Space Coast Aviator

The SPACE COAST AVIATOR

September 2021

Fly-out Eddie’s Diner September 11, 8:00am

First Electric Airplane at Florida Tech Flight-testing began in August Thanks to a grant from the Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust, Florida Tech is the first American university to own and fly an electric airplane. The airplane produced in Slovenia, is a Pipistrel Velis Electro a two-seat tricycle gear LSA trainer. It is the first electric-powered airplane certified in Europe by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The FAA has awarded Florida Tech $85,000 to fly the aircraft under a regimented test program for eventual U.S. certification. Former Florida Tech, associate dean of aviation, Isaac Silver, is part of the program and flew the aircraft on its first flight for 22 minutes. It used about one-third of its battery capacity. Operating cost about $1.03. The FAA has restricted the lithium battery powered aircraft to the traffic pattern. Cross-country flight will occur during the program as data is collected. The FAA will study data from the first 50 flight hours toward U.S. certification. Dr. Silver said that while electric powered airplanes are in the future the lithium battery is a potential issue and receive close study as the test program proceeds. ✈

Embraer gets $97.2 Million EXIM Loan Working Capital Loan On August 3, 2021, the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) announced Embraer Executive Aircraft of Melbourne would receive a $97.2M two-year revolving working capital loan from EXIM to support export business jets produced at Melbourne, FL. The loan guarantee will support about $211.4M in export sales and an estimated 800 U.S. jobs. The loan is part of EXIM’s COVID-19 economic recovery measure to support U.S. businesses and American jobs during the global pandemic and met approval in July 2020. The guaranteed lender is Apple Bank for Savings in New York, NY. The financing arranged and serviced by AirFinance Leasing, LLC, in Virginia Beach, VA, which is an EXIM Qualified Advisor that has originated and serviced numerous EXIM-backed asset financings over the past decade. The loan will support not only the 800 jobs in Florida but also related supply chain jobs located throughout the U.S. EXIM Acting President and Chairman James Burrows said, “…The pandemic has affected the liquidity of commercial lenders and their ability to make new loans, which has, in turn, hit the aircraft and aviation industries particularly hard. EXIM’s support enables these loan facilities to continue to support America’s aerospace manufacturers and the jobs that their exports create and sustain.” The Embraer manufacturing, sales and servicing facility at Melbourne has approximately 1,100 U.S. employees. Production at Melbourne consists of the Phenom 100EV, the Phenom 300E, Praetor 500, and Praetor 600. Its fleet exceeds 1,400 aircraft in more than 70 countries. ✈ EXIM/kmlb.gov exim.gov

Aviation Weather How to Make the Best Use of Weather Information Today’s pilots enjoy an abundance of weather information sources, but having weather information available is only part of the weather decision-making equation. Knowing how to acquire, interpret, and make operational decisions based on weather information is essential to safe flying. See the FAA latest FlySafe fact sheet at https://bit.ly/3fFaORY to learn how to make better-informed weather decisions. Check this informative Phil Dixon video, “57 Seconds to Safer Flying” on Use of Weather Information. More and more pilots are using self-briefing, make sure you review AIRMETS and SIGMETS something easily overlooked or forgotten. ✈

International Travel Requires proof of negative COVID-19 test result The CDC has reissued the COVID-19 testing Order that requires ALL passengers entering the U.S. by air to have been tested for COVID-19 no more than 3 days before you travel by air into the U.S. This order applies to all: general aviation private personal flights, Part 135 charter flights and Part 125 flights. You must show your negative result to the airline/operator before you board your flight, or be prepared to show documentation of recovery. E.g., proof of a recent positive viral test and a letter from your healthcare provider or public health official stating that you were cleared to travel. Further, the Bahamas have strict travel and entry protocols in place. It would be prudent to review their entry protocols before you go. View the CDC order here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html View the Bahamas travel COVID protocols here: https://travel.gov.bs/ KNOW BEFORE YOU GO! ✈

