Jan 11, 2010

Chapter 549 - Amateur-Built Aircraft - 549.9 Powerplant

(a) The Powerplant may utilise propeller or reaction jet propulsion, but not solid and liquid fuel rockets. Installations are not restricted to approved aircraft engines. Type-approved engines shall be operated within all established certification limits. For non-type-approved engines, limits must be established by the applicant.

(b) For propeller driven propulsion systems:
(1) Acceptable engines include, but are not limited to, conventional 2 or 4 cycle piston engines, Wankel engines, gas turbines and other unconventional internal combustion engines.
(2) For the purpose of this Chapter, Wankel engines are treated as reciprocating engines.

(c) For reaction jet propulsion systems: Engines commonly referred to as turbojets and turbofans are acceptable.

(d) For engines incorporating turbomachinery (e.g. turbocharger), rotating shaft speed limits shall be established by the applicant and:
(1) There shall be means to prevent such limits being exceeded; or
(2) It must be shown that in the event of a failure, no hazardous debris will be released following a mechanical failure at the highest shaft speed possible.
 
(Change 549-1 (93-06-30))

Jan 8, 2010

Monday Night Meeting

In case you missed the Monday night meeting, here's what went on:

Jan. general meeting called to order at 7:30 by President Brian Heinmiller in the Caledon Rm (thanks to Julie Pomeroy) of BFC. There were 37 members present. The meeting will be held in reverse of the usual agenda to ensure that time constraints do not cause prorogation of the speaker. There were no visitors, new members or first flights. Since Charlie Douma missed presentations at the Christmas party; he was presented with a completion award for building his 6th aircraft. Bill Tee introduced the evening's speaker, Phillip Gray, author and WWII Lancaster pilot who flew combat over Germany. While his training was in Texas on Stearmans and Harvards, 90% of RAF pilots were in fact trained in Canada. Of those trained, 50% washed out, and went on to become navigators or bombardiers. Back in the UK, they transitioned from Oxfords to Lancs. Training consisted of high flying, low flying, day flying, night flying and corkscrew. After 45 hrs, they were then assigned. One in ever four bombers had a Canadian pilot. Canuks, Aussies, Kiwis and Brits did night flying because they could navigate. Typically they were at 22,000 ft carrying 22,000 lbs of bombs. Some Lancs completed 100 sorties (the planes were designed for 1!). One operation not  receiving much coverage was operation Manna where 600 planes, carrying 7000 lbs of food each, 'bombed' occupied Holland as famine relief. The speaker was thanked by Bill Tee, who then reviewed Phillip's display of books and other memorabilia that was at the front on display.
Break for coffee and d'oh nuts.
Post break Charlie Douma motioned that Dec.'s meeting minutes, as published in the newsletter, be accepted, seconded by Paul Horsten and passed. The dir's meeting had not occurred at presstime and thus the minutes were absent from the newsletter. Treasurer's report showed a healthy bank account and a stable rainy-day fund. So far there are 76 members paid up for 2010. Bernie Wurster stated that he arranged for Pointer ELT people to come and visit us at the Feb. general meeting. Pointer's test program is slowed due to the inclusion of a combined GPS and Com antenna. In his 'Minute for Maintenance' Bernie outlined who may work on aircraft (type certified and amateur built) (see additional article). In Open Forum Alain O. reviewed winter operations, stressing all surfaces must be cleaned, the club's propane heater works well, and carry survival equipment for the unexpected. Niel Mont added some useful items to Alain's equipment list. Fred Grootarz gave a brief yet relevant review of Metars and their interpretation. It was well received but without time for questions due to meeting adjournment, issues can be discussed at next meeting where Fred will present a related topic.

Meeting adjourned at 9:55 pm.

Jan 6, 2010

Zeppelin Eureka Part 1

 By Bernard Zee, Contributing Editor & Photographer Fremont, California

I'm still giddy over having had the opportunity to ride in, and photograph the only Zeppelin in the United States. The 'Eureka' is one of a new breed of lighter than air ships manufactured by the Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik GmbH, and operated by Airship Ventures. Based out of Moffett Field (in Mountain View, CA), the Eureka offers sight-seeing rides of the Bay Area and Monterey. Riding on the Eureka, and becoming a Zep head was truly a remarkable, and unforgettable experience! Nikon D300 w/ 18-105mm VR lens, Nikon D200 w/ 70-300mm VR lens.

http://www.barnstormers.com/eFLYER/2010/099-eFLYER-FA01-Zeppelin.html

Jan 4, 2010

Chapter 549 - Amateur-Built Aircraft - 549.25 Log Books and Maintenance Records

In accordance with Air Regulation 826 (1) a Journey Log Book and Technical Log Books are required for each amateur-built aircraft.
 
Information Note: (Ref. AMA 549/1A, paragraph 12).

Jan 1, 2010

Happy New Year

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year 2010!!!

Dec 29, 2009

Museum of Flight (Boeing field) Part 2

By Bernard Zee, Contributing Editor & Photographer Fremont, California

One of the must see places in Seattle, WA (if you like anything about aviation at all) would be the Museum of Flight. They have a wonderful collection of historical planes displayed in an attractive and eye-catching manner. They even have full motion flight simulators which you can try flying (for an additional fee). This is Part 2 of this article and photos - see Part 1 here.


http://www.barnstormers.com/eFLYER/2009/098-eFLYER-FA01-MOF.html

Dec 27, 2009

Quote of the Day

“If you're faced with a forced landing, fly the thing as far into the crash as possible.”

