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Aviat Aircraft Introduces Pitts S-2C
For the first time in well over a decade, the Pitts Special has gone through a major design change. With the introduction of the new model S-2C, the two seat aerobatic aircraft has achieved major breakthroughs in performance and handling. It rolls faster, holds a vertical line longer, pivots on top of a hammerhead without torqueing off, and is much lighter on the controls. Maximum stick deflection of ailerons or elevator requires only 15 pounds of stick force pressure at 3.7 Gs.
Landings, which were a challenge in earlier models, are considerably easier. The aircraft has improved visibility, flares at a slower speed and tracks better. Normal tailwheel proficiency is all a pilot needs. New wings account for more responsive aerobatic maneuvering. The wing structure has been changed and its area has been increased. The ailerons, rudder and elevators have been aerodynamically and statically balanced. This has eliminated ugly and drag-producing spades beneath the wings as well as the boost tabs on the elevator. Aileron response is described as "constant speed" meaning roll rates at 100 mph are the same as 200 mph, changing in excess of 300 degrees per second. Snap rolls are as crisp to the outside as the inside, due to the redesigned tail. Spins range from mild to wild. A new three-bladed, composite propeller from Hartzell is standard issue with the S-2C. Dubbed "The Claw" by Aviat, the new prop cuts the stress loads on the crankshaft by more than 550 percent, yet it adds substantially to the "hang time" in the vertical line. The propeller is available as a retrofit for the S-2B models. "With the design changes and their impact on performance we've changed the breed, advancing on the industry with the kind of innovation and technology that have kept the Pitts up front for over a half century," said Aviat President Stu Horn. "Anyone who flies the S-2C is going to realize that competition and airshow aerobatics just expanded their envelopes. We're confident the new model will continue to keep the Pitts Special in the winners' circles more than any other aircraft out there." For free aircraft and dealer information on the Pitts Specials in production, contact Aviat Aircraft at (307) 886-3151; fax (307) 886-9674, or write them at PO Box 1149, Afton, WY 83110, USA. E-mail address is aviat@silverstar.com and their website is www.AviatAircraft.com.  |
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EAA Hosts Giant Scale R/C Races Aug. 6-9
Airplanes will continue to pack into Wittman Regional Airport even after this year's EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. EAA will host giant scale radio-controlled (R/C) airplane races Aug. 6-9, utilizing the airport and EAA Convention site facilities. The pylon-style races, similar to those in Reno, Nev., for full-size aircraft, are held throughout the country but first took place at the EAA AirVenture grounds last year. The races will run on a course set up on Wittman Regional Airport's north-south runway. Many EAA AirVenture facilities will remain open for the races, including food and drink concessions, on-site camping with showers, trams and commercial displays. "Last year's inaugural success showed these races are a perfect match for Oshkosh, the home of sport aviation," said EAA President Tom Poberezny. "The site provides nearly unlimited room for racing and an unrestricted view for spectators. It's our intent to host one of the finest R/C race programs in the country." The program will feature races in Unlimited, Experimental (Civilian Unlimited), AT-6, Byron AT-6, Formula-1, Biplane and Thompson Trophy classes, held under Unlimited Scale Racing Association (USRA) rules. Prize money, trophies and other awards will be presented to winners. The Oshkosh races are also part of the World Championship Series of giant scale racing. Points earned will count toward the world championship finals. Joe Schumacher, EAA's Director of Aircraft Operations, is again organizing and managing the race program. Schumacher was previously director of the famed Byron Originals R/C model extravaganza in Iowa. Cal Orr of Higginsville, MO, is Race Director for the Oshkosh event. More details regarding this year's race program will be announced as they are confirmed. |
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EAA Receives Aero-Club De France Medal
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) has been honored by the Aero-Club de France for its sponsorship and organization of the annual EAA AirVenture Oshkosh aviation gathering at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. The Aero-Club de France Medal was formally presented to EAA during a program in Paris on March 30. The presentation was part of the Aero-Club's year-long 100th anniversary festivities, marking the founding of the world's oldest national aeronautics organization. During its centennial "International Year of Air and Space" celebration, the Aero-Club is recognizing to people and organizations who have made significant contributions to aviation. "We are very honored to receive this prestigious award from the Aero-Club de France," said EAA President Tom Poberezny. "This award is a tribute to the 170,000 EAA members and thousands of volunteers who annually dedicate their time and talent to make EAA OSHKOSH the world's premier aviation event." During the March 30 program, Poberezny was linked to Paris for a special telephone interview as EAA received the award. The audience also watched a video highlighting the 1997 EAA Fly-In Convention. The Oshkosh event annually draws more than 800,000 people and 11,000 airplanes from around the world to Wittman Regional Airport. |
