MAKE CHAPTER 288 YOUR AVIATION HOME! E-AB, TYPE CERTIFIED, VINTAGE, WARBIRD, ETC.
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February: EAA288 Member & Navy Captain (Ret.) Dick Koehler earned his Quilt of Valor for Outstanding Service to our Country!
We would like to let you know about a community event coming this Saturday, 30 March. The EAA Chapter 288 is holding a “Taxi-In” event on Cessna Boulevard. All Spruce Creek residents are welcome to come out and meet the EAA members and see the airplanes that they fly.
Just come to the eastern end of Cessna Boulevard and walk around the display area between 1 PM and 2 PM looking at the airplanes. There will be parking spaces for your golf cart near the display area. The display area will not interfere with driving on the south Cessna vehicle road traffic, and the southern half of Cessna will be open to taxiing airplanes. This is a great opportunity to meet your fellow residents and meet their airplanes.
Chapter 288 works to continue the spirit of general aviation in the Daytona Beach area. We host several events throughout the year for our members which feature prominent aviators and aviation technology.
Chapter 288 members also volunteer at aviation related functions throughout the community to teach people about general aviation. Volunteering at local airshows and hosting Young Eagles events are some of the ways that EAA 288 members participate in the community.
Chapter 288's members are also very involved with the EAA on a national level. The chapter also has a good turnout at the EAA's annual fly-in, 'AirVenture', in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
To join, click the block below and fill out the simple membership form. Then you may pay your annual dues for our chapter which are only $25.
You may pay them at the monthly meeting via the old fashioned way, with cash when you enter the room OR you may pay by credit card by clicking the link in the box below:
https://eaa-chapter-288.square.site
We look forward to meeting you and we welcome you to our Chapter!!
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--TAKE NOTE--
DUE TO WEBSITE SPACE LIMITATIONS, THIS AREA IS FREQUENTLY USED TO PUBLISH SOME ITEMS OF INTEREST TO THE CHAPTER
ALSO
THERE IS NO NEED TO SIGN IN SO DON'T BOTHER USING THE HEAD FIGURE IN THE UPPER RIGHT CORNER AT THE TOP THE PAGES - IT'S A USELESS ARTIFACT OF THE SYSTEM :-(
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2024 EAA288 DUES ARE NOW DUE. Please pay them!
DO YOU WANT TO PAY THEM ONLINE?
JUST CLICK THE LINK BELOW
https://eaa-chapter-288.square.site
You may also pay in cash at the monthly meeting. Your choice.
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Latest GA Activity Survey Now Underway
The FAA’s 46th annual General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey (GA Survey), reporting on the calendar year 2023, is now underway. The GA Survey is the only source of information on the GA fleet, the number of hours flown, and the ways people use GA aircraft.
Data from this survey are used by governmental agencies and industry to compute safety metrics such as fatal accidents rates; understand the impact of the GA industry on jobs, economic output, and investments in aviation infrastructure; track the success of safety initiatives, including avionics recommendations; determine funding for infrastructure and service needs; and assess the impact of regulatory changes.
The FAA and industry need accurate data on a broad range of aircraft. Your participation is voluntary, but we need your help. We encourage everyone who is contacted to respond to the survey so that all aviation activity is represented. If you have questions, call 800-826-1797 or email infoaviationsurvey@tetratech.com.
By Russ Niles-AvWeb 1/30/24
AOPA President Mark Baker told staff today that he will be leaving his post when a suitable replacement has been found. Baker, who joined the organization more than 10 years ago, said in an internal email to staff obtained by AVweb that he will be staying on until that process plays out. “I have promised the Board (of Trustees) that I will stay in the left seat for up to two more years, ensuring we have plenty of time to find the right person and make an orderly transition,” he said in the email. He said it will be business as usual as the search goes on.
Other aviation group leaders wished Baker well and thanked him for his work to date. Mark Baker is a world-class aviator with a passion for aviation that is second to none,” said NBAA President Ed Bolen. “It comes as no surprise that he and the AOPA board are taking the time and the appropriate steps to ensure that the current standard of excellence carries forward for many years to come.” General Aviation Manufacturers’ Association President Pete Bunce called Baker a “staunch advocate for general aviation and a great friend – I look forward to flying more with him in the future.”
