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July 26, 2010
By The AVweb Editorial Staff
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Meet the Pilot We All Look Up To
Don't miss your chance to meet one of aviation's most revered pilots, U.S. Airways "Miracle on the Hudson" First Officer
Jeff Skiles, at this year's EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.
Wednesday, July 28, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Phillips 66 Aviation, tent #304.
Phillips 66 Aviation. The Most Trusted Wings in Aviation.
Phillips66Aviation.com
| Booths at EAA AirVenture: |
304 |
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With the logistical challenges of sopping rains and soaked campgrounds giving way to bright blue skies and easy-to-bear temperatures in the 80s, EAA AirVenture 2010 kicks off on Monday with an overflowing slate of events. While brand-new airplanes continue to be scarce as the economy struggles to recover, a few new designs
are expected to make appearances this week, along with plenty of new products. Lots of aviation's superstars and heroes, both aircraft and human, will visit the show. EAA is saluting veterans and
those who serve all week long, with warbird fly-bys scheduled for every day this week. Celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the DC-3 and the B-17 will also take place throughout the week.
The weather looks good right through the weekend, with highs in the 80s and low humidity, with perhaps some scattered thunderstorms tossed in, which bodes well for robust attendance despite the
sloppy start. AVweb's crew started to arrive on site several days ago and is now fully engaged in bringing you all the news from the show, with stories, photos, podcasts and video, fresh every
day all week long.
Although Wittman Field looked like a soupy mess for the start of EAA AirVenture 2010, warm temperatures and low humidity are rapidly drying the field for the start of the Monday rush. AVweb
toured the North 40 Sunday and found more dry spots than wet, despite days of torrential rains leading up the event. EAA's Dick Knapinksi told us Sunday evening that the North 40 will likely open to
arrivals sometime on Monday. However, EAA cautions that pilots concerned about conditions on the field can spend a day or two in Fond du Lac or Appleton until the North 40 firms up.
Meanwhile, Knapinski said, conditions are more challenging in Camp Scholler, the popular campground for RV and tent campers. By Sunday afternoon, that end of the field also looked far drier than it
did on Saturday but Knapinski said it may be a day or two before heavy Class A RVs can navigate the soft ground, which has more low-lying areas than other parts of the airport. To accommodate as many
RVs as possible, EAA volunteers have been parking the vehicles on every speck of hard pavement and moving them into the campgrounds as conditions permit. For the latest on EAA operations, check AirVentureSiteUpdate.Blogspot.com.
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Bendix/King by Honeywell KFD 840
The KFD 840 Primary Flight Display is now certified and available from your local dealer today. To mark the occasion, initial pricing is set at an unprecedented $11,995 MSRP. The KFD 840
makes flying easier with features like an expansive 8.4" diagonal LCD and wide horizon, much larger than other systems. It includes a solid-state attitude sensor that outperforms the competition.
And the KFD 840 protects your investment with ongoing upgrade capability.
Click here for more
information.
| Booths at EAA AirVenture: |
3130 |
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The Farnborough International Airshow ended Thursday after seeing roughly 820 passenger aircraft sold but relatively little movement of high-profile aircraft like Boeing's 787 and Airbus' A350
widebody, and none for the A380. Orders for Airbus and Boeing aircraft appear to have topped out somewhere near $28 billion as measured by non-discounted list prices, and accounting for about 237
jetliners. That triples sales seen at the Paris Airshow, last year, according to Bloomberg news. Narrow-body aircraft accounted for
nearly all the aircraft sold and that made Embraer a relative winner, selling about 44 Embraer 190 jetliners. The big two, Airbus and Boeing, saw most demand for their 737-800 and A320 narrow-body
jetliners, respectively. Boeing's 787 Dreamliner made its international debut at the show and the manufacturer may have been surprised by buyers' reaction.
Boeing's 787 Dreamliner left the grounds after a two-day stay and earned only three sales. U.S. carrier American Airlines is expecting deliveries of the 787 but has learned not to expect them until
2014 thanks to program delays. The relatively high demand for smaller passenger jets at Farnborough fits with Boeing's recent market forecast. Coming off the show, Airbus now expects to win orders for
more than 400 jets this year and Boeing has raised its target. The orders coincide with a growth in passenger traffic at the airlines that has increased above early 2008 (pre-recession)
numbers.
