2010 AirVenture Teaser! 

AAs of June 23, the clock on the AirVenture website indicates 32 days until the big show!  Click HERE to see an EAA promo video and get pumped up for Oshkosh!

No 2010 LVK Hangar Rent Increase!

On June 14, the Livermore City Council agreed with an Airport Commission recommendation to not impose a 2010/2011 hangar rent increase and to set aside $1,000,000 in capital reserves for the airport.  The staff's report to the Council indicated that the airport would end the 2009/2010 fiscal year with a surplus of over $334,000.  The Council voted to continue the policy of potential rent increases, based on the Consumer Price Index, for future years.  Click HERE to read the staff's recommendation to Council.   

EAA's New Webinars

EAA has started a new, interactive on-line series of seminars - "webinars."  These presentations cover a number of varied topics including aircraft design, maintaining your pilot's certificate, licensing your aircraft, pilot skills, Oshkosh, and maintaining your medical.   You can sign up to be involved in the live webinar presentation or listen after they are archived.  The information in one webinar on high blood pressure greatly simplified the process of renewing a 3rd class medical.  In fact, the AME was impressed that we had done our "home work" on the subject.  Click HERE for a link to the EAA Webinar page or go to our Links page.

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Considering Sea Plane Restrictions

In an update to the Regional Plan for Lake Tahoe, the staff of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency has one proposal to ban all seaplane operations within one mile of the shoreline (even taxi operations) and to further ban seaplane bases and docking facilities.   Seaplanes have been operating at the lake for at least 75 years since Lake Tahoe Airways operated Sikorsky S-38 Amphibians in 1934.  Click HERE for more information from the SeaPlane Pilots Association. 

"Remove Everyone From Our Way, We've Declared an Emergency"

Listen to this recording of "American 2 Heavy" as it declares an emergency due to an unfavorable runway clearance/wind combination at JFK.  This pilot certainly affirmed who is "in command."  Click HERE for the tape, from AVweb.

"Sully" Sullenberger's  Good Morning America Flight From LVK 

Robin Roberts, co-anchor of ABC's Good Morning America, recently took a Bay Area flight from Livermore in a Beech King Air.  Roberts, who's father was a Tuskegee Airman, was flown by Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, and later interviewed him from Attitude Aviation's hangar.  Sullenberger subsequently provided Roberts with an EAA gift - an hour of dual.  Click HERE to link to the video segment.

Published! The 2010 AirVenture NOTAM

If you are flying in to Oshkosh for the big show this is required reading.  It's also interesting if you have wondered how traffic is controlled during AirVenture.  Click HERE to read the 2010 AirVenture NOTAM.

Alternative to Standard Penetrating Fluid?

We are not saying this is proven, but a recent post on the AeroElectric Connection claimed some test results for penetrating oils, including a "home brew" mixture.  Watch the fumes and your paint if you try the preferred fluid! 

Machinist's Workshop magazine actually tested penetrants for break out torque on rusted nuts. Significant results! They arranged a subjective test of all the popular penetrants with the control being the torque required to remove the nut from a "scientifically rusted" environment. No penetrating oil - average load 516 pounds; WD-40 - 238 pounds; PB Blaster - 214 pounds; Liquid Wrench - 127 pounds; Kano Kroil - 106 pounds; ATF-Acetone mix - 53 pounds.  The ATF-Acetone mix was a "home brew" mix of 50 - 50 automatic transmission fluid and acetone. Note: The "home brew" was better than any commercial product in this one particular test. A local machinist group mixed up a batch and all now use it with equally good results. Note also that "Liquid Wrench" is about as good as "Kroil" for about 20% of the price.

iFly700 GPS 

Here is a new GPS with a touch-activated, 7 inch diagonal screen that shows your position on a sectional chart.  Flight planning includes rubber-banding.  Also provided are approach and taxi diagrams. Cost - just $499 with $69 annual updates! Click HERE for more information and videos on the iFly700. For a review of this GPS, click HERE and go to page 4 of the Lightning Newsletter.

Do You Know Your Engine Operating Parameters?

Electronics International, a manufacturer of engine analyzers and instruments has put together a 42 page manual on engine operation.  The manual describes the operation of the 4-stroke engine and provides information on detonation, leaning, and the effects on operation from common problems.  Learn what happens to CHTs and EGTs due to air leaks, stuck valves, and changes in timing.  Click HERE to access the Pilot's Manual for Leaning and Diagnosing Engine Problems.

Homebuilt Accident Rate?

KitPlanes contributor and EAA member Ron Wanttaja has reviewed and analyzed quite a bit of data  regarding homebuilts.  In a recent paper, Ron takes a look at the homebuilt accident rate, using information from the 2009 Joseph T. Nall Report, the FAA ,and the NTSB.  On closer inspection, Ron found that the base information and results are not always as they seem.  Click HERE for Ron's paper.  Click HERE for a link to the Nall Report.

