSTANDING CUSTOMIZED - BRONZE LINDY
JUDGES’ CHOICE: O-2
Joseph Weaver Flower Mound, Texas 1957 Beech H35, N64JW
American Wings Air Museum Ham Lake, Minnesota Cessna O-2 Skymaster, N976AW
OUTSTANDING MULTI-ENGINE - BRONZE LINDY
JUDGES’ CHOICE: CJ-6
OUTSTANDING LIMITED PRODUCTION OUTSTANDING IN TYPE
David Glaser Peyton, Colorado 1970 Beech A56TC, N4620A
Robert McNerney Rancho Palos Verdes, California Nanchang CJ-6A, N2181W
Susan Maule Media, Pennsylvania 1963 M-4, N4706T
RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION CUSTOMIZED - SILVER LINDY
JUDGES’ CHOICE: TBM
BEST CONTINUOUSLY MAINTAINED OUTSTANDING IN TYPE
Lee Hussey Martinsville, Virginia 1960 Piper PA-24-250, N6455P
Kyle & Shevon Gee New Waverly, Texas 1967 Piper PA-30, N8368Y
Chris Cencula Roseville, California 1959 Piper PA-24, N5800P
RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION - SILVER LINDY
JUDGES’ CHOICE: AMERICAN PRIDE United States Air Force Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana Boeing B-52H Stratofortress, 60-0015
BEST L-5
OUTSTANDING CHAMPION - OUTSTANDING IN TYPE
MOST UNIQUE - OUTSTANDING IN TYPE
Mark Wyant Dallas, Texas 1958 Piper PA-22-160, N8664D
Nancy Fitzpatrick Fredericksburg, Texas 1969 Champion 7ECA, N5170X
Andrew Stolte Spring Hill, Florida 1961 Helio H-295, N5383G
GRAND CHAMPION CUSTOMIZED - GOLD LINDY
OUTSTANDING MOONEY - OUTSTANDING IN TYPE
PRESERVATION AWARD OUTSTANDING IN TYPE
Edwin Campbell Hookstown, Pennsylvania 1959 C.A.S.A. Jungmann 1.131, N4270
Daniel & Tori Patterson Frankfort, Kentucky 1964 Mooney M20C, N7163U
Paul Shank Gaithersburg, Maryland 1970 Champion 7GCBC, N9060L
OUTSTANDING PIPER PA-24 COMANCHE - OUTSTANDING IN TYPE
CLASS II SINGLE-ENGINE (161-230 HP) BRONZE LINDY
Hunter Neucere Grapevine, Texas 1959 Piper PA-24-250, N5778P
Jeff Stanford St. Marys, Georgia 1957 Cessna 182A, N3982D
OUTSTANDING PIPER PA-28 CHEROKEE OUTSTANDING IN TYPE
CLASS III SINGLE-ENGINE (231-PLUS HP) BRONZE LINDY
Danny Gallo Nashotah, Wisconsin 1964 Piper PA-28-160, N5770W
Joseph Astrologo Red Wing, Minnesota 1964 Beech S35, N335JA
GRAND CHAMPION - GOLD LINDY Dennis Ozment Quincy, Illinois 1955 Cessna 172, N5000A
WARBIRD PRESERVATION AWARDS Randy Maiville Onondaga, Michigan Cessna O-1G Bird Dog, N16886 Rod Lewis San Antonio, Texas North American B-25J Mitchell, N747AF Michael Porter East Liverpool, Ohio Boeing PT-17 Kaydet, N59293 Craig Ekberg Rolling Hills, California Nanchang CJ-6, N556TR
JUDGES’ CHOICE: P-63 CAF Dixie Wing Peachtree City, Georgia Bell P-63A Kingcobra, NX191H
JUDGES’ CHOICE: B-25 1941 Waco UPF-7, N32094
John E. Mosley Jackson, Mississippi Grumman TBM-3E Avenger, N5260V
CAF Minnesota Wing South St. Paul, Minnesota North American B-25J Mitchell, N27493
James Patrick Harker Forest Lake, Minnesota Stinson L-5, N9615H Silver Wrench Pat Harker Forest Lake, Minnesota
BEST B-25 Mid Atlantic Air Museum Reading, Pennsylvania North American B-25J Mitchell, N9456Z Silver Wrench Mid Atlantic Air Museum Reading, Pennsylvania
BEST O-1 John & Liz Schaefer Waterloo, Illinois Cessna O-1A Bird Dog, N413PG Silver Wrench Air Repair Cleveland, Mississippi
BEST T-34 William J. Beitler Washington, Pennsylvania Beech T-34A Mentor, N5172 Silver Wrench Blackwell Aviation Rostraver, Pennsylvania
BEST P-63 John Bagly Rexburg, Idaho Bell P-63 Kingcobra, NL163FS Silver Wrench John Bagly Rexburg, Idaho
Sunday, July 30, 2017
Thank You for Another Amazing Year at EAA AirVenture!
11
12
AirVenture Today
BEST HELICOPTER
MOST AUTHENTIC RESTORATION
HELICOPTER – SILVER
William R. Hays Jr. Sulphur, Louisiana Bell H-13E Sioux, N4250A Silver Wrench William R. Hays Jr. Sulphur, Louisiana
Fagen Fighter WWII Museum Granite Falls, Minnesota North American SNJ-4 Texan, N714AW
Norm Groom Rockford, Illinois RotorWay 162F, N8066R
KEEP ’EM FLYING AWARD
HELICOPTER – BRONZE
Mike Reirdon El Cajon, California Beech T-34 Mentor, N4982N Gold Wrench Blackwell Aviation Rostraver, Pennsylvania
Charles Bucci East Troy, WI RotorWay 162, N365CB
BEST JET Rich Sugden Jackson, Wyoming Douglas TA-4J Skyhawk, N234LT Silver Wrench Teton Aviation Center Driggs, Idaho
BEST PRIMARY TRAINER Craig Davidson Danville, Illinois Stearman N2S-3, N7520 Silver Wrench James Love Spokane, Washington
BEST BOMBER Doc’s Friends Inc. Wichita, Kansas Boeing B-29 Superfortress, N69972 Silver Wrench Doc’s Friends Inc. Wichita, Kansas
PHOENIX AWARD
Fagen Fighter WWII Museum Granite Falls, Minnesota North American SNJ-4 Texan, N714AW Gold Wrench MD Aero Inc. Smoketown, Pennsylvania
PHOENIX AWARD
Doc’s Friends Inc. Wichita, Kansas Boeing B-29 Superfortress, N69972 Gold Wrench Doc’s Friends Inc. Wichita, Kansas
Cessna 185, N2577Q
RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION: WORLD WAR II Collings Foundation Stow, Massachusetts Vickers Spitfire F Mk. IX, NX645Q Gold Wrench Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar Westerham, United Kingdom
GRAND CHAMPION: POST WORLD WAR II Keith & Kathy Brunquist Wasilla, Alaska Boeing Yl-15 Scout, N4770C Gold Wrench Keith Brunquist Wasilla, Alaska
GRAND CHAMPION: WORLD WAR II Rod Lewis San Antonio, Texas Douglas A-20J Havoc, N747HS Gold Wrench Aero Trader Chino, California
ROTORCRAFT HELICOPTER – GOLD Christopher Davenport Danville, California Safari 400, N271CD
LIGHT SPORT AIRCRAFT – RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION Benjamin Schneider Flanagan, Illinois Just SuperSTOL, N45FT
LIGHT SPORT AIRCRAFT – HONORABLE MENTION
GYROPLANE - GOLD
Oren E. Heatwole Dayton, Virginia Just SuperSTOL, N363JA
Jason Knight Tomball, Texas Autogyro Cavalon, N7770TX
SEAPLANE
GYROPLANE – SILVER
GOLD LINDY
Chris Lord Hanover, Illinois ELA Eclipse 10, N510EA
Tim Newton Cedar Falls, Iowa De Havilland Beaver, N450TN
GYROPLANE – BRONZE
SILVER LINDY
Brent Lavallee St. Clement, Ontario RAF 2000 CTX SE, C-GYRF
Clair Sceli Denfield, Ontario Glasair, C-GXXG
Doug Rhodes Rio Rancho, New Mexico Magni M-22, N223DR
BRONZE LINDY
Christine Toeys Whitewater, Kansas Titanium Explorer, N234TE
ULTRALIGHT & LIGHT-SPORT AIRCRAFT ANTIQUE ULTRALIGHT CHAMPION Michael Ostrander Rautoul, Illinois Quicksilver MX, E001MO
LIGHT SPORT AIRCRAFT – GRAND CHAMPION Michael Kraus Jackson, Michigan Kitfox Super Sport 7, N213KF
De Havilland Beaver, N450TN
J. Slingsby Rapid City, South Dakota Cessna 185, N2577Q
BEST AMPHIB John Willard Rockwood, Maine Glastar, N110BJ
BEST METAL Rob Haglund Maple Grove, Minnesota Cessna 85, N4220Q
BEST FABRIC Tim Hazlewood Van Buren, Arkansas Searey, N353TH
Sunday, July 30, 2017
Elevate your training Going pro? Jeppesen has the gear and training materials to help you proceed direct to your dream job. And our materials are tailored to fit individual learning styles—from traditional books and e-books to online to blended classroom/distance learning. Before you head to school this fall, stop by the Jeppesen building on Knapp Street (by the control tower) to learn more. Or visit jeppesen.com/KOSH29.