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UPDATE: MARCH 27, 2024
THE RESTRUCTURING AT VANS AIRCRAFT CONTINUES TO GO WELL!
WATCH THEIR LATEST YOU TUBE VIDEO BY CLICKING THIS LINK:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cu6CFrnSFmA
UPDATE: FEBRUARY 17, 2024
THE RESTRUCTURING AT VANS AIRCRAFT IS GOING WELL
WATCH THEIR YOU TUBE VIDEO BY CLICKING THIS LINK:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnSxXp_cxsc
PS - They will be at AirVenture, but not at Sun'n Fun.
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UPDATE FOR VAN'S CUSTOMERS WITH OPEN ENGINE/POWERPLANT, PROPELLER AND AVIONICS KIT ORDERS
Jan 27, 2024
When Van’s filed for Chapter 11 protection in early December, many of our customers had open orders and deposits on various Van’s airframe kits and third-party items including engines, propellers, avionics kits, and powerplant kits. Several weeks ago, Van’s sent notice to customers with deposits on aircraft kits stating that these orders contained terms, conditions, and pricing that Van’s could not perform and that these orders needed to be modified or canceled. The deadline to modify or reject those orders is January 31, 2024. Since that notice, the rate of customer reorders has been high and we appreciate our customers’ support and engagement.
Over the past several weeks, we have been working through open customer orders and related deposits on hundreds of third-party items. In the next few days, we will begin sending official notices to customers with these open orders, informing them of the price changes that Van’s is making on each order. The official notice each customer receives will contain a link to a web portal where each customer can review their specific price increase. Customers who receive these notices will be given 14 days to decide whether to accept or reject these modified orders.
We realize that many customers with orders for Van’s airframe kits who are facing the January 31 deadline also have open orders for third-party items. Some of those customers have been waiting to see what their cost increases will be on these third-party items before deciding whether to modify or reject their airframe kit orders. If you receive an official notice to modify or reject a third-party item order and you have not yet decided to modify or reject your airframe kit order, your deadline to modify or reject your airframe kit order is extended to the same date by which you must decide to modify or reject your third-party item order.
Below is a summary of the approximate price increase by major group type on third-party components. If you accept our modified offer, Van’s will apply 100% of your prior deposit(s) toward the same product(s) on your revised order.
We know these price increases create hardship for our customers. However, without taking these steps and making these price changes, there simply is not a feasible path forward for Van’s Aircraft. Increasing these prices allows us to remain in business to provide parts, kits, and support for the thousands of builders and owners of Van’s products, and to be around to support each of you for years to come.
As we work through the Chapter 11 planning requirements and execute our daily operations, the staff at Van’s Aircraft have been hard at work. We’ve processed a large volume of kit reorders and continue to handle related emails and phone calls. We’re shipping kits to customers every day, and we’ve started sending replacement parts to some customers with kits that contained laser cut parts.
We’re also currently finalizing the plan for customers who have open orders for Lycoming engines, Rotax powerplant kits, propellers, and avionics kits.
Of note:
Many customers have emailed and called us to offer words of encouragement, and we want to say “thank you.” Your kind words always help, and are very much appreciated!
We will have more news to share in the coming week.
UPDATE AS OF JAN 18, 2024
MANY VAN'S AIRCRAFT CUSTOMERS STILL AWAIT WORD ON PRICE HIKE.
Five of the hundreds of Van's Aircraft customers who must decide by January 30 whether to accept a steep price hike or join the pool of unsecured creditors in the ongoing bankruptcy case voiced frustration during a January 16 hearing before Judge David W. Hercher, and were told by the company's attorney that answers to key questions would be provided soon.
The proceeding, conducted by videoconference, was scheduled to take up routine matters, though the judge was patient with customers who chose to speak up when invited to do so. The first of five was John Aufdermauer of Castro Valley, California, who said he paid a deposit on an airplane kit and a deposit on a Lycoming engine, and had not received word on what new terms might apply to the engine purchase.
