Wings, Wheels and Water

LATEST ATC SPINOFF PROPOSAL MEETS CONTINUED AND HEAVY OPPOSITION

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LATEST ATC SPINOFF PROPOSAL MEETS CONTINUED AND HEAVY OPPOSITION

EAA joins other leading GA organizations in criticizing proposal

EAA AVIATION CENTER, Oshkosh, Wisconsin – (June 21, 2018) – Today, six associations representing the general aviation industry issued a statement strongly opposing the Trump Administration for including in its government reorganization proposal a failed idea to privatize the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) air traffic control services.

“There is a large and diverse chorus of opposition to the idea of privatizing our air traffic control system, including congressional leaders from both political parties, more than 100 aviation organizations, over 100 business leaders, 100 U.S. mayors, consumer and agricultural groups, conservative think tanks, and the majority of Americans. Additionally, this concept has been fully considered in the U.S. Congress and rejected despite years of repeated attempts,” said the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Helicopter Association International (HAI), National Air Transportation Association (NATA) and National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).

“Instead of focusing precious time and resources on what amounts to nothing more than a distraction to the aviation community, the Administration needs to support a long-term FAA bill, like those passed by the House of Representatives and now pending in the Senate. These bills will take practical and significant steps to address many critical issues like aviation safety, modernization, which includes accelerated advancement of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen), and needed aircraft certification and regulatory reform. Additionally, the Department of Transportation needs to continue with its commitment to the NextGen Advisory Committee (NAC), which fosters collaboration in an open and transparent manner and helps advance air traffic control modernization priorities and investments.

“We are disappointed that the Administration continues to reintroduce a failed proposal. Instead, it should put its weight behind FAA legislation pending in Congress that will advance the aviation industry, including general aviation, which contributes $219 billion to the U.S. economy and creates over one million jobs in the U.S.”

More than 300 general aviation pilot organizations, state and local aviation officials, airports, manufacturers, labor unions, businesses, management associations and consumer groups stand united against air traffic control privatization.

About EAA

EAA embodies The Spirit of Aviation through the world’s most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA’s 210,000 members and 900 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.

ONE-OF-A-KIND RAF ‘EAGLE SQUADRON’ FORD MUSTANG GT ON AUCTION BLOCK AT EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2018

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ONE-OF-A-KIND RAF ‘EAGLE SQUADRON’ FORD MUSTANG GT ON AUCTION BLOCK AT EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2018

Proceeds from The Gathering on July 26 to benefit EAA youth education programs

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (June 15, 2018) — Ford Motor Company is again supporting EAA’s youth aviation education programs by auctioning a one-of-a-kind vehicle that salutes an aviation legend, as the RAF EAGLE SQUADRON Ford Mustang GT is unveiled at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018.

The vehicle, specially designed and built by Ford design engineers as well as drifting champion Vaughn Gittin Jr. and his RTR Vehicles group, will be up for bid during EAA’s biggest fundraiser, The Gathering, on July 26. The Gathering, which draws more than 1,000 aviation enthusiasts each year, is part of the 66th annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention on July 23-29 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

“For 20 years, Ford Motor Company has supported EAA’s programs to build the next generation of aviators through commitments such as these one-of-a-kind collector vehicles,” said Jack Pelton, EAA CEO/Chairman. “This exclusive automotive salute to the 100th anniversary of the Royal Air Force and the famed Eagle Squadron of World War II makes this Mustang GT an even more desirable highlight of The Gathering auction.”

More information on the bidding process is available by contacting EAA at Gathering@EAA.org or by calling 920-426-6573.

The Eagle Squadron Mustang GT features a 700-horsepower 5.0-liter Ford V8 topped with a Ford Performance supercharger, an RTR carbon fiber wide-body kit and a Tactical Performance Suspension Package. A powerful and menacing-looking beast, the Eagle Squadron Mustang GT is inspired by the British Spitfire fighter planes that flew over the fields of Goodwood nearly 80 years ago. The Eagle Squadron included a number of American volunteer fighter pilots prior to the United States’ entry into the war.