13
14
AirVenture Today
YL-15 Slowly Reached for the Sky BY FREDERICK A. JOHNSEN
AFTER WORLD WAR II, the U.S. Army went looking for a new light observation aircraft. In a competition that ultimately went to Cessna’s L-19, Boeing quickly designed its competing L-15. Boeing had, on several prior occasions, produced game-changing designs, ranging from its Model 40 mail plane to the then-radical fourengine Flying Fortress of 1935. That same game-changing grasp of aerodynamics and audacity would show up on the company’s successful sweptwing B-47 Stratojet bomber, and later on the 707 jetliner. But the unorthodox L-15 may have been a reach too far in 1946. Its truncated fuselage featured wraparound visibility for the back-seat observer, who could swivel to face aft. A boom supports the tail surfaces. The L-15’s wing uses full-span flaperons with interconnected bucket-type spoilers. Owner Keith Brunquist of Wasilla, Alaska, says the plane has a power-on stall speed of 18 miles an hour, and it achieves its best angle of climb at 37 miles per hour. At only 20 mph indicated, with one pilot on board, Keith says the L-15 will get airborne. At that slow speed, Keith said it sometimes feels like “I’m gonna die.” He added that it’s short-coupled and tricky in a crosswind. The unorthodoxy of the L-15 was countered in Cessna’s more mainstream L-19, which incorporated aspects of the civilian Cessna Model 170. Keith said perhaps the Army believed pilots could transition to the L-19 more easily than to the L-15. Economy of purchase may also have been a factor in the decision that limited the L-15 to a pair of prototypes and 10
service-test examples. After the dust settled, the short run of L-15s was transferred to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, where they monitored herds and chased down poachers in the early 1950s. The Fish and Wildlife pilots tried the stubby L-15s on wheels and skis, but the agency decided to standardize on more traditional airframes. The Boeing planes were surplus once more. Some sold for a thousand dollars or less, and Keith’s father, Norm Brunquist, paid $800 in February 1954 for the example now at AirVenture. The airframe had 400 hours total when the elder Brunquist acquired it. Keith flew in the back seat as a kid, and the slightly quirky craft grew on him. At one point, his father flew the Boeing on a pair of Edo floats, a configuration Boeing originally designed as an option for the L-15. But in the 1960s, the engine began to have issues and the fabric control surfaces were showing the effects of years of outdoor parking. The YL-15 went dormant, accumulating layers of snow each winter for 24 years, Keith said. “I was devastated when it just sat for years and years,” he remembered. After his father died, Keith was the only pilot among his siblings, so he bought it from the estate in 1994. After getting his restoration chops on a Luscombe project, Keith started tackling the YL-15 in 2003. He dipped into his father’s stash of new-old-stock control surfaces, and original Rohm and Haas Plexiglas glazing. “Of course, the paper was stuck on there,”
he said. Anyone who has ever tried to revive old Plexiglas panels still protected by adhesive paper knows how tightly it clings with age. Keith said he learned that 99 percent isopropyl alcohol on a microfiber towel can release the paper, albeit with a large amount of elbow grease. But today, this YL-15 flies with original Plexiglas installed. The YL-15 is designed for quick disassembly. “The boom comes off the fuselage with just three bolts,” Keith said. Wing panels come off, other parts fold in, and the tiny flying machine can fit through an 8-by-8-foot opening. Boeing designed it for transport in a traditional Army deuce-and-ahalf (2.5-ton) truck. Keith used a 24-foot box truck to bring the L-15 from Alaska to Anoka, Minnesota, where a team reassembled it before he flew it to Oshkosh for AirVenture 2017. The pristine YL-15 at AirVenture features carefully masked and placed markings, which Keith positioned by locating where they had etched into the anodized aluminum skin when the airplane was new. The belly skin was corroded from years of exposure, so he reskinned that portion. To keep the finished product looking uniform and new, Keith used a silver paint on top of gray epoxy primer. Keith modestly calls himself a low-time pilot. In addition to traditional aircraft, he has amassed about 23 hours in the YL-15 since its restoration. “It’s still a steep learning curve every time I fly it,” he said. “I’m having fun, though.”
PHOTO BY LYLE JANSMAN
Sunday, July 30, 2017
Inhofe Talks GA Protections at Oshkosh Forum BY MEGAN ESAU
U.S. SEN. JAMES Inhofe (R-Oklahoma) spoke to a crowded forum Saturday morning about the Fairness for Pilots Act and Forward Looking Investment in General Aviation, Hangars, and Tarmacs (FLIGHT) Act currently included in the Senate’s FAA reauthorization bill. Inhofe, an active GA pilot and EAA member, introduced both acts to Congress in 2017 to provide more pilot protections and resources to the community. His Fairness for Pilots Act (S. 755) includes the provisions of the Pilot’s Bill of Rights 2 that were not passed into law as part of the 2016 FAA reauthorization bill, particularly requirements for the FAA to improve accessibility to NOTAMs and increased transparency and due process for pilots under investigation. “The Pilot’s Bill of Rights primarily was to give the rules of evidence to pilots, the same as everybody else would enjoy,” Inhofe said, explaining that contrary to a U.S. citizen’s rights, pilots under investigation, historically, are guilty until proven innocent. The FLIGHT Act (S. 1320) would increase funding to GA airports from $600,000 over four years to $750,000 over five years, and make additional funds available for airports designated critical to disaster relief efforts. “One of the major changes is that if a small airport doesn’t use that $600,000 over that period of time, it used to go back to the FAA and end up at places like DFW and other big airports,” Inhofe said. “This says it has to be returned to a general aviation airport.” The increased funding would allow for improved infrastructure, including runway and taxiway updates, at GA airports across the country. The FLIGHT Act would also in-
PHOTO BY SCOTT PELKOWSKI
ADS-B now. Less downtime, stress and cost. Wheels up.
Your passengers rely on you to have your aircraft ready and available to the greatest extent possible, so why settle for an ADS-B mandate solution that requires unnecessary downtime? The MST 70B is a global mandatecompliant ADS-B transponder designed as a direct replacement for your existing MST 67As. By
clude provisions helping to preserve contract towers, an issue EAA CEO and Chairman Jack J. Pelton said is very close to EAA. “The tower that we have here at Wittman field is a contract tower,” Pelton said. “Without having these provisions in the bill, especially if we went to a privatized environment, you would see this tower go away, and essentially we would have no way to run AirVenture.” Inhofe noted that ATC privatization is not included in the Senate’s FAA reauthorization bill, and said although Rep. Bill Schuster (R-Pennsylvania) was not able to garner enough votes for privatization in the House this week, the battle will continue. “It’s not over yet,” he said. “But it’s because of you that we’ve had the successes that we’ve had so far.”
reusing the existing mounting trays and connectors, we’ll save you significant installation time and money. The MST 70B is approved for most popular business aircraft that were originally delivered with BendixKing 67As, including Citations, Gulfstreams, Challengers, Hawkers, Lears and Falcons. An affordable, easy-to-install ADS-B solution for your aircraft is available today. Why wait any longer?
To learn more, call 1.855.250.7027, contact your local BendixKing dealer or visit go.bendixking.com/MST-70B © 2017 Honeywell International. All rights reserved.
15
16
AirVenture Today
PHOTO BY SCOTT PELKOWSKI
B-25 Mitchell Russian Ta Get Ya on display in the Warbirds area.
PHOTO BY JJ GAINES
PHOTO BY DAVID BRESLAUER
Members of the Patriot Parachute Team make a spectacular entrance during Monday evening’s Twilight Flight Fest.
More than 5,000 volunteers helped make AirVenture 2017 a success.
Sunday, July 30, 2017
17
18
AirVenture Today
PHOTO BY ANDREW ZABACK
PHOTO BY LYLE JANSMA
PHOTO BY CONNOR MADISON
The daily air shows this week featured favorites like the AeroShell Aerobatic Team and the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, making their first appearance over Oshkosh.
PHOTO BY ANDREW ZABACK
Logan and Luke Koberg rode around AirVenture in style in a custom-built, twin cockpit P-51 Mustang stroller.
Sunday, July 30, 2017
Memorial Wall THE EAA MEMORIAL Wall is a special place on the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh grounds honoring fallen friends, family, and others who have inspired the next generation of aviators. The 2017 dedication ceremony and reading of the newly added names will take place at 10 a.m. today. The program also includes a missing-man formation flight and the playing of taps. The Memorial Wall was built from stones brought to Oshkosh by EAA members from around the world. Bronze plaques are installed each year bearing the names of the new inductees and are formally installed on the last day of the convention. Here are the names added in the past year to the EAA Memorial Wall. Ron Alexander George Allen Thomas J. Anderson Benjamin Scott Armen Edward W. Baar Jim Bede Joseph Beltrante Thomas George Birr Larry Bishop Cleon J. Biter George O. Blechel William F. Bordeleau Bill Brennand Tim Casserly Dorothy Chase Gene Chase Robert E. Christian Allan F. Cross H. John Dane Jr. James Michael Delaney Michael A. Dimiceli Capt. Chuck Downey Sylvia Ishkanian Fisher Tim Foley Edgar E. Friederichs Peter Graichen Donald C. Green Walter Lee Green Lt. Col. Gale Leroy Haskins Robert E. Hayden Cy Hetherington E.E. “Buck” Hilbert Arden R. Hjelle R.A. “Bob” Hoover Eugene Horsman Vince & Alice Hostetler
Daryl Ingalsbe Richard A. Justice James Labre David Le Voy Jack E. Liggett Arthur P. Loring Jr. J.A. “Drew” Martin Sr. Cmdr. Bill McClure Dennis McCright Russ Miller Charles W. Moran Vince Morris Maj. Bill Newnham Paul W. Ogle Sr. Charles G. Ostrander Capt. James Winford Parker Gerald R. Peacock David A. Pistole James Edward Radtke James C. Ray Jim Riverside Richard Roe Charles Ross Ren Sagaert Guy A. Snyder Ronald J. Stromberg Johnnie J. Swecker Ken & Helene Terrio Jim Thomas Jeary R. Vogt Thomas W. Wathen William John Watson Bob Weed Carl Wendt Andreas Hayato Wiedemann Anthony T. Wojnar
Aviall Supports
General Aviation
Aviall is proud to support the thousands of aircraft maintenance facilities around the world. We have 85 years of industry experience, 40 global stocking locations and nearly two million parts in our system. Plus, we offer worldclass maintenance, repair and overhaul services for battery, hoses, wheels and brakes. If you are looking for experience and reliability, ask your FBO or maintenance shop to call us today. Go with Aviall.
