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I’ve been away from posting for a while. Let’s see if I can get more items listed here.

Here’s a summary of what the chapter’s been doing, and what we can expect to come up in the next year.

Here we go starting our ninth year for the Chapter. We’ve gone from a handful of aviation enthusiasts to about 35 members now. Our first pancake breakfasts were prepared on a small gas grill. One thing to note is that over all this time we’ve held the price the same.

We’ve made a lot of progress over the years. Some of our breakfasts have attracted over 100 people. Our corn roast has also become very popular. But our main accomplishment so far is how much we’ve progressed in our aviation education programs. Since we took over the Taildragger safety seminar and Fly-in about four years ago, we’ve expanded our programs quite a bit.

We now hold a second safety seminar in the spring, and in the past we had informational displays at the East Windsor Rotary Family Day, and at the FAA SafetyFest. Over the past two years we’ve developed a very successful Young Eagles program in association with Chapter 166 and several area aviation organizations.

One of the founders of the chapter, Mike Koczera has continued to support the chapter with the use of the airport for our meetings and events. We’ve helped the airport back by providing the television for the pilot lounge, painted the runway markings and sprayed weed killer on the pavement to help it last longer.

The past Presidents of the chapter have set a good foundation for us. Mike got the chapter going for the first few years and provided his aviation experience to teach his skills at several meetings. Eric Dixon then guided the chapter through the development years where many other organizations lose the fresh enthusiasm and fade away.

We have a good footing for the future. In the past, our web site won a chapter award at Airventure. The web site provides the timeliest information to our members. Our newsletter which provides more in-depth information to the members will now be published by Charlie Falke, who is also taking over most of the web site tasks.

We now look toward what we can accomplish in the coming year, and in subsequent years. We plan on continuing our two Young Eagles events along with Chapter 166. We will also maintain our ongoing relationship with the FAA Safety Team to hold spring and fall safety seminars. The social events won’t be ignored either. We will continue to build on the breakfasts and cookouts we hold. Improved publicity may get additional visitors to help our fundraising effort.

An ongoing request is to have a building or restoration project for the members. The problem is that we have no place to work on it. In order to pay for the construction or rental of a building along with operation, we will need to increase our income significantly. In the past year the chapter obtained non-profit status which may be the key to us being able to obtain more substantial contributions.

To accomplish this, and to continue our programs, we need the participation of our members. The chapter would dissolve without our great volunteers. We can only accomplish more with greater involvement. If we are able to develop a workshop, the chapter will be able to have activity at the airport on most days of the year. We’re still a relatively small group, so I would like to ask everyone to see if they know someone who they can recruit as another member.

EAA isn’t an organization where you just send in your dues, and get a magazine in return. It’s about member activity. We have the potential of a lot of achievements in the coming years. Your commitment and enthusiasm can make it happen.

Our trip to the Aerodrome started out well. Bill flew there in the Tiger Moth, and Mark flew there in his L-5. Three road vehicles made the trip, and everyone arrived within ten minutes of each other. The weather couldn’t have been better with sunny skies and light winds.

A tour of the museum was held shortly after we arrived so we were able to get some detailed information on the planes no longer flying or restored for display.

They were able to put quite a few more planes in the air than during our last visit two years ago. A couple of the more temperamental planes were only hopped down the runway, but there was a good selection of aircraft.

This is the last season for Stanley Segala’a Flying Farmer routine. I’m glad I got to see it one more time. Stanley takes the Piper Cub and does a high performance (Well, as high as you can get in a Cub.) takeoff. Then he performs loops, rolls, and finishes with a engine-off landing where he stops the plane at the center of the runway to pick up the had he forgot to get when he left.

The show concluded on a tragic note though. The Nieuport 24 bis and Fokker DR1 tri-plane were doing a mock dogfight routine. They were going to do a head-on pass, but the Nieuport appeared to stall in the turn coming back to the field. The routines performed there are quite low, so the pilot was unable to recover and was killed in the crash. I was watching the Fokker at the time, so that is what I’ve heard from people watching the Nieuport. The pilot’s name is expected to be released tomorrow. According to NTSB records, there have been 10 accidents at, or near the Aerodrome in its history. This was the first one that was fatal.

The crowd was reported as very large yesterday.

At the EAA annual meeting EAA President Tom Poberzny announced that a program will be starting next year that will bring AirVenture to the members all year long. No details were provided. He also said that besides the airshow and vendors, there were 1,200 events scheduled during the week.

Earlier this week, the Cirrus Jet made its public debut.

The site change plan will start to be implemented over the winter.

International visitors were up this year from last 1,657 vs 1,333 from 64 countries vs. 56 last year. The declining value of the US dollar is making the trip to Airventure more affordable for people outside this country.

Significant events were that John Travolta’s 707 had a compressor problem on takeoff last night which caused quite a commotion, but nothing besides an aborted takeoff. The plane taxied back and took off about 15 minutes later.

The old tower will be coming down probably in September, so get your photos of it now.

I heard that a couple years ago they started a new rule when removing porta-potties from the grounds to knock on the door first.

400 Warbirds were registered this year, an increase over last year.

Last night was the Gathering of Eagles dinner/fundraising event for the Young Eagles program. 1,060 people attended including Arnold Palmer, Harrison Ford and John Travolta. Mr Ford also attended the chapter presidents’ reception at the Ford pavilion.

The V-22 Ospry tilt-rotor aircraft arrived and did a demo at the show.

On a sad note, two people died in a Lancair Legacy while on short-final to runway 27.

The changes to the Experimental Aircraft Builder rule is getting a lot of attention this year. While the stated purpose of the change is to ensure that the builder has actually put the plane together, the exact wording includes the separate terms of assembly and fabrication. These aren’t clearly defined. Right now we are in the extremely short 30 day comment period, so we need to comment on this rule now. It doesn’t need to be too technical. Just read the summaries provided by EAA and AOPA. Then put your thoughts into writing and get it out to help preserve your ability to build your own plane.

I’ve been listening to EAA Radio, and Glen and Harrison Martin, developers of the Martin Jetpack have said that they won’t be flying the unit again this week. Initially they said that there were insurance issues, but currently they say they’ve been working very hard this week, and along with the jet lag from traveling from New Zealand, they are quite fatigued. Therefore they won’t be risking an accident at the show.

The big event was the first public demo of the Martin Jetpack. The “Jetpack” is actually a ducted fan system, similar to the “Any-Time-Now” Moller SkyCar. It actually sounds like a big leaf blower. However, the Martin unit actually flies. A few hundred people were expected at Aero-Shell Square for the demo, but thousands showed up for a glimpse. The pilot flew a few feet off of the groun. A more extensive demo is expected later in the Wednesday airshow. In fact, the Jetpack was heard early this morning about 7:30 AM.

XCOR demonstrated a Rocket Racer. The modified Velocity aircraft that uses a liquid oxygen and kerosene fuel. The plane made a flame about 15 feet long, and sounded like an acetylene torch. The engine is turned on and off as necessary during flight-fuel permitting. It will fly again during the airshows on Friday and Saturday.

It looks like people aren’t letting the high fuel costs keep them away. The North 40 camping area is full.

While we’re not at AirVenture this week, reports from Oshkosh through EAA’s email notices, and EAA Radio are reporting quite a bit. A power transformer explosion at the north end of the field yesterday cut off power for a while, and a large plane was parked in the line-of-sight of their microwave link.

The biggest arrival was the Boeing Dreamlifter. It’s landing was held up a bit since the Harrier demo ran a bit late. That distracted the audience of the Foreigner concert.

The announcement that Vern Rayburn was being forced out as President of Eclipse Aviation by its investors was probably the biggest surprise of the day.

Today the much awaited jet pack will be flown. Representatives were up at 1 AM today doing a live prime time report for a station in New Zealand.

SPECTACULAR WARBIRD ACTIVITIES ALL WEEK

The annual warbird activities include five warbirds air show performances during the week (every day except Thursday, July 31 and Sunday, August 3), with a 60-minute demonstration on Tuesday, July 29, and the “Warbird Spectaculars” on Friday, August 1, and Saturday, August 2. In addition, a full schedule of the popular “Warbirds in Review” programs with World War II veterans, current aircraft owners and other warbird authorities will take place throughout the week.

The hundreds of warbirds expected at Oshkosh include an all-star roster of the best-known World War II-era aircraft, including B-17 “Flying Fortress,” B-24 “Liberator,” B-25 “Mitchell,” P-51 “Mustang,” P-38 “Lightning,” F4U “Corsair,” and many others. Some of the world’s top aviation museums and collections, such as the Commemorative Air Force, Lone Star Flight Museum and Cavanaugh Flight Museum, have warbirds participating at EAA AirVenture that complement the current military aircraft on display.

The schedule of guests at the Warbirds in Review programs held in the EAA AirVenture warbirds area is also an unmatched gathering. Such legendary pilots as Bob Hoover, Bud Anderson, Doolittle Raiders, Paul Poberezny and others are among the presenters at these informal and intimate sessions held each day at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

• Top warbird aviators are featured in the regular AirVenture forums series and at the special EAA AirVenture Museum “Speakers’ Showcase” programs throughout the week.
• The Warbird Spectacular air show performances on August 1-2 feature the full pyrotechnics and recreations
• World War II re-enactors with military vehicles present on the grounds
• A special concert on Friday night, August 1, at EAA’s Theater in the Woods in conjunction with the Disabled American Veterans, featuring actor Gary Sinise’s “Lt. Dan Band.”
• At non-air show times, the warbirds area is open for visitors to view the aircraft and talk to the owners and pilots of these airplanes, which are among the few remaining airworthy examples of these historic aircraft.

AFFORDABLE WAYS TO ATTEND AND ENJOY EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2008

Discounts on fuel along the route to Oshkosh, ride-share programs, airline discounts and onsite camping are among the ways AirVenture-bound travelers can make their trip even more valuable and affordable. The 56th annual edition of the EAA fly-in convention is July 28-August 3 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

It’s easy to find out more about each of these economical ways to enjoy EAA AirVenture through the www.airventure.org website, the comprehensive guide to help plan, attend and fully enjoy the event. Among some of features available are:

• EAA’s Rideshare Program gives a pilots and drivers the opportunity to share expenses with someone looking to ride along to Oshkosh, or if you are seeking a ride, the chance to find someone with a spare seat who is willing to share their journey to Oshkosh. Find out more at www.airventure.org/rideshare.
• Fuel discounts for EAA members flying to or coming home from EAA AirVenture. These special prices for fuel and, at many locations, special amenities for aviators, are available in the “Special Offers for Pilots” area at www.airventure.org/2008/flying
• Airline discounts for EAA members are available through Midwest Airlines and Northwest Airlines. These discounts are available with exclusive discount codes available in the “Airline Discount” area of www.airventure.org/2008/flying.
• The best and most economical way to enjoy the culture of the event known around the world simply as “Oshkosh” is by camping right on the grounds – either next to your airplane or in the drive-in Camp Scholler area. Camping is just $20 per night and puts you among fellow aviation enthusiasts for an unmatched experience. Another low-cost option can be private housing and room rentals that are always available during AirVenture. Find complete accommodation options at the “Planning/Where to Stay” area of the www.airventure.org website.
• Merchandise and food discounts for EAA members on the grounds. Just show your EAA membership card and receive 10 to 30 percent off on most items at designated EAA merchandise locations. Special EAA-member pricing is also available on selected menu items at food locations throughout the site.

AMENITIES, SERVICES AVAILABLE TO VISITORS AND CAMPERS

• Wheel & Sprocket’s “Mobile Bike Shop” has extended its hours during AirVenture from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day from July 26 to August 4. More than 100 individual services for attendees using bicycles in and around Camp Scholler are being provided
• This year, OfficeMax is offering a discount to EAA members, as well as office supplies, faxing, and copying to all exhibitors and attendees. A five percent discount is available for EAA members on all OfficeMax products at the event and throughout the entire year at all OfficeMax locations.
• Shipping services are available for the first time through GES, accepting all properly addressed inbound letters and packages (including camping gear) from UPS, DHL, FedEx, and more.
• FedEx is making its debut this year at AirVenture. It will provide campers and attendees with only an outbound shipping service.
• Gander Mountain is also making it easier for campers to have access to cots, tents, cooking equipment, lanterns, toilet paper, ponchos, and lawn chairs. These services are provided in Camp Scholler
• The Internet Café returns with 20 online stations in the EAA Welcome Center, where EAA members can check email while at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Member Village Camper is another Internet café offered to EAA members in the campgrounds. EAA members and attendees can also use 10 WiFi access points available throughout the grounds free of charge.

ROCKET RACING LEAGUE TO UNVEIL COMPETITION
Several flight demonstrations planned throughout week

The flight activities at EAA AirVenture will begin on July 29 with a single-ship demonstration to open the afternoon air show. On August 1-2, the first full demonstrations of the Rocket Racing League concept are planned, using large outdoor screens to showcase how competitors will fly a “raceway in the sky” via in-panel and 3-D helmet displays during actual competition. The flights will also highlight the aircraft and engine technology innovations that make this new competition possible.
Along with the public aircraft unveiling and demonstration flights, the Rocket Racing League is scheduled to make several other presentations throughout the week, including an evening program at EAA’s Theater in the Woods on Monday, July 28. During these presentations, the Rocket Racing League will present the “inside story” on the creation and development of this entirely new concept in aerial competition.
More information on the Rocket Racing League is available at www.rocketracingleague.com.

WORLD’S FIRST PRACTICAL JETPACK TO BE LAUNCHED

After 27 years of research and development, the Martin Jetpack will be launched at 9.30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 29, at AeroShell Square on the EAA AirVenture grounds.

“Such a flying machine has been part of our imagination for decades, highlighted by science fiction movies such as “Buck Rogers” more than 75 years ago and by military attempts to produce a practical jetpack in the 1950s,” said the jetpack’s developer. “We have worked for nearly 30 years to develop this jetpack and are very much looking forward to unveiling the technology at Oshkosh.”

