AVweb

Picture of the Week: AVweb's Flying Photography Showcase
Last week, we mentioned that we get a lot of approach shots here at "POTW" central — but that very few seem to make it into the top spot. Perhaps taking this as a challenge, Robert Hurd of Largo, Florida sent in this gem, taken with his "hand held [at] arm's length ... from the back seat." Point taken, Robert. Your hat is on its way, and we're already bracing ourselves for the rush of approach photos that will surely batter us down in the days to come ... .

Question of the Week: The State of AFSS
The FAA says it's working to correct problems with the flight service station system that was contracted out to Lockheed Martin two years ago. It's submitted a report to Congress on what it plans to do, so we thought it timely to get an update from readers on how Lockheed Martin is doing. Plus: Find out what 51% of AVweb readers had to say about the "51% Rule" when it comes to homebuilts.

AVweb Insider Blog: The Bio-Fuel Delusion
Be sure to visit our new blog, AVweb Insider, for personal insights and commentary on the aviation industry from our staff of writers and editors. Today, Aviation Group director Paul Bertorelli wonders aloud if bio-fuels are really going to save G.A. as we know it.

AVweb Founder Mike Busch Honored By FAA
AVweb founder and now our popular "Savvy Aviator" columnist Mike Busch has been named the FAA's AMT of the Year in the National GA Awards. Other winners included Timothy Daniel "Tim" Adkison of Benton, Kentucky - Avionics Technician of the Year; Max Trescott of Mountain View, California - Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI) of the Year, and John Anthony Teipen of University City, Missouri - FAA Safety Team Representative of the Year. Mike Busch founded AVweb in 1995 after retiring as a software developer, and at the same time he started getting serious about learning how to maintain and fix his own airplane.

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)

Aircraft registration proposal hints at cost-based user fees
In an effort to bring the U.S. aircraft registry up to date, the FAA is proposing a three-year aircraft "re-registration" requirement that would replace the current triennial registration report. It may seem harmless, but look out. It could get expensive.

Oldest Boeing returns to air
Scud running in 1928 was no safer than it is now. A pilot who tried it in a monster biplane called a Boeing 40C suffered a dramatic conclusion.

Gadget saves pilot who ditched at sea
If Maurice Kirk hadn't been carrying a personal locator beacon on Feb. 16 when his J-3 Cub went down more than 70 miles out to sea, he probably wouldn't be alive today.

Congressman goes to bat for GA on customs rule
General aviation pilots who fly internationally have a sympathetic ear on Capitol Hill. AOPA Executive Vice President of Government Affairs Andy Cebula and AOPA member Jim Turner met with Rep. Paul Broun (R-Ga.) on Feb. 26 to discuss the proposed changes in procedures for GA aircraft flying to and from the United States.

Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)

FAA Issues Final Rule On Airmen Certificate Replacements
The FAA this week issued a final rule that will require all pilots to replace their paper airmen certificate with a counterfeit-resistant plastic certificate by March 31, 2010.

EAA Asks Members to Urge FAA: Preserve Rights For All Homebuilders
The rights and privileges enjoyed by homebuilders over the past half-century have not only given citizens the freedom to build and fly their own aircraft, they also led to innovations that have found their way into type-certificated products and created an entire industry of suppliers, designers, manufacturers, making all of aviation stronger.

EAA Bids Fond Farewell to Bob Warner
Bob Warner, a familiar face to many EAAers, marks his last days as an EAA employee this week after 16 years with the organization. Bob has worn many different managerial hats during his tenure on staff at EAA. He came on board to lead EAA's government affairs efforts and advanced to a vice president position where he shepherded member and chapter relations.

EAA's New Online Calendar of Events Designed With the Pilot in Mind
There is now one comprehensive listing of aviation activities that is designed with the pilot in mind: EAA's new online calendar of events - the world's largest - featuring more than 1,000 events from throughout the aviation community.

Aero-News

Lawmakers From Washington, Kansas React To KC-X Decision
Boeing Supporters Vow To Ask "Tough Questions" About Choice It barely took an hour after the Pentagon announced its choice for the US Air Force KC-X tanker bid, before lawmakers aligned with the loser spoke out vehemently against the decision.

NBAA's Bolen Reiterates GA's Support For ATC Modernization
Says Senator's "Suggestion" Isn't Based On Facts NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen reiterated Thursday the general aviation community's support for aviation system modernization, a topic of discussion at a Congressional hearing.

Rockefeller Blames Stalled FAA Funding Bill On GA
Cites "Inability To Compromise" During Hearing Some people just don't get it. West Virginia Senator John D. Rockefeller says it's unlikely there will be an FAA funding reauthorization bill passed at all in 2008, period... and he says the general aviation community is to blame.

Aero-News Alert: EADS/Northrop Grumman Team Wins KC-X Contract Award
KC-X Contract Award To Be Announced Friday ANN REALTIME REPORTING 02.29.08 1430 EST: Aero-News has learned Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Duncan J. McNabb will announce the winner of the KC-X tanker contract award at 1700 EST Friday.

KMVN Fly-In/Drive-In Breakfast

Mt. Vernon, IL
Sat, Mar 01, 2008 · 8:00am-11:00am

Hosted by SRT Aviation.

Menu includes all-you-can-eat biscuits & gravy, pancakes & sausage, coffee, juice, and/or milk.

Costs are $5 per adult, $2.50 for kids 6 to 12, free for kids 5 and under.

For more information, visit www.mtvernonairport.com, or contact Chris Collins at managermvaa@mvn.net or (618) 242-7016.

Sporty's Hot Dog Fly-In

Batavia, OH
Sat, Mar 01, 2008 · 12:00pm-2:00pm

A Sporty's Hot Dog Fly-In takes place every Saturday at Clermont County (I69).

Free hot dogs from noon until 2 p.m.

Contact Jason Pruitt at (513) 735-9500.

Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 277 Breakfast Fly-Out

Mt. Vernon, IL
Sat, Mar 01, 2008 · 9:00am

Come join Carbondale's Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 277 for a hot breakfast and hangar talk.

Cross Wind Takeoff and Landings - FAAST Program

Cape Girardeau, MO
Sat, Mar 01, 2008 · 10:00am

This review of proper Cross Wind techniques might just prevent that unhappy landing during Springtime winds!

While it is usually preferable to take off directly into the wind whenever possible or practical, there will be many instances when circumstances or judgment will indicate otherwise.

Likewise, many runways or landing areas are such that landings must be made while the wind is blowing across rather than parallel to the landing direction.

All pilots should be prepared to cope with these situations when they arise.

This seminar will review how to control your aircraft in those windy situations.

Event Information

Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 277 Board Meeting

Marion, IL
Mon, Mar 03, 2008 · 7:00pm

Located in the FBO, Aeroflight.

For Sale

1978 Whitesel Sonerai II Project ***MUST SELL***

Benton, IL
Mon, Feb 18, 2008

Owners death forces sale of Sonerai II rebuild project, N66DW, SN 177.

• Many items to help complete include 2 VW engines for parts and acc, instruments, and misc items.
• Project stored at Benton, Illinois (H96).
• Additional pictures on request.
• $4,500 OBO.
• Contact Larry G. Flesner, friend of owner - located Carterville, IL at (618) 201-5958 or (618) 985-2373.
• Listed on Barnstormers ().