PROUDLY KEEPING THE WORLD IN FLIGHT
aviall.com
1-800-AVIALL-1
19
20
AirVenture Today
Dick Rutan Tested Himself in Combat BY FREDERICK A. JOHNSEN
VETERAN PILOT DICK RUTAN was the honored guest at a Warbirds in Review session Friday that recounted his Air Force experiences in the Northrop F-89 Scorpion all-weather interceptor. The F-89 Scorpion on display outside the EAA Aviation Museum was supposed to be towed down to the Warbirds in Review ramp, but when that was not possible, a similar vintage T-33 stood in as Rutan talked about Scorpion tactics. The F-89 is remembered warmly by some EAA members because it was flown by the organization’s founder, Paul Poberezny. Dick was a radar intercept officer (RIO) in F-89s for the 57th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Keflavik, Iceland. He recalled the Scorpion’s attack profile, in which the RIO would set a course to put the F-89 on a 90-degree beam attack to its target aircraft. Adjusting the course to avoid a collision, the Scorpion would release all or some of the 104 unguided missiles it carried in the front of its large wingtip tanks, he said. Cold War alert duty at Keflavik included occasional scrambles to identify jetliners that had strayed off course. Dick said he flew the last active-duty Scorpion alert at Keflavik when he saw the inbound F-102s that would replace the Scorpions. Dick’s warbird session quickly morphed into a discussion about his later Air Force service in F-100s over Vietnam. Following pilot training, Dick was pleased to be posted to F-100 Super Sabres. He had wanted to be an Air Force pilot since he was a child. Dick said he marveled at the courage of World War II aviators who returned to the skies, mission after mission, in the face of daunting odds of survival. “I wondered if I could do that,” he said. Did he have the mettle to match WWII crews? Vietnam was in conflict, and “little Dicky Rutan was going to find out.” His first tour in an F-100 consisted of bombing targets in the jungles. He learned of a new venture that would send two-seat F-100s over North Vietnam as high-speed forward air controllers (FACs) under the call sign “Misty.” It was his job to mark targets on the busy Ho Chi Minh trail. “The neat part of this was flying low and fast,” Dick said. “We got shot at a lot.” Sometimes, to show a new Misty volunteer what the neighborhood was like, Dick would fly to a rock prominence to see “the kid on the karst.” It was there that an enemy gunner with a .50-caliber weapon opened fire but missed the fast-flying Super Sabre. The highest calling for a Misty FAC was participating in the rescue of a downed American airman. On one sortie, Dick found himself below the normal 3,000-foot floor for Misty operations as his twoseater strafed a truck. A bang and fire indicated the
PHOTO BY FREDERICK A. JOHNSEN
Veteran pilot Dick Rutan discussed exciting aspects of his flying career during a Friday Warbirds in Review session.
F-100 was hit. As the aircraft lost fuel, the circular fuel gauge told a sickening tale as the two airmen dashed for the coast to bail out near rescuers. The
crew debated lighting the afterburner to get more speed as fuel streamed overboard, but they wondered if it would explode, Dick said. Finally, they hunkered down reflexively in their seats and hit the burner. It worked, accelerating the crippled F-100 until Dick saw the fuel gauge needle nudge about one width below zero. “And it flamed out,” he said. On the Jolly Green rescue flight home that day, “I went to sleep because I knew my tour was over,” Dick said. Dick Rutan’s tour adventures were only beginning. He will forever be remembered as a pilot of the Rutan Voyager, the nonstop, globe-girdling composite aircraft designed by his brother, Burt Rutan, and built on a shoestring budget in Mojave, California. The notion of tanking enough gas for a nonstop, round-the-world flight was pretty outrageous. During the Warbirds in Review session, Dick once again pondered how dangerous the mission was. They even made a “death tape” to give to the rest of the team in case they didn’t make it. Flying the flexible-winged Voyager required a good understanding of its construction and limitations, as there was a very real chance of overstressing it, Dick explained. Just before taking off from Edwards Air Force Base on December 14, 1986, he told himself, “Dick, you’re probably going to be dead in five minutes.” However, the flight, while fraught with perils such as the potential loss of winglets, was safely completed. Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager can claim what many considered to be the last aviation milestone flight. Dick said he was inspired during difficult times on the global flight by something his mother had said: “If you can dream it, you can do it.” PHOTO BY FREDERICK A. JOHNSEN
This Scorpion, displayed outside the EAA Aviation Museum, represents the aircraft EAA Founder Paul Poberezny flew. Dick Rutan discussed his early Air Force experiences in the Northrop F-89 Scorpion during a Friday Warbirds in Review session.
Sunday, July 30, 2017
A120
High Performance Air Band Mobile Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) & Bluetooth® Capable Talking between ground crew, thetower and those in the air is easier with the new A120.
Visit Icom at Booths 2027-2028
Built to Mil-Spec other features: • On-hook Scan and Dualwatch Functions • Side Tone Function • Compatible with 12V and 24V Systems • Optional Bluetooth Enables Third-party Wireless Headset www.icomamerica.com/A120 Follow us today.
©2017 Icom America Inc. The Icom logo is a registered logo of Icom Inc. 42401_d
21
22
AirVenture Today
Annual Young Eagles Pilot Gets Ride With Sean D. Tucker BY TI WINDISCH
DOUG MILIUS, EAA 190535, is one of just 14 pilots who have given Young Eagles rides every year since the program began in 1992. Doug, like the vast majority of Young Eagles pilots, doesn’t do it for the recognition. Still, he was recognized on Friday,
during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017, when Young Eagles Chairman and legendary air show pilot Sean D. Tucker gave him a ride in his EXTRA 300 to acknowledge the work Doug has done for Young Eagles over the years. Doug described his ride — which
PHOTOS BY LYLE JANSMAN
included him in control of the stick for some rolls and inverted flying — as “the chance of a lifetime.” “I’m not used to doing aerobatics; I’m used to straight and level flying,” Doug said. “The inverted shot, close quarters … I’ve never flown inverted for that length of time. [You’re] pulling on the straps, looking at the chase plane, and realizing you’re upside down.” In addition to flying Young Eagles at his air shows, Sean also likes to give rides to volunteers like Doug who make the program possible and successful. “I love taking the volunteers, to thank them for all of their hard work,” Sean said. “It’s truly volunteer pilots and coordinators who put this together. We fly 50,000 kids, and they do it for the right reasons. They sacrifice their time; they spent their own money on this. These are wonderful people.” Doug was thrilled, and exhausted, after his flight with Sean, and confirmed he is involved in the Young Eagles pro-
gram for the right seasons, although getting to fly with Sean D. Tucker was certainly much appreciated. “I always loved aviation, and I thought, ‘If I can give kids the opportunity to fly and get into aviation, it would be a wonderful thing,’ and it is,” Doug said. “It’s a terrific program. And there’s so much support from everybody.” Sean and Doug both spoke highly of the Young Eagles program, and Sean noted young people’s lives can be changed for the better, thanks to the work of so many generous volunteers across the world. “The parents are there, and they see that their kid is special, maybe for the first time in their life,” Sean said. “It really empowers the parents to keep that kid special. And for the kid, for them to see just being who they are, that they’re special, we let them know that their dreams are relevant, and they can come true.”
Sunday, July 30, 2017
ONLY AT EAA JULY 24 THROUGH JULY 30
STOP BY THE LINCOLN ELECTRIC BOOTH (#469) FOR
SPECIAL SHOW PRICING ON OUR MOST POPULAR MACHINES
No matter the process, no matter the material, Lincoln Electric machines are ideal for welders who want to continually raise their skill level. Fabricators will enjoy using our multi-process Power MIG® 210MP, which does MIG, TIG, stick and flux-cored welding, while the advanced functionality found in our Square Wave® TIG 200 will help expand your expertise. Lightweight and with dual-voltage (110V or 230V) capability, each machine has “Take it Everywhere, Plug in Anywhere.™ usability.
AR17-13 ©2016 Lincoln Global, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
23
24
AirVenture Today
Flying Group Sends Australian Brothers to AirVenture
PHOTO BY ANDREW ZABACK
Onex Builder Friends Meet Up at AirVenture BY RANDY DUFAULT
CHOOSING A HOMEBUILT or kit airplane model is a very personal endeavor. Each type has numerous attributes that attract a builder — appearance, configuration, construction technique, engine, etc. For Mark Edwards of Kelso, Washington, it was folding wings. “Hangar rents were getting high, so what do you want to do?” Mark said while standing in front of his Navythemed Sonex Onex at EAA AirVenture 2017. “You want to find a plane with folding wings. So that’s why we picked this [design].” “We” refers to Mark and hangar mate (and fellow Onex builder) Loren Sievila. The friends ordered their kits at the same time, and both arrived in Kelso on the same truck. The projects progressed at a similar rate and ultimately received their airworthiness certificates on the same day. “We got the certificates May 14, 2014,” Loren said. “Got them the same day from the DAR. He had to fly up, so it saved us a little money.” Loren chose a Navy theme for his craft, too, although it doesn’t exactly mirror Mark’s finishes. Both craft initially flew with AeroVee engines. Not completely satisfied with the performance, the pilots decided to mount CAMit 2200 mills on the little one-seaters. “It’s 40 pounds lighter than the AeroVee so we went from 600 fpm climb at takeoff to over 1,000 fpm,” Mark said. “That was a benefit — make it lighter.” The lighter engine required moving the propeller 7 inches forward and necessitated substantial modifications to the original cowling.
“Mark did a great job on the fiberglass,” Loren said. Mark added, “It was worth it. It flies nice. That engine was just made for this airframe.” Loren blogged about his build on www.MyKitLog.com. That effort allowed him to closely track the more than 1,100 hours spent on the project — and connected him with fellow Onex builder Todd Reifers of Indianapolis. “We actually just coordinated and decided what we were going to do,” Todd said. “We sent pictures back and forth. It just took off from there. We’ve become very good friends.” The builders met up at AirVenture 2017 and parked next to each other in the Onex row. “There were quite a few problems with the early drawings, which is not unusual,” Loren said. “One specific thing was on the outboard wing panel. There was a pre-punched angle that was punched incorrectly … so I found that and was able to prevent Todd from having the same problem.” Loren visited Todd several times over the course of his project to help with the build. Todd is an artist by trade, and Loren is a millwright, and Todd believes their combination of talents really helped his project along. Folding wings were not the impetus for Todd’s choice of the design. “I decided, ‘I’m going to change direction 90 degrees to the right,’” Todd said, after describing a failed effort to acquire a custom motorcycle. “I drove up here [in 2012], saw the Onex, sat in it, and ordered a kit. That is not like me, but it was the best thing I’ve ever done.”
