EAA 309 Young Eagles Program

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Lincoln County Regional Airport (KIPJ)  

May 14, 2016

Registration on Site 8:00 to 11:00 
Young Eagle Flights start at 9:30AM  
First come - first served basis, weather permitting.

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EAA Young Eagles Facebook Page!

Young Eagles Rally Schedule 2015:

August 22, 2015 - Charlotte/Monroe Exec Apt (EQY)
Nov 14, 2015 - Lincolnton - Lincoln County Regional Airport (IPJ)

Events start at 9:00AM; Pilot Briefing at 8:30AM

Sean D. Tucker - Young Eagles Honorary Chairman!

Ever look into the sky when an airplane flies overhead? Wonder what it would be like to be up there instead of down here? Quit wondering and schedule a free, introductory flight with EAA's Young Eagles program. You'll fly with a licensed, local pilot who will help you take the first steps to make your dream of flying come true.

Charlotte EAA Chapter 309 is proud to offer the Young Eagles Program to the Charlotte and surrounding area. We are excited that Sully and Jeff are our new Chairmen, bringing their passion of aviation to the youth of America and the World.

The Young Eagles program provides a meaningful flight experience – free of charge – in a general aviation aircraft for young people between the ages of 8 and 17. You will receive a free local airplane ride and and see their world from a whole new perspective, receive a free official certificate to show to your friends, and become one of over 1.5 Million Young Eagles registered in the World's Largest Logbook! After your flight your pilot will present to you your very own logbook with the flight recorded. Inside it you will find a code to use the NEXT STEP program, also free of charge.

Young Eagle flights have been conducted in every state in America; each province in Canada; and in more than 90 other countries. The flights have been safely conducted in nearly every type of general aviation aircraft, from light planes to business jets, and everything in between!

SEARCH FOR YOUNG EAGLE EVENTS

YOUNG EAGLES FLIGHT PLAN  Since the Young Eagles program began, it has become the most successful youth aviation education program in history!

Those programs include the EAA Flight Plan for young people, encompassing Sporty’s Online Pilot Training Course – free of charge – that has already been accessed by more than 20,000 Young Eagles in just three years, as well as EAA student memberships available to all Young Eagles at no cost.

Parents - feel free to look at our Frequently Asked Questions library for answers to specific questions you may have. Also, Rod Machado wrote a wonderful article in AOPA magazine outlining the virtues of exposing kids to aviation. Another great article to read isa Flying Magazine article titled "Fences" by Lane Wallace, These local flights are a generous gift from the EAA Chapter members to your children. If you would like to provide your child with the opportunity to take advantage of this unique program, visit the Young Eagles Coordinator locator page and locate the Young Eagles Program Coordinator in your area.

REGISTRATION FOR CHARLOTTE EAA 309 YOUNG EAGLE EVENTS

Click for the YOUNG EAGLES BROCHURE. You will be provided with this brochure at the event which includes the REGISTRATION FORM required for participation.

NEW FOR 2015 - Click for the REGISTRATION FORM which may be completed ON-LINE and Printed while ON-LINE. PLEASE print on both sides of ONE sheet of paper and sign on both sides by the parent/guardian and bring to the Rally for the flight.

Charlotte EAA Chapter 309 Young Eagles Coordinator:

Pam Darnell

prdarnell@gmail.com   Phone 704-618-7273

Sign up for the Young Eagles Email Newsletter!

You will receive a free monthly E-Newsletter full of exciting aviation news and features. A recent article features the Air Academy Summer Camp for young av1ator wannabes.

Now - The New Next Step for Young Eagles!

http://www.three-eightcharlie.com/

Berlin Airlift Candy Bomber

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Merry Christmas -   Watch NBC News Video Dec 2013

Candy-Parachutes




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The Monroe Veteran's Day Air Show was honored to have the Douglas C-54 "Spirit of Freedom", a flying museum for Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation. The Berlin Airlift was the greatest humanitarian / aviation event in history, named "Operation Vittles".

The most famous Airlift Hero is Col. Gail S. Halvorsen, "The Berlin Airlift Candy Bomber". He was aboard as part of the crew to fly their reenactment of Col. Halvorsen's now famous "Operation Little Vittles" candy-parachute drops. As part of their "Mission of History, Education, and Remembrance", these candy drops are more significant than ones done in the past as only 31 parachutes are dropped on each pass, each parachute representing an American Serviceman lost in aviation accidents during the Berlin Airlift.

The Berlin Blockade (24 June 1948 – 11 May 1949) was one of the first major international crises of the Cold War. During the multinational occupation of post-World War II Germany, the Soviet Union blocked the three Western powers' railroad and street access to the western sectors of Berlin that they had been controlling. Their aim was to force the western powers to allow the Soviet controlled regions to start supplying Berlin with food and fuel, thereby giving them nominal control over the entire city.

In response, the Western Allies formed the Berlin Airlift to supply the city over pre-arranged air corridors. The effort was initially viewed with skepticism even in the countries mounting the attempt, as this sort of logistical effort had never been mounted before. However, America's president at the time was Harry S. Truman, who had this to say about the crisis, "There is no discussion, We stay in Berlin, Period!" The airlift to supply the German 6th Army at Stalingrad required 300 tons per day and rarely came even close to delivering this; the Berlin effort would require at least 5,000 tons a day, well over ten times as much. In spite of this, by the spring of 1949 the effort was clearly succeeding, and by April the airlift was delivering more cargo than had previously flowed into the city via rail.The success of the Airlift was humiliating to the Soviets, who had repeatedly claimed it could never possibly work. When it became clear that it was, the blockade was lifted in May. One lasting legacy of the Airlift are the three airports in the former western zones of the city, which served as the primary gateways to Berlin for another fifty years.

I was fortunate to meet Col Halvorsen after his Candy Bomber drop at the 100th Anniversay of the Wright Brother’s first flight at Kitty Hawk, NC. After seeing the event a close friend introduced me to Col Halvorsen and we had a most interesting visit! Someone asked Col. Halvorsen, did you ever seriously fear that you would be shot down while flying in the airspace of the Soviet sector? Did you ever have a moment when you said, "My God, I'm not going to get out of this alive?" Gail Halvorsen: "In the beginning, when we were first buzzed by Russian fighters, we wondered if we would be shot down, we wondered if we would be shot at by the Russian fighters that buzzed us. But they didn't shoot because President Truman put 60 B-29 bombers on the runways in England and told Stalin he would have a problem if he shot at our transport aircraft. So we voted for Truman every flight!

I shared with him my experience when I was a Company Commander in Germany and how I, then later my troops, went thru Check Point Charlie of the Berlin Wall, less than four years after the wall went up, to see the communist side of East Berlin. Upon returning back to the base I gave a 3 day pass to each soldier that wanted to make the free trip on the troop train to Berlin. I then wished that I had a rubber stamp with my signature. I promised them if they made the trip and experienced the difference between East and West Berlin that they would then know why they wear the uniform of the US Army! Col Halvorsen immediately said, “Now that is what I call leadership” I received an autographed copy of his book The “Berlin Candy Bomber”

I highly recommend reading to your children "Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot", a true story of a seven-year old girl named Mercedes who lived in West Berlin during the airlift and of the American who came to be known as the Chocolate Pilot, by Margot Theis Raven.




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1929 Ford Tri-Motor Coming to Monroe, NC (Charlotte-Monroe Executive Airport) Oct 17th - Oct 20, 2013

Pancake Breakfast DETAILS

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EAA Chapter 309 is again sponsoring the 1929 EAA Ford Tri-Motor by bringing it to Monroe, NC, Oct 17 - Oct 20, 2013! Flight Times are Oct 17th 2 - 5PM; Oct 18th - 20th 9AM - 5PM. The event will be hosted by the Charlotte-Monroe Executive Airport, 
3900 Paul J Helms Drive, Monroe, NC 28110, a designated relief airport for the Charlotte Douglas Airport.  Book your flight at http://www.flytheford.org or call 877-952-5395.  Special pricing for Veterans and Active Duty Military available at the event.  

The Charlotte/Monroe area public will have a rare chance to experience the early days of air travel in an aircraft that made aviation history. The Ford Tri-Motor was the airplane that gave rise to scheduled passenger flights. The first scheduled passenger flight, as well as the first scheduled air freight flight, took place in a Ford Tri-Motor. The EAA Tri-Motor is the actual plane that was first used to start Eastern Airlines passenger service! On May 17,1937, Eastern Airlines flew the first scheduled airline passenger flight into Charlotte.  All major airlines began with a Tri-Motor. Only 199 were originally built. Now, only 1-3 airplanes remain airworthy.