"They're making us make a decision by January 30 without knowing what the deposits on the engines are going to be, [and] the airplane is no good without an engine," Aufdermauer said. "I don't know if a lot of people can make decisions."
According to documents filed in the Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding, more than 3,500 contracts were in effect, at the time of the bankruptcy filing, between Van's Aircraft and customers who had ordered aircraft kits, engines, propellers, avionics, or some combination of these, or who had placed deposits on completed aircraft. Company officials have told the court they need about 70 percent of those contracts to be approved with new, higher prices in order to successfully reorganize.
Company officials reported during a January 12 creditors' meeting that 50 percent of customers contacted had accepted the new pricing, and cited 60 percent in a January 16 proceeding—though it remains unclear exactly how many customers are still waiting for a proposal.
Court records show that notices were recently served to 481 customers, both individuals and businesses, seeking contract modifications including a roughly 30-percent price increase for the aircraft kits. Those notices account for 798 contracts (many customers ordered multiple kits, as many as 20 headed to a single customer in Brazil), a little less than a quarter of the total agreements referenced in the December 4 filing.
Attorney Timothy J. Conway, who represents Van's Aircraft, responded to Aufdermauer's comment during the hearing with news that the company has been meeting with engine suppliers, and expects to provide detailed offers to remaining customers soon.
"So far, over 60 percent of the kit buyers have agreed to modify," Conway said. "I understand the other 40 percent may be waiting on more information. We expect to be able to provide that information by next week, in advance of the January 30 deadline."
Conway told the court that customers who opt to reject the new terms will have 30 days to file a claim in the bankruptcy case, and that customers will be exempt from the February 12 deadline to file claims that applies to all other creditors. Notices have not yet been issued to customers who ordered and paid deposits for engines, propellers, or avionics from Van's Aircraft, Conway said, and, pending further planned discussions with vendors, "it is our expectation that we'll have proposals out to the customers on those probably next week."
That will leave just a few days to decide whether to accept the price increase, and at least one of the five customers who spoke on January 16 wanted to know what, if any, laser-cut parts were included in the components already supplied. Clyde Hamstreet, a corporate turnaround consultant hired by the company to help lead the reorganization effort, told the court that "a team of people" is working to figure out which customers have not been contacted regarding the status of their orders, and the company "will also be sending out notice to people regarding laser-cut parts."
Conway, following another customer who reported waiting months for a status update on their order, said, "We're obviously inundated with emails and we'll be getting back to people as quickly as we can."
The company recently posted a series of videos detailing the manufacturing issue that led to cracks appearing in dimples around holes cut by lasers, though the company's own review found that the cracks do not affect the strength or service life of those parts, and, while it had initially offered replacements to customers who reported a problem with cracks in parts, the plan moving forward will be to replace only those laser-cut parts that are "in the most highly loaded structural locations," according to a January 2 court filing.
The company said in October that issue affects more than 1,800 customers, some of whom received multiple kits.
The company noted in the January 2 filing that it needs to know how many customers will accept the price increases, and, separately, the resolution of the laser-cut parts issue, to determine if it will be able to reorganize and emerge from bankruptcy. Company officials told the bankruptcy trustee during the January 12 creditors' meeting (which featured significantly more input from displeased customers) that if roughly 70 percent of the customers with outstanding orders accept the new terms, the reorganization plan will be feasible.
"We think we're going to get very close to that," Hamstreet told the bankruptcy trustee at the January 12 proceeding.
Conway told the judge four days later that the company expects to file its Chapter 11 reorganization plan—a comprehensive document that will chart a course out of bankruptcy—by March 4, if not sooner, even with the delays in notifying many customers about new pricing and terms of sale, or the disposition of laser-cut parts.
Under questioning by the bankruptcy trustee on January 12, the company estimated that if it is ultimately forced to liquidate, the current inventory of incomplete aircraft and parts will become nearly worthless, about 2 cents on the dollar at scrap metal prices. More than 11,000 aircraft kits had been sold over the course of a half-century by the time the company sought bankruptcy protection.