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A Canadian Forces airshow demonstration pilot is in the hospital with undisclosed but non-life-threatening injuries after his CF-18 Hornet fighter crashed during preparation for an airshow in
Alberta on Friday. Capt. Brian Bews, 36, ejected from the aircraft just before it dove into the ground at Lethbridge, Alberta. In advance of the weekend airshow, Bews was practicing a maneuver called
the High Alpha Path when witnesses say they saw sparks coming from one of the engines and heard loud "popping noises." The High Alpha Path is a maximum angle of attack/minimum speed maneuver that
relies on engine power to keep the aircraft stable. "I noticed it start to bank a little bit off to one side, which I kind of thought was unusual and I saw a couple of pops and all of a sudden this
plane just banked and slowly dropped into the ground into this huge orange ball of fire," said Lethbridge Herald photographer Ian Martens, who took these jaw-dropping images.
Bews got out but at low altitude and an apparently oblique angle. "For a time there, it kind of looked like he was unconscious," Martin said. "The parachute was just pulling him off across the
ground but he landed clear of the plane." A Canadian Forces spokeswoman appeared optimistic about his condition. "He is alive and we believe right now that his injuries are non-life-threatening,"
Canadian Forces Capt. Nicole Meszaros told CBC News.
Click for photos and video.
UPDATE:
Captain Bews was treated for minor scrapes and has a sore back but was released from the hospital on Friday.
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Top Pick EFB by Aviation Consumer:
ChartBook, Again!
FlightPrep™ ChartBook™ EFB wins "Top Pick" again with the call-outs "best 3D, simple, big buttons, highly configurable, fast rendering." Dedicated Charts and IP
(instrument procedures) buttons make using the system easy and intuitive. Our Exclusive Flight Definition display upgrade gives you improved brightness, clarity, contrast and freedom from glare.
Includes standard solid state disk, too. Add XM Wx or traffic awareness when you're ready. Demo ChartBook™ yourself at Oshkosh booth #C3140 or buy online at
FlightPrep.com. 
| Booths at EAA AirVenture: |
3140 |
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It was considered inevitable among most aviation industry observers that former Cirrus CEO Alan Klapmeier would get back in the airplane business, and it was announced in Maine Friday that he will
head up the company that will certify and bring to market the Kestrel turboprop single. In an announcement at Brunswick Landing (soon to be the former Naval Air Station Brunswick), Maine Gov. John
Baldacci announced that Klapmeier's new venture, the Kestrel Aircraft Company, has taken an option to lease a 170,000-sq. ft. hangar built for the Navy in 2004. Baldacci said Kestrel is pouring $100
million into the development of the mostly composite aircraft and about 300 people will be hired initially.
The Kestrel has been in development in England for years and once had an association with Epic Aircraft. The Kestrel that was shown at Sun 'n Fun earlier this year resembles an Epic LT, and
performance numbers (about 350 knots at up to 31,000 feet) put it in the same class as a TBM 850 and in the running against light jets like the Cessna Mustang and Embraer Phenom 100. Klapmeier is
said to be excited about the project and getting back in the game after his much publicized and acrimonious departure from Cirrus at AirVenture Oshkosh last year, when his attempt to take over the
Cirrus jet program fell through. Klapmeier and the Kestrel will be at AirVenture this year.
Related Content:
Cirrus Aircraft announced that pilot might "never fly single pilot again" with two new features for Perspective-equipped aircraft where the autopilot system can act of its own accord. The Hypoxia
Recognition and Recovery system listens to the com radio whenever the pilot is above 15,000 feet. A long period without you talking on the radio will trigger an alert. If you don't respond, the plane
will descend on its own to 14,000 feet while continuing to try and alert the pilot. If the pilot still doesn't cancel the alert the plane can The autopilot can also step in if you're flying too slow
or potentially losing control of the aircraft.
The Perspective has always had overspeed protection—the system won't allow the pilot to fly faster than a maximum speed while the autopilot is engaged—but Cirrus has now added underspeed
protection so the autopilot cannot be made to stall the airplane. Cirrus has also added the Garmin electronic stability and protection system (ESP) that is active when the autopilot is off. If the
airplane banks more than 45 degrees, or pitches more than 17.7 degrees up or 16 degrees down, the autopilot servos apply pressure against the control yoke to nudge the pilot back to less aggressive
attitudes. ESP can be disabled temporally for flight training. ESP will be offered as an option for new Cirrus Perspective aircraft as well as an upgrade to existing Perspective-equipped
aircraft.
