Category Archives: aircraft

AMATEUR-BUILT AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT TOTALS DROP TO HISTORIC LOWS

Posted on by

eaa

 

 

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AMATEUR-BUILT AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT TOTALS DROP TO HISTORIC LOWS

EAA safety efforts contribute to steady decline while flight hours increase

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (November 16, 2017) — Fatal accidents in experimental category aircraft, particularly amateur-built aircraft, continued their decline during the Federal Aviation Administration’s 2017 fiscal year that ended September 30, falling to historic lows.

For the 12-month period from October 1, 2016, to September 30, 2017, fatal accident totals in amateur-built aircraft were down 18 percent to just 27, compared with 33 during the 2016 fiscal year. That continues a four-year trend that has seen a total drop of 47 percent in fatal accidents, despite an increasing amount of flight hours each year over that period. The specific totals compare to 40 amateur-built aircraft fatal accidents during the 2015 fiscal year and 51 in the 2014 fiscal year.

In addition, fatal accident totals for the experimental category overall, including racing aircraft, those used for exhibit only, research-and-development, and some types of light-sport aircraft, dropped as well. Total fatal accidents fell from 49 to 45 during the 12-month measurement period ending September 30, 2017. The final figures are nearly 25 percent below the FAA’s “not-to-exceed” goal of 59 fatal accidents for that period.

“These are historic lows for fatal accident in amateur-built aircraft and this continuing trend is a credit to everyone who is focusing on safety,” said Sean Elliott, vice president of Advocacy and Safety for the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), who highlighted these figures at the FAA General Aviation Safety Summit in late October. “The overall fatal accident numbers remain much lower than other recreational pursuits, such as paddle sports, skiing and snowboarding, and driving all-terrain vehicles. Statistics even show that being involved in a fatal amateur-built aircraft accident is less likely than being killed in a lightning strike incident.”

EAA has worked closely with the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board on recommendations to reduce fatal accidents, including through participation in the FAA General Aviation Joint Steering Committee that EAA co-chairs. The EAA focus has also included the Founder’s Innovation Prize competition that seeks innovations to reduce loss-of-control accidents in amateur-built aircraft; a focus on transition and recurrent training; and use of an additional safety pilot during initial flight testing in amateur-built aircraft.

“These efforts build upon EAA’s longstanding Technical Counselor and Flight Advisor programs, and additional safety materials available through EAA’s flagship Sport Aviation magazine,” Elliott said. “Further reducing the accident totals is a continuing challenge, but one that is foremost as part of EAA’s mission to grow participation in aviation.”

About EAA

EAA embodies the spirit of aviation through the world’s most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA’s 200,000 members and 1,000 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org. For continual news updates, connect with www.twitter.com/EAA.

EAA-2017-45, For more information, contact: Dick Knapinski, EAA Communications, (920) 426-6523  dknapinski@eaa.org

 

FORD MOTOR COMPANY SPONSORED EVENTS EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017

Posted on by
Cool Ford activities!

As Ford continues its second decade as the exclusive automotive partner of EAA AirVenture, Ford also is celebrating the F-Series’ 40-year reign as the top-selling truck. A fan favorite of AirVenture attendees, Ford is again bringing exciting experiences and new attractions for 2017, including:

  • The “BOOST” Ferris wheel, providing a perfect view of the EAA grounds, 50 feet above the Ford Hangar
  • Barenaked Ladies live in concert, resented by Ford, free of charge to all Monday AirVenture guests
  • The Ford Front 40 Lineup including the new 2018 F-150, F-150 Raptor and Super Duty trucks
  • The EAA AirVenture Fly-In Theater, showing free aviation-themed movies every night, including Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Hidden Figures, Sully and more
  • A full-size Raptor Racing Simulator where participants can share the experience of Ford Race Team in the 2017 F-150 Raptor
  • Model T rides around the grounds with the Model T Experience
  • Tough Tumblers Bungee Trampolines, the 30-foot Raptor Rock Wall, Ford Autograph HQ, Freebies and more

ONE-OF-A-KIND FORD ‘F-22 RAPTOR’ F-150 TRUCK AUCTIONED TO SUPPORT EAA YOUTH EDUCATION WORK

Posted on by
Truck offers unique opportunity at EAA’s Gathering of Eagles on July 27
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (June 29, 2017) — Ford Motor Company is again supporting EAA’s youth aviation programs by auctioning a one-of-a-kind vehicle, but this year with a new twist — the creation of a specially built “F-22 Raptor” F-150 Raptor for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017.
The truck will be put up for bid during the annual EAA Gathering of Eagleson Thursday, July 27. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017, the 65th annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention, is July 24-30 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
“Ford’s support of EAA and AirVenture has allowed thousands of young people to discover, enjoy, and pursue aviation,” said Dave Chaimson, EAA’s vice president of marketing and business development. “The unique F-22 version of the tremendously popular Ford F-150 Raptor truck will be an enormously popular highlight of the Gathering of Eagles auction, and we’re very grateful for Ford’s support for our initiatives.”
The modification of a 2017 Ford F-150 Raptoris led by Ford design manager Melvin Betancourt with engineering led by the Ford Performance Team. The goal was to strive for a creative connection to the Lockheed F-22 Raptor fighter aircraft while highlighting the unique style, capabilities, and design features of the 2017 F-150 Raptor.
Among the modifications to the truck are a twin-turbo, Whipple intercooled, high-output EcoBoost engine, along with enhancements to the suspension, wheels, brakes and lighting. The F-150 Raptor also features a purpose-built audio system and interior modifications. It is the latest in a series of Ford specialty vehicles that have to date raised more than $3 million for EAA’s youth aviation initiatives.
“This F-150 Raptor is a new look at Ford’s tradition of building unique vehicles in support of EAA’s youth aviation programs,” Betancourt said. “We know this truck will create an unmatched buzz around this year’s Gathering of Eagles auction.”
Attendees at the Gathering of Eagles are eligible to bid on the F-150 Raptor, as are those prequalified to bid by phone during the sale. For more information, contact EAA’s development office at (800) 236-1025 or at gathering@eaa.org.
EAA’s Gathering of Eagles is held annually at the EAA Aviation Museum, drawing more than 1,000 aviation enthusiasts who support the aviators, engineers, and flight professionals of tomorrow. The event has drawn such personalities as actors Harrison Ford, John Travolta, and Morgan Freemen, sports luminaries Ken Griffey Jr. and Jack Roush, and aviation legends such as astronauts Jim Lovell and Frank Borman.
About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is the “World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at www.eaa.org/airventure. EAA members receive lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAA.