From: AVflash@avweb.com (AVweb's OSHflash) Sender: AVflash@avweb.com (AVweb's OSHflash) Errors-To: AVflash-errors@avweb.com Reply-To: AVflash@avweb.com (AVweb Support) To: OSHflash mailing list:; Precedence: Bulk Subject: OSHflash 01.5 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- OSHflash AirVenture 2001, Day Five Saturday, July 28, 2001 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- *********************************************************************** * * * Welcome to Day Five of AVweb's one-of-a-kind coverage of EAA's * * AirVenture 2001, direct from Oshkosh, Wis. Each day for seven * * days, AVweb will bring you all the latest news, our exclusive * * image galleries, live ATC from the OSH tower, the best shopping * * deals from our AirVenture sponsors, plus Rick Durden's OSHtalk. * * If you can't make it to Oshkosh, sit back, strap in and hold on! * * * *********************************************************************** _______________________________________________ AVweb's Top Stories From AirVenture 2001: *** AVWEB'S SPECIAL IN-DEPTH COVERAGE OF AIRVENTURE'S *** *** "MEET THE ADMINISTRATOR" FORUM WITH FAA CHIEF JANE GARVEY *** THEY CAME, THEY SAW, THEY QUESTIONED... A standing-room-only crowd packed the "Meet the Administrator" session at EAA AirVenture yesterday, hoping to hear that a new pilot certificate nearly nine years in the making was finally a reality. That's not the news they got, but not many of those in the audience left the session unhappy. Both FAA Administrator Jane Garvey and DOT Secretary Norman Mineta are pushing hard to make the new Sport Pilot/Light Sport Aircraft proposals happen. "This is one of the most significant aviation rulemaking innovations in years," Mineta told the crowd. "It will make it easier for more to become pilots and own airplanes. I wanted to be able to tell you today that it was approved, but I can't. All I can say is it's sitting at the hangar door all set to taxi, but not quite ready for the runway." ...MAKING POINTS, BUT SOMETIMES MISSING THE POINT... Mineta, who is on his second visit to AirVenture but his first as DOT secretary, made points with the EAA crowd when he talked of his support for general aviation and reminded them that aviation began in 1903 with a homebuilt. Though Mineta may understand the importance of aviation, the press office back home in Washington doesn't get it. A press release touting Mineta's day in Wisconsin mentioned only his tour of Mercury Marine in Fond du Lac, with not a single word about aviation. Since AVweb is keenly aware of the Secretary's interest in aviation, we trust that a stern word or two will be shared with the DOT media operation. ...FOR SPORT PILOT NPRM, THE REALLY BIG NEWS IS STILL DAYS AWAY... The Sport Pilot/Light Sport Plane proposal was the biggest news that wasn't, but that didn't stop members of the audience from asking about it. The new rule is expected to affect eight different parts of the FARs, potentially add thousands of pilots to the ranks, and create new business practically overnight for manufacturers who build aircraft that will fit the Light Sport Plane category. One of those manufacturers is Ed Hearns, of Skystar Aircraft Corporation, who asked if the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) period would be fast-tracked. ...BUT THEY SAY THEY'RE MOVING AS FAST AS THEY CAN Garvey replied that the lawyers must have their day. "It's not in anyone's interest to push so much that we're in litigation down the road," FAA Chief Counsel David Leach told Hearns. "We want to make sure all the legal requirements are crossed off, but we'll do that as quickly as we can." John Rivers, president and CEO of Destiny Powered Parachutes, asked Garvey again when the announcement would be made. "We called OMB [Office of Management and Budget] just 10 minutes ago to find out if it had been approved," she said, and suggested that approval is expected within days. MEANWHILE, SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE... One of the things that makes the Meet the Administrator session so interesting is that everyone in the room has a different reason for being there, a different interest, different agenda, and different question. The queries lobbed at Garvey yesterday ran the gamut, and even though she was battling a cold and a weak voice, she handled them with her usual aplomb. When Don Hollingsworth asked why the FAA never returned calls on inquiries about moving a VOR at his home airport, Garvey interrupted his politely phrased question, saying "You want me to kick their butt ... yeah, I got that." There didn't seem to be much doubt in the room that the butt-kicking would commence