Our goal is to promote and encourage the preservation and safe operation of ex-military aircraft, better known as Warbirds.
These wonderful aircraft are an important part of our aviation heritage. Please join us in our efforts to “Keep ‘Em Flying!”
Learn more about the benefits of membership in EAA Warbirds of America!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EAA!
It was 59 years ago Thursday night, on Jan. 26, 1953, when a small group of airplane builders and enthusiasts led by Paul Poberezny got together at Milwaukee's Curtiss-Wright Field to form a local club. They would have no idea that what they created would become the world's most dynamic aviation organization.
For nearly six decades, EAA has led and inspired the world of personal flight. To Paul and Audrey and those other early EAAers: Thank you on behalf of today's 171,000 members and the hundreds of thousands of others who have been part of the organization since that first cold night in January 1953. What you started has made an incalculable difference to countless people around the world who pursue their own dreams of flight.
Here's to many more birthdays to celebrate!
Rod Hightower, President/CEO
FAA Clarifies Guidance for Experimental Exhibition and Air Racing Airworthiness Certificates
By Bill Fischer, Executive Director, EAA Warbirds of America
January 20, 2012 - The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a memorandum providing clarification to FAA Order 8130.2G, Airworthiness Certification of Aircraft and Related Products, chapter 4, section 10. The memorandum authorizes deviation to the Order, clarifying operating limitations placed on experimental airworthiness certificates issued for the purpose of exhibition or air racing.
This is welcomed news for EAA Warbirds of America and other industry groups, who have advocated for years to simplify the Order, yet maintain the highest levels of aviation safety. Going back as far as 2005, EAA Warbirds of America, along with the Commemorative Air Force, Classic Jet Aircraft Association, Army Aviation Heritage Foundation, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Courtesy Aircraft, and others have worked collaboratively with the FAA to identify areas in the Order which needed clarification – both for the owner/operator and the FAA Inspectors in the field. Meetings were held at EAA Headquarters in Oshkosh, WI and FAA Headquarters in Washington D.C.
All parties agreed to review existing operating limitations based on four safety and operational qualifiers:
Aircraft fleet and individual aircraft flight safety records;
Proven aircraft maintenance programs;
Pilot training and proficiency programs;
Eliminating duplication of 14 CFR Part 91 requirements.
What does this mean for owners who operate aircraft certificated in the experimental exhibition or air racing category? Here are several key points:
All previously issued airworthiness certificates and operating limitations will remain valid unless changes are requested by the applicant or reexamined by the FAA in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 44709.
If the aircraft changes owners or its home base airport, owners need to submit a new Program Letter to the geographically responsible FSDO, but it’s not necessary to re-issue the airworthiness certificate & operating limitations. (Read more)
GA Community Again Unites Against User Fees
Administration signals on issue not positive
January 19, 2012 - A united group of GA organizations are continuing their action in response to signals from the Obama administration that it plans to push ahead with future proposals to assess user fees on private aviation. Late last week, the administration's reply to an online petition asking the White House to "Take Aviation User Fees Off the Table" caused alarm, as it appeared to reaffirm a coming push to assess new fees. Dana Hyde of the Office of Management and Budget responded to the online petition, which attracted 8,900 digital signatures since September. Such petitions initially filed at the White House's "We the People" website needed at least 5,000 signatures to cause a replay from the administration.
"We have concluded that a $100 per flight user fee is an equitable way for those who benefit to bear the cost of this essential service," Hyde said in reference to air traffic services, including piston-powered aircraft in controlled airspace.
EAA, AOPA, GAMA, NATA, NBAA, and others are gearing up for another battle against user fees that could be in future budget and appropriations bills. Although Congress over the past decade has consistently rejected such GA user fees, regardless of the party in control, Hyde's response indicated that the Obama administration was ready to make another push for passage. (Read more)
Red Tails Premieres Friday
Attendees at last year's AirVenture Gathering of Eagles were treated to the world premiere of the Red Tails movie trailer, introduced by legendary filmmaker George Lucas. Well, it's finally here, as the film opens this Friday, January 20. Meanwhile, the film's website features an interactive area where you can learn about the history of the real Tuskegee Airmen, their airplanes - even the battles they fought in. (Fly a Red Tail P-51 sim against the Luftwaffe!) Click here to visit the website, and we hope you get a chance to see the movie this weekend. One other thing: EAA AirVenture 2012 is July 23-29, and the Tuskegee Airmen will be honored there throughout the week.