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EAA Junior Air Academy Gets Boost From Philips 66
Phillips 66 Company, a leader in general aviation fuels, is again assisting the EAA Aviation Foundation spark an interest in flight among young people with support of the fourth annual EAA Junior Air Academy. The Junior Air Academy offers 12- to 14-year-olds an opportunity to discover more about aviation in a fun environment. Two separate residence camp sessions will be held at the EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh from June 19-24 and June 26-July 1. "The Junior Air Academy effectively reaches kids because it mixes the discovery of flight with recreation to create a very rewarding summer experience," said EAA Aviation Foundation President Tom Poberezny. "The camps offer a unique chance for young people to explore the world of aviation first-hand. Phillips 66 helps makes this discovery possible for young people each year." Young people from all over the country can participate in the Junior Air Academy. Since its introduction in 1995, the number of those involved has steadily increased. "EAA has developed an excellent program for young people interested in the world of flight," said J. Mark Wagner, Phillips 66 Aviation Manager. "The Junior Air Academy is the type of program we are very eager to support because it encourages and educates young people, who will become our next generation of aviators." The Junior Air Academy includes hands-on aviation activities, discussion in flying history and lore, as well as field trips to several aviation facilities. Special activities include orientation flights with instructors, including the knowledgeable camp staff and aviation personalities. In addition, kids will learn how to create a hot air balloon and hear presentations by working pilots from a variety of fields. Other specific activities include aeromodeling; model rockets; construction of airplane parts; a number of tours; and demonstrations of skydiving and ultralight flight. For more information and registration material, write or call: Junior Air Academy, EAA Aviation Foundation Education Office, PO Box 3065, Oshkosh WI 54903-3065. Phone (888) 322-3229 or fax (920) 426-6560. More information is also available through EAA's World Wide Web site (www.eaa.org). Phillips 66's support of the Junior Air Academy is part of its commitment to aviation education. Phillips 66 is also a supporter of EAA's Young Eagles Program, which has provided free demonstration flights to more than 375,000 young people since 1992. More information regarding Phillips 66 and its aviation products is available through its World Wide Web site (aviation.phillips66.com). |
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Jeppesen Weather Offers New Enhancements to Services
Jeppesen, the Denver-based international aviation services company, is pleased to announce that it has added additional enhancements to its line of weather products and services. Jeppesen Weather Services offers advanced Weather Graphics (AWG), an aviation weather map service that permits the receipt of high-resolution color maps at any location in the world. New AWG maps include a North Pacific Surface Analysis and a 24 hour surface forecast. Also new are a European surface analysis, produced twice daily, an icing analysis and a turbulence analysis, both done hourly for the US. AWG uses existing airline communications networks, such as SITA, as well as standard communications lines. AWG runs on IBM compatible PCs, using Jeppesen Access Software for Windows (JASW). AWG maps are colorfully displayed in conventional meteorological colors for easy interpretation. Jeppesen Weather's proprietary data-compression algorithms allow entire map packages to be transmitted with 95% fewer characters than competitive services, significantly reducing transmission time and, most importantly saving the customer money. AWG's high-resolution, high-contrast, professional color display gives the customer improved readability and allows for faster interpretation of key information. Users can zoom in or out, or pan and then print the exact map needed. Customers can create as many variations as they like, all at high resolution. "The clarity of these weather maps is pretty amazing," says Richard Bost, weather services product manager at Jeppesen. "As you pan through the images and zoom in, you can really see the detail. Since these are vector-based graphical images, the image stays crisp and bright, with no pixelization. Plus, you can print any part of any map that you desire." Jeppesen Weather also provides many