Cross Country Electric Air Race Planned Winner receives the Pulitzer Trophy The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) has announced it plans to hold a cross-country air race for electric piloted aircraft. The Pulitzer Electric Aircraft Air Race will be a rebirth of the Pulitzer air races that began in 1920 by publisher Ralph Pulitzer. The near 1,000nm cross-country scheduled for May 16-19, 2022, will begin in Eppley Airfield (KOMA) Omaha, NE and end at Dare County Regional airport (KMQI) Manteo, NC near Kitty Hawk with the winner to receive the Pulitzer Trophy. The Pulitzer air races that began in 1920 were initially cross-country from randomly selected locations and ended in Cleveland, OH for the Cleveland National Air Races. Eventually they became the National Air Races and went from cross-country to pylon races. Now decades later held in Reno, NV. This challenging 1,000-mile race will be limited to 25 contestants, open to any piloted aircraft using “zero-emission electric propulsion” including fixed-wing, helicopters and multi-rotor urban air mobility (UAM) vehicles. According to NAA, “The cross-country format, rather than a closed-circuit speed event, was selected to emphasize electric aircraft range and reliability, in addition to speed, in a realistic operating environment. A cross-country race will require careful logistical planning from the race teams and highlight different electric propulsion technology choices and operational strategies such as rapid battery charging, whole battery changes, and solar power augmentation to extend range.” It will be in day VFR conditions only. Contestants will be required to carry and operate a GPS flight data recorder during the race. A self-contained GPS flight data recorder will be provided for each contestant aircraft. The GPS data recorder must be operated continuously beginning 5 minutes before each takeoff through landing rollout until clear of the runway. The winner determined by “the fastest speed calculated from the cumulative flight time, not including time on the ground for maintenance, charging, or overnight stays.” This next year 2022, this event will likely be a manufactures race. There must be over two dozen companies in the process of research and development in electric manned air vehicles. The Pulitzer Trophy winner should reap huge rewards in recognition and sales. ✈ https://naa.aero/

Aviation History for September The Unfriendly Skies Due to the clandestine nature of intelligence gathering over flights, it is sometimes difficult to establish accurate details or dates of information released decades later. Details are the best guess between the most likely sources. Dick Peiffer

Sept. 1, 1983. Korean Air Lines Boeing 747 Flight KAL007, enroute from Anchorage to Seoul, South Korea entered Soviet airspace over the Kamchatka peninsula. Two Su-15s scrambled to attempt an interception. After finding the 747 over Sakhalin Island, the Su-15s fired two K-9 missiles. At least one struck the Boeing. All 269 SOB died. A USAF RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft had been in the area earlier monitoring Soviet missile testing off the peninsula. Sept. 2, 1958. Four Soviet MiG-17s shot down a USAF C-130A that entered Soviet Armenia airspace. The C-130 was a Sun Valley SIGINT aircraft. The remains of four airmen were returned to the US on September 24, 1958. The remains of the others were recovered in 1998. Sept. 3, 1978. An Air Rhodesia Viscount flight 825 on a flight from Kariba to Salisbury was shot down shortly after takeoff by a SA-7 Grail surface-to-air missile fired by Zimbabwe Peoples Revolution Army (ZIPRA) guerrillas. Of the 56 people on board, 38 died in the crash and guerrillas killed ten more that survived the crash. Sept. 4, 1954. Two Soviet MiG-15s attacked a US Navy P2V-5, from NAS Atsugi Japan 40 miles off the coast of Siberia. The aircraft ditched and one crewmen, was lost. A USAF SA-16 Albatross rescued the other crewmembers. Sept. 4, 1962. Cuban Air Force instructor Jose Diaz Vasquez, flying a Zlin 326 Master-Trainer, defected to NAS Key West. His trainee, Edel Ramirez Santos asked to return home. Sept. 6, 1976. Victor Belenko, a Soviet pilot, flying a MiG-25, defected and landed at Hakodate Japan. After examination by Japanese and the US, the aircraft was shipped back to the Soviet Union on a freighter on November 12. Belenko was given asylum in the United States. Sept. 10, 1956. A USAF RB-50G was lost over the Sea of Japan. The crew of 16, presumed killed. No evidence of shoot down. It is suspected that the aircraft was lost due to Typhoon Emma, a powerful storm, which was in the area. Sept. 10, 1958. The People's Republic of China complained that a US Navy P5M-1 and a USAF U-2 had violated Chinese airspace. Sept. 11, 1965. An SA-2 missile damaged a USAF RB-57F, operated by Pakistan Air Force over India while it was beginning its descent towards Peshawar Ambala. The missile exploded near the RB-57F, causing damage, but the aircraft was able to make a successful landing at Peshawar. After repair, the aircraft returned to the US. Sept. 13, 1971. A Hawker Siddeley HS-121 Trident 1E of the People's Republic of China PLAAF was shot down over Mongolia. Reportedly, Lin Biao, the Chinese Minister of Defense, was onboard, fleeing Beijing after a failed coup. All nine people onboard died. Sept. 14, 1961. The US State Department protested that Soviet aircraft had harassed two US civil airliners in the Berlin air corridor. In one case, a Soviet fighter flew 20 feet off the wing of a Pan American airliner. In the second case, a Soviet fighter crossed 100 feet in front of another Pan American airliner. Sept. 16, 1980. As many as 15 Libyan fighters fired on a USAF RC-135U Combat Sent over the Gulf of Sidra. Accounts differ as to whether the Libyan fighters open fire before being run off by US Navy F-14 fighters. Sept. 20, 1952. Two Chinese MiG-15 attacked a US Navy PB4Y-2S off the coast of the People's Republic of China. The Navy aircraft was able to safely return to Naha, Okinawa. Sept. 21, 1953. North Korean, Ro Kun Suk, flew his MiG-15, to Kimpo Air Base in South Korea and defected. He was granted asylum and rewarded $100K. The MiG was test flown at Edwards AFB and now on display at the USAF Museum. He changed his name to Ken Rowe and became an aviation engineer working for several prominent defense aviation contractors, and then spent 17 years teaching at Embry-Riddle in Daytona. Sept.25, 1953. Polish pilot Zdzislaw Jazwinski, flying MiG-15, defected to Rønne Airport on Borholm Island Denmark, where he landed gear up. Sept. 29, 1958. Three crewmembers died and two were captured when a Republic of China Air Force C-46 was shot down over the People's Republic of China. The captured crewmembers were released on June 30, 1959. Sept. 30, 1958. The USSR charged that a US military aircraft had intruded into Soviet airspace three times in the region of the Chuktosk Peninsula, Siberia, and Ratmanov (Big Diomede) Island.