Hightower Testifies at NTSB Hearing on Air Show and Air Race Safety
January 10, 2012 - EAA President Rod Hightower testified in a day-long hearing convened Tuesday, January 10, by the National Transportation Safety Board to examine air show and air race safety. Hightower was joined by EAA Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs Sean Elliott as they answered questions from the full NTSB board and staff about EAA’s approach to safety during its annual AirVenture event. The hearing was in response to the deadly crash at the National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nevada, last September that killed 11 people and injured about 70 others.
NTSB Board Chairman Deborah Hersman stated the hearing’s goal was not to deconstruct a specific event, but instead to raise air show and air race safety awareness, learn how these events are planned and operated, and identify what has been learned in the past that can be applied to future safety. The chairman noted that while there were no air show performer and spectator fatalities in 2009 and 2010, five performers, 10 spectators, and one air racer lost their lives in 2011. (Read more)
Warbirds Flight Line Volunteers to Meet
Calling all EAA Warbirds of America flight line volunteers – the annual winter gathering will be held at the AmericInn – Oshkosh, Wisconsin on Saturday, January 28, 2012.The business meeting will take place at 10:00 a.m. at the PHP Conference Center on the EAA Campus, right across from the Main Convention Entrance Gates. For room reservations, contact the AmericInn – Oshkosh, 1495 W. South Park Avenue, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, (920) 232-0300. Ask for the EAA Warbirds of America room block/rate. This is a great opportunity to review the 2011 flight line operations and set the stage for a successful 2012. For more information contact EAA Warbirds of America at (920) 426-4826
Reno Air Racing Moving Forward With 2012 Race Plans
January 4, 2012 - Citing an overwhelming desire by the aviation, aviation racing, and local communities, the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is moving forward with plans to hold the 49th Reno National Air Races September 12-16, 2012, at Stead Airport, said Mike Houghton, RARA president and CEO, at a press conference Wednesday in Reno, Nevada.
With several sponsors, fans, and victims in attendance, Houghton said the association is in the process of acquiring the permits and FAA waivers required to hold the event, which was cut short last year by the crash of Jimmy Leeward’s Galloping Ghost unlimited P-51 that resulted in 11 deaths and more than 70 injuries.
“We’re moving ahead,” Houghton said, noting that preparing for the air races is a year-round process. He called last year’s crash – the first-ever at Reno that resulted in the death of spectators - a terrible tragedy that “will not become the concluding epilogue of the historic Reno National Air Races.”
As plans for the event proceed, an appointed Blue Ribbon panel of aviation experts will study all aspects of the races - both on and off the pylon course - to determine what can be done in the areas of safety. (Read more)
Mandatory Service Bulletin: B-25-001
Main Landing Gear Shock Strut Inspections
To: All North American B-25 Owners and Operators:
Release Date: December 21, 2011
Background: A B-25 aircraft has experienced failure of the Drag Arm, P/N 65081 (Item 6, Fig. 3), located at the top of the Bendix Pneudraulic Landing Gear Shock Strut, P/Ns 65929 (LH) or 65930 (RH). The Drag Arm is the attach point for the hydraulic retraction cylinder and the upper machined lug on the Drag Arm engages the downlock. The drag arm forging failed on landing, just below the retract cylinder attach point, resulting in a forward collapse of the main landing gear and significant damage to the aircraft. (Read more)
NTSB Announces Preliminary Agenda for Hearing on Air Race and Air Show Safety
December 20, 2011 - The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) today announced the preliminary agenda for a one-day hearing on air show and air race safety. The hearing, which is open to all and free to attend (there is no registration), will be held on Tuesday, January 10, 2012, and will begin at 9:30 am EST.
The NTSB has invited to the proceedings, entitled "Air Race and Air Show Safety Hearing", government agencies, aviation event trade associations, show organizers, and air show participants to serves as witnesses. During the hearing, they will give presentations on regulations and oversight and aviation event operations. Following each topic area presentation, there will be a question and answer discussion with Board Members.
The purpose of the meeting is to (1) bring public attention to the safety issues involved in aviation event operations; and (2) provide NTSB Members and investigative staff with a deeper understanding of regulations, protocols and practices used in the planning and operations of air shows and air races. Information gathered in the hearing will assist NTSB staff in the investigation of air show and air race incidents and accidents.