Henry Ford mobilized millions of Americans and created a new market with his Model T “Tin Lizzie” automobile from 1908 to 1926. After World War I he recognized the potential for mass air transportation. Ford’s Tri-Motor aircraft, nicknamed “The Tin Goose,” was designed to build another new market, AIRLINE TRAVEL!  All major airlines started with the Ford Tri-Motor.

After an arduous, twelve-year restoration process by EAA staff, volunteers and with assistance from Ford Tri-Motor operators nationwide, the old Tri-Motor once again took to the air. Its official debut was at the 1985 EAA convention in Oshkosh. It was displayed in the AirVenture Museum until 1991 when it returned to its former role of delighting passengers and now with local EAA Chapter Sponsored rides over their home town at very modest prices. Ford Tri-Motor NC8407 is the flagship of EAA’s Pioneer Airport, a part of the AirVenture Museum experience. It is even a Movie Star!  More History and Aircraft Specifications.

A local newspaper columnist reported on his Ford Tri-Motor "flight back in time" at Concord Regional Airport during the last visit.  Thanks to O.C. Stonestreet for his great article that was published in the Statesville Record & Landmark and the Concord Independent Tribune.

Book flights On-Line or call 877-952-5395.
                              

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Flying the Queen of Vintage

Airbus A380 - One Cockpit - Two Pilots - Six Cameras

Watch the Airbus A380 make it's first landing at San Francisco.  Fly with them in the cockpit and see how it is done! CLICK HERE

One Cockpit - Two Pilots - Six Cameras | Welcome to - PilotsEYE.tv

EAA 309 Young Eagle Pilot's Murphy

This is a 6 minute video that was put together by one of our Chapter 309's Young Eagle Pilots. Come along with Fred for a short ride from pre-flight to landing in the plane that he built.  Look for Fred and his beautiful airplane at our Young Eagle Rallies where he very well could be your pilot and you his CO-PILOT!  Also be sure to visit his photo album.

Lincolnton Fly-In

EVENT POSTER

Airport Open House and Fly-In with Young Eagles Rally

* Food * Homebuilts * Sport Pilot/LSA * Young Eagles Rally - something for everyone with a Passion for Aviation!  Bring the Family!

Drive or Fly - Saturday, November 9, 2013, 10 AM - 3 PM - RAIN or SHINE!

The smell of hamburgers and hot dogs, a clear blue sky dotted with planes in the air and rows of aircraft spanning from the early days of aviation to the engineering marvels of today. Kids wide-eyed with anticipation of taking flight and builders bursting with pride on their just finished "creations." This is an EAA Fly-In. This is grassroots aviation and your chance to experience it!

Join the pilots of Charlotte EAA Chapter 309 for our Annual Lincolnton Fall Fly-in held at the Lincoln County Regional Airport (KIPJ), Lincolnton, NC. There is no admission fee so bring the family and plan on having lunch with us from 11:30 to 1:30 for a nominal fee.  The Airport will also have an Open House for the public to see their new Terminal Building.  The Young Eagles Rally will start at 9:00AM.  The airport is offering a $0.25 FUEL DISCOUNT for our pilots and visitors.

The public is invited and all aircraft are welcome to join us for food, flying, and fellowship. EAA Chapter 309's Fall Fly-in usually attracts over 60 aircraft, both homebuilt and certified, and an estimated 250 people.

In keeping with the chapter's support of Homebuilt aircraft the majority of the airplanes on display are meticulously built by dedicated builders from surrounding chapters . View this example of a homebuilt Van's RV-7 and don't miss previewing one of the new Sport Pilot/LSA planes that will be on display.  Also ask about the Chapter's aircraft construction project as our members will be available to answer questions.

The airport is located off of Rt 73 at 714 Jack Dellinger Drive (formerly Airport Road), Iron Station, NC 28080 - MAP LINK.  Phone:  704-735-0602

Event Coordinator:  Bob Thayer 704-578-9559   rdtdive@roadrunner.com

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B-17 Tour Stop October 22-24, 2010

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The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) with local Charlotte EAA Chapter 309 is bringing their B-17 Flying Fortress "Aluminum Overcast" to the Concord Regional Airport as part of their 2010 “Salute to Veterans” tour and in celebration of the 75 Year Anniversary of this special aircraft. The media flight is Thursday, October 21 at 1 pm and the plane will arrive at 12 Noon. Visit the EAA B-17 site at http://www.b17.org for more information.