AirVenture 2021 The totals, ICYMI EAA Chairman Jack Pelton summed up the 2021 event, “This was perhaps the most challenging set of circumstances we’ve ever faced as an organization to make the event happen. I could not be more proud of our volunteers, staff, and participants on the way they came together to exceed our expectations and make AirVenture 2021 a truly memorable experience.” The banner year totals: Attendance: Approximately 608,000 – Third time attendance has surpassed 600,000. Traffic count: 10,000+ aircraft arrived at Wittman and nearby airports. Control Tower: 16,378 operations in the 10-day period. Hourly count 116 takeoffs/landings. Showplanes: 3,176 included a record 1,420 vintage registered, 1,089 homebuilt, 354 warbirds, 148 aerobatic, 112 seaplanes, 33 ultralights, and 27 rotorcraft. Campers: 12,000+ aircraft and drive-in campers accounted for an estimated 40,000 visitors. Volunteers: 5,000+ contributing in excess of 250,000 hours. Commercial exhibitors: 747. Forums, Workshops, and Presentations: 1,055 sessions hosted throughout the week. International guests: Despite travel restrictions, visitors from 66 countries during the week. The Gathering: The EAA Aviation Foundation’s annual event to support its aviation education programs attracted more than 500 people and raised more than $1.7 million dollars that will focus on EAA’s mission of growing participation in aviation. Media: 567 media representatives on-site, from four continents. Economic impact: $170 million for the five counties What is ahead? EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2022 planned for July 25-31, 2022. ✈ EAAAirVenture2021

The ISS Did a Slow Roll This is upsetting On July 29, the International Space Station performed an uncontrolled roll when the Russian module Nauka, newly docked to the space station, fired its thrusters because of an error in its software. NASA said in a tweet that this event was inadvertent and unexpected, and moved the Space Station by 45 out of attitude. Actually, the ISS rolled a huge 540 degrees, or a full rotation and a half. However, the spin was so slow (just 0.56 degrees per second) that the astronauts and cosmonauts on board didn’t feel a thing. The station was knocked out of alignment for 47 minutes before ground sensors identified the problem and alerted the ground team. The solar arrays were stowed and locked, radiators locked, and the crew worked to counteract the spin using available thrusters dotted around the ISS. After the existing thrusters were not enough to realign the space station, the crew utilized a docked Russian cargo ship’s thrusters as well to add enough power. The ISS ended up performing a 180-degree flip to return to the planned orientation and has resumed normal operation. Not said was, now will the Space Station need to replenish or replace the ship’s thrusters.  AvWeb

