9-18-13: Recent editorials are talking about a new military jet that is being built by Cessna. It's been kept a secret since 2012. I find the editorials a little confusing as to who's doing what. Flying magazine says that, " Equally as puzzling is the choice of a partner for the project. Rather than enlist engineers at Cessna or Textron's other aviation unit, Bell Helicopter, to lead the program, the company has instead formed a joint venture with a small startup called AirLand Enterprises, created by former defense officials including retired Air Force Secretary F. Whitten Peters." It sounds like Textron is using the Cessna facility to build a light military trainer to sell to foreign countries. It's specifications appear to be similar to the L-39 Albatros with a top speed of 450 knots. They claim an F-35 cost around $35,000 per hour to fly and the Scorpion will cost around $2,500 per hour. Articles on the L-39 say it cost around $1,700 per hour. For someone renting an old Skyhawk for $120/hr those numbers are pretty amazing.

EAA 225 YOUNG EAGLE FLIGHT RALLY at Skyhaven  9-17-13: Here's an email from Gerry Peterson about the next Young Eagle event. "Hello Everyone, Enclosed is a poster for EAA 225's last EAA Young Eagle Flight Rally of the year. The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 5th. Even though the poster is multi-colored, black & white copies will print just fine, print as many of the posters as you wish. Distribute them at your work place, community and around your schools, if possible. This email will also serve as a notice if you wish to join us for the day or for as long as you can. We can always use a few volunteers. EAA 225 members will be setting up earlier on the morning of October 5, and later in the day for teardown. Thank You to all, and I hope to see you at this event. Regards, Gerry"

New England Aerobatic Club (NEAC) ~  9-13-13: The New England Aerobatic Club will be holding another practice session at the Skyhaven Airport this Saturday 9/14 from 0800 – 1600 Local time with a rain date of Sunday 9/15. NOTAMs have been issued. 

Rochester Fair Opens  9-12-13: The 138th Rochester Fair opens its gates at 4 p.m. on Friday for 10 days. After that, it will open at 9 a.m. daily and close at 11 p.m. except for the final day Sunday Sept. 22, when it closes around 8 p.m. Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., admission to the fair is free, but you won't be issued a rides bracelet. You can get to the fair from the airport by taking the Coast bus which stops at Skyhaven. This would require a 15 min. walk from the Wakefield/Union St. (Ben Franklin Crafts) stop. Click on the Coast icon for more information.

EAA 225/1210 Joint meeting canceled9-10-13: Tuesday September 10th  monthly meeting is canceled at Sanford due to unexpected events. The agenda and meeting will be rescheduled at a later date.

Bill Clinton Visits Kennebunkport 9-7-13: So I stopped into Southern Maine Aviation the other day and noticed Bill Clinton's picture on the bulletin board. That's right, Bill stopped in for the afternoon in his private jet to visit the Bush compound. His corporate jet pilot came by the light sport I was preflighting and was asking questions about it. Our conversation was interrupted by Mark driving up in a golf cart and whisked him away before I got a chance to offer him a ride in the light sport in trade for a ride in the corporate jet... oh well, maybe next time I'll get introduced to Bill. Click on the icons to see Bill's plane and the latest pic of Safran/Albany company.

Blue Skies Newsletter from the Aviation Museum 9-5-13: Blue Skies is the new monthly news magazine from the Aviation Museum of NH and the NHAHS (New Hampshire Aviation Historical Society). Here's the September issue sent in by Jim, with information about the "Wings of Freedom" tour coming to Manchester airport and more...

EAA CHAPTER 225 NEWSLETTER 9-5-13: EAA 225 newsletter from Gerry Peterson. 

Maine Jet Rally & Model Expo at Sanford  9-2-13: Here's an excerpt from the Maine Jet Rally website. "The Maine Jet Rally & Model Expo is making a return trip to the Sanford Seacoast Regional Airport September 5th through 8th. On the heels of a very successful event in 2012 in which we introduced the action packed world of Radio Control Hobbies to thousands of spectators, the local R/C community looks forward to hosting this grand event once again." CLICK HERE to visit their website.

Radio Control Dragonfly  9-2-13: Not to long ago, I did an article from a company called Festo, a manufacturer of pneumatic components. Their engineering department had come up with a radio control bird that not only looked like a seagull but flaps its wings like a seagull, and flew with a high degree of control. Well they must of gotten bored with that project and decided to take on something more challenging. (What a way to make a living...) This time, they decided to emulate a dragonfly. If I understand all this stuff correctly, the dragonfly is not only very unique by having four wings, but it can control all four wings independently from one another. And, Festo decided to make a radio controlled dragonfly they called "BionicOpter." "Just like its model in nature, this ultralight flying object can fly in all directions, hover in mid-air and glide without beating its wings."