Bob Hoover

(quote from www.pra.org)

Dec 25, 2009

Merry Christmas

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays this festive day. I hope everyone had a good year of flying. Wishing everyone health for the upcoming year and many safe hours of flying, and for those still building their airplane, may you finish and fly in in 2010.

Peter

Dec 24, 2009

SubSonex Heat Wave

December 23, 2009 — The SubSonex, a jet-powered homebuilt aircraft being developed by Sonex Aircraft, LLC, completed its first engine run last week at the company’s Oshkosh, Wisconsin, headquarters causing warm smiles and melted snow. Sonex Founder John Monnett said the aircraft features a new Czech-built engine that has shortened the development time frame of the aircraft, which led to the wintertime test.

Full Story: http://www.eaa.org/news/2009/2009-12-23_sonex.asp

Dec 23, 2009

Court quashes convictions against pilot

Dec. 18, 2009, Winnipeg – The pilot of a small charter plane that ran out of fuel and crashed on a busy Winnipeg street, leading to the death of one passenger, was not criminally negligent, an Appeal Court ruled Thursday.

While Mark Tayfel made mistakes, they did not merit convictions on one count of criminal negligence causing death and four counts of criminal negligence causing bodily harm, a panel of three Manitoba Court of Appeal judges wrote.


Full Story: http://www.wingsmagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3708

Dec 22, 2009

Chapter 549 - Amateur-Built Aircraft - 549.13 Equipment and Instruments

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable subchapter, aircraft shall have the following serviceable and functioning equipment and instruments, as a minimum:

Information Note: (Ref. AMA 549/1A, AMA 549.13/1A)

(a) Equipment:
(1) A safety belt for each seat, including shoulder harness for each pilot seat and front seat adjacent to a pilot seat, securely anchored so that the loads are transmitted to the primary structure.
(2) A firewall(s), isolating the engine compartment(s) from the remainder of the aircraft, if applicable.
(3) For aircraft whose engine(s) is (are) equipped with a carburettor(s), a means to minimise the possibility of carburettor icing, unless it is shown to be unnecessary by actual test.
(4) A portable fire extinguisher, approved for use in aircraft.

(b) Flight & Navigation Instruments:
(1) An airspeed indicator.
(2) An altimeter.
(3) A magnetic compass.

(c) Power Plant Instruments:
(1) A tachometer for each engine.
(2) An oil pressure indicator for each engine using a pressure lubricating system.
(3) A temperature indicator for each engine.
(4) A fuel quantity indicating system for each main fuel tank.
(5) A manifold pressure indicator for each turbocharged/supercharged engine, and aeroplanes equipped with constant speed propellers.

(Change 549-1 (93-06-30))

Museum of Flight (Boeing field) Part 1

Super nice photos in this article. Yet another must see museum for the aviation nut.

Part One: http://www.barnstormers.com/eFLYER/2009/097-eFLYER-FA01-MOF.html

Dec 21, 2009

Hints for homebuilders

Here is a link to series of videos that might answer questions you may have about aircraft maintenance. They are available from the EAA and are accessible via their website and you don't have to be a EAA member. Here is the direct link: http://www.eaa.org/video/homebuilders.html

Dec 18, 2009

Quote of the Day

“The pilot who teaches himself has a fool for a student.”

Robert Livingston
'Flying The Aeronca'

(thank you again www.pra.org)

Dec 16, 2009

Quote of the Day

"And let's get one thing straight. There's a big difference between a pilot and an aviator. One is a technician; the other is an artist in love with flight."

E. B. Jeppesen

(Quote of the day from www.pra.org)

Dec 15, 2009

2009 Classic Air Rallye

Every year in Ottawa, along the Ottawa River, at the site of a former World War Two airfield known as Rockcliffe (YRO), a gathering of classic aircraft occurs. The Classic Air Rallye draws aircraft from all over Ontario, Quebec, New York State and other parts of Canada and the USA. From biplanes to fighter aircraft to Cessna’s and more, there’s something for virtually every classic interest.

Part #1: http://www.barnstormers.com/eFLYER/2009/095-eFLYER-FA01-CAR.html
Part #2: http://www.barnstormers.com/eFLYER/2009/096-eFLYER-FA01-CAR.html

Dec 7, 2009

Chapter AGM & elections

Chapter meeting is at 7:30 pm in the BFC's Caledon Room aka back half of the restaurant. We are having elections for the BOD.

Guest Speaker: Cathy & Ed Lubitz talking about their Silver Dart replica.

Dec 3, 2009

TC Recency Exam

The TC Recency Exam is available on the COPA website. It is also printed in the December COPA newspaper.

Also, you can check out the TC website for more details on "How to Stay Current" http://www.tc.gc.ca/civilaviation/general/personnel/current.htm

First month

The blog has been up for a month, and we had 171 visitors or 5.52 visits/day.
Looks like good beginings.

Dec 2, 2009

9th Annual Ontario Sonex BBQ Changes to Chili

Here is an older post from the Sonex Aircraft website. Thank you Brian for bringing RAA Toronto to the forefront of the world wide news audience:

http://www.sonexaircraft.com/index.html#ontario_BBQ_2009