Visual Approaches FAA Safety Notice NOTC2003 In July 2021, the FAA published Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO) 21005, Risks Associated with Visual Approaches. This SAFO warns airplane operators and pilots of risks associated with visual approaches. While the SAFO’s target audience is Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) commercial operators, it provides risk mitigation strategies that all General Aviation pilots can use, as well. The majority of runway incursions are attributed to GA pilots, including wrong surface events caused by a pilot’s runway confusion. The main themes of SAFO 21005 are:  Consider requesting an instrument approach to reduce the likelihood of aligning with the wrong runway or a taxiway, and/or exiting controlled airspace.  Communicate “UNABLE” to ATC when, in the judgment of the pilot-in-command, compliance with a specific instruction, request, or clearance may reduce safety. SAFO 21005 can be viewed/downloaded here (PDF).  4

Runway Safety Not just for CFIs Advisory Circular (AC) 91-92, Pilot’s Guide to a Preflight Briefing, encourages pilots/flight instructors to incorporate the FAA “From the Flight Deck” videos into the preflight planning routine/training. FAA's Runway Safety Pilot Simulator video series is a self-guided resource to assist flight instructors with teaching student pilots surface safety best practices, before they step foot into the cockpit. It allows student pilots to navigate on airport surfaces while communicating with ATC and following instructions provided. The scenarios are interactive and allow viewers to make decisions based on ATC instructions. These videos highlight common errors and complex areas at airports near you. It is better to know before you go!  FAA.gov/

Certainty for General Aviation Pilots Act Applies to Experimental aircraft owners and CFIs The Certainty for General Aviation Pilots Act (S.2458) introduced by Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK) provides that pilots engaged in flight training and flight-testing in experimental aircraft are not operating an aircraft as “carrying persons or property for compensation or hire.” FAA has recently reinterpreted long-standing policy related to flight training. Because of this change, pilots now face additional burden with new bureaucratic paperwork and approval to receive or provide flight instruction in experimental aircraft. This bill fixes this misguided FAA directive that will require thousands of experimental aircraft owners and flight instructors to jump over needless bureaucratic hurdles before getting or offering flight instruction. By removing new and unnecessary regulations, pilots can safely get back to the skies. Experimental aircraft owners and CFIs are encouraged to contact your congressional representatives to support this bill. Those training in aircraft with a standard airworthiness certificate are not impacted. 

Unruly Airline Passengers FAA Zero Tolerance Policy On August 19, the FAA announced it has proposed another $531,545 in civil penalties against 34 airline passengers for alleged unruly behavior, bringing the total for 2021 to more than $1 million. Since January 1, 2021, the FAA has received approximately 3,889 reports of unruly behavior by passengers, including about 2,867 reports of passengers refusing to comply with the federal facemask mandate. On May 14, CDC, TSA and DOT reminded traveler’s masks are required on all public transportation, planes, buses, trains including transportation hubs such as airports and stations. The recent fines are part of the agency's Zero Tolerance campaign against unruly passenger behavior. Earlier in August, the FAA sent a letter (PDF) to airports requesting they coordinate more closely with local law enforcement to prosecute egregious cases. The FAA does not have criminal prosecutorial authority. Recommended fines has climbed to $45,000 for a single occurrence. The letter also requested that airports work to prevent passengers from bringing "to-go" cups of alcohol aboard the aircraft. Federal law prohibits interfering with aircraft crew or physically assaulting or threatening to assault aircraft crew or anyone else on an aircraft. In addition, the law provides for criminal fines and imprisonment of passengers who interfere with the performance of a crewmember’s duties by assaulting or intimidating that crewmember. The passengers have 30 days after receiving the FAA’s enforcement letter to respond to the agency. The FAA does not identify individuals against whom it proposes civil penalties.  FAA.gov

“Say Again”

You can only tie the record for flying low.