FLYING EVENTS IN SEPTEMBER  8-30-13: Here's some information from a news-email from Dave DeVries of the NHPA:
9/2  HAMPTON AIRFIELD -  Start the month off by testing your bomb dropping skills at Hampton Airfield. Good chance to meet the new ownership and hear about the plans for this treasured NH airport!  More info: Garrett_miller@comcast.net
9/5 - 9/8 GREENVILLE SPLASH IN - Greenville, Me. This is the big one!  Greenville International Seaplane Splash In. I personally enjoy looking at all the planes parked at the airport as much as I do taking the van down to the Seaplane Base. If you're interested in seaplanes you have to go! More info: WWW.SEAPLANEFLYIN.ORG or Darralyn Gauvin 207-695-2928
9/13 - GALA FUND RAISER - The annual NH Aviation Historical Society fund raiser and Gala! More info: WWW.NHAHS.ORG or Jaye Gibson 603-494-0182
9/14 - LSA EXPO -  Lawrence Municipal Airport (KLWM) Here is a great opportunity to look at all the latest designs in Light Sport Aviation. Several vendors along with their planes will be on exhibit plus seminars will be held all day long!  LSA is the real growth area in GA and something many of us old timers are considering to sustain our participation in General Aviation. Nothing wrong with flying lower and slower and smelling the roses!! Check out the vendor list and seminars below. More info: WWW.106EAACHAPTER.ORG/NORTHEASTLSAEXPO.HTM

Hampton Airport Under NEW Ownership  8-30-13: Hampton airport has been sold. Here's an excerpt from the newsletter. "Carrying on the tradition On July 17th, Mike and Cheryl Hart sold the Hampton Airfield to Hampton TCB, LLC, a group of pilots and local business people. Hampton TCB is led by Todd Baker, an IFR pilot for 12 years, who is enthusiastic about aviation. Mike and Cheryl have spent the last 38 years building up Hampton Airfield, supporting general aviation, and preserving a piece of history for all of us to enjoy. Mike and Cheryl have impacted many lives and created opportunities for the many pilots that call Hampton Airfield home today. Todd and I look forward to continuing the tradition for all to enjoy." Here's a link to the newsletter with information about the event and about activities at the airport. Just click on the icon on the right.

Rochester Aviation Acquires Cherokee 140C  8-27-13: According to the sign on the island in front of the airport, Rochester Aviation now has a (1969) Cherokee 140C. Rumor has it, that it has had a motor upgrade to 160 hp. One of the nice things about the Cherokee 140 is that you can bring a couple of buddies along for a ride. Not to much room in the back seat but in a pinch it works just fine.
(More pictures coming soon...)


 

Aviation Yard Sale   8-26-13: You never know what you will run into in a yard sale, especially an aviation yard sale. How about some .020 or .050 inch thick aluminum sheet, or a second hand propeller and enough tubing to build an airplane. For more information about the items in this yard sale you can read an article that was published in the "Twin State Flyer," a newsletter published by the EAA Chapter 740 in West Lebanon, NH. CLICK on the icons for more information.

YOUNG EAGLE FLIGHT RALLY at Sanford Airport 8-25-13: YOUNG EAGLE FLIGHT RALLY at Sanford Seacoast Regional Airport Saturday August 31st. Parent’s or legal Guardian’s signature required at time of registration. Registration will be held in Southern Maine Aviation’s lobby. Starting at 9:00am and ending at 3:00pm FREE AIRPLANE RIDES FOR KIDS 8 THRU 17. Pancake Breakfast and barbeque to benefit EAA Chapter 225 Scholarship. For more information about Young Eagles Flights see their web site www.youngeagles.org. For more info & updates about this rally & future rallies like us on facebook @ EaaChapter2251210 This event is solely provide by members of local EAA Chapter’s 225 & 1210. All flight are free and provided by volunteer pilots.