soon. ....MEIGS WAS ON THEIR MIND... In years past, the big organized push at the session has always revolved around the commercial pilots' Age 60 Rule. Every year, proponents of increasing the age to 65 unfurl a large banner listing the other countries that allow older pilots. They were noticeably absent yesterday, but were replaced by another vocal contingent. Meigs Field supporters were out in force, roaming the room prior to the forum handing out "Save Meigs Field" posters to any who would hold one. Steve Whitney, of Friends of Meigs Field, asked the administrator to state the FAA's position, and wanted to know how they could best work together. Garvey responded, "You've been incredibly effective ... You're doing the right thing," but went on to say that in cases like this one, "We try hard to let the locals ultimately decide." ...AND GARVEY SEEMS TO SATISFY Whitney told AVweb that Garvey's answer was "more than we expected." The FAA has been very reluctant to commit to a position on Meigs, he said, and legally there is not much they can do because the airport was released from its grant obligations under the previous administrator. What the FAA *can* do, Whitney said, is offer moral support and advocacy, and he felt that he got that from Garvey yesterday. "I took her comments as very positive," he said. "It gave us great hope that we're going to be able to find a way to resolve this." PLENTY OF SAFETY CONCERNS: INCURSIONS, RADAR AND MORE Hank Austin, a Chicago-based pilot, offered a view shared by many -- while training addresses the problem of runway incursions, it does not offer the immediate and permanent relief of a visual signal system. In theory, controllers could operate runway status lights from the tower. Steve Brown (ATC services) responded that some 15,000 U.S. airports are non-towered, and other less technical fixes are in the works. Other questions dealt with the FAA's reluctance to embrace a low-cost TARDIS radar system that many (including the NTSB) believe would cut down on accidents at smaller airports, the FAA's level of commitment to Flight Service, aircraft certification, and privatizing air traffic control. NOTE: Check tomorrow's OSHflash for AVweb's exclusive interview with Jane Garvey. For audio of yesterday's complete session, go to . For exclusive images of the session, go to our gallery at . MOONEY FILES FOR BANKRUPTCY REORGANIZATION... After a week of furlough announcements and executive resignations, Mooney Aircraft Corporation (MAC) yesterday filed a petition with a Texas federal court for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. bankruptcy laws. The not-unexpected action ended a tough week for employees at the company's Kerrville, Texas, facility, and at its exhibit at AirVenture. The week began with Monday's announcement that some 85 percent of MAC's workforce would be furloughed by yesterday. It was also announced that CEO Chris Dopp had resigned. ..."WE'RE DISAPPOINTED"... In a prepared statement, Paul S. Dopp, chairman/CEO of AVAQ Group (Mooney's parent company) and MAC chairman/acting CEO, said, "We're disappointed at having to take this action, but it was made with the knowledge that this will stabilize Mooney, permit ongoing operations, while allowing AVAQ, Mooney and its consultants to pursue discussions with highly qualified parties, including some well established in aviation, interested in considering investment in Mooney's premier industry reputation and future." And, indeed, MAC's petition may already be having the desired effect: AVweb has learned that yesterday's action has resulted in renewed interest from potential investors, especially since the company's delinquent tax payments to Kerr County, Texas, have now been "taken care of," according to VP Mike McConnell. McConnell told AVweb, "When you file Chapter 11, you'd be surprised how much investor money there is. Our phone won't stop ringing." ...MISSED APPROACH? There is still dissension and a fair amount of concern among current and former MAC workers. According to a company press release, Chris Dopp "felt strongly that a different approach" should have been taken to address MAC's financial problems. That different approach, confirmed by one MAC employee at Oshkosh, was to continue to work to find investors but NOT file Chapter 11. What will come next for MAC is anyone's guess. The company has been through its share of troubles and owners during the 50-plus years since Al Mooney first designed and built the ubiquitous "backward-tail" Mooney Mite. Models since then have been some of the most efficient production aircraft ever built and have attracted a loyal following. This latest episode will not be Mooney's