Organizations and individuals can submit written materials for inclusion in the NTSB's Public Docket for this hearing. Submissions should directly address one or more of the hearing's topic areas and should be submitted to airrace_airshow@ntsb.gov. The deadline for receipt is February 17, 2012.
The hearing will be held in the NTSB Board Room and Conference Center, located at 429 L'Enfant Plaza, S.W., Washington, D.C. The public can view the forum in person or by webcast at www.ntsb.gov. NTSB Media Contact: Terry Williams 202-314-6100.
At this time, EAA President and CEO Rod Hightower, EAA Vice President of Government Programs / Aircraft Operations Sean Elliott, and EAA Warbirds of America Director Jack Harrington are planning to attend the hearing on behalf of our members.
American Patriot Mustang Brings Wounded Veteran Home for the Holidays
December 15, 2011 – For the first time in more than two years, Private First Class Shawn Williams, of Wichita, Kansas, is home for the holidays as Cessna Aircraft Company’s Citation Mustang American Patriot flew its third Veterans Airlift Command mission this week. Williams, who was injured in Afghanistan in June of 2011, was greeted by his family, the local American Legion Riders, and several hundred Cessna employees.
He was injured when the Stryker he was driving hit an IED. Williams was airlifted to Germany, then to Washington, and ultimately to San Antonio for treatment at the Brooke Army Medical Center. He suffered burns to his hands and face, had pins inserted into his foot, and was confined to a wheelchair until three weeks ago. (Read more)
Sun ‘n Fun Warbirds Judging Program Update
December 14, 2011 - EAA Warbirds of America officials announced today warbird aircraft judging at the Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In will be suspended for the 2012 event while the program is being re-evaluated. In recent years, the participation level in the Warbird aircraft judging program at Sun ‘n Fun has declined.
During this one year stand down, EAA Warbirds of America and the Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In would like to hear from you on the topic. Send your feedback to: warbirds@eaa.org.
The very popular Warbird aircraft judging program at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh continues to grow each year and will remain unchanged.
Rossy and the Jets
Jetman flies formation with L-39 Albatroses
November 28, 2011 – Chalk up another first for Yves Rossy, better known as Jetman. Last week, Rossy, who wears a jet-powered carbon fiber wing and flies like a bird, flew in formation with two L-39C Albatros planes from the Breitling Jet Team over the Swiss Alps. Jetman’s previous firsts include flying over the English Channel, flying formation with the Breitling Wingwalkers aboard a pair of Stearman biplanes, flying lop-de-loops around a hot air balloon, and most recently, soaring over the Grand Canyon.
According to Breitling’s report, Rossy rode a helicopter to altitude in Switzerland, jumped off, ignited the four jet engines, then joined up with the two L-39s for several minutes of formation flying. He controls his trajectory and altitude through body movements until, when ready to land, he parachutes safely to the ground.
EAA Sport Aviation ran a cover story on Rossy in the March 2011 issue. Read it here.
Rossy and the Jets Video
18th National Warbird Operator Conference Set for Chino, CA
November 17, 2011 - Known as a hot bed of warbird activity for many years, Chino, California offers an exciting opportunity for attendees at the 2012 National Warbird Operators Conference (NWOC) to experience some of the world’s finest warbird collections. The Hilton Double Tree Hotel at the Ontario Airport will be the conference’s host facility. Off site tours will include attractions such as the Planes of Fame Museum, The Yanks Air Museum, and other Chino-Based warbird facilities. NWOC will be held February 16 – 19, 2012. Registration is open now. For more information visit: www.warbirdconference.com.
Warbirds Commemorative Brick Makes a Perfect Holiday Gift
Looking for that special, lasting gift this Holiday Season? EAA Warbirds of America (WOA) recommends purchasing a commemorative brick in the Eagle Plaza on the EAA AirVenture grounds. WOA members, volunteers, military service veterans, and members of the public can purchase an inscribed brick and have it installed at this special monument, which features a beautiful cast bronze eagle perched atop a six-sided base paying tribute to the five branches of U.S. military.
Eagle Plaza bricks are available for purchase in two sizes – large (11.5 x 11.5 inches, tan color), and small (3.5 x 7.5 inches, brown) – and buyers can choose the location based on area of affiliation; veteran, volunteer, EAA WOA member, or general public supporter.
