Smoke
Signals
The
Official Newsletter of Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 175
Vandenberg
Airport VDF
The
next meeting will be Saturday, September 23, 2006
@
0900. Breakfast @ 0800.
EAA
CHAPTER 175 MONTHLY MEETING MINUTES
DATE: AUGUST 22, 2006
LOCATION: EAA CHAPTER 175 BUILDING
PERSONS IN
ATTENDENCE: 18
The monthly EAA
Chapter 175 meeting was attended by 18 persons (members and guests) with
breakfast served at 8 AM.
President Bud
Yearly opened the monthly meeting at 9:05 AM.
Old Business None
New Business
Homeland
Security and Hillsborough Airport Authority have asked that all public venues
be postponed during this period of heightened security. Due to that fact we are postponing our
Chapter 175 open house. The airport
will have an open house in November and asked if Chapter 175 would like to
participate.
The airport
authority has repainted the Chapter facility.
They failed to pressure wash the house so the paint job may not last as
long as hoped. Next year it might be
possible to get a new roof.
Upcoming
Events.
1
A Rotax engine
course will be offered sometime in the future. Bud
cautioned that the popular, non-certified Rotax engines don't always have
fasteners "safetyed" per aviation standards. This lack, combined with considerable
vibration in some models, can lead to potentially unsafe conditions. Operators should check all connections and
take corrective action as needed. Details will be forthcoming later.
2
September 16th
the Chapter will sponsor a Young Eagles flight.
3
October 7th,
the chapter will have a group field trip to Fantasy of Flight. Details will be forthcoming by email later.
4
U.S. Sport
Aviation Expo 2007 will be held at Sebring Regional Airport January 11-14, 2007
for all interested in Light Sport and other Sports Aircraft. Their website is http://www.sport-aviation-expo.com
Program: Dale Johnson shared
his experiences in building a Rans 6
Dale Johnson’s
first build was a Zodiac. It was a good
aircraft with a 100-105 mph cruise on a 80 HP engine. Marvin
Alvarez, built the "quick build" version of the same aircraft. The Rans 6 was his second project. He stated that it is claimed to fly at 120
mph @ 9,125 ft but you can expect an honest cruise of 100 mph. It took approximately 2 years to build. The manufacturer was very responsive and
supportive regarding questions and problems in the build process. The “quick build” kit will take a builder
approximately 6 months less time to construct.
A few minor problems were encountered with brake cylinders, oil pressure
gauge, and blowing coolant because the overflow coolant bottle was an improper
size. Another problem related to spars
and skins. Dale had a factory glitch
with the cord length being slightly shorter than design that caused rippling of
the skin. He also discussed his aircraft's curious initial nose heavy condition and
his attempts of correct weight and balance. Discussions with the factory determined that the forward CG situation
was "normal", didn't affect flying properties, and didn't require
weights to correct.The factory
sent correct equipment and the problem was resolved. Marvin and Dale got the optional
"one man operation" folding wing kit, but it isn't essential, as the
wings fold without it, though the process then requires two people to complete
Dale’s first
flight had minor problems with left turning tendency, and landings were very
easy. Visibility is superb. Stalls are gentle. The aircraft wants to “mush” rather than break with a break
occurring at 38 mph with the published stall speed at 45 mph.
Getting into
and out of the Rans 6 is not easy for tall or big persons. Flight in the Rans “just feels safer” than
flying the Zodiac.
Prior to
adjournment, Bud Yearly announced that there would be a Seminole Flying Club meeting following the regular meeting.
The meeting was
adjourned at 9:50 AM
Respectfully
submitted by Steve Reisser, Secretary EAA 175
Robinson High School's
Aerospace Technology program
"From
Robinson High School's Aerospace Technology program, I'm still looking for a
recip and/or turbine engine donation so the kids can "see" what we
learn about. If anyone has any leads, I'd appreciate a call at (813)
770-9372." Jeff Kaloostian
Have
a great day!
Jeff
Kaloostian
Fantasy of Flight To Host
First Annual Wings & Wheels Event
Mark Your Calendars: Saturday,
October 7, 2006
What do you guys
think about putting together a Ch 175 Trip to Fantasy of Flight? I don't know
the entry cost, but we can check on it. I doubt they will permit fly in
arrivals, but it is a short drive. E-mail Tom McLinskey with your input @
Macpitts@aol.com.
Fantasy of Flight
will play host to an Oktoberfest themed event
<http://www.aero-news.net/ \ >“Wings & Wheels” honoring the
best in German engineered vintage aircraft and automobiles. The attraction is
home to the World’s Greatest Aircraft Collection featuring over 40 vintage
aircraft including an exact replica of the legendary WW I ace, Manfred Von
Richthofen’s (Red Baron) Fokker DR-1 Tri-plane. Also set for display will be a
collection of Porsche, MerecedesBenz and various other German sports cars. The
event will consist of entertainment including aerial demonstrations, a Munich
style beer garden, classic Oktoberfest food offerings, music and other themed
displays.
Organizers are
planning to create an event that both entertains and educates by taking
advantage of their significant collection of vintage aircraft and inviting
Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and various other German car clubs to participate.
Traditional Oktoberfest style German beers and foods will be offered in a
classic beer garden setting. Entertainment will include aerial demonstrations,
full access to aircraft displays and interactive exhibits, biplane rides will
be available, music and much more.
<http://www.aero-news.net/ \
>According to Jennifer Montague of Fantasy of Flight, “The idea of hosting
Wings & Wheels at our facility came about while talking with a guest who
had recently returned from a trip to Germany. While listening to his stories
and walking through the aircraft hangars we paused by the replica of our Fokker
DR-1 Tri- plane (no original DR-1’s still exist) flown by the famed Red Baron.
We all just looked at each other and realized we could build something very
special here.”
The idea to add a
collection of Porsche and other German cars came while discussing details of
what would be included in the event beyond the standard beer garden and classic
German food. One call to the local Porsche Club confirmed their involvement.
<http://www.aero-news.net/ \ >
“Our first year goal
is to attract over 100 Porsche owners to come and display their cars. A special
“Porsche Corral” will be set up for club members” said Kim Long of Fantasy of
Flight. In addition, other Corrals will be on site made up of Mercedes Benz,
BMW and other German cars.
Fantasy of Flight is
home to the “World’s Greatest Aircraft Collection” featuring over 40
beautifully restored rare and vintage aircraft, Corsair fighter game simulators,
all new daily tours, aerial demonstrations, and Now Open Fun with Flight, For
The Kid In All Of Us! Fantasy of Flight is located midway between Tampa and
Orlando off I-4 at exit #44.
Apollo 13: “Failure is Not an Option”
Gene Kranz, former Apollo 13 Mission Control Commander
Opens Aviation Expressions Lecture Series on October 6th
SUN ’N FUN CAMPUS,
LAKELAND, Fla. - (August 29, 2006) - The Florida Air Museum’s Aviation Lecture
series kicks off Friday, October 6, with Gene Kranz, former Mission Control
commander for Apollo 13. Launched April 10, 1970, Apollo 13 was scheduled to
make a lunar landing, but 56 hours into the mission, the No. 2 oxygen tank
exploded, blowing a sizeable hole in the side of the service module. The craft
lost all oxygen stores within about 3 hours, as well as water, electrical power
and use of propulsion systems. Mr. Kranz led the “Tiger Team” that successfully
returned the stranded Apollo 13 crew safely to earth. Played in the Apollo 13
movie by Ed Harris, Mr. Kranz is known for his infamous words, “Failure is not
an option.”
He was a
co-recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded by President Nixon
for the Apollo 13 Mission, and was designated a Distinguished member of the
Senior Executive Service by President Reagan.
In March 1994, Mr.
Kranz retired from NASA after 37 years of federal service. He is currently a
motivational speaker and consultant, and serves as the Flight Engineer on a
B-17 “Flying Fortress,” performing at Airshows throughout the United States.
Additionally, Mr.