BY KATIE HOLLIDAY-GREENLEY
BROTHERS ROB AND Will Matthews developed a strong passion for aviation and community at a young age, often spending their free time at the Temora Aviation Museum near their home in Australia. In July 2016, a group of local pilots decided to reward their passion by raising money to send them to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017. “[They] thought it’d be a good idea to bring them over to Oshkosh mainly because their passion for aviation is so strong,” said Glenn Sheehan, who helped bring the boys to Oshkosh. Coming from a small community, Rob, 18, and Will, 12, said the first thing that struck them about AirVenture was the size. “[It’s] a massive scale of things, compared to what we’re used to,” Rob said. “It’s amazing the different people that you meet. ... Hearing their stories and what they do in regard to flying. … It’s not something that we really get where we come from. You can meet 100 people a day. It’s a big eye-opener.” One of the people they got to meet was aerobatic pilot Mike Goulian, who performed in his Extra 330SC. Australian Red Bull Air Race pilot Matt Hall frequents the Temora Airport, and Will and Rob have gotten to know him, too, so Matt arranged for the boys to have VIP access to Mike’s show at AirVenture. “They got to go up and do some passes with Mike Goulian and meet Mike,” Glenn said. “Mike, I think, had quite a big influence on Will. He was a bit star-struck.” Will took his first flying lesson last year at the age of 11 and said he hopes to become an aerobatic pilot someday. Rob soloed on January 26, 2016, and when he gets home, he plans to finish navigation training and get his recreational pilot certificate. His focus for now? Spreading the joy of flight. Both boys said they want to share their passion with other young people.
“It’s not all about doing it for a living, it’s about having fun and getting together as a group,” Rob said. Glenn said the boys’ desire to connect with others was part of the reason the local flying group decided to start fundraising in the first place. “One of the things that we noticed very quickly about Rob and Will is that they’re both very passionate about their community, helping their community, but also about getting young people involved in aviation,” he said. “I think one of the major motivations for the group that have raised the money is the fact that if they’re talking to older people like us, it’s not really getting through. These guys here talk to these young people, and instantly they’re on the same wavelength and they’re making sense to them.” Will and Rob’s first trip to Oshkosh is documented on their blog, RobandWillatOshkosh.wordpress.com.
PHOTO BY GLENN SHEEHAN
Sunday, July 30, 2017
Versatility takes you anywhere. B E E C H C R A F T. C O M
|
U. S . + 1 . 8 4 4 . 4 4 .T X TAV
|
INTERNATIONAL + 1 . 3 1 6 . 5 1 7. 8 2 7 0
Š 2017 Textron Aviation Inc. All rights reserved. Beechcraft and King Air are trademarks or service marks of Textron Aviation Inc. or an affiliate and may be registered in the United States.
25
26
AirVenture Today
EAA Adds More Parking, Camping as Attendance Grows BY BARBARA A. SCHMITZ
MANY PEOPLE COME to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh each year to see row after row of airplanes. But this year, they are also finding row after row of cars, trucks, and other vehicles. The number of people who drove to AirVenture was so large Friday, EAA added a new parking lot dubbed the Pink Lot. And, preparing for even larger Saturday crowds had crews getting a second new lot ready named the Red Lot. “The number of cars Friday was well above anything in recent memory,” said Brian Wierzbinski, EAA executive vice president of operations and administration and CFO. “We filled all the traditional lots, prepared the Pink Lot, and then put 800 cars in there.” The Pink Lot is adjacent to the Brown Lot, located across from the EAA Aviation Museum on Poberezny Road. Brian said they created the Red Lot “on the chance that we’ll need it.” He was monitoring traffic around
noon on Saturday and said he’d know in the next few hours whether they would also have to open that lot. Most of the parking lots were in good condition, despite rain earlier in the week. “During midweek, we had a few places in some of the parking lots that got a little muddy and slippery,” he said. But EAA’s facilities crew quickly poured gravel in those low spots so vehicles could get the traction they needed. Brian said Oshkosh received rain eight days out of 10 since April. That, combined with cooler temperatures, has made for perfect growing grass weather. “We’ve been mowing much more frequently,” he said. “We just finish mowing the whole grounds, and then we have to start over again. But we always try to maintain the Paul Poberezny standards.” Poberezny, EAA’s founder, always promoted high standards for the grounds. Besides running out of parking space, EAA also ran out of camping space. “We had to create an ex-
pansion to the campgrounds, something we were preparing to do for next year’s AirVenture,” Brian said. “But, we pulled the trigger and converted 10 additional acres to camping Thursday night.” The campground was expanded on its eastern side, between Schaick Road and Ripple Road. Brian said Camp Scholler is filled with 11 percent more campers through Friday, compared to 2016. In addition to mowing grass, the crew had to bring in portable toilets and dumpsters, and create traffic and busing routes. “Everything had to be adjusted because it’s important that those people who camp there are treated to the same standards as everyone else,” he said. “We believe there are no second-class citizens anywhere.” He praised the EAA team — both staff and volunteers — who worked tirelessly to make these changes quickly. “Everyone gave a little extra.”
EAA would like to thank our partners for their support in making your convention special P L AT I N U M L E V E L S P O N S O R S
GOLD LEVEL SPONSORS Epic Aircraft • Honda Aircraft Company • Honda Generators/Honda Marine • Lycoming Engines • Mars Chocolate, North America • Sporty’s Pilot Shop
S I LV E R L E V E L S P O N S O R S AeroLEDs • AeroShell • AIRBUS • AOPA • Aspen Avionics • Dynon Avionics • Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University • Evolution Aircraft Company • Icom America Inc. • John Deere Lincoln Electric • Motorola Solutions/Northway Communications • NATCA • Nikon Inc. • Piper Aircraft, Inc. • Poly-Fiber Aircraft Coatings • Pratt & Whitney Canada • Quest Aircraft Company Redbird Flight Simulations
BRONZE LEVEL SPONSORS Aircraft Specialties Services • Alpina Watches • ASA • Aviat Aircraft Inc. • Bose • Cirrus Aircraft • Cleveland Wheels & Brakes/Parker Aerospace • Continental Motors • CubCrafters • DJI Embraer Executive Jets • ForeFlight • GE Aviation • GoPro • Hartzell Engine Technologies • Hartzell Propeller • ICON Aircraft • JP Instruments • L3 Aviation Products Lancair International • Lightspeed Aviation • Mooney International Corporation • ONE Aviation • Pepsi • Priceless Plane Products • Rotax Independent Service and Training Centres RotorWay Helicopter Manufacturing Company • Stemme USA • Superior Air Parts, Inc. • Tempest • Van’s Aircraft • Williams International • Women in Aviation International Z-Park Sky Innovations GA Alliance-China
PAT R O N L E V E L S P O N S O R S American Airlines • B & C Specialty Products Inc. • FedEx Express • Gill Aircraft Batteries • Glasair Aviation • jetAVIVA • Riesterer & Schnell • Shell Aviation • Starr Aviation • Swift Fuels, LLC TruTrak Flight Systems • Wipaire Inc
SUPPORTER LEVEL SPONSORS 4imprint • Arena Americas • ATM Transit • Carrier Corporation • COOL-SPACE • Endeavor Air • Etched Memory • FliteTest • GAMA • Generac • GES • Ideal Crane Rental • MCPGSE PSA Airlines • Scaled Composites • Sensenich Propeller Mfg. Co. Inc. • Slingshot • The Walkabout Company • UND Aerospace
Sunday, July 30, 2017
27
Pilot and President of Botswana Ian Khama Makes First Oshkosh Visit Lifelong aviation enthusiast flies transports, helicopters, and a powered parachute BY JAMES WYNBRANDT
PRESIDENT LT. GENERAL Seretse Khama Ian Khama of Botswana — an aviation enthusiast and transport, rotorcraft, and powered parachute pilot — came to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017 yesterday for his first fly-in visit. “I was in the neighborhood,” President Khama told AirVenture Today, alluding to his featured appearance this week at a meeting on conservation and sustainability at the University of Wisconsin. “And as I’ve heard so much about the air show, I decided I would set aside the day and have a look around.” President Khama’s infatuation with flight began at an early age. “When I was very young and I used to sit in aircraft, I always used to say to myself, ‘What would happen if that pilot had a heart attack?’” he said. “You know, what if a perfectly serviceable aircraft went down because of pilot incapacitation — let me start learning to fly, so that in that eventually I’d be able to take over the controls. And then once I did, I just fell in love with flying, and that’s what I’ve been doing for many years.” The president earned his private pilot’s license in Botswana, and got his IFR, commercial, and multiengine ratings in Belgium, trained under FAA standards. Today in Botswana, general aviation is “growing all the time,” he said. “Be-
cause it’s quite a big country, about the size of France, and of course, wide open spaces.” The tourism industry is “responsible for most of the aviation activity in the country, and that has been growing steadily over the years,” he added. “We’ve got a lot of young student pilots going through flight training right now, as we speak, and they’ve got a very good career to look forward to.” While in Oshkosh, the president has some specific areas of aviation he wants to explore. “I’m very interested in aircraft [that] are able to conduct anti-poaching patrols, slow and low flying, observation type aircraft, to be able to take on some of those operations back at home,” he said. “We have a lot of wildlife, and it needs protecting. As you’re probably aware, there are a lot of people these days who are trying to take ivory from elephants and rhino horn from rhinoceros. I’m also very interested in the DC-3, which has been, I believe, renovated with turbine engines,” he noted. “But as an aviator, just about anything that flies is of interest to me.” With that, the president joined his delegation and was off for his first — but we hope not last — tour of AirVenture.
THIS IS EPIC.
MAXIMUM CRUISE
TIME TO CLIMB SL TO 34,000
RANGE MAX CRUISE
RANGE ECO CRUISE
PAYLOAD (FULL FUEL)
325 KTAS
15 Minutes
1385 NM
1650 NM
1120 lbs.
www.epicaircraft.com 541-639-4602
888-FLY-EPIC
28
AirVenture Today PHOTOS BY ANDREW ZABACK AND ERIN BRUEGGEN
Old Glory Honor Flight Takes Vietnam Veterans to D.C. More than 100 veterans were flown to the nation’s capital Friday THE OLD GLORY Honor Flight took 105 Vietnam veterans from Wisconsin to Washington, D.C., on Friday morning so they could spend the day visiting various memorials, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Smithsonian’s Price of Freedom exhibit.