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Welcome to Oshkosh!
It's opening day, and we can't wait to see you in our all-new Lightspeed Aviation Pavilion located just outside Hangar B. See why Zulu is preferred three-to-one by professional pilots
over all other premium aviation headsets. And while you're here, be sure to cast your vote for your favorite aviation charity. Five will be awarded $10,000 each in November, based on votes from the
pilot community.
Learn more at
LightspeedAviation.com.
| Booths at EAA AirVenture: |
259 |
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The PD-1 combines a modified Glasair Sportsman with a road-worthy trike undercarriage driven by a separate engine; it has flown and is expected to arrive this week at AirVenture Oshkosh 2010,
according to its developers. The design combines the Sportsman GS-2 with a kit that incorporates an auxiliary external drive pod below the aircraft, between two large wheels and behind an oversized
nosewheel. Plane Driven says the drive's location maintains the aircraft's original center of gravity. A streamlined pod helps minimize the aerodynamic impact of carrying one inert engine in flight.
That engine is an 80-horsepower, 4-cycle, 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled powerplant fueled by a separate gas tank. It's attached to an automatic transmission with a reverse gear. The weight of the kit is
yet to be announced and it's not clear if the prototype vehicle is currently street-legal. The vehicle's developers say that, as of July 21, the Plane Driven prototype has flown, and they've offered
proof.
For road travel, the experimental aircraft's wings would fold back (so that their span stretches toward the tail) and rotate (so that their chord line is perpendicular to the ground). At the tail,
hinges allow the stabilizer tips to fold inward. In the cockpit, "controls are quickly snapped into place," according to the vehicle's developers. The vehicle's website says the concept was founded by Trey Johnson. According to the site, the vehicle is meant to provide pilots with an option to continue travel during periods of inclement
weather. "Fly above the traffic, drive through the weather," is the credo. According to its developers, on the ground the vehicle can average about 25 miles per gallon, drawing fuel from its
five-gallon gas tank. To see the vehicle perform a flyby, click here.
Boeing said last week it will launch an ecoDemonstrator program to help develop new green technologies and get them to market more quickly. The project will focus on fuel efficiency, noise
reduction and operational efficiency. "Commercial aviation is in rapid pursuit of its goal of carbon-neutral growth by 2020, primarily driven by technology advancements," said Billy Glover, managing
director of Environmental Strategy for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The ecoDemonstrator program can help accelerate industry efforts by providing a platform that integrates innovation and
technologies in a way that ensures as they mature, they are market-ready. The program also will enable emerging technologies to be tested for further research consideration." The FAA recently awarded
Boeing $25 million in matching funds to support the project.
Technologies in development for the FAA's initiative include ceramic matrix composite acoustic engine nozzles, advanced inlets, and adaptive wing trailing edge flaps that can help reduce fuel
consumption and noise. Boeing will also collaborate with IHI Aerospace of Japan to evaluate regenerative fuel cell technology for onboard auxiliary power applications. Two ecoDemonstrator aircraft
will be used -- a next-generation 737 in 2012, with a second series of flights aboard a Boeing twin-aisle aircraft in 2013.
An agreement between Russian Helicopters Holding and Avicopter of China may produce an Mi-26-type helicopter weighing in between 30 and 35 tons, if details are ironed out. The two partners hope to
arrive at technical decisions regarding the new aircraft this fall, according to The Voice of Russia. The Mi-26, which is
similar in empty weight, has a maximum takeoff weight near 120,000 pounds. It has been called the heaviest and most powerful helicopter in the world and can carry up to 150 tightly packed people (90
is more common). It flies under an eight-blade rotor spanning 105 feet, driven by two turboshaft engines that can propel the aircraft at 180 mph. The Mi-26 won respect from the Chinese government for
its participation in rescue efforts following a 2008 earthquake in China.
The helicopter's development program has yet to define the aircraft's main purpose as military or commercial. All potential uses are still under study. Meanwhile, the two companies are working to
define their roles in the development and production of the aircraft. Russia's participant, Helicopters Holding, is among the leading producers of heavy helicopters in the world. But the company has
plans to expand its range of offerings to medium and light helicopters.