Replace Your Paper Pilot's Certificate - It's Required!

All paper pilot certificates will expire after March 31, 2010.  FAR 61.19(h) reads: "Except for a temporary certificate issued under §61.17 or a student pilot certificate issued under paragraph (b) of this section, the holder of a paper pilot certificate issued under this part may not exercise the privileges of that certificate after March 31, 2010.

CLICK HERE to replace your airmen certificate. The FAA says to allow 4 to 6 weeks for mail processing and 7 to 10 days for online processing so don't delay!

2010 Chapter Holiday Dinner

Chapter 663 held another great Holiday Dinner on January 23 at the Robert Livermore Community Center.  In addition to a nice meal and camaraderie, four members received their first flight certificates.  Lane Wallace provided a great talk on adventure, and her experiences in being selected for a U-2 ride.  Lane described the 3 day, pre-flight training program and showed some fantastic photos!  Click left to see a slideshow from the dinner.

Looking for  a new job? How about EAA President?

Many of you have heard of Tom Poberezny's plans to retire as President of the EAA.  If you have the stuff, here is your chance to become only the third EAA President in the organization's history.  Click HERE to read the job posting for the President's position.  Also, if you want to hear a podcast regarding the search for a new President, click HERE. 

Chapter 663 Members Place in Recent Air Races

Two Chapter 663 members placed well in November and October races.  Dick Gossen, who recently moved to Texas, ran the fastest speed in the Sport Air Racing League's Rocket 100 held in Taylor, Texas.  Dick and his Glasair III posted a race speed of just over 230 knots.  Click HERE for the complete results. For a photo of Dick's plane on the roll, click HERE, and for a photo of Dick getting his award, click HERE.

Scott Alair posted the third best CAFE` Score in this year's Fuelventure 400, held during the Copperstate Fly In.  This competition places emphasis on efficient, but speedy travel.  Scott averaged just over 23 mpg at 219 mph, even though he had an extended time on the ground and was initially directed to depart in the opposite direction from the flightpath!  Click HERE for the Fuelventure results, and click HERE for photos of the event.

Congratulations to Dick and Scott!

FAA Takes Action Against Zenith CH601XL and CH650 Aircraft

The FAA has suspended issuing airworthiness certificates to new Zenith CH601XL and CH650 models pending modifications recommended by the manufacturer.  The FAA's action follows recent crashes of the aircraft.  While home builders of already flying models of these aircraft are not specifically required to make the modifications, the FAA could find them in non-compliance with operating limitations for a "safe aircraft."  Click HERE for more information about this evolving matter.

Garmin's New Aera

A year after introducing the lager size 695/696 portable GPSs, Garmin brings out the smaller Aera line.  With four models, these new units feature touch screens and new menus.  The popular 496 remains in the Garmin lineup, but the 296 and 396 are gone.  Click HERE for a video from AvWeb on the new Aera. 

Potential Change to LVK Rules and Regulations

The City Council is considering a change to the Airport Rules and Regulations.  One of the potential changes could affect most people who are building in a hanger.  The change would require the builder to complete their project within 36 months, with a potential 12 month extension "for unusual circumstances."  If enacted, this change could lock out most people from building a plane in a hanger.  Click HERE to read the complete set of proposed regulations.

An NTSB Report To Read and Consider

If you read any homebuilder lists, the following NTSB factual report has probably been shared and discussed.   As such, I wasn't going to link to it, but then thought that that it should be available so that others can read and consider the pilot's actions, and then reflect on their own situation.  Unfortunately, a person lost his life.  Click HERE for the NTSB report.

EAA 663 in Sport Aviation

Lauran Paine Jr., our speaker at this January's holiday dinner, wrote a nice article about Chapter 663 members for the May edition of Sport Aviation.  Due to space constraints, Lauran's article was edited, and the picture of Bob Buckthal's pig didn't appear.  Lauran sent the full article (minus photo) to Harry Crosby, who set up the visit.  Click HERE to read the unedited version.

FOLLOWUP

There is a thread on VansAirForce.net in which the writer tells of a good experience at Livermore and suggest that VAF readers look at Lauran's article.  In particular, the writer received great help and support from JR and Carolina at Precision Static Testing.  Following posts describe the people and atmosphere at LVK.  Click HERE for that thread.

Do You Need a Compass Correction Card?

I've heard members asked jokingly about their compass correction card. Since the regulations are different for homebuilts, the need for a card can be questioned.  Click HERE for thread on VansAirforce.net about compass correction cards, which includes posts from a DAR who sometimes writes in Sport Aviation.  One of the last POSTINGS is from an FAA technical advisor who indicates that VFR homebuilts do not need the card.  

The "High Speed Pass"

An interesting thread is on VansAirforce.net regarding the low, high speed pass.  A few pilots have run afoul with the FAA for the practice.  Click HERE for the thread - it may change the way you perform low approaches at airports when not landing!  Even clearance from Tower may not be good enough.

New Fuel to Replace 100LL?