Bricks purchased by June 1, 2012, will be inscribed and installed in time for AirVenture 2012. Funds raised through the Eagle Plaza Brick Project will support EAA Warbirds of America operations. Click here to order yours today.
Recurrent Check for Jet Pilots Delayed
By J. Mac McClellan, Director of Publications, EAA 747337
October 21, 2011 – This summer the FAA changed the rule that requires recurrent training and checking for jet pilots to include those acting as a single pilot in a jet. When the original FAR 61.58 rules were written to require annual training and checking of jet pilots, all civil turbojets required a crew of two, so that is the standard the rule used. In other words, if an airplane - jet or propeller - required at least two pilots, then FAR 61.58 applied and the captain had to undergo training and checking once per year - and more detailed checks every other year.
But the situation changed when the FAA began to certify airplanes as “eligible” for single-pilot operation. The Cessna CJ was the first business jet in which the default rule was that two pilots are required, but if a pilot is trained, and passes an FAA-approved checkride as a single pilot, that pilot can operate as a single pilot in the CJ. Under the new rule it is the pilot, not the airplane, that dictates how many pilots are required. (Read more)
Eclipse Jet Donated to Veterans Airlift Command
October 21, 2011 - At NBAA, the Veterans Airlift Command (VAC), based in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, announced the receipt of a donated Eclipse Jet. The VAC provides free air transportation to post-9/11 combat wounded veterans and their families for medical and other compassionate purposes through a national network of volunteer aircraft owners and pilots. As part of the donation, Eclipse Aerospace will match donations made to service the Eclipse aircraft with $1 of donated parts and services for every $1 donated to the VAC. For more information on Eclipse Aerospace, click here. For more information on the VAC, click here.
Ilyushin II-2 Flies Again
October 13, 2011 – We learned this week that a restored Soviet Ilyushin Il-2 airplane flew again for the first time in decades after a six-year restoration effort by a Russian company, reportedly “for an American collector.” The airplane, which was restored from fragments found in the marshes near Pskov, flew in early October in Novisbirsk, Russia. Il-2s were among the most-produced military airplanes in history with more than 36,000 built between 1941 and 1945 (second only to the Polikarpov Po-2 - 40,000-plus), yet no known flying examples existed until the unveiling of this airplane.
The following recently posted entry appears on the Wikipedia Ilyushin Il-2 page: “In early October 2011 an Il-2 flew again at Novisbirsk, Russia, after being restored to fly by specialist firm Aviarestoration for an American collector. (Read more)
It Werks - Fw 190 Flies Over Louisiana
October 13, 2011 – Another Focke-Wulf Fw 190 restoration made its first flight this past week in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at the Baton Rouge Metro Airport. Owner Don Hansen, EAA 240289/Warbirds of America 548087, and manager of PAI Aero Inc., said the aircraft flew on Sunday, October 9, and has since made several other flights. N4190 is mostly a Flugwerk restoration, but the original aircraft – Fw 190A-8 Werknummer 173056 - was produced in 1944 at the Focke-Wulf Flugzeugbau AG in Marienberg, Germany. It was later discovered buried in Rheims, France, after being stripped of many parts by the German military.
The restoration project began in 2000, and it took eight and a half years of work to complete the four major components: tail, fuselage, wings, and engine. “Needed quality repair parts were produced by Flugwerk, which has been most helpful,” Hansen said.
The engine is a Russian-made, 2000-hp Ash82T, also obtained from Flugwerk, of Gammelsdorf, Germany. It started “instantly” about two years ago – its first time running in 30 years. (Read more)
Reworked LASP Proposal Likely Later This Year
October 10, 2011 –The Transportation Security Administration’s Large Aircraft Security Program (LASP), which met with nearly universal criticism when originally announced in 2008, is scheduled to return in a significantly altered proposal for public comment later this year.
The initial security plan was ardently opposed by EAA and much of the GA community because of the burdensome list of security requirements for aircraft of more than 12,500 pounds and their operators. Those requirements included watch list screening of passenger manifests, crewmember criminal record checks, third-party audits of aircraft operators every two years, and new airport security mandates.
More than 8,000 comments – most of them overwhelmingly negative – poured into the TSA during the public input period. EAA was among the GA groups that criticized the plan, saying it was unacceptable and would cause extreme hardship for many aircraft operators, whose identities are already known to federal agencies and whose passengers are well known to the pilots and operators of such aircraft. Further, the 12,500-pound weight limit contradicted TSA and Department of Homeland Security studies that concluded that aircraft in this weight range did not pose a significant threat.