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Something New Your Garmin Can Do
Now you Can fly an approach in real time on your Garmin 696, 496, 396 or 296.
To find out more,
go to True Flight
TV. 
Now with exclusive Winds Aloft Fuel Savings feature!
| AirVenture Coverage Sponsor |
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Avgas and the lack of a replacement for it will be a hot agenda item at AirVenture 2010 — and that's A-O.K. with Paul Bertorelli. In his latest post to the AVweb Insider blog, Paul
explains why he's hopeful that the year's biggest aviation gathering will energize the quest for 100LL replacement.
Click here to read Paul's guideposts for a productive fuel discussion at the show.
 Our best stories start with you. If you've heard something 200,000 pilots might want to know about, tell us. Submit news tips
via email to newstips@avweb.com. You're a part of our team ... often, the best part.
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As Vital As Vision
XM WX Satellite Weather provides comprehensive in-flight weather data directly to your cockpit. Never fly blind again when you sign up today for one of XM WX Weather's Aviator LT, Aviator, or
Aviator Pro weather data packages. Enhance your situational awareness with data products like Radar, Lightning, Winds, and more. Come see the latest from XM WX Satellite Weather at booths #3037-3039
during EAA AirVenture or
visit us online at
XMWxWeather.com/aviation. 
| Booths at EAA AirVenture: |
190, 3037-3039 |
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Original, Exclusive Videos from AVweb
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Reader-Submitted & Viral Videos
Although it looked ugly Saturday night, Wittman Field is rapidly drying out for the start of EAA AirVenture 2010 at Oshkosh. AVweb's Paul Bertorelli walked the North 40 on
Sunday and found it more dry than wet. EAA's Dick Knapinksi said Sunday that the field may be dry enough for normal operations by Monday.
This video is brought to you by Lightspeed
Aviation and Conoco-Phillips.
Original, Exclusive Videos from AVweb
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Reader-Submitted & Viral Videos
More than 30 DC-3s were on the ramp at Whiteside County Airport in Rock Falls, Ill. from July 24-26 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the first flight of the aircraft that some say
changed the way aviation was used and perceived. Organizer Dan Gryder gave AVweb a unique perspective on the event and the people involved.
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Introducing Cobalt's Co50
A 5-place canard for the certified market using the latest innovations in composites, chassis structure, and fuel/power management systems. TCM's FADEC, 350 hp, twin-turbocharged TSIOF-550-D2B and
Hartzell's Constant Speed 3-blade aluminum propeller produce high performance to go 600nm with four adults and one child at +200 KTAS, including 45' reserves. Luxurious and ergonomic interior with
great panoramic views. Discover Cobalt's Co50 in the Main Aircraft Display, booths #21-22, at EAA AirVenture.
Experience the next
stage in aircraft evolution.
| Booths at EAA AirVenture: |
21-22 |
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Fly Safely. Reduce Your Work Load. Increase Your Fuel Economy. Fly Intelligently.
Save $750 Now! The Auracle Engine Management System from Flightline Systems offers comprehensive engine and fuel situational awareness, delivered on a stunning full-color
glass panel display. Now available for both single- and twin-engine aircraft, Auracle helps you make critical decisions rapidly. It's the most sophisticated, intuitive engine management system
available.
Learn more at
Ultra‑Fei.com/auracle.
| Booths at EAA AirVenture: |
2137 |
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File Size 8.7 MB / Running Time 8:25
Podcast Index
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How to Listen
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Subscribe Via RSS
As the newly appointed CEO of Kestrel Aircraft, former Cirrus visionary Alan Klapmeier says the big turboprop is a complex, expensive airplane that will need to prove its worth against stiff
competition from small jets. So what's the niche? In this podcast, Klapmeier told AVweb that the Kestrel — and others of its ilk — do something little jets can't. They carry a lot
of stuff over long distances into and out of short runways. The airplane also has a large, comfortable pressurized cabin rather than the tighter confines of entry-level jets it might compete against.
The Kestrel prototype is on display at AirVenture.
This podcast is brought to you by Lightspeed
Aviation and Conoco-Phillips.