other products and services, such as JeppFax and customized weather briefings. JeppFax is a worldwide weather delivery service designed for locations where fax machines are more accessible than PCs. Air crews can now receive hardcopy weather briefings, maps or even satellite pictures by simply using a touch-tone telephone, a PC with a modem, or a formatted SITA/ARINC message. Maps, pictures, and text can automatically be sent to any location in the world upon request or by using a prescribed schedule. Communication costs can be reduced by selecting two maps per fax page. The JeppFax service includes all weather maps, radar and satellite images that Jeppesen Weather has to offer. Another new product that is becoming increasingly popular with the larger airlines is Jeppesen OnSight, a sophisticated operations management system. Jeppesen OnSight provides customers with a flight operations management system framework that can be tailored to meet the customer's unique and changing needs. Part of this system is wXstation, a robust, multi-user weather analysis system that allows the user to access, ingest, analyze and display a continuous flow of weather information using advanced histograms, graphic displays and overlays. wXstation is integrated with flight planning, JetPlan IV, and an Aircraft Situational Display module (Flight TraX). Customized weather briefings are compiled by Jeppesen Weather, which can create forecast and analysis maps for any geographical region and flight level. Computer digitization techniques are used to produce maps and clarity and resolution superior to facsimile-based maps. These mapping techniques enable Jeppesen Weather to tailor weather map presentations to the needs of diverse customers around the world. Jeppesen, a subsidiary of Times Mirror, is recognized as the world's leading supplier of flight information, supported by flight planning services, aviation, maintenance information and pilot training systems. Times Mirror is a Los Angeles-based news and information company, which publishes the Los Angeles Times, Newsday, The Baltimore Sun and other newspapers, a wide array of professional information for the legal and health sciences markets, and consumer magazines. For additional information about Jeppesen weather services, contact Richard Bost, weather services product manager, 55 Inverness Drive East, Englewood, CO USA, 80112-5498, telephone: (303) 799-9090. Inquiries from Europe, Africa and Asia may be directed to Jeppesen & Co., Walter-Kolb-Str. 13, 60594 Frankfurt, Germany, telephone (069) 961240. Jeppesen corporate and product information is available via Jeppesen's home page at www.jeppesen.com. |
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Executive Jet Aviation Signs Jeppesen on Sight Contract
Jeppesen, the Denver-based international aviation services company, announced that it has finalized an agreement to provide its Jeppesen OnSight flight operations management system to Executive Jet Aviation (EJA), the world's largest commercial business jet operator. Jeppesen will provide EJA with all three modules of the OnSight system: JetPlan IV, wXstation, and Flight TraX. Jeppesen OnSight, developed by Jeppesen in cooperation with Sonalysts, a leading software development and integration company, is a UNIX-based system which provides users with an on-site flight operations solution. Designed to take advantage of state-of-the-art client-server architecture and workstation efficiency at the customer's location, Jeppesen OnSight consists of three powerful operational tools:
In 1986, the fractional aircraft ownership concept, NetJets, was introduced by EJA's chairman, Richard Santulli. Fractional ownership offers an individual or company the conveniences and tax benefits of owning a multi-million dollar business jet...at a fraction of the cost. An owner purchases a portion of a specific aircraft, based on the number of actual flight hours needed annually, and contracts with EJA to manage the aircraft. EJA currently manages 114 aircraft in its NetJets program, and orders have been placed for an additional 190 aircraft. "We chose the OnSight system for one primary reason: safety. OnSight is a very, very sophisticated system that allows us to use the most up-to-date technology to provide an even safer product to our NetJets owners," says Richard G Smith III, Executive Jet Aviation's executive vice president of operations. "With the OnSight system, we'll be getting superior weather analysis capabilities, followed by full flight planning services, including trip planning, automatic planning of flight plans with the FAA, and enroute data. Once the flight departs, we will now have a real time flight-following capability to re-route aircraft if significant weather appears ahead." The Jeppesen OnSight system can accommodate date feeds directly from Jeppesen, the system user, and a variety of third-party sources, ensuring that users get the most accurate, timely information available. Unlike other flight dispatch and planning systems. Jeppesen OnSight is fully integrated, allowing users to display weather, flight plans, and aircraft position information as a overlays on a single computer