Outtakes: Florida International Air Show (KPGD), Oct. 16 – 17. https://airshows.aero/ Central Florida Air & Space Show (KSFB), Oct. 16 – 17. https://airshows.aero/ Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show (KNPA), Nov. 5 – 6 (Blue Angels) https://airshows.aero/ Light Sport Aircraft Showcase (KDED), Nov. 11 – 13 (Re-Rescheduled event) https://airshows.aero/ Stuart Airshow (KSUA) Nov. 12-14. TBD icas.com The Space Station did a 540-degree role. That is upsetting. AvWeb Canada has mandates vaccinations for airline workers and all passengers by end of October. Bloomberg Embraer flight-testing an electric agriculture spray plane in São Paulo, Brazil. AvWeb L3HarrisTech awarded $393 million Undersea Training Range contract by US Navy. Businesswire.com To encourage women into Aviation Maintenance, ERAU has added 5 female instructors to their program. ERAU United Airlines has informed flight crews not to duct tape unruly passengers to their seats. Business FAA restricts U.S. airlines from flying over Afghanistan. There is no ATC under the Taliban. Bloomberg Piper announced an order for 20 of its Pilot 100i single-engine trainers from flyGateway Aviation Institute, a Part 141 flight training organization based in PA and DE. Aviationweek American Airlines will not serve alcohol in economy class until Jan. 18, 2022, when the mask mandate on public transportation set to expire. Onemileatatime.com Flight attendants are training in self-defense with the increase in unruly passenger. NBC Sen. Jim Inhofe has introduced S.2458 to reverse the recent flight training issue. A call to Senators Rubio and Scott to support might help. FAA proposes a $2M civil penalty on an Indiana company for allegedly conducing illegal charters. FAA.gov According to AOPA, 66,000 GA pilots are flying under BasicMed. AOPA.org

“There I was” The Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) publishes monthly their popular safety newsletter “Callback” written by pilots, controllers or aviation personnel and encourages reproduction as lessons learned. To protect anonymity the narratives are cleansed. Oshkosh get-there-itis This multiple-option arrival plan flirted with self-induced hazards and unnecessary flight risks. Fortunately, the arrival was successful, and lessons were eventually perceived.

■ I tried to get an IFR reservation to Oshkosh but could not because they were all taken. I chose to get an IFR reservation to Portage Municipal (C47), a nearby airport, with the plan to shoot an instrument approach to Runway 18 at C47. Then either plan A: land and wait for weather to turn VFR and continue from there to Oshkosh via the visual approach in the Oshkosh NOTAM (Ripon to Fisk, then direct Oshkosh), or plan B: if I broke out visually on the approach to C47, then fly visually to Oshkosh via Ripon and Fisk per NOTAM. On the approach, I did break out visually at about 1,400 feet MSL before reaching minimums. I then elected to fly at 1,400 feet MSL to Ripon to try the visual approach. The problem was that cloud bases were ragged and less than 100 feet above me. I had no cloud separation, barely keeping clear of clouds and barely 400 to 500 feet AGL. I rationalized that this was OK because of the special circumstances of Air Adventure procedures at Oshkosh. Fortunately, everything worked out, and conditions improved to VFR after I passed Fisk inbound to the Oshkosh traffic pattern.… I was taking a risk by scud running in such a narrow margin and declaring my own Special VFR without ATC permission. I did have ADS-B out onboard, but that does not show all traffic. Worst case, I could have collided with another plane, which was also scud running nearby or hit a tower or wires. I should have landed at C47 and waited patiently for weather to get better between C47 and Fisk before proceeding to Oshkosh. ✈

Accident Report Accident reports are provided by the NTSB as an educational tool, intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.