Credit to Jim Moore
Managing Editor-Digital Media AOPA
UPDATE AS OF JAN 8, 2024
VAN’S ENGINEERING PRESENTATION: TESTING ANALYSIS AND RESULTS FOR LASER-CUT PARTS
The Van’s Aircraft Engineering team has recorded two presentations related to the acceptability, use, and testing results of laser-cut parts in RV aircraft. The below videos include an 18-minute summary presentation with an introduction by Dick VanGrunsven, as well as a highly-detailed, 2-hour presentation by the Van’s Engineering team. These presentations have been made to groups of civil aviation authorities as well as a group of kit industry experts. Following our publication of the below Van’s Engineering presentations, Kitplanes Magazine published a panel discussion with those industry experts, which we have also included below.
In short, the results of extensive testing of laser-cut parts manufactured for Van’s Aircraft shows that the parts are safe for use in aircraft construction. Van’s Aircraft worked with a third-party professional company that specializes in fatigue and materials testing in the design and execution of its test program, which included the same tests being run at both companies to validate methodology and results. Van’s has applied a significant engineering margin to the test results, assuming the combined worst-case scenarios in terms of fatigue and aircraft operational usage. Specifically:
Given these extreme calculations, the aircraft’s lifespan is considerably higher than would be expected for an RV aircraft and is considerably longer than any flying RV. When calculating for actual, typical use the lifespan is many multiples greater than for any RV.
If, after viewing the below videos you have questions that have not been answered, please feel free to submit them via the form at the end of this page. The Van’s Aircraft engineering staff will answer commonly asked questions during January, and we will post some of the more common questions and answers below as they are compiled. Note that this form is not for support purposes, but rather for questions about the testing and evaluation of laser-cut parts.
18-minute summary presentation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p21B4ZZ3meE
Long-form engineering presentation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-W4WH57qW0
The long history leading to this is in the Aircraft section under the Aviation & Space News Tab at the top of the Website
Notice Number: NOTC3222
Date: Sep 29, 2023
For individuals who access FAASafety.gov, this message contains information regarding an upcoming change.
The FAA’s Office of Information & Technology is pleased to introduce the FAA’s enhanced MyAccess multi-factor authentication (MFA) service, used to secure access to the FAA’s network, systems, and applications.
In October 2023, the new MyAccess MFA service will secure access to the FAASafety.gov website for external (non-DOT/FAA) users.
As a result of this change, you will no longer be able to log-in using your current username and password. Instead, you will need to use the FAA’s new MyAccess MFA service via the Okta Verify or Google Authenticator app that you can install on your computer or mobile device.
For now, and even after you register, please continue to log-in to FAASafety.gov using your current username and password. We will provide more information about this change later, during October 2023.
Do you have questions or need IT support?
If you need assistance, please contact the MyIT Service Center by emailing helpdesk@FAA.gov or calling 1-844-FAA-MyIT (322-6948).
Representatives are standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you.
Task-Based Phase 1 is Revolutionizing Flight Testing
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A multi-year project between the FAA and EAA has resulted in important changes being inserted into the latest advisory circular pertaining to Experimental/Amateur-Built flight testing. In the latest version of AC90-89 (the C suffix), it includes a task-based Phase I flight test option to the traditional 25- or 40-hour programs. In short, when the tasks are successfully completed, the airplane is released from Phase I flight test.
According to the FAA, the latest version of AC90-89 “attempts to make you aware that test flying an aircraft or ultralight vehicle is a critical undertaking, which you should approach with thorough planning, skill, and common sense. The flight test plan is the heart of all professional flight testing. The plan should account for every hour spent in the flight test phase and you should adhere to it with the same respect for the unknown that all successful test pilots share.”