This aircraft is an example of the American heavy bomber that helped turn the tide of battle in World War II. The Tour Stop will be at the Concord Regional Airport October 22 - 24, 2010. The Concord Regional Airport will also host an OPEN HOUSE AND FLY-IN for the community over the weekend October 23rd - 24th featuring the EAA B-17 Tour Stop, static displays of general aviation, military, Antique, Classic Warbird aircraft as well as NASCAR / Nationwide/ Legends cars, food, community information, vendors, raffles, a Sunday afternoon helicopter golf ball drop, and lots more. All proceeds to benefit Rotary Polio Plus Program.

The Northwest Cabarrus Rotary is sponsoring the golf ball drop. Tickets are available at the Open House or in advance at the Airport FBO Customer Service Counter at $10.00 each or 3 for $25.00 with $1.000.00 going to the winner.

Concord Regional Airport (JQF) is offering offering a FLY-IN FUEL DISCOUNT SPECIAL of $0.25 per gallon!

Visit www.concordairportnc.com for the airport Open House event flyer and hours or directions.



Fly a mission back in time and feel the might of this magnificent aircraft, just as those brave young men did more than 65 years ago. CLICK to visit the B-17 Multimedia Center.

Flight Information:
     Book your flight in advance for a special discount.
     Phone: 1-800-359-6217
     Email: b17reservations@eaa.org
     http://www.b17.org/
     Local contact: 704-231-4867 or chuck@edmspecialists.com
     Local website:  http://www.eaa309.org/b17

Ground Tours are offered from 2:00 – 5:00 pm daily. Cost is $5.00 per Person or $15.00 per Family (adults/children up to 17-immediate family members). Children under eight are free when accompanied by paying adult. All Active Military personnel and Veterans receive a free ground tour.


Hangar Bar-B-Que Dinner "Salute to Veterans Program" will be Saturday, October 23rd, 5PM to 7PM, at the airport in Hangar E, on featuring WWll Pilots and Veterans, WWll Swing Dancers, and B-17 Crew Members. Open to the public cost is $12.00 per person.  Advance tickets available at the airport.  Also call 704-231-4867 or 704-332-8301 or email randy@djdist.com.  Tickets will be available at the B-17 Merchandise Trailer during the event.  Bring your family and say Thank You to our Veterans!

LAST EVENT PICTURE ALBUM

B-17 FACEBOOK           Fate of the B-17 "Satan's Lady"

This year marks the 75th Anniversary of the B-17.

Here’s a very touching story that I'm sure most of you will enjoy. WW2 Widow, Peggy Harris, did not give up the search for her husband, 1st. Lt. Billy Harris, a fighter pilot missing in action since 1944.  A secondary message demonstrates how useless many of our politicians have become.

Please take the time and watch this video. You will be glad you did! This is quite a story about ''another generation'' which will be missed and remembered for all time. The term ''till death do us part'' is not always applicable. What a gentle soul.

Air Traffic Control

I was recently part of a group of Charlotte EAA Chapter 309 pilots that were given a two hour tour of the the Charlotte/Douglas Airport Control Tower and the TRACON facilities. We first received a complete briefing on how the ATC systems works. We were then escorted in smaller groups and were able to learn the details of what is involved at the Charlotte facility. We all were very impressed and want to thank the supervisors and individual controllers that made our visit something that we will never forget. A special treat for me was to see my friend Scott in the tower, the former owner of my airplane. He has over 20 years experience in ATC and was on duty in the LaGuardia Airport Tower on the day of 911 - let us never forget!

This video will give you a good idea of what we saw.

Oshkosh: The Spirit of Aviation

Oshkosh: The Spirit of Aviation was recently updated. As before it is narrated by actor Harrison Ford, an EAA member, pilot, and former Chairman of the EAA Young Eagles program. The 17-minute video presents an insider's look at people who share the passion for aviation as they participate in "The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration."