After the car is completed in early July, it will make its first appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the United Kingdom on July 12. Gittin will pilot the supercharged Mustang GT up the famed Goodwood hill climb. Following that appearance, the car will be transported to the U.S. for its unveiling at AirVenture.

The high bidder for the vehicle will also receive an all-inclusive package for two to attend the 2018 Ford Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit, Michigan, in August, where they will receive their vehicle as well as a plaque autographed by Gittin and members of the Ford design team.

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.

 

ALL THINGS INNOVATION PROGRAMMING JULY 24 AT EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2018

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ALL THINGS INNOVATION PROGRAMMING JULY 24 AT EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2018

Innovation – New technologies, awards, thought leaders part of ‘what’s next’ in flight

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (June 12, 2018) — The cutting-edge technology and products that will drive general aviation’s next generation come together at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018 on Tuesday, July 24, with a full Innovations Day of programming and events on the AirVenture grounds.

The 66th annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention is July 23-29 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The event is traditionally the venue where the latest aviation technology is introduced to the flying community.

The daylong series of only-at-Oshkosh events brings together the brightest minds in aviation innovation. Topics will include electric and hybrid technology, artificial intelligence in the cockpit, future avionics, uses of unmanned aircraft and more. The packed schedule of events concludes An Evening With Innovators program at Theater in the Woods, featuring with the third annual Founder’s Innovation Prize judging and program. In addition, Aviation Gateway Park features more than 20 new exhibitors demonstrating new technology throughout the week.

“EAA members thrive on the ‘what’s next’ – the new technology and innovations in general aviation,” said Dave Chaimson, EAA’s vice president of marketing and business development. “Many of the innovations seen at Oshkosh over the past five decades are now commonplace in aviation. There’s no place better than Oshkosh, and its connection with the community’s leading manufacturers and service providers, to provide world-class educational experiences to engage in aviation’s future.”

Some of the July 24 highlights include:

  • 9 a.m.-Noon: Lindbergh Innovation Forum, Aviation Gateway Park Forum Tent — Entrepreneurs, inventors, and trailblazers involved in breakthrough work participate in presentations and panel discussions on a variety of technology shaping tomorrow’s aviation environment. Those scheduled to participate include representatives of Uber Elevate, Boeing, Insitu, Ampaire, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and others.
  • 1-2 p.m.: Innovation Trends in GA Avionics Executive Roundtable, Aviation Gateway Park Forum Tent — This panel of GA founders and CEOs from the avionics industry will focus on ADS-B, open-source development, GA/UAV crossover technology, and more.
  • 8 p.m.: An Evening With Innovators featuring the Founder’s Innovation Prize, Theater in the Woods — The third year of this competition, presented by Airbus, highlights the top five 2018 entries in a “Shark Tank”-style format, where judges from throughout the aviation and aerospace world review the best and brightest ideas to lower the loss-of-control accident rate in general aviation. The winner receives a cash prize of $25,000, with additional cash prizes for second and third place.

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.

RARE, LEGENDARY XP-82 ‘TWIN MUSTANG’ AIMS TO MAKE PUBLIC DEBUT AT EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2018

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RARE, LEGENDARY XP-82 ‘TWIN MUSTANG’ AIMS TO MAKE PUBLIC DEBUT AT EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2018.  Ten-year restoration nearly complete for 70-year old airframe

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (May 25, 2018) — The restorers of a North American XP-82 “Twin Mustang,” one of the most unusual fighter/escort aircraft ever deployed by the U.S. military, are aiming to make EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018 its first public appearance to celebrate completion of an arduous 10-year restoration project.

The 66th annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention is July 23-29 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The event is the world’s largest annual gathering of vintage warbird aircraft, with more than 300 participating each year among the 10,000 airplanes that arrive in the region for the event.