screen. Such an approach enables users to make better, more proactive flight planning and dispatch decisions that save time and money. "EJA is managing their explosive growth by investing in high-end dispatch support systems like OnSight," says Greg Bowlin, vice president of airline operations services at Jeppesen. Executive Jet Aviation joins a growing field of Jeppesen OnSight users. Additional Jeppesen OnSight customers include Southwest Airlines, Northwest Airlines, United Airlines, Crossair, TowerAir, Transbrasil and Eurowings. Jeppesen, a subsidiary of Times Mirror, is recognized as the world's leading supplier of flight information, supported by flight planning services, aviation weather services, maintenance information and pilot training systems. Times Mirror is a Los Angeles-based news and information company, which publishes the Los Angeles Times, Newsday, The Baltimore Sun and other newspapers, a wide array of professional information for the legal and health sciences markets, and consumer magazines. For additional information about Jeppesen OnSight, contact Dennis Steinbeck, Jeppesen Airline Sales, 55 Inverness Drive East, Englewood, CO, USA 80112-5498, telephone : (303) 799-9090. Inquiries from Europe, Africa and Asia may be directed to Jeppesen & Co, Walter-Kolb-Str 13, 60594 Frankfurt, Germany, telephone: (069) 961240. Jeppesen corporate and product information is available via Jeppesen's home page at www.jeppesen.com. |
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RotorWay Increases World Wide Representation
As RotorWay International's sales continue at a record pace, several new representatives have been appointed in countries all over the world in order to meet the demand for the Exec 162F. "These representatives will each serve as the key contact in their respective countries for both current and new customers. This gives us an opportunity to provide our clientele with a higher level of service in these marketplaces," said Brent Marshall, Vice President of International Sales. "Customer service will be greatly enhanced by having a much more accessible contact in their own country who can provide technical assistance, answer questions and order parts, all in their own language," Marshall continued. With half of RotorWay's sales on the international scene, the additional representatives will include Brazil, Italy, Norway/Sweden, Portugal/Spain, Mexico, Denmark and Belgium. The appointed representatives are as follows:
RotorWay International, the world's oldest and largest manufacturer of kit helicopters, produces the award-winning Exec 162F helicopter kit. Located in Chandler, AZ, the facility houses all components of the business, including administration, sales, manufacturing and flight maintenance instruction. |
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ACR Introduces Vecta2TM Radio Direction Finder
ACR Electronics, Inc, the world leader in safety and survival technologies, introduces the Vecta2TM, a hand held radio direction finder designed to pinpoint any ELT signal transmitting up to eight miles away. While most hand held radio direction finders require the user to have a highly trained ear to interpret signal strength, ACR's Vecta2 offers a Macro/Zoom scale which enables more accurate detection of an ELT through scrolling light that provide 255 steps of 4 decibels of sensitivity. In addition to audible detection, the scroll lights provide an intuitive indication of direction by scrolling upward when the user is moving toward the ELT and downward when moving away. This user-friendly radio direction finder is designed for aviation and marine Search and Rescue teams and for use as a man overboard Alert and Locate system. Thousands of false ELT activation's each year occur on or around airports, which cause Search and Rescue to wait eight or more hours before initiating a search. With the aid of the Vecta2, informed airport personnel, fixed base operators and others will be able to quickly track these false activation's, freeing Search and Rescue to attend to actual distress cases. Compact and lightweight, the Vecta2 is easy to stow. It's perfect for use in dense fog, high scas, and blinding rains when visibility is low. The Vecta2 is offered in two receiving frequencies, 121.5 MHz or 243.0 MHz, and can give a directional bearing on a signal of .5 decibels or more of intensity. The Vecta2 also features a test frequency and comes with a test beacon for training purposes. Measuring 9 x 2.5 x 1.5 in (23 x 6 x 4 cm) with a weight of 14 oz (410 g), the Vecta2 is splash proof and operates for a minimum of 18-20 hours at -20'C (-4'F). It uses a Duracell DL223A lithium camera battery or equivalent. The yellow and blue radio direction finder comes with a detachable handle, omni-directional auxiliary antenna and head set. ACR Electronics, Inc designs and manufactures a complete line of safety and survival products including EPIRBs, personal utility lights, marker lights, radio, SARTs and safety accessories. Recognized as the world leader in safety and survival technologies, ACR has provided safety equipment to the aviation and marine industries as well as the military since 1956. |