Click here to listen. (8.7 MB, 8:25)
File Size 5.6 MB / Running Time 6:10
Podcast Index
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How to Listen
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Subscribe Via RSS
Piaggio America CEO John Bingham has been racking up the airmiles in the past year trying to find new markets to replace traditional aircraft buyers who are holding off on committing to new
planes. He told AVweb's Russ Niles the current recession has likely changed the market forever.
This podcast is brought to you by WxWorx XM WX
Satellite Weather.
Click here to listen. (5.6 MB, 6:10)
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Lycoming® — The Engines of Choice
Get a zero-time, factory-rebuilt Lycoming engine with a discount of up to $5,000. It's built to factory new limits and comes with a zero-time logbook and a two-year factory warranty. But best
of all, a Lycoming rebuilt engine increases the value of your airplane. Only Lycoming can truly rebuild your engine. To find an authorized Lycoming Distributor near you, call
(800) 258‑3279 or
visit
Lycoming.com. 
To hear more about our summer specials,
visit us at 2010 AirVenture under the big red tents.
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Nominate an FBO
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Rules
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Tips
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Questions
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Winning FBOs
AVweb's "FBO of the Week" ribbon goes to the FBO at St. Clair County Airport (KPLR) in Pell City, Alabama.
AVweb reader Randy Martin put PLR to the test when he decided to change his go-to airport for trips to Birmingham. Having already spoken with the airport manager (Larry), Randy
expected thins to run smoothly when he arrived. What Randy didn't expect was an experience he called "Southern hospitality at its finest."
Upon my arrival, a silver van was planeside before the prop stopped spinning, and Heath [a lineman] ask me if I needed a ride to the motel. ... [After finding myself stranded at the motel later on, I
reluctantly called Larry and asked for a ride.] Bill arrived at the motel within half hour and happily drove me over, offering several local attractions to visit my next time in, and would not take
any money for gas — or even a tip. ... A very big thank you for all the guys at KPLR. I will definitely be back.
Keep those nominations coming. For complete contest rules, click here.
AVweb is actively seeking out the best FBOs in the country and another one, submitted by you, will be spotlighted here next Monday!
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Is Your Entire Life Savings Worth 10 Minutes of Your Time?
Life insurance protection for pilots often requires special care to be certain you have the right policy. Pilot Insurance Center knows life insurance for pilots. No aviation exclusions. Call
PIC at (800) 380-8376 or
visit
PICLife.com. 
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Win a Spidertracks Aviator as we celebrate our 15th Anniversary! All you have to do is click here to enter your
name and e-mail address. (You only have to enter once, and you'll be entered in our prize drawings for the entire year — so if you've already entered, you're all set.)
And no, we're not going to rent or sell your name, ever. Tell your friends, and invite them to sign up for AVweb so they can qualify for our 15
Grand Giveaways prize drawings, too. (We won't spam them, either — but we hope they will sign up for our newsletters.)
Deadline for entries is 11:59pm Zulu time Friday, August 6, 2010.
Click here to read
the contest rules and enter.
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Traditional Tactics Need a Fresh Approach
Doing the same thing and expecting different results is the definition of insanity. Isn't it time to initiate a digital marketing program with AVweb that will deliver traffic and orders
directly to your web site? Discover several new and highly successful marketing options to use in lieu of static print or banner campaigns.
Click now for
details. 
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PHL Approach:
"Air Canada 364, PHL airport. 2 o'clock and four miles. Report the field in sight."
Air Canada 364:
"Yeah, we have the terminal in sight."
PHL Approach:
"Don't land on the terminal. Cleared the visual 27R, tower on 118.5."
A. Mello
via e-mail
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AVwebFlash is a weekly summary of the latest news, articles, products, features, and events featured on AVweb, the internet's aviation magazine and news service.
The AVwebFlash team is:
Publisher
Timothy Cole
Editorial Director, Aviation Publications
Paul Bertorelli
Editor-in-Chief
Russ Niles
Contributing Editors
Mary Grady
Glenn Pew
Features Editor
Kevin Lane-Cummings
Webmaster
Scott Simmons
Contributors
Jeff van West
Mariano Rosales
Click here to send a letter to the
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Comments or questions about the news should be sent here.
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version of AVwebFlash. For complete instructions on making the switch, click here.
Aviate. Navigate. Communicate.
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Where to Find Our Sponsors at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh (booth numbers)
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