The agency pulled the original concept in June 2009 and redesigned it over a two-year period. That redesign included input from EAA and other GA industry representatives. According to TSA officials, the new version will focus on giving aircraft operators flexibility while providing the TSA with security assurances. The minimum aircraft weight subject to the LASP will also be raised.
The new version of the LASP proposal is currently under review by the Office of Management and Budget. It is anticipated to be published for public comment before the end of the year or early in 2012.
House of Representatives Letter: Reject User Fees
October 6, 2011 – A letter opposing aviation user fees, co-signed by a bipartisan group of 119 congressional representatives, is now making its way to U.S. House and Senate leaders as well as the House-Senate “Supercommittee” exploring deficit reductions.
The letter, delivered Thursday afternoon (October 6), simply states that aviation user fees would “have a devastating impact on the aviation industry and fails to achieve our shared goal of improving the economy and creating jobs.” The Obama administration has included the surcharge proposal in its most recent budget and jobs package sent to Capitol Hill.
The legislative opposition is focused on user fees and surcharges on both commercial and general aviation. It was sent to House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, plus Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) and Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), co-chairs of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction.
EAA and other aviation groups are continuing their efforts to show the negative impact such user fees would be to the national aviation industry and the ability to increase participation in aviation.
Captured Aircraft Air Show
During World War II Freeman Army Airfield in Seymour, Indiana, was a training base, but by mid-1945 it became an evaluation center for captured Axis aircraft. After a few months the airfield featured a most unique collection of aircraft still able to fly. The base held an air show later that year and one could see all the familiar allied aircraft, plus many German fighters, bombers, transports, and the infamous V-2 Rocket. Video courtesy: Freeman Army Airfield Museum
Watch the video (Read more)
Jimmy Leeward Memorial Fund
As a lifelong aviator and an EAA Director for more than 30 years, Jimmy Leeward was passionate about flying. He was also passionate about welcoming others to the world of flight, whether it was helping his own children become third-generation aviators, or inviting others to discover the joy, excitement and sense of accomplishment in the sky.
Jimmy's tragic death at Reno is a huge loss to the aviation community, especially to those who knew him and enjoyed the world of flight with him. Even with Jimmy's passing, however, there is a way to honor his aviation passion while helping others discover theirs. The Leeward family and EAA have created the Jimmy Leeward Memorial Fund in his memory to benefit EAA's youth aviation education programs. Proceeds from this fund will go directly to those programs that each year help tens of thousands of young people pursue their own dreams of flight and create a new generation of aviators. (Read more)
Graves Comments on Air Race Tragedies
September 21, 2011 – U.S. Representative Sam Graves (R-MO), a longtime EAA member and pilot who co-chairs the House General Aviation Caucus, issued the following statement today in response to calls to examine whether more regulations are needed for air shows.
“Within the past month, the aviation community has seen several accidents that have led to the deaths of veteran pilots and spectators. Every loss of life is a tragedy, and we grieve for those who have lost their lives or have been injured
However, just as surely as night follows day, there will be claims that more regulations are needed for air shows. Simply put, they are not.
“As a licensed pilot and aviation enthusiast who flies vintage aircraft in air shows, I can tell you that every pilot knows the risks every time they slide into a cockpit. Flying a vintage airplane, or any airplane, comes with the same risks as simply driving to work. In fact, air shows, which are different than air races, are among the safest of any event you can attend. There hasn’t been a spectator fatality at an air show in more than 60 years. (Read more)
EAA and Warbirds of America Mourn Tragedy at Reno Air Races
September 16, 2011 – Tragedy struck the Reno National Championship Air Races in Nevada late Friday afternoon when the P-51 Galloping Ghost piloted by longtime EAA member/director Jimmy Leeward apparently encountered an unknown problem during an Unlimited time trials event and crashed into an audience area near the grandstand.
Initial news reports from the event indicated at least three people died in the mishap with at least 54 more injured, some of them seriously, according to Reno Air Racing Association CEO Mike Houghton. It marks the first time that an accident at the event had included spectators, Houghton said. The races will be shut down for the remainder of the weekend, with a memorial service planned for 1 p.m. Mountain Time Saturday in the Leeward pit area on the race grounds.