Kranz is a New York Times best selling author, and his book “Failure is not an
Option” was published by Simon and Schuster in April 2000. The book chronicles
his
work in Mission
Control from Project Mercury through Apollo 13 and beyond, and was selected by
the History Channel as the basis for a documentary program on Mission Control
which was broadcast as a two-hour special in August 2003.
Kranz will present
his Aviation Expressions Lecture at the Florida Air Museum at Sun ’n Fun on October
6th at 7:00 pm, with refreshments served at 6:00 pm. General admission is
$12.00, $8.00 for Florida Air Museum Members, $6.00 for students, free for ages
12 and under. To reach the Sun ‘n Fun Campus, drive-in traffic should use
County Line Road to West Pipkin. Fly-in traffic should request taxi to Sun ’n
Fun after touchdown at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport.
Sun ’n Fun, a
501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization based in Lakeland, Florida, is best known
for its annual Fly-In held each April. The event draws more than 160,000 people
and 4,000 aircraft to Lakeland Linder Regional Airport, creating an economic
impact of more than $27 million in Lakeland and Polk County. The Fly-In is the
primary source of funding for Sun ’n Fun’s expanding year-round aviation
education programs. These include operation of the Florida Air Museum, the
state’s “Official Aviation Museum and Education Center,” which is also
supported through grants from the Division of Historical Resources and Division
of Cultural Affairs, Florida Department of State. In addition, Sun ’n Fun has
initiated education programs for aviation enthusiasts of all ages - especially
young people - featuring valuable “hands on” learning experiences. A growing
scholarship program provides financial support to ensure Sun ’n Fun’s education
programs are accessible to all. For more information, access Sun ’n Fun’s
website (<http://www.sun-n-fun.org/>)
or call the Sun ’n Fun offices (863-644-2431).
Editor’s Note: A
copy of Mr. Kranz’s biography is included below:
BIOGRAPHICAL DATA:
Gene Kranz
Mr. Kranz was born
on August 17, 1933, in Toledo Ohio, and received his BS Degree in Aeronautical
Engineering from Parks College of Saint Louis University in 1954.
He was commissioned
in the U.S. Air Force in 1954, and flew high performance jet fighter aircraft
including the F-80, F-86, and the F-100. In 1958 he worked as a Flight Test
Engineer at Holloman AFB, New Mexico, for McDonnell Aircraft developing the
Quail Decoy Missile for the B-47 and B-52 aircraft. He was discharged from the
Air Force Reserve as a Captain in 1972.
Mr. Kranz is married
to the former Marta I. Cadena of Eagle Pass, Texas. The family has six
children.
In 1960, Mr joined
the NASA Space Task Group at Langley Virginia and was assigned as Assistant
Flight Director for Project Mercury. He assumed Flight Director duties for all
Project Gemini Missions, and was the Branch Chief for Flight Control
Operations.
Mr. Kranz was
selected as Division Chief for Flight Control in 1968, and continued his duties
as Flight Director for the Apollo Program. He was the Flight Director for many
Apollo missions including the Apollo 11 lunar Landing, and he led the
"Tiger Team" for the successful return of the Apollo 13 crew.
He performed as both
a Flight Director and Flight Operations Director for the Skylab program, and,
at its conclusion, was assigned as Deputy Director of Flight Operations with
responsibility for space flight planning, training and mission operations,
aircraft operations and astronaut operations.
In 1983, Mr. Kranz
was assigned as Director of Mission Operations with responsibilities for all
aspects of mission design, testing, planning, training and spaceflight
operations. Additionally he was responsible for the design, development,
maintenance, and operations of all related mission facilities, as well as the
preparation of the Shuttle flight software. In this capacity, he was
responsible for over 6000 employees with an annual budget of approximately $750
million.
Mr. Kranz retired
from NASA in March 1994 after 37 years of federal service. Current activities
include consulting and motivational speaking to professional, civic and youth
groups. He is a Flight Engineer on a B-17 "Flying Fortress,"
performing at Airshows throughout the United States. Since retirement, he has
completed building an aerobatic biplane, with engine testing and estimated
first flight in the summer of 2002.