New England Aerobatic Club (NEAC) ~ 8-22-13: The New England Aerobatic Club will be holding a practice session at the Skyhaven Airport this Saturday 8/24 from 0800 – 1600 Local time with a rain date of Sunday 8/25.  The following NOTAMs have been issued and right of entry paperwork has been filed. 
08/011 - AIRSPACE AEROBATIC AREA SEE PSM 08/068 1200-2000 DLY. 24 AUG 12:00 2013 UNTIL25 AUG 20:00 2013. CREATED: 21 AUG 13:48 2013 
 08/010 - RWY 15/33 TRAFFIC PATTERN ALTITUDE 1300 (1000 AGL) 1200-2000 DLY. 24 AUG 12:00 2013 UNTIL 25 AUG 20:00 2013. CREATED:21 AUG 13:43 2013 
 08/009 - RWY 33 LEFT PATTERN 1200-2000 DLY. 24 AUG 12:00 2013 UNTIL 25 AUG 20:00 2013.CREATED: 21 AUG 13:42 2013 
 08/008 - RWY 15 RIGHT PATTERN 1200-2000 DLY. 24 AUG 12:00 2013 UNTIL 25 AUG 20:00 2013.CREATED: 21 AUG 13:42 2013 
 08/007 - RWY 15/33 CLSD TGL/PRACTICE LOW APCH 1200-2000 DLY. 24 AUG 12:00 2013 UNTIL 25 AUG 20:00 2013. CREATED: 21 AUG 13:402013 

TFRrrrrrrrzzzz In New York to PA. 8-21-13: "Holy Mackerel, Andy!" FAA TO ESTABLISH TFR FROM AUBURN, NY TO SCRANTON, PA ON FRIDAY A NOTAM has been issued that will restrict flight in the area during President Obama's planned bus tour. ***THIS TFR WILL COVER A LARGE AREA FROM AUBURN, NY TO SCRANTON, PA ON FRIDAY. THE SIZE, LOCATION, TIMES, AND AFFECTED AIRPORTS FOR THIS TFR MAY CHANGE AS THE PRESIDENT MOVES ALONG THIS ROUTE. PLEASE BE SURE TO CHECK WITH FLIGHT SERVICE BEFORE ANY FLIGHT***

180 hp Skyhawk II 8-16-13: Not all Cessna Skyhawks are the same. From a distance, they all look alike, but with a little investigation you find some subtle differences that give this machine a little more spunk. How about the Skyhawk II that is owned by the Skyhaven Flying Club. It's a 1980 Skyhawk and has a 180 hp engine and cruises at 120 knots, has a Garmin GNS430 and S-Tec 30 autopilot.

Skyhawk At Rochester Aviation 8-15-13: Rochester Aviation has replaced its Skyhawk that was damaged in a taxiing accident at Burlington. This recently acquired machine is in decent condition and has a respectable vintage instrument panel that has an ADF radio. The durability of the Cessna fleet of aircraft has persisted over the years and continues to provide private pilots with a cost effective means of participating in the special opportunity of flying. Click on the plane for more pics.

Skylane At Southern Maine Aviation 8-14-13: Would you like to own a Cessna 172M model? I understand the Skyhawk at Southern Maine Aviation will be for sale. I've flown it before and it's a nice plane that's been pampered with up-to-date maintenance and lives in a hangar. However, the reason they are going to put the Skyhawk up for sale is because they are replacing it with a retractable Skylane. I recently had a chance to see this beautiful machine up close and all I can say is Wow! It's currently shown in the aircraft fleet on their website. Click on the plane for more pics.

Rochester Aviation August BBQ8-13-13: "Hello All, Rochester Aviation plans to have our August BBQ this Sunday the 18th at 2200Z (6PM). We will have burgers and hotdogs on the grill, feel free to drop by for a bite to eat, some airplane talk, and to see your instructor! With sunset at about 9pm, we will be opening up the fleet for after hour rentals DURING the BBQ for those who want to play with airplanes as well! (Especially if you want to do pattern work, there will be plenty of spectators who will welcome the entertainment.) Feel free to bring along snacks to share or meat to grill! We hope to see you there, The RA staff." (Nice paint job on the 150)

EAA CHAPTER 225 NEWSLETTER  8-10-13: EAA 225 newsletter from Gerry Peterson. "EAA 225 Dinner/Meeting at our Chapter Clubhouse with the dinner beginning at 6:00 with the meeting following around 7:00 pm or so. There will be lots to discuss about this summer’s Oshkosh and upcoming EAA Young Eagle Rally Come join in the Food & Fun! For more info: Call (603) 781-6572."

Wings Over Wiscasset 8-9-13 Here's some pictures from Peter Bruckner. Peter made the drive up to the Wiscasset event and got some great pictures of the Texas Flying Legends Museum Warbirds. Click on the thumbnails to view the pictures.

 
 
 
 

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