On September 20, 2017, at 0601 EDT, a Cessna 150G, N3875J, was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain shortly after takeoff from a private airstrip near Rhine, GA. The 44-year-old student pilot/owner was fatally injured. The flight was a Part 91 personal flight, to meet his instructor and take his private pilot practical test the following day. Dark night MVFR conditions in fog prevailed in the area. No flight plan was filed for the flight, to Turner County Airport (75J), Ashburn, GA. The student pilot, planned to meet his flight instructor at Ashburn then fly to St. Simon's, GA, for his scheduled private pilot practical test the following day. The instructor had checked the weather that morning saw that that fog was present in some areas and called the student. He did not answer his phone. The instructor then received a text from the student that stated, "I'll see you in a few." The instructor responded, "Ok;" this was his last communication he had with the student pilot. A witness stated he heard an airplane with the engine "full throttle." It was dark and said that he never saw the airplane, but it sounded like the airplane took off, made a turn, and then crashed. The witness drove ¾ mile to the airstrip, where the student pilot had a business. When he arrived, he observed "light" fog over the airstrip. The witness spoke with the student pilot's employees and told them that he thought the airplane had crashed. The student pilot's cousin and uncle, both pilots, initiated an air search and located the airplane via the airplane's ELT about 0710. The airplane was equipped with a hand-held Garmin GPSMAP 396. The device recorded the date, time, latitude, longitude, GPS altitude, and an averaged groundspeed and track. According to the device, the airplane departed about 05:59:47 and entered a climbing right turn, reaching an altitude of 407ft at 06:00:40. As the right turn continued, the airplane then descended to 256ft, reaching its maximum airspeed of 95kts. The airplane then climbed in a tightening right turn to 666ft and 32kts, with 30° bank, at 06:01:11. The airplane rolled right and made a rapid descent until data ended at 06:01:33. The student pilot's FAA third-class medical certificate was issued on April 13, 2017. His logbook revealed that he had 236 flight hours, all of which were in the accident airplane. The student pilot had logged 8.3 hours of nighttime experience; however, none of those flights included taking off or landing at his private airstrip at night. The student’s instructor stated that he knew "for a fact" that the student pilot had departed at least "30-40" times from his private airstrip at night. He had advised the pilot not to do so on several occasions because it was not safe. The strip was grass, about 4,200ft long, in poor condition and not properly lighted. The instructor also learned after the accident that the student had given airplane rides to several family members and friends. He described the student pilot as a "good pilot" but "very head strong." He had "no fear – saw no danger." The instructor said that the student pilot always checked the weather before a flight but that he "didn't know weather" like a more experienced pilot. A review of weather observations from Fitzgerald Airport, (FZG), Fitzgerald, GA, about 13 miles southwest of the accident site, revealed that MVFR conditions prevailed at the time of the accident with visibility restricted by mist. The autopsy indicated the pilot died of "multiple blunt impact injuries" and tests for carbon monoxide, ethanol and other drugs were negative. The airplane came to rest in wooded terrain adjacent to the private airstrip. The initial impact point was an approximate 80-ft-tall pine tree. The main wreckage came to rest upright with the tail section bent over the top of the airplane. Both wings sustained extensive leading edge impact damage. The center section of wing was partially separated from the airframe. The engine and propeller remained attached to the airplane. Flight control continuity was established for all flight controls to the cockpit, and the wing flaps were fully retracted. No evidence was found of airframe or engine malfunction or failure prior to impact. The track data, reflects spiral-like maneuvering, and a wreckage distribution consistent with a loss-of-control, stall- type vertical descent, are consistent with the known effects of spatial disorientation The NTSB determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be; The student pilot's decision to take off from a partially lit grass runway in dark night, marginal VFR conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation, an exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, and an aerodynamic stall. ✈

Mystery Airplane Can you identify this airplane?

