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Pitts Specials at SUN ‘n FUN 2020

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For Immediate Release

Free Admission for Flying Your Pitts to SUN ‘n FUN 2020.

Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Pitts Special

February 14, 2020

Lakeland, Florida: The 2020 SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo will commemorate the 75th Anniversary of one of the most exciting aerobatic aircraft ever made – the iconic Pitts Special. The first test flight of the Pitts S-1 was made by Curtis Pitts himself in 1945, after which the aircraft type quickly gained acclaim from competition and recreational pilots alike. The Pitts Special is widely regarded as one of the most agile and maneuverable aerobatic aircraft in the world and has been manufactured in numerous configurations during its storied history.

SUN ‘n FUN is celebrating the diamond anniversary of this beautiful aircraft by inviting Pitts owners to showcase their planes in a specially designated parking area in SUN ‘n FUN’s new Aerobatic HQ. The aircraft will be displayed in the center of SUN ‘n FUN’s air-side attractions, with a full range of forums and seminars for members and aerobatic enthusiasts onsite throughout the week. In celebration of Curtis Pitt’s legacy, those who bring their Pitts aircraft will be awarded free weekly admission for up to two (2). Upon arriving at the Fly-in, Pitts owners are requested to place a sign in their dashboards with large letters ACRO in order to be directed to the Aerobatic HQ parking area. Wristbands will be issued by SUN ‘n FUN volunteers upon arrival and registration.

SUN ‘n FUN has two (2) Pitts Special S-1 aircraft on display year-round in the Florida Air Museum, located on the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus. Both from 1972, the first was built and donated by Paul and Audrey Poberezny’s daughter, Bonnie, which currently hangs inverted in the Buehler Restoration Center. Attendees of The Bash during this year’s Fly-In can get an up-close look at this aircraft in its current location before it moves to its new home in the new Aerospace Center for Excellence’s Project SkyLab front entrance lobby. The 22,000 sq. ft. expansion is scheduled for completion in 2021. Bruce Dunham donated the second aircraft, currently on display in the expanding facility.

The SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo is March 31st – April 5th 2020. Come join the excitement in the new Aerobatic HQ and celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Pitts Special.

Pitts S1 Plans

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HD Heritage Wheel Bearings Installation

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HD Heritage Wheel Bearings.

Following are a few pictures of installing Heritage wheel bearings.

Recently I was able to buy a 2002 Harley Softail Heritage Classic.

Bearings

One thing I have always disliked on my motorcycles is spoke wheels. Too many parts to loosen up and hard to keep clean.  Anyway, after a search on Facebook and craigslist I was able to buy a pair of solid wheels off a 2002 Harley Fat Boy.

Bearings

But before I install new tires (thinking wide white walls) and installing them on the Heritage, I wanted to install new wheel bearings.

I ordered four new bearings and a bearing puller/installer from MaXpeedingrods.com This is a very nice tool for the money.  It comes with everything you need to remove and install the bearings (besides the wrench’s). One thing that did bother me a bit, was mixing the SAE and metric sized bolts. Although it seems like almost every motorcycle or car mixes SAE and metric sizes too.

Bearings

Next was the process of removing the old bearings.  Read the instructions first!  The removal tool is a hollow bolt that slips into the inside of the bearing and then has a tapered bolt put inside to expand the tool to catch on the inside edge of the bearing.  The kit comes with three different size tools. One for the 3/4 inch axle, 1 inch and 25 mm.   The 2002 is the 3/4 inch axle. I coated all the threaded parts with oil (and the tapered expansion bolt) before starting, as stated in the instructions.

Bearings

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After installing the “cage” on the outside of the wheel, tightening up the wedge to catch the bearing. Then tightening the large nut to pull the bearing out of the wheel. Notice the ratchet, which had a short extension with a hex driver to hold the center wedge bolt to keep the assembly from moving. Just a matter of muscle power to pull the bearings.  Repeat on the other side. I did drop the puller inside the hollow portion of the wheel.  Don’t do that, it was a PIA to get it back out.

After I cleaned the bears races Inserted the installation tool started the install. Make sure and apply anti seize lubricant to the bearing surfaces inside and out to make it a bit easier next time you try this.

Finished installation.

FREE ADMISSION FOR AGES 18-AND-UNDER AT EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2020

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FREE ADMISSION FOR AGES 18-AND-UNDER AT EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2020

FREE ADMISSION – Boeing support opens door for youth to attend World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (December 6, 2019) — Young people ages 18 and under will be admitted free to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2020, as a way to introduce more youth to the possibilities in the world of flight. The 68th annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention will be July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport.

The Boeing Company is financially supporting this effort for the next two years to encourage more aviation-minded families and their children to attend the event that brings more than 10,000 aircraft from around the world to Oshkosh each year.

“EAA’s mission is growing participation in aviation and in 2019, after EAA reduced admission costs for students, we saw an increased number of families coming to AirVenture,” said Jack J. Pelton, EAA’s CEO/chairman of the board. “Inspiring young people and giving them a first look at what’s possible in aviation is only achievable if they can get in the gate. This effort will build on the more than 60 years where AirVenture has earned a reputation as a wonderful family event. We’re incredibly appreciative of Boeing’s support and like EAA, Boeing is committed to inspiring the next generation of aeronautical innovators. Because of Boeing’s belief in our mission, we can invite youth from around the world to experience AirVenture at no cost.”

The free youth admission is available throughout AirVenture week. Along with Boeing’s financial support, a small fee on AirVenture advanced purchase adult admissions and value-added opportunities such as the Aviators Club will support this free admission opportunity for young people.

“At Boeing, we aim to inspire and prepare the next generation of innovators, and EAA AirVenture provides a unique opportunity to encourage the natural curiosity of young people,” said William Ampofo, vice president, Business Aviation, General Aviation & OEM Services, Boeing Global Services. “We are proud to provide an opportunity for thousands of youth to experience this world-class event, and be inspired to use their talents, creativity and vision for the future of aviation.”

Longstanding youth activities and programs at AirVenture include such popular offerings as the hands-on KidVenture display and program area; technology, innovation, and education options at Aviation Gateway Park; and extraordinary events such as daily air shows and more than 1,500 forums, workshops, and seminars.

Complete admission pricing and advance online purchase is currently available at EAA.org/AirVenture.

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.