Thunderbolt - Operation Strangle

The above movie is a 5 part series entitled "Thunderbolt" (1947) (Part 1 of 5) featuring "Operation Strangle"
Director: William Wyler, John Sturges 
Production Company: Carl Krueger Production
Introduced by the famous actor James Stewart

Filmed in 1944 and early 1945 but edited only in 1947, this 45 minutes well preserved and almost forgotten documentary (by the great William Wyler) is about the P-47 Thunderbolt fighter bomber and its use in missions over Italy. In the prologue outstanding shots showing various placements of 1944 late model automatic color movie-cameras on board of the planes.

Operation Strangle was a series of air operations during the Italian Campaign of World War II by the United States Fifteenth and Twelfth Air Forces to interdict German supply routes in Italy north of Rome from March 24, 1943, until the fall of Rome in spring 1944. Its aim was to prevent essential supplies from reaching German forces in central Italy and compel a German withdrawal. The strategic goal of the air assault was to eliminate or greatly reduce the need for a ground assault on the region. Although the initial goal of forcing the enemy to withdraw was not achieved, the air interdiction of Operation Strangle played a major role in the success of the subsequent ground assault Operation Diadem.

Two principal interdiction lines were maintained across the narrow boot of Italy. This meant that no through trains were able to run from the Po Valley to the front line, and that south of Florence substantially all supplies had to be moved by truck. The operation employed medium bombers and fighter bombers over a 150-square-mile area from Rome to Pisa and from Pescara to Rimini.

This post is a tribute to 1st Lt William (Bill) Grubb Smith, P-47 pilot  (October 10, 1923 - August 19, 2011), actually filmed in this movie “Thunderbolt.“  He is mentioned in the second movie at time frame 8:06 as he lifted off the runway with his wingman.  Bill was a neighbor and personal friend living in the Charlotte, NC, area. He had long been considered a walking encyclopedia of WWll Aviation. Bill is also pictured in our EAA 309 B-17 Album.  In 2015 The EAA Historical Museum honored Bill by editing and publishing a video that my friend Ellie and I made into their Timeless Voices found at http://eaavideo.org/video.aspx?v=4427654373001

Over the years I knew Bill he told us many interesting stories.  My close friend Ellie was very good at accurately recorded these - a few follow:

One favorite was about Jimmy Doolittle - "One day we watched a B-26 bomber coming in to our temporary fighter base on Tunisia.  A few of us pilots were on the flight line in case we got called for a mission. I watched a plane flying in and said to the guy standing next to me; “I’ll bet you five dollars to a roll of doughnuts that’s Jimmy Doolittle flying that plane.” The plane landed and out stepped a little short guy in a regular pilots’ uniform, with no rank to identify him. He was told by the landing officer, "Hey sir, you can't park that plane here, this area is restricted!" "You don't know who I am, do you soldier? “No Sir.” “I'm Col. Doolittle and I'm in a hurry."  When the officer scrambled to salute him, he said, "Ah, don't bother with that military crap, I just need a jeep to take me to headquarters. Get me a jeep and get someone to move this plane!" “Yes sir,” with another shaky salute. The nervous sergeant came over to Bill and the others and said, "You jerks, why didn’t you tell me that was Jimmy Doolittle in that plane?” “Well”, I said, “if you’d been watching you would have known it was Doolittle by the way he flew that bomber in." "How?" "Well, I watched him coming in and I knew it had to be Doolittle; ‘cause he was bringing that heavy bomber in just like a fighter. It’s not an easy plane to fly and nobody but Doolittle could manhandle a B-26 like that and get away with it"  "He was a short little guy, gritty, with an aura of command about him, and he sure knew how to fly that plane."


His fighter group, the 57th, was providing air support for ground troops in the PO valley of Italy in 1944. There were many peach orchards in the area. They received a request for help from the ground commander:  

"We are pinned down by Germans and can't move, can you boys help us?" We'll try, where's the fire coming from?" "Mostly from that church steeple over there." "We could see the church and my wingman and I started strafing it with our 50 caliber machine guns." (The P-47 has four guns in each wing.) "After several passes we sawed that steeple off. After that, the ground fire got so heavy we needed to leave the area.  "I said to my wingman, we've got to get out of here, it’s getting too hot!" and he replied, "My engine's down on power and not running right. I got the pedal to the metal and it just won't go." 