The 10-year restoration project in Douglas, Georgia, began after aircraft restorer Tom Reilly discovered the complete airframe on a farm in Ohio. Reilly then scoured the earth seeking engines, propellers and a multitude of other XP-82 parts to continue the restoration.
“The interest and enthusiasm for this restoration has been wonderful and gratifying,” said Reilly, who has chronicled the restoration process online. “There is no better place than Oshkosh to make the first public flights of this aircraft, which is why it is our intent to complete the restoration and testing so we can be a part of AirVenture 2018.”

The XP-82 restoration brings back a unique flying example of an aircraft designed late in World War II as a long-range fighter escort to accompany B-29 bombers for thousands of miles on missions over the Pacific Ocean. Based on the highly successful P-51 “Mustang” design, the XP-82 used twin fuselages and two specially designed Rolls-Royce Packard-built Merlin engines to supply the speed, range and armament needed for the task. Fewer than 300 of the airplanes were produced as the P-82, with all but five scrapped in the years after the Korean War as the military moved to jet aircraft.

“It has been decades since people have seen this aircraft type fly anywhere,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “The return of this historic aircraft to the sky is a tribute to the vision and perseverance of the restoration team, and it’s fitting that the group has AirVenture as a goal to fly this beauty before a huge, appreciative audience.”

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.

 

XP-82

(NACA/NARA)

TWO STUDENTS EARN EAA/DAHER INTERN SCHOLARSHIPS

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TWO STUDENTS EARN EAA/DAHER INTERN SCHOLARSHIPS

Recipients will work overseas at Daher facility in France

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. — (May 8, 2018) — Noa Garcia-Brown of Belmont, California, and Riley Ferguson of Lexington, Kentucky, will receive the work internships of a lifetime, as they are the recipients of this year’s EAA/Daher Intern Scholarships.

The internship program is now in its 12th year. Each recipient receives a five-week internship at Daher’s Tarbes facility in France, located in the shadow of the Pyrenees Mountains, followed by a week in Oshkosh where they’ll help Daher during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018. All travel, lodging, and work experience is included, as well as a side trip to the Airbus facility at Toulouse.

“This opportunity is a one-of-a-kind experience for the internship recipients,” said Nicolas Chabbert, Daher Senior Vice President and CEO of SOCATA North America. “They will spend time with our team in France, gaining expertise in their fields of interest – such as marketing, production, organization, design, support and service. We hope the experience will make a difference in their future careers, while also benefitting our company by working with the next-generation of aviation industry decision-makers.”

Garcia-Brown is in his third year at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona, majoring in aeronautical engineering. After earning his undergraduate degree, Garcia-Brown aims to gets a master’s degree and eventually work for a company that designs aircraft for the general aviation or business markets. He also has a goal of someday owning a Stearman biplane.

Ferguson is a junior at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, double majoring in neuroscience and English. She holds a private pilot certificate and founded an aviation club at Vanderbilt to encourage young people to fly. After graduation, Ferguson wants to attend medical school and eventually embark on a career that combines her passion for aviation with her training in medicine.

“Daher’s commitment provides an incentive, a challenge to EAA Young Eagles, an opportunity for them to explore a variety of career directions within the aviation field first hand, to see what the future holds,” said Dave Chaimson, EAA’s vice president of marketing and business development. “For a student, nothing is more important. The cultural exchange, the educational opportunities, and the impact on their lives are tremendous.”

About DAHER

One of the world’s leading general aviation manufacturers with more than 17,000 aircraft built since its creation as Morane-Saulnier in 1911, including the family of Very Fast Turboprop aircraft TBM 910/930, Daher is an aircraft manufacturer and service maker. Daher asserts its expertise in three main businesses — aircraft manufacturing, aerospace equipment, and systems, logistics and services.

The TBM 910 and TBM 930 are the latest members in Daher’s TBM family of very fast single-engine turboprop aircraft. Differences between the two models are concentrated on their primary avionics: Garmin’s G1000 NXi avionics system with physical keypad for the TBM 910, and Garmin’s G3000 with touchscreen controller for the TBM 930.

 

About EAA

EAA embodies The Spirit of Aviation through the world’s most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA’s 210,000 members and 900 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.