EAA President/CEO Rod Hightower, who is onsite at Reno, said, “This is a tremendous loss for aviation. Jimmy Leeward was a great friend of aviation and a great friend of EAA. His death is a loss for the entire aviation community.” EAA also extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Leeward, who lost his life in the accident, as well as those in the spectator ranks who were killed or injured. Hightower and all EAA staff members attending the event are safe and accounted for. (Read more)
Hinton Sets Record, Souped-Up Jets Are Banned
By Lane Wallace, Contributing Writer, EAA 650945
September 15, 2011 – This year’s edition of the 48th Reno National Air Races at Stead Field, Nevada, got off to a blazing start as 24-year-old race pilot Steven Hinton, flying the highly modified P-51 Strega, set a new qualifying record of 499.16 mph on the very first day of qualifying in the Unlimited Category. Will Whiteside, flying the P-51 Voodoo, qualified second, and Stewart Dawson qualified third in Rare Bear. Rod Lewis’ powerhouse Sea Fury, 232, flown by retired astronaut Robert “Hoot” Gibson, turned in the fourth-fastest qualifying time but then had to withdraw from competition due to mechanical difficulties. On the other hand, Gibson’s withdrawal made room for Matt Jackson to join the qualifying pack in the Sea Fury Furias. Furias was on a “waitlist” to race because its entry paperwork arrived late.
Lewis’ Sea Fury will not be the only powerhouse sitting out this year’s races, however. The Jet Class will also be missing several of its top fastest racers, due to a rule change implemented after the rookie Pylon Racing School (PRS) in June. In the past few years, owners of several L-29 Czech training jets, in an effort to beat the larger L-39 jets that had dominated the class, had put larger engines in the planes. But during this year’s PRS, one of the souped-up jets (flown by Heather Penney, daughter of veteran race pilot John Penney) had an overheating problem that almost resulted in the loss of its rudder. So, at least for this year’s event, the race committee has decreed that only jets with stock engines will be allowed to race. (Read more)
Click for Sun ‘n Fun 2011 Warbird Awards
EAA Warbirds of America Announces Commemorative Brick Program
February 11, 2011 - EAA Warbirds of America (WOA) announces a commemorative brick program for the Eagle Plaza in the new Warbirds Area on the AirVenture Oshkosh grounds. WOA members, volunteers, military service veterans, and members of the public can purchase an inscribed brick and have it installed at this special monument, which features a beautiful cast bronze eagle perched atop a six-sided base paying tribute to the five branches of the U.S. military and EAA WOA volunteers. Eagle Plaza bricks are available for purchase in two sizes - large (11.5 inches by 11.5 inches, tan color), and small (3.5 inches by 7.5 inches, brown) - and buyers can choose the location based on area of affiliation: veteran, volunteer, EAA WOA member, or general public supporter.
Bricks purchased by June 1, 2011, will be inscribed and installed in time for AirVenture 2011. Funds raised through the Eagle Plaza Brick Project will directly support a student pilot scholarship program as well as support future improvements to the Warbirds Area. Click here to order yours today.
Proposed Policy Change for Part Time Inspectors Raises Alarms
Public comments on proposal welcomed through December 6
November 18, 2010 - EAA and the Vintage Aircraft Association this week quickly moved for FAA clarification on a policy proposal that is causing confusion among maintenance professionals and owner/operators who rely on a part-time Airplane and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic with an Inspection Authorization. A number of members have contacted EAA and two of its special interest divisions, the Vintage Aircraft Association (VAA) and EAA Warbirds of America, fearing that the proposal could mean the end of Inspection Authorizations for part-time mechanics.
The primary concern was that the revised policy would allow an FAA Air Safety Inspector (ASI) to subjectively reject an application for an Inspection Authorization, or its renewal, if that ASI deems his or her level of mechanic’s work does not meet the FAA standard for “actively engaged.” (Read more)
FAA Aircraft Re-registration Begins Next Month
October 7, 2010 - According to the FAA, about one third of the approximately 357,000 aircraft registered in the United States have inaccurate records. To clean up what they say has become a database riddled with incorrect addresses, aircraft that have been destroyed, etc., the agency has made a decision to require all currently registered aircraft to be re-registered. Essentially they're starting with an empty ledger, and will fill it out in the next three years. (Read more)