Honor Flight riders got a police escort so they could proceed quickly though the sights of D.C. and make it back to Oshkosh for a Friday evening return ceremony. Honor Flight’s return to Oshkosh was a chance for many Vietnam veterans to get properly welcomed home
for the first time due to the cold reception many of them faced on their initial return. The chance to see memorials like the Vietnam Wall, and simply be among others who know the struggles they faced both at home and abroad, makes the Honor Flight a special opportunity
for the veterans aboard Old Glory. This was the fifth year an Honor Flight departed from and arrived at Oshkosh. Initially, it was supposed to be a one-time event, but the first flight’s success encouraged all parties to keep the tradition going.
Sunday, July 30, 2017
29
Superior Air Parts Celebrates 50th Anniversary Manufacturer remains focused on “making flying more affordable.” BY JAMES WYNBRANDT
PISTON ENGINE and engine parts manufacturer Superior Air Parts is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and highlighting important milestones in its history, at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017. The company began with a single product: a valve guide created by founder Burt “Inky” Dedmon that out-performed — and lasted longer — than competitive products. It just grew from there. Superior introduced its Millennium Cylinder in 1991, its Millennium Generation II as well as complete engines for experimental aircraft a decade later, and subsequently, an engine certified for installation on production GA aircraft. This year, Superior received its 3,500th FAA authorization for an engine part, and lays claim to being the world’s largest producer of FAA-approved PMA parts for piston aircraft engines. “Our tag line is ‘Making flying more affordable since 1967,’ and that commitment means a lot to us,” said Keith Chatten, CEO of the Texas-based company. “Our customers have come to rely on us to bring some competitive cost control to the aftermarket parts business, and we take that role very seriously.” Scott Hayes, vice president for Superior sales and marketing, added, “My hope is, any dollars I can help them save, they put it in fuel and fly. They introduce a friend or neighbor to flying, they get excited about it, and that keeps the cycle going.”
In addition to its parts, Superior now offers the 180-hp Vantage engine, STC’d for installation in production aircraft, including the American Champion Explorer and Cessna 172, and the 150-hp XP-320, the 200-hp XP-382, and the 215-hp XP-400 for experimental aircraft. At AirVenture 2016, Superior inaugurated a series of educational presentations on engine topics at its tent (257, Main Aircraft Display area), led by piston guru Bill Ross, vice president of customer support. This year, it hosted 18 such sessions, in partnership with AeroShell, Camguard and RAM Aircraft, covering topics including engine oils, compression testing, and owner inspections. As part of this year’s anniversary celebration, Superior also debuted a new book, Engine Management 101, by Bill Ross, the company’s vice president of product support. The book is filled with proven tips and insights into how to get more performance, reliability, and value out of a piston aircraft engine. “I’ve spent my entire career around piston aircraft engines, either as a charter pilot, A&P/IA, or working for an aircraft engine manufacturer,” Ross said. “I’ve seen just about everything an owner can throw at their aircraft engine, and have learned the right ways to operate and maintain an engine to avoid all the major problems. That’s the insight I’ve put in this book.”
208/209
Vi in sit S Bo iri ot usX h# M 37 2
See a new Mooney Acclaim Ultra at AirVenture with SiriusXM weather & entertainment in Booth #247
Get Superior Aviation Weather Show Specials & More Come by our Booth 372 for Show Specials, Giveaways & enter for a chance to win show prizes.
$200 R E B AT E
Purchase any new eligible aviation satellite weather receiver from January 1 to December 31, 2017, activate it with any SiriusXM Aviation weather subscription package from SiriusXM by December 31, 2017, maintain 60 days of continuous service and receive a $200 SiriusXM Rewards Visa® Prepaid Card. See Rebate Offer Details at www.siriusxmrewards.com/air17200
© 2017 Sirius, XM, SiriusXM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc. All other marks are the property of the respective owners. All rights reserved.
30
AirVenture Today
PHOTO BY BRETT BROCK
Rotorway
Helicopter Roundup BY RANDY DUFAULT AND JAMES WYNBRANDT
FROM EXPERIMENTAL to fully certificated, and classic to cutting edge, rotorcraft are taking a starring role at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh this year. Here’s a roundup of some of the exciting platforms you may have seen on display this week. ROTORWAY This year, RotorWay celebrates 50 years of delivering rotary-wing flight to the amateur-built aircraft community. Aside from two examples of classic designs in its booth, the company is showing off improvements to the current A600 kit model and a concept prototype for a certified helicopter called the RW7. New to the A600 is a turbocharged
power option, new lightweight landing gear, improved aerodynamics for the tail rotor, and a complete prebuilt wiring harness that simplifies installation of the electrical system. The changes saved 40 pounds of empty weight. Pricing for a kit containing everything except the radios is $99,886. The prototype RW7 on display is RotorWay’s entry into the certified helicopter market. Based on proven technologies derived from its kits, the company expects the RW7 to serve both the training and recreation markets at acquisition, and operating costs below that of currently available certified models. RotorWay’s booth is located just east of the control tower in the Main Aircraft Display area.
PHOTO BY ANDREW ZABACK
Innovator Technologies
INNOVATOR TECHNOLOGIES Known since 2001 for its Mosquito single-seat helicopter kits, Innovator brought the prototype of its two seat Swift to Oshkosh. Mosquito variants are available as Part 103 compliant ultralight models, and as experimental amateurbuilt variants. Which rules apply depends on the chosen model, and on options. Kit prices range from $30,000 to $40,000. Power for the two-seat Swift experimental model comes from a 185-hp Lycoming O-360. Planned price for the kit is $110,000, and a builder’s assistance program will be available. Visit Innovator’s booth in the Ultralight/Rotorcraft Display area.
PHOTO BY SCOTT PELKOWSKI
Airbus
AIRBUS With its expansive windows and comfortable cabin, the single-engine Airbus H130 helicopter on display here is popular with air tour operators, charter operators, law enforcement, and emergency medical services (EMS). It’s also used for private VIP transport. The single-pilot rotorcraft can accommodate up to seven passengers, depending on cabin configuration. In service since 1999, in 2012 the H130 was updated with a new transmission, improved anti-vibration and air-conditioning systems, enhanced fuel cell, and automotive style latches that allow cabin doors to be closed, just like a car, reducing wear and tear on the helicopter for tour operators. In EMS applications, the wide cabin can accommodate a stretcher, giving care providers complete access to the patient. Cruise speed is about 130 knots, range is more than 300 nm, and the H130 is priced about $3.6 million. The Airbus pavilion is in the Main Aircraft Display area (427, 436).
TRI
Sunday, July 30, 2017
TRIM
PHOTO BY ANDREW ZABACK
Safari
SAFARI HELICOPTERS Known for its Bell 47 inspired model 400, Safari Helicopters is showing the prototype of its new 500 model. A core goal for the 500 is faster cruise speeds. The 400’s bubble canopy imposes a number of aerodynamic limits that the 500 is designed to relieve. Hover testing is underway with broader tests beginning in the next month. Both models share the same mechanical and engine configuration, and pricing for both kits is the same at $142,000 including engine and avionics. Orders are available at AirVenture 2017 for both models, with model 500 kit deliveries expected to begin within the next three months. Safari’s booth is located in the Ultralight/Rotorcraft Display area. WORKHORSE GROUP The SureFly, which made its U.S. debut here at AirVenture, is an in-development, electrically powered, two-place personal helicopter from Workhorse Group, an Ohio company primarily in-
volved in electric propulsion for ground transportation. The SureFly’s four arms extending outward above the cabin each contain two motors driving counter-rotating propellers — one above, one below — at the end of each arm. Much easier to fly than a conventional helicopter, a joystick controls horizontal motion while a simple up and down button controls ascent and descent. A 200-hp gas-powered turbocharged engine drives a generator that produces electrical power. In the event of an engine problem, a lithium-ion battery can provide five minutes of power, enough for a safe landing. There’s also a ballistic recovery chute as further backup. The company aims to have the displayed prototype ready for tethered flight tests by the end of 2017. Target price for the SureFly is less than $200,000, per Workhorse. The SureFly is on display in the Innovation Center. SBM DEVELOPMENT Planning to fill a gap in the current helicopter training market, SBM Development has displayed a prototype of its RT216 lightweight turbine helicopter. According to company representatives, the spacious two-seater fills the need for a low-cost option for turbine transition training. Typically, larger four-, five-, and six-place turbine helicopters fill that role with their attendant higher costs. While those higher costs may not seem excessive in the U.S. and Europe, they are unaffordable in other regions of the world. Plans are in place to certify the craft first under European microlight rules, and later under Part 27 rules.
KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE. Phillips 66® Aviation Booth #430 is the place for fun,
FREE activities and great giveaways. • Enjoy Bag-go toss game • Grab a friend and take a picture at our Photo Booth FREE giveaways include cool swag for summer like sunglasses, T-shirts, backpacks and collapsible fans.
Phillips 66® and Phillips 66 Wings Logo are registered trademarks owned by Phillips 66 Company or one of its subsidiaries. © 2017 Phillips 66 Company. All rights reserved. 009636_AirVenture_Daily_Plane_Mech.indd 1
7/13/17 2:32 PM
It’s time to move it from your heart to your hangar. The seduction begins with our trademark tail and alluring laminar-flow wing. Then we hook you, unapologetically, with a new pilot-side door, interior upgrades, Garmin NXi avionics and a sleek composite shell. Whatever lands the newly-certified M20 Ultra series aircraft on your wish list, one thing is certain: Never have your heart and head been so perfectly aligned. We’re hand-crafting new Acclaim Ultras and Ovation Ultras today, and you can take delivery of your dream machine this year. So, if not now, when?