Mr. Kranz was a
co-recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded by President Nixon
for the Apollo 13 Mission, and was designated a Distinguished member of the
Senior Executive Service by President Reagan.
Mr. Kranz was the
author of the “Spaceflight” section of the 1984 and 1988 World Book
Encyclopedia.
Mr. Kranz is a New
York Times best selling author. His book Failure is not an option
was published by Simon and Schuster in April 2000. The book chronicles his work
in Mission Control from Project Mercury through Apollo 13 and beyond. The book
was selected by the History Channel as the basis for a documentary program on
Mission Control and was broadcast as a two-hour special in August 2003. A
follow up documentary is currently in production and will be broadcast in
August 2005 continuing the Story of Mission Control from Apollo through the
current time.
Special honors
include:
Honorary Doctor of
Engineering Degree from the Milwaukee School of Engineering, 1996.
American Institute
of Aeronautics and Astronautics: Lawrence Sperry Award, 1967;
Theodore Von Karman
lectureship, 1994.
American
Astronautical Society: AAS Fellow, 1982; Spaceflight Award 1987.
The National Space
Club; Astronautics Engineer of the Year Award, 1992.
Downtown Jaycees of
Washington D.C. Arthur S. Fleming Award - One of ten outstanding young men in
government service in 1970
Saint Louis
University: Alumni Merit Award, 1968; Founders Award, 1993.
Robert R. Gilruth
Award, 1988, North Galveston County Jaycees.
Recipient of the
1995 History of Aviation Award for the "Safe return of the Apollo 13
Crew". Hawthorne, California.
Louis Bauer
Lecturer, Aerospace Medical Association, 2000
Selected for “2004
Gathering of Eagles” honoring Aerospace and Aviation Pioneers at the Air Force
Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Alabama
John Glenn Lecture,
Smithsonian Air and Space Museum - 2005
Lloyd Nolen,
Lifetime Achievement in Aviation Award - Wings over Houston Airshow 2005
NASA Honors:
Distinguished
Service Medal- 1970, 1982, and 1988.
Outstanding
Leadership Medal- 1973, 1993
Exceptional Service
Medal- 1969 and 1970.
SES Meritorious
Executive- 1980, 1985 and 1992.
11/25/05
Donna Gabriel
Director of Communications & Marketing
Sun ’n Fun
Home of the Florida Air Museum
863-644-2431 x. 112
www.sun-n-fun.org
Henry Ford
Museum to the Florida Air Museum
New
traveling exhibit coming to the Florida Air Museum from the Henry Ford Museum
celebrating the innovative first three decades of flight . It will be on
display from October 21 through the end of November.
<http://www.sun-n-fun.org/content/interior.asp?section=museum&body=displays/herosofthesky>
St. Petersburg AirFest
Oct. 21-22, 2006
Albert Whitted Airport
Downtown St. Petersburg
Sun 'n Fun
The F-14 Tomcat arrives at
the Florida Air Museum
What a show.
See the photo’s.
<http://www.sun-n-fun.org/content/interior.asp?section=museum&body=f14/f14tomcat>
Coming Events at Sun ‘n Fun
(Effective 9/20/2006)
The information provided below is from reliable sources, but always
verify dates and details before you go. Information on Sun ‘n Fun activities is
available at <http://www.sun-n-fun.org/>
or call (863) 644-2431
F-14 Tomcat
arrives--- The Florida Air
Museum has been awarded a Grumman “Tomcat” for permanent exhibit. Arrival
ceremony September 20, at 11 a.m. Free museum admission all day.
Aviation
Expressions---“Failure is Not
an Option” Gene Kranz, Apollo 13 Mission Commander. October 6th, 6
p.m. at the Florida Air Museum.
Heroes of the
Sky---The Florida Air Museum
will host a special exhibit on loan from the Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn,
Michigan, celebrating the first exciting three decades of flight. October
21---Nov. 30
Wings ‘n
Things Youth Aviation Weekend---November
3-5, Sun ‘n Fun campus. Chapter 175 members are encouraged to participate and
will be serving the pancake breakfast as our group activity.