Bill followed his wingman back to base, landed safely and the ailing fighter was given a thorough inspection by the Crew Chief.  The engine checked out okay and finally the air intake for the turbocharger was removed. 

"About a wheelbarrow load of green limbs and peaches came rolling out of that inlet and that was the reason for the power loss." 

The pilot had flown into peach trees and sucked them up and in the process bent all four tips of his large propeller.  Bill added, “In the heat of combat a pilot’s adrenalin is so high he sometimes doesn’t really know how low he’s flying. A major cause of fighter fatalities happen when pilots forget to pull up in time and fly into the ground.”

Bill was also shot down by enemy ground fire and ditched his fighter in the ocean near the Yugoslavian coast.  He said, 

"That ocean was as smooth as glass. I loosened everything but my seatbelt so I could get out fast, then brought my plane down and flared the nose up just before I hit. I got bruised up a little bit but my May West inflated okay and I was picked up pretty soon by a British PT boat. They took me to a larger ship and treated my injuries.

"Gray Eagles" P-51 Mustang Movie by Chris Woods

“Gray Eagles” shows the reunion between a humble WWII P-51 Mustang ace and the historic plane, that after 60 years, he never thought he'd see again. Inspired by the flood of memories triggered by this unimaginable encounter with a long lost friend, the 88-year old pilot Jim Brooks finally breaks his silence, sharing his stories and experiences of war with the grandchildren who never thought they'd hear them. Jim's wife was the famous Martha Tilton.

http://www.grayeagles.org/

http://www.marthatilton.com/

Tom at the AOPA Summit

AOPA - "General Aviation Serves America"

NATA-AOPA Charlotte Town Hall Meeting from Warren Morningstar on Vimeo.

CLICK PICTURES FOR FULL SCREEN VIEW

Click for EAA SportAviation Charlotte GA Serves America article

General Aviation is facing the greatest challenges of its 100-year history! Now the two largest pilot organizations in the world have joined together to protect GA Interests, promote GAA Safety, and Grow the GA Community!

EAA-AOPA sign cooperation agreement from Warren Morningstar on Vimeo.

General Aviation Serves America came to Wilson Air Center, Charlotte, N.C., on July 20, 2009.

The Presidents of AOPA and NATA recently started traveling around the country, meeting with pilots, aircraft owners and operators, FBO personnel, airport managers, and others to share the General Aviation Serves America message and seek support for their ongoing outreach efforts. The event was organized by the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), the association that represents FBOs and other GA businesses. NATA is also a critical partner in our General Aviation Serves America outreach efforts.

The Charlotte event was hosted by Bob Wilson, President and Founder of Wilson Air Center at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Bob is an active member of AOPA and EAA and has been a pilot for over 30 years. Bob and his wife, Susan, recently donated and dedicated the Timeless Voices of Aviation exhibit at the EAA AirVenture Museum. Mr. Wilson sits on the NBAA Security Sub-Committee aviation boards, and meets regularly with Congressional delegations.

Some 250 people attended and Bob, well-known for his hospitality and customer service, put on a very impressive event, the largest to date. More than a dozen members of the local EAA Chapter 309 volunteered their time to help shepherd guests and provide information, and contributed a beautiful RV-7 to the aircraft display. Naturally, AOPA brought the Let’s Go Flying Sweepstakes Cirrus to be displayed alongside such diverse offerings as business jets, trainers, and turboprops of varying sizes and makes.

It was great to see so many different segments of the aviation community coming together in one place for one purpose—to help protect and promote our freedom to fly. The diversity of the audience and the aircraft, and the active involvement of members of NATA and EAA along with AOPA was a great show of strength and unity.

And at this event, many in the audience were already familiar with the campaign and its goals—great evidence that this message is being heard. They listened attentively as NATA President Jim Coyne and AOPA President and CEO Craig Fuller talked about the issues of greatest concern and the importance of spreading the General Aviation Serves America message. “We’re building momentum behind our message, now it’s up to all of us in aviation to keep it growing!” See the AOPA Charlotte Event Site and be sure to watch the video.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE EVENT PICTURES .

AirVenture 09 - AOPA summary and EAA's Web Post announcing our joining the "GA Serves America" campaign - all Videos by Warren Morningstar on Vimeo.