PHOTO BY ANDREW ZABACK
SureFly
31
Contact sales@mooney.com | 800.456.3033
32
AirVenture Today
AirVenture Benefits Oshkosh Community Nonprofit Organizations BY BARBARA A. SCHMITZ
IN GENERAL, nonprofit organizations don’t have a lot of money. But, what they do usually have is an abundance of volunteers. And that makes community organizations a perfect fit for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, said EAA Director of Communications Dick Knapinski. EAA provided fundraising and other opportunities for nonprofit organizations on the convention grounds for about 30 years, Knapinski said. Sacred Heart Church, which later merged with another parish and was renamed St. Jude the Apostle, was one of the first groups to begin selling concessions on-site. Knapinski said EAA approached the parish long ago about using its nearby cemetery land for parking in exchange for the opportunity to sell concessions. That first concession stand, consisting of just a tent and table, was in the parking lot of the cemetery, said the Rev. Matthew Simonar, St. Jude’s pastor who has spent much of the week working in the stand, which is now located near the EAA Bus Stop. “That first year we made $1,000, and we really wondered if all the work was worth it,” he said. But the amount the Roman Catholic Church has earned has grown just as AirVenture has. Now, they net more
than $35,000 during the weeklong convention, and Simonar is guessing they’ll even surpass that number this year. “This is the second year we added breakfast, and on the fourth day, we already doubled the number of breakfasts we served over the first year,” he said. “Plus, we’re selling out of some items almost every night.” But Simonar said it isn’t so much about the money they make through concessions, but rather about the people who volunteer there and the visitors they meet. “This is an opportunity for our parishioners to socialize and have fun,” he said. “It really brings the parish together as people have time to laugh, talk, and meet people from all over the U.S. and world. Even if we were still making just $1,000, it would be worth it.” About 200 volunteer shifts need to be filled throughout the week, he said, and this year they even turned people away who wanted to help. Some people will work multiple shifts, while others bring in family or friends from out of town to help. Knapinski said sometimes they approach other organizations for opportunities, and sometimes community organizations approach them. For about the past five years, several nonprofit organizations, such as the Oshkosh YMCA,
PHOTOS BY SCOTT PELKOWSKI
Mid-Morning Kiwanis, and JDRF, have profited from the beverage carts scattered throughout the grounds and manned by volunteers, he said. Oshkosh YMCA President and CEO Tom Blaze said they have had no difficulty finding the 55 or 60 volunteers needed to man two carts for the week. “Some of the volunteers are members, and some are staff. But that’s the nice thing about it,” he said. “It gives our staff an opportunity to get to know members they normally don’t interact with on their job.” Many volunteers enjoy it so much, they come back year after year, Tom said. “It’s just fun being on the EAA grounds with so many diverse people. Everyone is open and friendly, and there is so much going on at EAA, from exhibits, to lectures, to air shows. A sense of electricity permeates the grounds.” Tom said the YMCA typically makes $10,000 or more during the event. “We feel fortunate to be invited back each year, and we don’t take this opportunity for granted,” he said. Michelle Wihlm, a member of the Mid-Morning Kiwanis Club of Oshkosh, agreed. Her group has been running two beverage carts for four years on the AirVenture grounds. She said they also need about 50
volunteers for the week, most of which are members of the club, or spouses or children of members. “But we actually have community people who also volunteer to help out because AirVenture is such a fun place to be,” Michelle said. For many volunteers, working the beverage cart is a good excuse to spend a lot of time at the fly-in convention, she added. Plus, it allows the Kiwanis to earn some money, usually about $7,000, to support its causes. “Most of the money we raise stays in the Oshkosh community,” Michelle said. “The majority goes to grants to the Oshkosh schools and to support the children of Oshkosh.” This year, Oshkosh Rotarians provided volunteers for EAA’s Gathering of Eagles and a work weekend in July. In exchange, EAA supplied a facility for their annual Flying Rotarians lunch, Knapinski said. “We have always supplied a facility for their luncheon, but the demands of our spaces have grown to such a point that we couldn’t do that under our old arrangement,” he said. “We wanted to work out something that was equitable and still allow it to happen.” EAA Director of Finance Tony Wihlm said EAA also gives donations to other nonprofit groups that provide volunteers for parking or cleanup after events
PHOTOS BY SCOTT PELKOWSKI
Sunday, July 30, 2017
33
PHOTO BY SCOTT PELKOWSKI
More than 1,010 runners participated in Saturday’s Runway 5K on the AirVenture grounds, a new record for the event.
Global Leaders in Unleaded Aviation Gasolines
Visit us at Booth #461
www.swiftfuels.com
Visit us at Booth #947
34
TODAY’S SCHEDULE
AirVenture Today
TIME 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM 8:30 AM - 12:45 PM 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM 9:00 AM - 11:15 AM 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM 9:15 AM - 10:00 AM 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
PRESENTATION
SPEAKER
LOCATION
Ford Tri-Motor Daily Craft Activities Bell 47 Flights Nondenominational Service Cam Martin Using Carbon Fiber on Everything Luke Goossen Fabric Covering 101 Poly-Fiber Sheet Metal 101 EAA SportAir Workshops TIG Welding 101 Lincoln Electric Composite 101 Gas Welding 101 Wood Construction 101 George Donaldson Zenith Kit Assembly Demonstration Zenith Aircraft Company Canine Demonstration US Customs & Border Protection B-17 Flights Daily Activities at the Ford Hangar Ford Motor Company Protestant Service Big History in Flight Wendy Curtis, Evan Serio How to Avoid a Fighter Escort NORAD Aerial Cinema & Directing Scott Strimple Surefire Tips to Grow Your Chapter David Leiting The Switchblade as a Business Tool Sam Bousfield Test 913 Mark Forss Building a Flying Football Field Zachary Reeder The Longest 9 Days 3 Min 44 Sec Dick Rutan Homebuilts in Review Memorial Wall Induction Ceremony Cam Martin Catholic Mass Touching the Face of God Ray Haas NTSB Most Wanted List: LOC Mike Folkerts Legal and Safe, Know Before You Fly Scott Strimple Cross-Country Flying Your Homebuilt Luke Goossen Flying the Feathered Edge Kim Furst Canine Demonstration US Customs & Border Protection If You Fly, We Can’t! US Forest Service Flying to the Bahamas Islands of the Bahamas Test Flying Your Homebuilt Justin Gillen Sunday Air Show Canine Demonstration US Customs & Border Protection Young Eagles Drawing
Start a hobby. Start an education. Start a career.
Ford Tri-Motor Building L07 Craft Tent L08 Pioneer Airport D06 Fergus Chapel E08 Forum Mainstage 07 Scaled Composites J09 Forum Stage 10 Poly-Fiber K09 Sheet Metal Workshop Aircraft Spruce J10 TIG Welding Workshop Lincoln Electric K10 Composite Workshop K10 Gas Welding Workshop K10 Wood Workshop K10 AeroPlane Workshop Stage 2 K10 Federal Pavilion L10 Ford Tri-Motor Building L07 Ford Hangar K12 Theater in the Woods K15 EAA Wearhouse J12 Federal Pavilion L10 Aviation Gateway Forums Stage O12 Blue Barn J9 Samson Motors L11 Forum Stage 01 K09 Forum Mainstage 07 Scaled Composites J09 SpaceShipOne / Voyager B08 Homebuilts in Review Memorial Wall D08 Theater in the Woods K15 EAA Wearhouse J12 Federal Pavilion L10 Aviation Gateway Forums Stage O12 Forum Mainstage 07 Scaled Composites J09 Skyscape Theater B08 Federal Pavilion L10 Federal Pavilion L10 Federal Pavilion L10 Forum Mainstage 07 Scaled Composites J09 Flightline L10 Federal Pavilion L10 Boeing Plaza K12
Presented by
EAA Aviation Gateway Park EAA Innovation Center presented by NATCA Encounter some of the most intriguing concepts in the aviation world and mingle with global innovators while you discover new ideas and technologies that will test your imagination.
EAA Education/Career Center The Education and Career Center offers a variety of opportunities by visiting the many colleges, universities, and technical schools that offer programs in aviation and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics or STEM-based curriculum. It is also the place for aspiring aviators to network with a variety of leading aviation companies and airlines.
EAA Drone Center supported by DJI EAA Drone Cage presented by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Engage in the world of UAVs with exhibitors, demonstrations, obstacle courses, and viewing areas with live video feed provided by DJI.
MAP TYPE Flight Experience Workshop Flight Experience Church Services Forum Workshop Workshop Workshop Workshop Workshop Workshop Demonstration Demonstration Flight Experience Special Event Church Services Meet & Greet Forum Forum Forum Forum Forum Forum Forum Meet & Greet Special Event Church Services Meet & Greet Forum Forum Forum Movie Demonstration Forum Forum Forum Air Show Demonstration Special Event Hobbico Horizon Hobby LLC Etched Memories
Sunday, July 30, 2017
35
Tank Rider Hot Air Balloon Tethered in Oshkosh BY KATIE HOLLIDAY-GREENLEY
MIKE KUEHLMUSS of Massachusetts came to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017 much like many others — with a love of aviation and an RV. But Mike also brought something not commonly seen at the annual convention: a hot air balloon attached to what looks like an inflated duffel bag for a seat. “What we call it is a tank rider,” Mike said. “Basically you have the … envelope, and usually you need to have some kind of basket underneath, but my basket is just the propane tank that I sit on. … I built it myself. I mean, other people have done this before sort of in a similar fashion, and the simplicity of it appealed to me.” Using the propane tank as landing gear was something of a concern, but Mike said there are protections within the fabric structure of the tank that prevent it from popping. “Wherever you land, it’s not your choice and … you have to deal with whatever the ground is like,” he said. “So there’s plenty of padding and extra aluminum sheet metal underneath the tank — that you don’t see — that’s basically put into the fabric structure underneath so that I don’t puncture anything.” Mike belongs to a small group of hot air balloon homebuilders from across the United States that builds experi-
mental lighter-than-air aircraft. His hot air balloon was built by another member of the community — Curtis Pack, who hosted forums on this type of homebuilding at AirVenture many years ago. Mike recently restored it and just finished a second balloon. “There’s about 400-500 yards of fabric in there. … You get a design first, so that it actually looks round in the end, which is kinda good,” Mike said, with a smile. He said sewing the fabric requires an industrial sewing machine and takes 150 hours or more. Unlike large hot air balloons with baskets designed to hold several passengers, Mike said his balloon, Oshkosh Special, is so light it can carry only one or two people. “The materials used for these are a lighter weight than your average balloon,” he said. “The standard balloons for four or five passengers, the envelope weighs 220-240 [pounds]. This envelope weighs 43 pounds.” The lighter weight also allows a smaller chase vehicle to pick the balloon pilot up after landing. Mike said balloons usually rely on a pickup truck or similarly-sized vehicle, but he uses a 1978 Yamaha XS650 motorcycle, combining his love of cycling with his love of flying.