First prize is bragging rights Email your answer to [email protected] Congrats to members John Twitchell and Wes Yockey for identifying the Canadair CL-44 as the August mystery airplane. The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) needed a larger and longer-range transport as a replacement for their C-54GM North Star to provide personnel and logistics support for Canadian Forces in Europe. In 1957 Canadair received, a contract from the RCAF for 12 aircraft to be designated the CC-106 Yukon. The company name was the CL-44 or simply “the Forty-Four.” The basic design came from the Bristol Britannia 300. The RCAF specified it be equipped with Bristol Orion turboprop engines, two large cargo doors on the port side, able to accommodate 134 passengers and crew of nine or 80 medivac patients and a crew of 11. Canadair lengthened the Britannia 300 fuselage 12ft adding modified CL-28 wings and control system. The British Ministry had cancelled the Orion engine program, so Canadair went with the Rolls-Royce Tyne turboprop 5,730shp engines. Performance was a giant step. Cruise 401mph, service-ceiling 30,000ft, useful load 66,000lbs. First flight was on November 15, 1959 and right from the start issues arose. Electrical failures, engines shaking loose and nearly falling off. Rolls-Royce had problems delivering engines, resulting in completed airframes sitting on the ramp engineless. Some sat until 1961 awaiting engines. That coined the nickname “Yukon glider”. Once the issues found in flight tests were resolved, the RCAF CC-106 Yukon performed well. In December 1961, a Yukon set a world record for its class when it flew 6,750mi from Tokyo to Trenton, Ontario, in 17hrs, three minutes for an average speed of 400mph. Later, a Yukon set an airborne record of 23hrs, 51mins. The USAF was impressed with the performance, load capacity, and proposed a “swap” of 100 McDonnell F-101 Voodoo fighters for 232 CL-44-D-4 transports for MATS. Then politics got involved. The USAF learned that buying a foreign aircraft was not easy when American companies wanted the business. The swap idea failed. The USAF went with the Boeing 707 (C-135) for MATS. Once the RCAF Yukon’s were completed, Canadair devoted it attention to the CL-44-D-4. They hinged the entire tail section to load large items quickly. Operated by using hydraulic actuators, an inflatable seal at the hinge-break to maintain cabin pressurization and hydraulic-operated locks assured structural integrity. It provided quick loading of pallets and large cargo and the first to have a “swing” tail. While state-of-the-art, only a 39 were built. The Flying Tiger Line bought 13 CL-44D-4s. Tiger was the first scheduled cargo airline in the U.S. and a major military charter operator beginning in the Cold War era for both cargo and personnel. Seaboard World operated eight and Slick Airways operated four. The CL-44 fleet was an essential part of that military support during the mid-to-late 1960’s. Slick had financial issued and in 1965, Airlift International took over its assists. The other carriers began moving to the jet world, Boeing 707 and the DC-8 by decades end. The only CL-44 passenger variant went to Icelandic Airlines that operated six in transatlantic service. Four were stretched variants. Canadair added 10ft forward and 5ft aft of the wing, enabling 29 more seats, bringing the capacity to 189 passengers. The MTOW stayed the same by removing the center fuel tanks. Thus trading range for capacity. Icelandic marketed the airplane as “Rolls-Royce 400 PropJet”. This led to the public referring the CL-44J as the Canadair-400. Their fleet of CL-44s remained in transatlantic service until 1979. Conroy Aircraft of Goleta, CA, converted one CL-44 into a Guppy-type aircraft to transport engine pods for the Lockheed L-1011. Conroy removed the fuselage shell above the floorline and rebuilt an enlarged fuselage into a Guppy-type aircraft. It got the name Skymonster. As the jet age began, the CL-44s went to foreign cargo operators in South American and Africa. They faded from use because of a chronic shortage and high cost of parts. However, as of May 21, 2021, the Conroy Guppy N447FT CL-44D4 was located in BOH/EGGH, Bournemouth, UK with a valid U.S registry. Owned by an individual in Santa Ana, CA. It was the only one located. ✈ 8

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FIT Aviation Maintenance Facility. We are expanding our capabilities and services. FIT Aviation Maintenance Department is ready to assist all Piper Cherokee owners with the new proposed AD mandating installation of inspection panels/doors in order to inspect wing spars for damage. Our Maintenance Department has the experienced sheet metal staff, knowledge, and equipment to make your aircraft compliant in the minimum time. We can also IRAN the exhaust tailpipe V-band coupling on turbocharged Bonanzas to comply with that proposed AD. Please contact Travis Diets, Chief of Maintenance, (321)-674-6517. Avionics: ADS-B. We have started to receive the first of the new Garmin ADS-B systems and have completed our first installation. These systems come in a variety of configurations including ADS-B out only, ADS-B out/in both options can either include a built in WAAS GPS or can take a GPS feed from a GNS430W or GTN series navigator. The ADS-B in can be displayed on a GTN or on an iPad with an optional wireless connect adapter. Bendix King KT74. A popular direct slide in replacement for the KT76 series transponder. We have had a few of these out in the fleet paired with GNS-430Ws for a couple of years with perfect service records. Still the cheapest ADS-B out solution if you already have a WAAS Navigator. Stratus ESG finally released! Production numbers have been limited so availability is not yet assured, but we are prepared to work with a customer who would like to install one of these devices. We're planning to install one in our Citabria as soon as the units are more readily available and will have more operational data at that time.

