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!
Pilot's Bill of Rights Introduced in House
Companion Bill to EAA-supported Senate measure unveiled last summer
January 31, 2012 - Longtime EAA member Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO), along with Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-IL), have jointly introduced the House version of the "Pilot's Bill of Rights" that would provide aviators with more protection and access to information in FAA enforcement proceedings.
The bill (H.R. 3816) is a companion bill to the U.S. Senate version (S. 1335) introduced last July by EAA member Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK). That Senate bill, which was outlined to aviators by Sen. Inhofe last summer at EAA AirVenture 2011, already has 60 co-sponsors.
Rep. Graves, chairman of the House General Aviation Caucus, and Rep. Lipinski, also an active member of the Caucus, are currently seeking additional co-sponsors for their proposal. EAA and AOPA, as well as Helicopter Association International, the National Business Aviation Association, and the Recreational Aviation Foundation are industry supporters of the bill. (Read more)
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)
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)
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)
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.
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)
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.
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)
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)
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.