PHOTO BY SIENNA KOSSMAN
36
AirVenture Today
60 Years, 1 Owner, No Damage History BY RANDY DUFAULT
Visit us in the EAA Canada Tent Get a Quote, Get a Cap!
Make EAA’s C-PLAN Your First Choice in Aviation Insurance! > Competitive rates to help save you money > Exclusive coverage enhancements for EAA members > Coverage for standard, ultralight, amateur-built, and kitplanes > Fixed and rotary wing aircraft on wheels, skis, or floats Get a free quote today at eaainsurance.ca. 1-855-736-3407 | eaainsurance.ca Administered by Nacora Insurance Brokers Ltd.
© 2017 Experimental Aircraft Association, Inc.
TREES, WATER, CANOES, and quiet are all fixtures in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota. And so are the big whiteand-red Forest Service floatplanes that have operated in the area continuously for three generations. Two of the three de Havilland Beavers stationed at the service’s Shagawa Lake base arrived directly from the factory, one in 1956 and another in 1957. The third plane spent seven years in U.S. military livery before beginning its Forest Service duties. “We put the floats on in April, early May, depending on what the weather is doing,” said Joel ‘Henny’ Jungemann, the Forest Service pilot who brought one of the Beavers to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017. “[They stay that way] until late October, early November.”
For winter duty, one of the planes gets its wheels back and relocates to the Ely Airport. Another gets a set of wheel skis and remains in the lake hangar. “We keep a strip groomed on the ice with a snowmobile,” Henny said. “We are right on the lake so we can just open the hangar, push it out on the ice, close the hangar door, and start it up.” Since summertime demand for the planes is high, winter is prime time for any maintenance and upgrade activity. Over the years, the planes have incorporated a number of changes that help accomplish several different missions they are asked to do. One key Beaver enhancement is the installation of a firefighting water drop tank between the floats. “It’s an F-86 fuel tank,” Henny said. “That was developed right there in
. Y L F Y R O T S I H E K A M . T R DO YOUR PA
ng life and ensuri to k c a b ry to ing his ut rather bring b ry to is h ns. g in e by our vetera bout preserv d a a t m s s ju e t c o fi n ri c is a t c . t the s storation proje part of history ns never forge a o ti e b ra e to n e e EA A’s B-25 re g c n re a h rs a c that futu ss to give othe re p x E in rl e restoring the B Do your part in tory ly
akeHis M / g r o . A A .E w ww
F
eHistoryFly A A.org/Mak .E w w | w | 800.236.1025 , WI 54902 sh ko sh O d, oa Poberezny R E A A | 3000
g | donor@eaa.or
Sunday, July 30, 2017 Ely. They figured out how to weld some supports on it, cut some doors in it, hook it up to the cockpit, and make it scoop water.” A pickup tube on the right float fills the tank in six or seven seconds. Once the tank is full, the pilot navigates to the target fire and opens the six springloaded doors in the bottom of the tank, leaving 1,000 pounds of water in the aircraft’s wake. Other mission configurations for the Beavers include forest reseeding, fish restocking, and some law enforcement duties. However, one of the most important duties the Beavers perform is acting as wilderness ambulances. “There are no helicopters close,” Henny said. “Even if there were, there are not a lot of places to land.” There is deep concern about noise in the BWCA, even in life safety situations. “We are very low impact,” Henny said. “We come in at idle and land and make one takeoff. As opposed to a helicopter — they are going to be sitting there churning up the air for an extended period, making lots of noise.” In addition to showing off the multirole Beaver, Henny has another purpose here at AirVenture: Find pilots. “The other [pilot] is probably going to retire next year, so we are trying to hire one, maybe two, more guys,” he said. To qualify, a pilot must have at least 500 hours of float time and be able to start work with the service before the age of 37. A multiengine rating is required, although Henny says they can wave a typical Forest Service requirement for 500 hours of multi-time.
When asked whether he expects the Beavers to retire anytime soon, Henny said, “I would hope not. Because of the [firefighting] tanks, I really think they are going to be reluctant to give them up.” He added that the entire history of the planes is
37
well-known, and they are damage free. They’re also relatively low time when compared to other Beavers of the same age. “I’m pretty sure we can keep them around for a while.”
PHOTO BY ANDREW ZABACK
FLY ABOVE THE REST FLY WITH AEROSHELL, THE WORLD’S BEST-SELLING PISTON ENGINE OIL n
Dependable, field-proven performance
n
Products trusted for generations
n
Reliable technology that protects your engine
Visit us at Booth 3072 in Hangar C. Learn from our gurus and take advantage of great show specials.
38
AirVenture Today
NOW HIRING! EAA’S JOB FAIR
JULY 24-30 | 9 A.M. - 5 P.M. Whether you’re looking for a job in the exciting world of aviation, wondering what type of careers are available, or just looking for a professional change of pace, you’ll find what you’re looking for at EAA’s Job Fair. Visit EAA.org/JobFair to learn more. We’re here to help your career take off! PRESENTING SPONSOR
SUPPORTED BY
NOAA Corps Celebrates 100th Anniversary Smallest U.S. uniformed service turned 100 in May BY TI WINDISCH
THE NATIONAL OCEANIC and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps, better known as the NOAA Corps, turned 100 years old on May 22, 2017. The smallest of the seven branches of the United States military, the NOAA Corps resides under NOAA, a scientific agency best known for weather forecasts. NOAA and the NOAA Corps, both of which are regularly represented at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, are responsible for more than forecasts. The NOAA Corps uses nine aircraft and 16 ships to accomplish a variety of missions with NOAA. “NOAA touches everyone’s lives in terms of weather, climate, oceans, and coastal areas,” said Lt. Lindsey Norman. “We actually do a lot more than the weather. NOAA Corps is a group of commissioned officers and our mission is to support NOAA.” One NOAA airplane, a gorgeous blue-and-white de Havilland DHC-6300 Twin Otter, graced Oshkosh this year down the flightline past Warbird Alley. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017 attendees were able to walk right up to the Twin Otter and ask NOAA officers questions at a booth under its wing. NOAA’s weather-related work includes the Airborne Snow and Soil Moisture Survey project, which covers 2,600 flightlines across the northern U.S.
and Canada. The branch also conducts coastal mapping surveys that update nautical charts with new depth figures, carries scientific observers to monitor endangered species hundreds of miles off shore, and air chemistry projects like studying the inversion layer in Salt Lake City, Utah. The most well-known part of NOAA, according to Norman, is the NOAA Hurricane Hunters. As the name implies, Hurricane Hunters fly through, above, and around hurricanes and other storms to gather important data that helps others prepare for the potentially-devastating storms. The NOAA Corps’ pair of Lockheed WP-3D Orions are heavily equipped and protected — and they have to be. These airplanes fly directly into the eye of hurricanes and collect valuable information in the process. In addition, an NOAA Gulfstream IV-SP flies above the storms, at altitudes between 42,000 and 45,000 feet, to figure out where the hurricanes are headed. From the daily forecast to mapping out hurricanes’ paths, NOAA and the NOAA Corps does more for the average person than most realize. “I wish everybody knew about the NOAA Corps,” Norman said. “It’s a great job, and we do a lot of important work.”
Sunday, July 30, 2017
TAKE FLIGHT
aboard one of EAA’s unique Flight Experiences
B-17 Aluminum Overcast
$435 per EAA member • $475 per nonmember B-17 Operations are located at the southeast corner of Warbird Alley
Ford Tri-Motor $75 per person
Ford Tri-Motor Operations are located at the southeast corner of Warbird Alley
Bell 47 Helicopter $49 per person
Helicopter Operations are located at Pioneer Airport behind the EAA Aviation Museum
Tri-Motor Early Bird Special! Get in line at the Tri-Motor Shack before 8:30 a.m. and SAVE $10 on a flight.
39
40
AirVenture Today
PHOTO BY MIKE DIFRISCO
EAA’s 2017 AirVenture Today staff, pictured here with Aviore. L-R: Fred Johnsen, Barb Schmitz, Randy Dufault, James Wynbrandt, Ti Windisch, Megan Esau, Brandon Jacobs, Nick Newman, Nicole Brown, Aviore, Amber Tefft, Sam Oleson, Maggie Nett, Kelly Nelson, Colleen Walsh, Sara Nisler, Sienna Kossman, Katie Holliday-Greenley. Not pictured: Hal Bryan, Scott Pelkowski, Andrew Zaback.
Enter the 2017 EAA® Sweepstakes and Second Prize: Enjoy EAA® AirVenture® Oshkosh™ 2018* Package
GRAND PRIZE: Brand New Van’s RV-12 With the generous support of Van’s Aircraft, Dick VanGrunsven, and the EAA Board of Directors, EAA offers the RV-12 for the 2017 Sweepstakes! This striking aircraft, painted Tahoe Blue, boasts a Rotax 912ULS engine and a dual display Dynon SkyView HDX system for power and ease. The RV-12 will remind you just why you love to fly.
No purchase or contribution necessary to win. A purchase or donation will not improve your chances of winning. The Sweepstakes and all entries are governed by the 2017 EAA Sweepstakes Official Rules. Official rules and and full details available at www.eaa.org/Sweepstakes. Winner is responsible for all applicable taxes.
Enter today at the
Sweepstakes Building or the Discover Aviation Corner.
> Two weekly AirVenture wristbands > One weekly AirVenture camping pass > Two Bell Helicopter flight passes > Two Ford Tri-Motor flight passes > Two B-17 flight passes > Two Flightline Pavilion passes
> Lunch for two at the Aviators Club for one day > VIP Tour of AirVenture Grounds > EAA Lifetime Membership > $500 EAA Merchandise Voucher
*Valid only for EAA AirVenture 2018
Sunday, July 30, 2017
EAA Four Corners, Make it your first stop!