As part of the changes, a new concept called the Aircraft Operations Handbook has been introduced. The idea is that information gathered during Phase I flight test is fed back into the AOH for the purposes of performance verification and operational cues. (Currently, homebuilts are not required to have a tradition POH [pilot operating handbook] or AFM [aircraft flight manual].) According to the FAA, “This AC also provides criteria for the use of an optional, operationally centric or task-based experimental aircraft flight test plan. This task-based option provides at least the same level of safety and reliability that the existing hourly minimum 25 or 40-hour flight test provides, but with the advantages of having operational completion criteria, a plan to record data for the creation of an AOH, and a flight test report documenting the flight testing results.” EAA and industry generally have been proponents of the flight-test cards and structured program as a more useful alternative to “free form” types of Phase I flight test.
Compliance with the new system requires use of the EAA test cards and alterations to the operating limitations. According to EAA, “In order to utilize the task-based flight testing program, the aircraft must have an operating limitation that allows the program’s use. Operating limitations are issued along with the airworthiness certificate by the FAA or DAR as part of the airworthiness certification process. EAA expects that the FAA will update policy on operating limitations soon so that the standard operating limitations will include the task-based Phase I authorization language. If you are currently in Phase I flight testing or plan to have your aircraft inspected soon, email govt@eaa.org for details on how to obtain the new task-based Phase I operating limitation.”
A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV Heavy rocket will launch the NROL-70 mission. This is likely the last Delta IV heavy launch ever!
Eutelsat has procured the new EUTELSAT 36D satellite, to succeed EUTELSAT 36B at 36° East.
Delivering over 1100 TV channels to millions of homes across a vast footprint, 36° East is a key orbital slot for broadcasters. Home to two powerful satellites, EUTELSAT 36B and EUTELSAT 36C, together they support the broadcast business of several major anchor customers.
With 70 physical Ku-band transponders, the all-electric EUTELSAT 36D will assure all the main legacy missions of EUTELSAT 36B, with enhancements to coverage areas and performance.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 launched a batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation – SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system. The booster was recovered on a barge on the Atlantic Ocean 8 1/2 minutes after launch.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 will launched a batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation – SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system. The booster also was recovered on a barge on the Atlantic Ocean about 8.5 minutes after launch.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched the CRS2 SpX-30 (Dragon). The booster stage landed back at KSC on a landing zone 1 (LZ1) about 8.5 minutes after launch.
This the 30th commercial resupply services mission to the International Space Station operated by SpaceX. The flight will be conducted under the second Commercial Resupply Services contract with NASA.
Cargo Dragon 2 brings supplies and payloads, including critical materials to directly support science and research investigations that occur onboard the orbiting laboratory.
A recent survey conducted by AOPA of pilots and aircraft owners across the country confirmed what we have been hearing from many members for several years: Older pilots who are just as safe, current, and proficient as any others continue to find their insurance policies unceremoniously dropped or canceled, or much more expensive—just for being a day older than 70.
Chapter 288 started in the 1970s, and originally met at nearby Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The chapter took regular trips to the Spruce Creek Fly-In, located in Port Orange, Florida, and soon moved their meeting location to Spruce Creek. Chapter 288 is unique, because of it's location. 288 is located at the intersection of young aviation enthusiasts from the University and experienced aviators along Florida's Space Coast.
Chapter 288 works to continue the spirit of general aviation in Daytona Beach area. We host several events throughout the year for our members which feature prominent aviators and aviation technology. Chapter 288 members also volunteer at aviation related functions throughout the community to teach people about general aviation. Volunteering at local airshows and hosting
Young Eagles events are some of the ways that EAA 288 members participate in the community. Chapter 288's members are also very involved with the EAA on a national level. The chapter has a good turnout at the EAA's annual fly-in "AirVenture" in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
The EAA works on a national level to help endure the "spirit of aviation." They work to get children who have an interest in becoming a pilot, air traffic controller, mechanic, etc. achieve their goals. EAA sponsors workshops for homebuilders teaching skills neccesary for them to build their own airplanes. Founded in 1953 by Paul Poberezney, the EAA has worked for over 60 years to keep general aviation alive and prospering into the future. They work today with other aviation organizations to ensure that aviation friendly laws are passed in Washington D.C., and to help ensure that general aviaiton will continue well into the future. To learn more about the Experimental Aircraft Association on a national level, and how to join, please visit their website at EAA.ORG