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EAA Opens `Members Only' Web Site
Members of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) now have a new way to access the vast resources available to them, as EAA now features a "Members Only" area on its World Wide Web site (www.eaa.org). The Members Only Area features expanded information areas, including "Inside News," directories of Technical Counselors and Flight Advisors and the archives of Sport Aviation and Experimenter magazines. There are also flight evaluation reports on both vintage aircraft and homebuilts, as well as links to government and aviation safety sites. Finally, EAA members can be part of the site through discussion boards, surveys and on-line events with EAA staff members and aviation personalities. "EAA members are among the most `computer-friendly' people in the world," said EAA President Tom Poberezny. "Through our Members Only Area, EAA offers easy access to resources that interest all aviation enthusiasts, whether they are building, flying or simply enjoying airplanes." To access the EAA Members Area, connect with the EAA Home Page (www.eaa.org), then click on the "Members Area" box and follow the instructions to reach that site. EAA is an international aviation organization with 170,000 members and more than 950 local Chapters. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or explore EAA's World Wide Web site (www.eaa.org). |
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Fifth Annual EAA International Young Eagles Day June 13
Young people around the world will again have the opportunity to "take to the air" on Saturday, June 13, as the EAA Aviation Foundation hosts its fifth annual International Young Eagles Day. The event, the most ambitious, internationally coordinated effort held in conjunction with the Foundation's "Young Eagles Program" each year, seeks to introduce thousands of kids to the world of flight in a single day. The Young Eagles Program was launched during the 1992 EAA Fly-In Convention at Oshkosh, Wis. Its goal is to provide one million young people with a free demonstration airplane ride by the year 2003 - the 100th anniversary of powered flight and the 50th anniversary of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). Most Young Eagles are flown throughout the year, but International Young Eagles Day brings a special focus to this unique volunteer program. More than 370,000 young people and 20,000 volunteer pilots have already participated in the program. Those pilots have helped kids gain a new perspective on the world in which they live and the role aviation plays in their everyday lives. The pilots have also become "aviation mentors" and shared their knowledge and experience with a new generation of aviation enthusiasts. The programme also brings families out to local airports, where they discover the resource an airport is to a community. "International Young Eagles Day is a natural outgrowth of the Young Eagles Program," said Tom Poberezny, EAA Aviation Foundation President. "Last year more than 15,000 young people discovered the world of flight during International Young Eagles Day. This year's Young Eagles Day provides another great opportunity for EAA members and other associated pilots to `break down the fences' that might keep the next generation's aviation enthusiasts from discovering the possibilities available to them through aviation." As in past years, dozens of flight rallies will be held on as many as five continents (North and South America, Africa, Asia and Europe). In addition to the many large flight rallies scheduled, individual EAA pilots will provide airplane rides to kids in their local area on (or about) June 13 as well as throughout the year. Gen Chuck Yeager, Honorary Chairman of the Young Eagles Program, will also be participating in International Young Eagles Day. He has personally flown dozens of young people since becoming Honorary Chairman in January 1994. "We have a responsibility to pass along our aviation heritage to our kids and grandkids," Yeager said. "Thousands of pilots and other EAA members already have. I hope those who haven't will start soon - if not today, then certainly on June 13." EAA members who are not pilots can also participate in International Young Eagles Day through ground activities at flight rallies or by bringing together an EAA pilot and a young person for a demonstration flight. Other designated organizations that have associated with EAA for the Young Eagles Program will also participate. "Involvement is the key to making the Young Eagles Program successful," Poberezny concluded. "For aviation to grow, each one of us who enjoys the world of flight must share our enthusiasm with someone eager to learn more. That is the challenge for all EAA members and everyone involved in aviation." The Young Eagles Logbook, other information and a schedule of events can be accessed through the EAA World Wide Web site (www.eaa.org). The EAA Aviation Foundation was founded in 1962 and is dedicated to aviation education, preservation and research. Its headquarters are at the EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh, Wis. |