Aviation
Expressions---Joe Dobronski,
McDonnell test pilot from pioneer jet fighter days through the F-18 Hornet.
November 17th 6 p.m. at the Florida Air Museum.
FOOTBALL SEASON KICKS OFF MORE TFRs
Football fans across
the country were captivated with the start of Sunday Night Football this past
week--and particularly with the Manning vs. Manning match. As football fever
sweeps the nation, remember that you can't fly over the stadium to get a
bird's-eye view of the action. A blanket notam (
http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/notams.html#3/1862 ) prohibits flying at or below
3,000 feet agl within a 3-nautical-mile radius of a stadium thatseats 30,000 or
more--NFL and NCAA Division I stadiums. The notam is in effect from one hour
before to one hour after the event. AOPA has compiled a database (
http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/stadiums.html#nfl ) of all affected stadiums,
complete with the team and stadium names, latitude and longitude, and the
appropriate sectional charts. You can find a graphical depiction of the NFL
stadium temporary flight restrictions on AOPA's Real-Time Flight Planner (
http://www.aopa.org/flight_planner/ ).
FLORIDA
COUNTY PROVIDES FREE THROTTLE LOCKS TO PILOTS
In an effort to help
aircraft owners secure their aircraft from unauthorized use, the Miami-Dade
Aviation Department (MDAD) will be providing free throttle locks to pilots who
have their aircraft based at its general aviation airports. There are 350
single-engine aircraft based at Opa Locka, Kendall-Tamiami Executive, and
Homestead General Aviation airports. AOPA Florida Regional Representative
Nelson Rhodes had been promoting the idea to the state as well as airport
managers. "This is great news," said Rhodes. "I hope it
encourages other airport owners to do the same." For more information on
this program, e-mail George Manion, MDAD supervisor of general aviation
airports, at ( mailto:gmanion@miami-airport.com ).
For your flying and maintenance needs come visit:
Reliable
Aviation, Inc.
Vandenberg
Hangar Lane
Tampa,
FL 33610
813-626-4884
The
Champ Club (Come Join)
Call David Hansma 962-8229 or
Need
a Flight Review Tom McLinskey 988-4540
Jim
Piche Certified Flight Instructor
Single
& Multiengine. Wing Waxers
Call
for more information Barry & Sylvia Ford
813-503-3926
3434 Airfield Drive West Ste.
#4
E-Mail
pichejrbm@aol.com Lakeland Linder Regional
Airport
Lakeland, Florida 33811-1240
AEROMECH
Inc. www.wingwaxers@excite.com
<http://www.wingwaxers@excite.com/>
Quality
Aircraft Parts & Supplies
3454
Airfield Drive West
Lakeland,
Florida 33811-1240 Leading Edge Aviation Services,
Inc.
863-619-8133
Mark Moberg
www.aeromech-inc.com
Vandenberg Airport
6582 Eureka Springs Rd.
Leading
Edge Aviation Services, Inc. Tampa, Florida 33610
Maintenance 813-623-6483 813-626-1515 www.leadingedgeaviation.com
<http://www.leadingedgeaviation.com/>
Experimental
Aircraft Association
Chapter 175
VDF
Vandenberg
Airport, Tampa, Florida
President Vice President Secretary
Alan “Bud”
Yerly Gordon Knapp Steve
Reisser
BudYearly @ msn.com beep1 @
tampabay.rr.com
ITSC@tampabay.com
813-681-6062
(813) 251-5282 813-994-4898 (H)
813-973-7930
(W)
Newsletter Editor/
Young
Eagles Coordinator Treasurer/Membership
Tom McLinskey Stan Sutterfield
MacPitts @ aol.com speedy11 @ aol.com
813-988-4540
This newsletter if for the use,
education, and enjoyment of Chapter 175 members and others to whom it is
provided. No claim is made for technical accuracy. Editorial content is the
opinion of the writer and does not necessarily reflect the position of Chapter
175 0r the EAA.
Experimental Aircraft Association
Chapter 175
c/o Tom McLinskey
5610 Kenny Drive
Tampa, Florida 33617-7711
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