final chapter. IT'S NOT ALL LANDLUBBERS AT OSHKOSH... Tired of the AirVenture hullabaloo around Wittman Field? Take a walk on the wet side at EAA AirVenture's Seaplane Base on Lake Winnebago's west shore. These guys know how to camp. You won't find tents slung over a wing or laundry hanging from a prop. Instead, there's a well-groomed path (complete with tiki torches) leading from the shore to a clearing in the woods where the faithful pitch their tents. Bathing accommodations are limited only by one's imagination, and there's certainly something cool about a Cub or a Champ on floats. ...SOME LIKE TO SPLASH AND DASH About 7,500 flyers are represented by the Seaplane Pilots Association (SPA), which is very active in promoting the sport. According to SPA president Michael Volk, the whole seaplane experience is nothing short of spectacular. "The key thing you should expect when you go for a seaplane rating is to have a heck of a lot of fun," he says. After traipsing around the seaplane base for a couple of hours, we're inclined to agree. NOTE: Listen to Rick Durden's OSHtalk from the seaplane base, at . You can visit the SPA Web site at . ANOTHER AVIATION LEGEND IN THE SPOTLIGHT Charles Lindbergh is about to start getting more attention soon, though the plans so far seem very low-key compared to the hype that's building for the centennial of the Wright brothers' 1903 flight. Next May is the 75th anniversary of Lindy's famous transatlantic solo flight, and the Lindbergh Foundation announced this week that a celebration is in the works. Two replicas of the Spirit of St. Louis -- belonging to the EAA and to Kermit Weeks' Fantasy of Flight museum -- will be flying around the U.S. and in France to recreate historic flights from the Lindbergh era. NOTE: For more information about the Lindbergh anniversary, go to . CHECK OUT AVWEB'S COMPLETE COVERAGE: OSHflash is AVweb's daily summary of the all the news and events at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2001. For more on the sights, sounds and goings-on, including AVweb's exclusive RealAudio programming and one-of-a-kind image galleries, be sure to check out AVweb's EAA AirVenture 2001 Web site: _________________________ OSHTALK AUDIO PROGRAMMING "OSHtalk, Day Five: Warbirds, maintenance, KidVenture and the Symphony" Back to the usual site, under the wing of the Twin Beech, OSHtalk host Rick Durden is joined first by experienced warbird pilot Doug Rozendaal, who shares an amazing story from the day before. Later, Brian Finnegan of the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association shares his take on current trends impacting the industry. Next, Rick is joined by Matt Stinnes of OMF Aircraft, makers of the brand-new Symphony, a certified version of the popular GlaStar homebuilt. Finally, three volunteers from KidVenture explore all the opportunities for children to learn more about aviation with their parents. __________________________________________________ AirVenture Sponsor News and Special Offers AVweb has a small army of writers, editors and photographers in Oshkosh this week to bring you our exclusive coverage. We simply couldn't do it without the generous support of these fine companies: * OMF AIRCRAFT * AEROBATICSOURCE.COM * PHILLIPS 66 * SIMCOM * TELEDYNE CONTINENTAL MOTORS * AVIONICS WEST * FLIGHTCOM * GARMIN INTERNATIONAL * FLIGHT EXPLORER OMF-160 SYMPHONY IS AN AFFORDABLE, VERSATILE AND FAA-CERTIFIED AIRCRAFT The OMF-160 Symphony is a two-seat, high-wing aircraft from German manufacturer OMF Aircraft. Powered by a 160hp Lycoming O-320 engine, this tough and energetic aircraft is docile throughout the flight envelope. With a cruise speed of 131 knots, up to 635 pounds payload, and an uncommonly large baggage compartment, the Symphony offers ample room for long-range flights and commercial use. Order now. Delivery in three months! See this beauty in person during AirVenture at Booth 422 or go online at for details. PATTY WAGSTAFF'S AEROBATICSOURCE.COM OFFERS COLLECTIBLE AVIATION APPAREL Another popular feature of Patty Wagstaff's AerobaticSource.com is an apparel section where you'll find collectible airshow performer shirts, hats and other items. AerobaticSource has commissioned its own "Contemporary Performer Series" T-shirt collection featuring top airshow performers, with magnificent artwork designed by renowned aviation artists. Order during AirVenture and Patty will autograph any of these items free. The site also has the Web's most comprehensive airshow schedule, aerobatics news and forums, and an aviation book and video store, at . Visit Booth 3002, Hangar C. PHILLIPS 66 AVIATION OIL IS JUST A CLICK AWAY! High-quality Phillips 66 