Photos of US Airways Passenger Rescue and Aircraft Recovery

US Air Flight 1549's amazing ditching in the Hudson River has brought high praise for members of the flight crew.  Click HERE for a PowerPoint presentation of flight information and photos taken while passengers were being rescued.  Click HERE for a Word.doc for photos of the Airbus being raised onto a barge.  These files are large and may take some time to load.  Finally, to bring some humor into the story, click HERE for a potential airframe modification.

Speed and Efficiency

Klaus Savier's O-200 powered EZ is one of the most successful racing aircraft ever.  From a distance, the "Delaminator" might appear to be a little rough and well used.  However, on closer inspection one sees clean, tight lines, turbulator tape asymmetrically applied across surfaces, and a special prop.  Of course, the engine uses Lightspeed ignitions, and Klaus can switch from a carburetor to fuel injection of his own design.  The Delaminator is both fast and efficient.  For more information on this plane's capabilities, click HERE to see an article from AOPA.

January Meeting

Our normal meeting date for January 2009 would be the 1st, so the meeting will be held one week later, on January 8.  We will be holding the meeting at a different location, First Light Aviation Group, 312 Stealth Court in Livermore.  First Light offers builder services, a pilot shop, a flying club, and is the West Coast source for Corvair engines and conversions.  Rick Lindstrom, Chapter 663 member and Kitplanes Magazine contributor, is associated with First Light.  Click HERE for a map locating First Light.  Click HERE for the website.

Just In Time For Christmas!

Its the Garmin 695/696, a tablet sized GPS that provides the features (and more) of the 496 with a simplified interface.  See it next week at the AOPA Expo in San Jose.  For some information see part 1 of ANN's review HERE and part 2 HERE.  (If you haven't used ANN TV, pull the slider to skip the commericals)  Click HERE for a link to a VAF thread from a Beta tester.  Ask Santa to navigate to your chimney for a drop off! 

Recap - October Meeting

Greg Triplett was October's speaker and provided information and a practical demonstration of riveting. Greg built his RV-4 before Van had quickbuild kits., so he even had to build the spar.  Click on the photo for a slide show from the meeting.

Oil Change Frequency

How often do you change your oil -25 hours - 50 hours?  Click HERE to go to a podcast on AVweb from Blackstone Laboratories, an oil analysis company.

51% Rule Update

The FAA is taking comments on their proposed changes to the 51% rule for homebuilt aircraft.  The changes include provisions that the builder perform at least 20% of the total construction on "fabrication", at least another 20% of the total construction on "assembly", and at least another 11% of total construction on any combination of these kinds of work, to add up to a minimum 51%f total construction.  Certainly, these provisions will invite comments.  To see more from the EAA, click HERE.  Click HERE for comments from Vans Aircraft founder Dick VanGrunsven, and click HERE for a podcast from EAA's regulatory affairs point man, Earl Lawrence.

Crosswind Entries?

A recent discussion on the AOPA website provides some interesting reading regarding the method of entering the pattern "from the wrong side" at non-towered fields.  See why you should keep your head on a swivel HERE.

Recap - June Meeting

Gordon Jones provided a great tour of Walter Tredwell's 55 percent scale Sikorsky S-38 project.  Gordy is responsible for the project's woodwork, which is considerable.  Click HERE to read a KITPLANES article on Walter's project.  Click on the photo for a short slide show of our tour.

More Detailed Taxi Instructions

Have you noticed Controllers providing more detailed taxi instructions - "taxi 25R via Kilo" when Kilo is the only to get there?  Well, it is part of a program that started May 19.  Click HERE for the FAA's story. 

Recap - May Meeting

Chapter Technical Counselor Gordon Jones talked about homebuilding, the KISS principle and new developments in panels and avionics.  To learn more about the EAA Tech Counselor program, click on the logo to the left.

FAA to "Grandfather" Existing 51% Kits

During a "Meet the FAA" session at Sun-n-Fun, the FAA announced that previously approved 51% kits would not be re-evaluated for meeting the rule.  This comes as good news to potential homebuilders.  For more information, click HERE.

Recap - April Meeting

We had a full house for April's meeting as a result of our speaker - Alan Brown.  Alan retired as the Director of Engineering for Lockheed and had been the first program manager for the F-117 (Stealth Fighter) program.  Alan provided a very interesting talk on the development and operation of the Stealth Fighter.  We hope to have him back again!  Click on the photo for a short slideshow of Alan's talk. 

How to Inspect Your Oil Filter

Blackstone Laboratories, which performs oil analysis, distributes a newsletter with helpful information.  Click on this link to learn how to inspect your oil filter -  filter inspection.

Recap - February Meeting

Bob Farnam and Barry Webber were the speakers at our February 2008 meeting.  These Chapter 663 Flight Advisors described the EAA's program for assisting pilots in their first flight and in the flight test program.

Cick on the Flight Advisor Logo for more information regarding this EAA program.