Intersection of Knapp Street and Celebration Way EAA AirVenture Welcome Center
> General event info, schedules, and maps > Customer service answer to your questions > AirVenture 2017 souvenirs > Airshow performers’ autograph signings, meet & greets, and more
EAA Member Center
> Join, renew, or become a Lifetime EAA member > Learn about EAA programs and benefits > Shop exclusive EAA member pro apparel > Members only air-conditioned oasis
EAA Pilot Proficiency Center EAA Discover Aviation Corner
> Explore the Spirit of Aviation Mobile Experience > Celebrate 25 years of Young Eagles > Enter to Win the 2017 EAA Sweepstakes plane > Hands-on aviation activities for all ages
> Schedule flight time on one of the 14 Redbirds LD and MCX simulators with CFII’s > Tech Talks presented by Jeppesen > Earn FAA WINGS credits > Train on the PEGASAS W.I.L.D. presented by NAFI and SAFE
41
42
AirVenture Today
Updated World Directory of Light Aviation New edition with VTOL and Multicopter section
FOR THE FIRST time in its 20-year history, the 2017/2018 edition of the World Directory of Light Aviation (WDLA) reached 300 pages. The directory for more than 1,000 aircraft with images, descriptions, and technical data. It also includes addresses of manufacturers, importers, associations, schools, and more. Also new this year is a section on vertical take-off and landing aircraft and multicopters. The WDLA is available in four languages: English, French and German. The Chinese version will be on the market at the end of September. Copies can be ordered online at http://lightaviationguide.com for $16.99 or www.Flying-Pages. com for EU$9.95. The directory is also available on the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh grounds in all EAA merchandise stores.
HondaJet to Launch an Aroundthe-World Flight A PAIR OF HondaJet customers will take part in a modern day spin on the classic Around the World in 80 Days. Pilot and Innisfree Hotels Founder/CEO Julian MacQueen and his wife, Kim, will fly their HondaJet to up to 26 countries as part of the tour they have dubbed “Around the World in 80 Stays.” MacQueen will use the tour, in part, for research related to their business, visiting hotels in various cultures. This is the first around-the-world flight for HondaJet, presenting a good opportunity to demonstrate the light business jet’s capability and performance.
Preorder your official EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017 DVD or Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack and we’ll ship it for FREE!* Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack $15.99** or standard definition DVD for $14.99. CLICK EAA.org/Shop, CALL 1.800.564.6322, or VISIT an official EAA Merchandise locations *Free Shipping for domestic orders only. International orders will ship for $3. Free shipping ends July 31, 2017. **$15.99 is a member price. Nonmember price is $19.99. © 2017 EAA
EAA.ORG/SHOP • 800.564.6322
ALL PURCHASES SUPPORT EAA PROGRAMS AND PROMOTE THE SPIRIT OF AVIATION®
Sunday, July 30, 2017 Aircraft | Non-Owned | Powered Parachute & WSC Trike | Accidental Death & Dismemberment | Flight Instructor | Flying Clubs & Partnerships | Hangar | Airport
Visit us at the Main Aircraft Display Booth 262! Get a quote, get a cap!
Affordable today. Expensive tomorrow. The fastest quote at the least expensive price may cost you in the long run. Our mission is your peace of mind. EAA Insurance Solutions and the aviation insurance professionals at Falcon Insurance Agency, Inc. will help you find the right coverage for you at the best price. Get a free quote today at EAA.org/Affordable.
EAA.org/Insurance | 866.647.4322
Š 2016 Experimental Aircraft Association, Inc.
43
AirVenture Today
Thank you for coming to Oshkosh! We hope that you visited the AOPA campus and had fun! Looking for more fly-in adventures? Join us at any of our upcoming AOPA Fly-Ins.
TWO DAYS
EXPERIENCE MORE
44
FRIDAY:
Hands-on Workshops $105 members; $155 non-members; $75 spouse
1 ‘17 2 ‘17 3 ‘17 4 ‘17
CAMARILLO, CA
KCMA
04 / 28-29
Barnstormers Party Presented by Jeppesen
NORMAN, OK
Exhibits/AOPA Village Opens AircraftForSale.com Sellers Corral Opens
09 / 08-09
SATURDAY:
KOUN
GROTON, CT
KGON 10 / 06-07
Presented By
Pancake Breakfast Educational Seminars (FREE!)
TAMPA, FL
Aircraft Display Fly-Outs
10 / 27-28
KTPF
VISIT: AOPA.ORG/FLYIN FOR DETAILS
Sunday, July 30, 2017
KIDS GO FREE with each full paid adult admission
Coupon entitles bearer to one free child admission with each full paid adult admission. Offer not valid with any other discounts or on group and birthday reservations. To redeem this offer, please visit us online at LEGOLANDDiscoveryCenter.com/Chicago under the buy tickets tab select promotional code. No photocopies or facsimiles will be accepted.
PROMO CODE: EAA17
Print/Mail Volunteers Get These Newspapers Passed Out
601 N Martingale Road | Schaumburg, IL 60173
Chicago.LEGOLANDDiscoveryCenter.com LEARN
RIDES
More than 15,000 papers are delivered each day BY TI WINDISCH
THERE’S NOTHING LIKE having a morning paper on deck to help start your day at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017. There are more than 50 locations where AirVenture Today can be found on the grounds, including right outside of the showers and inside the Main Gate, so any AirVenture attendee can start their day by reading the paper. The 15,000 newspapers that get delivered each day don’t just magically appear in the right spots. Several crews of dedicated volunteers, some of which are children and their parents, work from dusk until dawn to ensure anybody who wants or needs a copy of AirVenture Today can get one. Todd Gorrell and Jadine Gorrell are a married couple who both enjoy volunteering with EAA’s print/mail center, which is made up entirely of volunteers when it comes to delivery, but each has slightly different reasons as to why. “Print and mail, that’s actually my occupation,” Todd said. “I’m the press room manager of a print shop locally. I also have a love of airplanes, so this kind of fits in great with what I do.” “I like the interaction,” said Jadine. “I like being able to get out in the crowd and be sure we’re providing all the papers and things people are looking for. It’s awesome.” Crews go out first at 5 a.m. to deliver the newspaper bundles, followed by a crew that goes out to the main gates to
hand-deliver papers to people entering the grounds. Even more crews, one of which Todd and Jadine are on, replenish empty paper boxes later on, and crews of kids and parents hand-deliver papers to vendors in and around the hangars. Finally, a night crew goes around and empties the boxes of any remaining papers to prepare for the next day’s issue. In addition to delivering AirVenture Today, volunteer crews deliver other printed materials, such as programs, guides, and maps, on an as-needed basis before — and sometimes during — AirVenture. Like all EAA volunteer groups, once the group and the print/mail center were brought together, bonds were formed that keep them together year after year, according to Chairman of Print/Mail Volunteers Kurt Weina, EAA 665451. “You get to know the people at the locations and interact with them, interact with people on the grounds, because if you have room in your cart, you pick them up and give them a ride,” Kurt said. “And it’s fun to see our family each year; we get the same people coming back to volunteer year after year.” The print/mail volunteers try to remain out of sight and out of mind while they deliver their newspapers, but they certainly deserve a thank-you if they are spotted out and about on the grounds.
FUN
PLAY
BUILD ©2017 The LEGO Group.
45
46
AirVenture Today PHOTO COURTESY OF IAC
U.S. National Aerobatic Championships Come to Oshkosh BY KATIE HOLLIDAY-GREENLEY
EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2017 is winding down, but in less than two months, Wittman Regional Airport will once more host a gathering of aviation enthusiasts for the U.S. National Aerobatic Championships. The championship has been held in Sherman, Texas, since 1972, but in 2016, the International Aerobatic Club board of directors voted to move the competition to Oshkosh. “The location that we were at in Texas was getting busier,” said IAC Program Manager Lorrie Penner. “They had a lot more business jets coming in, and they also had a flight school that increased its size exponentially. At one point there were 200 students.” Several new locations were considered for the event, but the IAC board of directors narrowed it down to Oshkosh; Muskogee, Oklahoma; Newton, Kansas; or Union City, Tennessee, before ultimately deciding to move the competition to Oshkosh.
“I think one of the biggest attractions was the fact that the World Aerobatic Championships had been here in 1980,” Lorrie said. “So it has sentimental value for us as well as just that it’s a really great place.” As an EAA division, it was easy for the IAC to work with EAA to use the organization’s facilities like hangars A, B, C, and D on the AirVenture grounds. “One of the things that happens at other locations sometimes is that there’s not enough hangar space,” Lorrie said. “So that’s a big attraction. The Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau also was very welcoming. We had a regional contest here in 2013, so we were familiar with the grounds and the operations from our standpoint. I think there’s probably been some changeover in the tower … but some of them remember us being here before for that smaller competition, so they felt like they could certainly work with us.”
This year’s National Aerobatic Championships will kick off September 23 with opening ceremonies in the Founders’ Wing of the EAA Aviation Museum at 11 a.m. The competition will begin that afternoon after a pilot and volunteer briefing. An opening night reception will be held in the Nature Center Pavilion, giving participants an opportunity to debrief from the day’s activities, learn more about the new location, and socialize with other aerobatic enthusiasts.
Lorrie said the six-day-long competition is expected to draw 90100 pilots from around the United States. The event concludes on September 29 with closing ceremonies and an awards banquet in the Founders’ Wing with a keynote address by EAA CEO and Chairman of the Board Jack J. Pelton. Follow the IAC on Facebook and Twitter and check www.IAC.org to keep up with announcements leading up to — and during — the event. PHOTO BY EVAN PEERS
Sunday, July 30, 2017
Join more than 200,000 of your peers who are as passionate about airplanes as you. Member Benefits Include: > Discounts on AirVenture admission, food, merchandise, and aircraft rides > Monthly subscription to EAA Sport Aviation magazine > FREE access to more than 400 museums worldwide, including ours > Build relationships with members at nearly 900 local EAA chapters > Exclusive aviation insurance and finance benefits
Visit us at the EAA Member Center or at EAA.org/Join.
47
48
AirVenture Today
When you buy a genuine Lycoming engine or a new Lycoming powered aircraft, you’re in the Lycoming Loyalty Program. Your membership is automatic and we work hard to keep you a member. That’s why we give you discounts of up to $6,500 for bringing your original factory engine back to us at TBO, and there are no hidden fees. Plus, you’ll have access to our engine exchange program, which gives you less
downtime and more airtime. And if you choose a factory rebuilt engine, you’ll get it back with a zero-time log book. Only Lycoming can provide that to you. Add all that to our 88 years of experience, reputation for durability, unrivaled product support, and the peace of mind that comes from using 100% genuine Lycoming parts, and you’ll see how easy it is to stay with Lycoming.
Visit Lycoming’s booth, (277-282) during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh or contact an authorized Lycoming Distributor to take advantage of our loyalty program.
Lycoming.com/Loyalty