aviation oils are now available online. Visit to purchase any product in the Phillips 66 family of aviation oils. Stop by the Phillips 66 Booth 104 during AirVenture with any questions on your aircraft's lubrication. PIPER PILOTS! SIMCOM OFFERS TRAINING IN A FLEET OF PIPER AIRCRAFT SIMCOM Training Centers, a division of Pan Am International Flight Academy, offers a five-day initial course and one- or two-day recurrency course in all models of the Mirage, Malibu and Meridian, Seneca and Saratoga. SIMCOM is recognized for its outstanding personalized service and special discounts. For program details, visit Booth 4080-81 during AirVenture, or go to . TELEDYNE CONTINENTAL MOTORS PROVIDES AVIATOR SERVICES PROGRAM TCM is now providing the Aviator Services Program FREE of charge to owners and pilots of Continental-powered aircraft. This Internet service provides engine-specific parts listings, TCM engine and ignition Service Bulletins, FAA Airworthiness Directives, scheduled maintenance checklists, and a troubleshooting guide. Membership includes an oil sample trend analysis, and other services to assist members with the operation and upkeep of their Continental powerplant. Join thousands of aviators who already know where to get up-to-date information about the power in their aircraft. Go by TCM's display at the West Main Aircraft display area 99-102 and talk to TCM's technical staff. Or go to TCM's Web site, at . AVIONICS WEST'S SPECIAL ON THE GARMIN 295 GPS WAS A HUGE SUCCESS So huge, that it's offered again as Avionics West's Day Five Special. GARMIN International's GPSMAP 295 Color Handheld GPS with FREE GROUND SHIPPING TODAY ONLY! Its innovative features include clear, color maps, detachable antenna, automotive dash mount so your GPS can be used on the ground as well as in the air, yoke mount, cigarette-lighter adapter, batteries, PC cable, low-profile antenna, and carrying case. This unit is simple to use and easy on the eyes. See for yourself. To check out Avionics West's too-low-to-advertise price for GARMIN's GPSMAP 295, send an email to . To order, phone 1-805- 934-9777 or click . PERFORMANCE AND GOOD TASTE NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE WITH FLIGHTCOM HEADSETS Flightcom brings pilots the best in design and performance. From the economical 4DX, 4DLX, and 5DX to the award-winning Denali(r) headsets, Flightcom has the right headset for any need and budget. Flightcom headsets are made to a high performance standard with a 30-day refund guarantee and a three-year warranty. See the complete line of Flightcom headsets at . OSHKOSH ATTENDEE ALERT! Stop by Booth 2110 in Hangar B for a demonstration of Flightcom products. All Flightcom headsets are available in helicopter configurations. GARMIN BRINGS YOU GPS NAVIGATION AND A CELL PHONE IN ONE UNIT! GARMIN International never stops thinking about their customers and their needs. Through an alliance with AirCell, an airborne cellular provider, GARMIN now offers the NavTalk Pilot, allowing aviators to make calls from the air and ground to almost anywhere in the U.S. Utilizing the same features and GPS receiver technology found in GARMIN's GPS III Pilot, access includes an electronic phone book, numeric paging capabilities, speed dial, proven 12-parallel-channel GPS reception, extensive basemap with Jeppesen data, and logical menus, all at an affordable price. See this amazing technology at GARMIN's Booth 1073-76 during AirVenture, or online at . FLIGHT EXPLORER LAUNCHES MORE POWERFUL LOW-COST PERSONAL PC VERSION Flight Explorer, the world's leading provider of Internet-based real- time flight systems and tracking information, has launched "Flight Explorer AVweb Edition 3.1." This is the first major release since Flight Explorer Personal Edition was launched two years ago. The AVweb Edition now includes a demo mode allowing potential subscribers to test- drive Flight Explorer AVweb Edition using simulated data plus these notable enhancements. Anyone can track aircraft with Flight Explorer- AVweb Edition 3.1 for only $9.95 a month. Join thousands of satisfied users by subscribing at . SPECIAL WEEKEND AIRVENTURE SHOPPING BARGAINS FROM AVWEB SPONSORS AT . All bargains expire July 31. ________________________________________ We Welcome Your Feedback! Comments on AVweb's daily EAA AirVenture 2000 coverage should be sent to . The AVweb AirVenture 2001 News Team: Want to subscribe or unsubscribe? Change/update your email address? Forgot your AVweb password? No problem! Simply go to our Member Services menu: . AVweb, the Internet's Aviation Magazine and News Service. ________________________________________ Copyright (C) 2001, The AVweb Group. All rights reserved.