EAA 309 Navigation Contest - August 15th

NAVIGATION CONTEST POSTER

NAVIGATION CONTEST DETAILS

PLEASE NOTE - THE EVENT WAS POSTPONED UNTIL OCTOBER - Date will be posted soon!

The objective of the EAA 309 Dead Reckoning Competition is to conduct a safe, fair and fun event which promotes the sport of general aviation while improving pilots' skills through flying and navigation. A number of waypoints will be assigned and the winner will be determined on (1) accuracy of the predicted time around the course and (2) accuracy of predicted fuel consumption.

The event is not a race. The event rules have been developed to assure maximum safety for all participants. They are in addition to, but do not supersede, the Federal Aviation Regulations. Every effort has been made to plan the event so that each team has a successful completion of the route. The event relies on each pilot exercising good judgment at all times. The EAA 309 Navigation Contest is open to all EAA Members.

MaxAir2Air Pictures

Since I have a hobby of aviation photography I am glad that I found Max Haynes and his splendid website MaxAir2Air Pictures, by far the best online magazine of air photo essays of aviation - with over a million visitors!

I was raised in Dayton, Ohio, The Birthplace of Aviation.  My uncle had a WWII T-6 based at Wright Field (later the Wright Patterson Air Force Base and the birthplace of the US Air Force) and as a young boy I was able to go out on the ramp with him and my Dad, watch close up the preflight and start-up, and experience  the thrill of seeing and feeling the T-6 roar into the air.  This was my first inspiration to fly!  This week  features a lovely essay/movie FLYING DREAM by Max Haynes - a title that brings back many memories.

AOPA BLOG - "Reporting Points"

I will occasionally add a new link to my sidebar and today I wanted to feature a blog post to the AOPA Reporting Points. The particular post is titled Members Everywhere and is a very special read about EAA's Young Eagles Program and AOPA's LetsGoFlying program involving a Southwest Airline pilot interested in taking more kids for rides.

I was with a United Airlines Captain yesterday who flies out of Dulles International mostly European destinations and we were talking about how I wish I could have been at our Young Eagles event rather than photographing the wedding. He was very interested in hearing of these programs and shared with me his first inspiration to be a pilot. Our EAA 309 Young Eagles program Chairman Hal Schwab reported today that our chapter pilots flew 56 Young Eagles!!

CLICK to Subscribe to Reporting Points

ONE SIX RIGHT - The Romance of Flying

"One Six Right" - The Romance of Flying   Within a short period of time, this film achieved a passionate following and presence among pilots and aviation enthusiasts worldwide who see the film as being able to communicate their passion for aviation. Concurrently, the film has garnered both local and national political attention in the United States as an accurate depiction of general aviation and its important contributions to all aviation industries worldwide.

ONE SIX RIGHT Creator's Dream

DIRECT LINK for best Quality

In Brian's own words, "I am just an ordinary guy with a passion for aviation." This link to Apple Computers and the Airport Journal's article of the June 25, 2005, premier will give you a little background on how he pursued his dream to make "One-Six Right". Little did I know that his success was first recognized on my birthday!

SPORT PILOT - Now You Can!

… Affordable, achievable and fun. Sport Pilot is for you!

Whether you're completely new to aviation, always dreamed of flying, or have flown aircraft before, Sport Pilot is the new way to fly that is easier, more affordable, safe, and loads of FUN! Sport Pilot enables enthusiasts to learn to fly and gain access to aircraft in half the time and for half the cost of previous alternatives. So, climb aboard, take the controls, and launch new adventures in recreational aviation today!

Visit the EAA Sport Pilot & Light-Sport Aircraft magazine site and gain access to great articles such as “A Real Cross-Country in a Light-Sport Aircraft”and treat yourself to self-directed three dimensional travel and get the best of all worlds by flying a light-sport aircraft.” If you are interested in learning to fly and obtaining this new rating be sure to visit Earning My Wings: a video blog about learning to fly.

Are you wondering what kind of Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) are available out there? Our EAA Chapter in McKinney, Texas, has a great analysis of what is involved to become a Sport Pilot.

New Sport Pilot Kit named Onex from Sonex Aircraft -  announcement at AirVenture 2010:


I toured the Sonex Factory in Jan 2010 - see my Photo Album.