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Medical Exemption Request Drawing Interest
In the few weeks since the EAA/AOPA medical certification exemption request has been posted, more than 500 public comments have already been submitted. Both of our organizations, in the interest of working stronger together, are encouraging our members to comment on our request to the FAA, which would open additional options for those currently holding valid third-class medical certificates and wanting to fly recreationally. In a related note, Australian aviation authorities are beginning to study the possibilities of allowing recreational flying using standards of the driver’s licenses in that country. Although the Australian study is not connected to the EAA/AOPA request, it is interesting that another nation with a significant general aviation community is studying the idea.
NTSB Releases Interim Study of Reno Air Race Accident
Last Tuesday, the National Transportation Safety Board released an interim report and a number of recommendations in the aftermath of last September's fatal accident at the Reno National Air Races. The recommendations cover key areas such as engineering evaluations for modified aircraft, tracking pre-race inspections to ensure discrepancies are resolved, pre-race high g-force training for pilots and the possibility of using g-suits when racing, and a study of the unlimited category race course to increase safety. These recommendations are based from the NTSB’s investigation that included a January hearing in Washington, D.C., in which EAA Vice President of AirVenture Features and Attractions Jim DiMatteo, Vice President of Industry and Regulatory Affairs Sean Elliott, and I participated. The recommendations also have no adverse effects on air shows. EAA will continue its support of the Reno Air Races as we have in the past, and remain committed to safety in aviation.
Team RV to Make Oshkosh Debut This Year
Among the air show performers making their Oshkosh debuts this year are the pilots of Team RV, a 12-member team that flies the Van's RV aircraft in air show maneuvers. Team RV has been an exciting addition to many air shows since its founding a decade ago, with high-speed and tight formation maneuvers. Many of the pilots in the group have also been involved in previous AirVenture highlights, such as the world-record mass formation RV flights at Oshkosh over the past five years. This air show addition is also fitting in 2012 as we recognize the 40th anniversary of the RV aircraft created by Dick VanGrunsven.
B-17 Aluminum Overcast Back On Tour
EAA's B-17 Aluminum Overcast is on its way for the first leg of its 19th annual national tour. The tour will begin in Torrance, California, on April 20-22, and then continue with stops in California, Oregon, Washington, and Colorado through mid-June. Visit the B-17 website to book your flight when Aluminum Overcast comes your way!
Mourning the Loss of Zeisloft, Pardue
Two men with longtime connections to EAA passed away recently. Harry Zeisloft, who was one of the longest-serving EAA board members (1957-1997), passed away April 1 in Arizona. Harry was a master engineer who helped create such automotive innovations as cruise control and anti-lock brakes, but was best known in EAA circles for his tireless work on the auto fuel Supplemental Type Certificate that allowed small aircraft to use less expensive auto gas. We were also saddened upon hearing of the death of Howard Pardue in an aircraft accident in Texas on April 4. Howard was a fixture at AirVenture air shows and warbird performances in his Bearcat. Our condolences go to each man's family. |
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Chapter 630 Member Describes Amazing Talk-Down Landing
On April 2, EAA Chapter 630 member Robert Vuksanovic was out mowing the lawn at his Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, home when suddenly a low-flying twin-engine airplane streaked over his property. He noticed it but thought nothing particularly unusual about it. But the former Midwest Airlines pilot and CFII soon learned it was an airplane whose pilot in command had become incapacitated and was being flown by the passenger, who had very limited flying experience. Read More
More Coverage: EAAers Help Woman Land | Audio: In-Flight Recording
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