The developers of the “World’s First Practical Jetpack” state that their innovation is distinguished by a unique, patented technology. Capable of flying 100 times longer than the Bell Rocket Belt of the 1960s, it uses regular gasoline and complies with FAA Ultralight regulations.

‘Hints for Homebuilders’ Video Segments to be Taped

Homebuilders with hints and tips on aircraft building techniques will have an opportunity to volunteer and become a part of the popular videos of Hints for Homebuilders online video series. Homebuilders can send their tips, as well as the dates they will be at AirVenture and a contact phone number, to info@eaa.org. EAA will then contact the homebuilder and set a videotaping time during this year’s fly-in.

Among other events highlighting aircraft construction during EAA AirVenture 2008:
• The achievement of 30,000 certified experimental amateur homebuilt aircraft in the United States will be recognized by EAA in the “30,000 & Climbing” celebration

• Workshops throughout the week for those considering building an aircraft or for homebuilders wanting to learn more to enhance their skills. These mini-workshops are patterned after the highly successful EAA SportAir Workshops held throughout the year across the country.
• The Homebuilt Review will give homebuilders another opportunity to showcase their aircraft, but in the air. Between 15 and 20 homebuilt aircraft will fly in review during each of the sessions.
• Homebuilders can share camaraderie during the annual Homebuilders Dinner on Thursday, July 31, at 6 p.m. at the EAA Nature Center.
• The prestigious gold “Lindy” award will again be awarded to the Grand Champion Kit Built and Plans Built aircraft during AirVenture, with other aircraft awards also announced at the end of the event.

V-22 ‘OSPREY’ TILTROTOR AIRCRAFT

The V-22, developed jointly by Bell and Boeing, is the world’s first production tiltrotor aircraft. It is flown primarily by the U.S. Marine Corps and is designed to serve effectively on missions that had been covered by either helicopters or twin turboprop aircraft. The two Ospreys are scheduled to arrive at EAA AirVenture on Monday, July 28, during the event’s opening-day air show, and remain until Friday, August 1. The appearance will feature both flight demonstrations and ground displays of the aircraft, which are based at the Marine Corps Air Station in New River, N.C.

The U.S. Navy and Air Force also operate the V-22, which is designed for missions ranging from assault transport and search-and-rescue to special operations uses. The versatility of the Osprey allows it to take off and land similar to a helicopter, then turn its rotors 90 degrees to serve as a high-speed turboprop airplane. Its wings also rotate for compact storage aboard ships.

One of the items mentioned at today’s seminar on weather presented by Bill Babcock, was the pattern of early summer thunderstorms. He described how a line of storms holds together as it moves across eastern New York and western Massachusetts, but as it passes through eastern Connecticut and Massachusetts the colder air mass from Long Island Sound will cool the storm and cause it to lose a lot of energy. Bill said this generally happens near the I-495 area in Massachusetts, and I-395 in Connecticut. Also there are storms at the bottom of the image where he identified the warm water from the Gulf Stream

Take a look at this radar loop from this afternoon. It’s like the guy can predict the future!

(Image from wunderground)

I arrived today on the LST (Long Silver Tube) crying baby special. The weather here has cleared up, but there are low clouds all along the east coast. Word is that the Tiger Moth flight has stopped in Virginia, and the crew will be renting a car the rest of the way. A current weather view shows MVFR weather all the way from New York to Georgia.

Today Pete and I went to Fantasy of Flight. We visited there 2 years ago, and the main new attraction is a walk-through as you enter the museum. You enter a simulated C-54, and then jump out into the darkness. The wind hits you, as you are simulating a wartime parachute jump. Next you go along and see a mirrored area giving you the impression of coming to earth under a parachute. You then continue to an area with early flight displays. Balloons. early planes and a Wright engine are in this area. The lighting and display are very detailed throughout these areas giving a great impression.

Next you continue to the WWI area. Planes are bombing overhead while you are in the trenches with the fighters. Further down are the Germans in their bombed out underground trench areas. The only thing missing is the mud. Next is the WWII briefing room. Again the construction details are fantastic with a period movie projector showing the presentation (although it’s workings have been replaced with a video projector.

After the briefing, you go out to your actual B-17 bomber. You enter the back of the plane where the engine noise is deafening. The cramped areas, cold and noise are only a partial reminder of went into those flights. Going forward to the bomb bay area has another video under the floor of the doors opening, and the bombs dropping away. You then continue to the radio operator’s station and finally to the cockpit and the nose area below.

Exiting the plane, you see the outside of your plane with the maintenance crew working inside the wing. The Winter scene shows the difficult working conditions.

Tomorrow the Sun-N-Fun show opens. The area is quite muddy from the four inches of rain that fell yesterday. The weather looks good for the rest of the week.