New Dealer Status: Shop Services: Genysis (S-Tec) Authorized Service Center/Dealer Routine Inspections and Repairs Powerflow Systems Tuned Exhaust Dealer (These really work!) Pitot-Static/IFR/Xpder Certifications Garmin Authorized Service Center/Dealer Dynamic Prop Balancing Avidyne Authorized Service Center/Dealer Sheet metal Fabrication and Repair Aspen Avionics Authorized Service Center/Dealer Corrosion Repair and paint touch up Aircraft parts MAPA members are always welcome stop by. Travis Diets, Director of Maintenance, is available for information, to answer your questions, discuss your options or add you to the schedule: 321-674-6517

FIT Aviation fuel prices. MAPA members receive .25 cents per gallon fuel discount. This is full serve, at your hangar (south side) or on FIT ramp. For the discount, members must show a current MAPA ID card. FIT Aviation appreciates all our fuel customers! .

Come fly our Cessna 182! Full IFR with a Garmin 530 and STEC-30 autopilot. Leather interior. Cruise 140-160 MPH. This is a stable, fun flying aircraft. $100 per flight hour dry. Check us out at www.aerovalkaria.com for more information on joining our club.

Valkaria Flyers Flying Club is looking for pilots who would like to own part of an airplane and share in the fun of flying, traveling in your airplane, partying and fibbing about your flying with other pilots/owners. We have a 1963 Cherokee 180 with a new engine and PowerFlow Exhaust (N7207W) based at Valkaria with ADS-B out, Garmin G5 and a panel mount Garmin GPS 550 Aera with Traffic. Check us out @ www.valkariaflyers.com and let’s go flying.

CFI Services, Flight Review or knock some rust off. Flat Rate Flight Review for MAPA Members. Contact info, call/text 321-794-4309 e-mail, [email protected]

The Indian River Flying Club. Fly our Garmin 430 GPS equipped, MLB based C-172 for IFR training or local sightseeing. Try our C-152 based in Valkaria for low cost training. Or, fly our PA-28, Archer with a Garmin 430 GPS from MLB for local or long distance flights. Nominal deposit with reasonable monthly dues. Web www.fly-irfc.com

Modine Aviation: Need a Check Ride? CJ Modine is a local FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE). Practical tests administered at KMLB for Private, Instrument and Commercial ratings (ASEL and AMEL). Will travel to any local airport if my schedule permits. Travel expenses additional. Other Examiner services available including Military Pilot conversion, Remote Pilot, Foreign Pilot conversion, Ground Instructor, Fight Instructor Renewal and more. Flight Instructor services available for Flight Reviews, Instrument Proficiency Checks, Transition Training, Insurance required training, local orientation flights for visiting pilots and a whole lot more! First Responders, Military and current MAPA members get 10% off our already great rates! Call (321) 604-2438 or visit www.modineaviation.com.

Scott the Fly Guy, LLC. Scott the Fly Guy offers advanced flight training and reviews in your aircraft or in my 1980 Mooney M20J, which is IFR Certified with G-530, autopilot, and HSI at affordable rates; e.g., Flight Reviews, Instrument Proficiency Checks, Complex checkouts, Commercial and CFI training, Bahamas checkout, and Rusty Pilot back in the saddle training. Affordable rates. War stories free. Scott Saunders Call or text 321-576-7076

1401 General Aviation Drive 32935 1389 General Aviation Drive 32935 1389 General Aviation Drive 32935 Phone: 321-345-3194 Phone: 321-255-9155 Phone: 321-345-9464 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.mlbflight.com Website: www.heckair.com Website: www.fallonpilotshop.com

Melbourne Flight Training, Heck Air Aircraft Maintenance, and Fallon Pilot Shop partnered together to provide the Space Coast a safe, affordable, and reliable flight training experience. Melbourne Flight Training is open 7 days a week for training or renting. Melbourne Flight Training will provide you with the required training and individual instruction to assist you in accomplishing all your Aviation Goals! Services Include:  Flight Training- Private-Instrument-Commercial-Multi-CFI-Flight Reviews-IPC-ATP  Cirrus Transition Training- Rent our Cirrus SR20 G2 or Cirrus SR20 G6(Aug. 2020)  Aircraft Rentals- Our rentals include fuel and an easy check out process.  Aircraft Management - We offer leaseback opportunities and aircraft management services.  Fly This Sim FM100 - Instrument Currency, Only $65/hour

Heck Air Aircraft Maintenance is a company dedicated to individualized service, quality, and honesty. We offer full-service aircraft maintenance including, Airframe Inspections (Annual, 100 hour, 50 hour, etc.), Piston Engine Repair, Magneto timing check, Spark plug cleaning and testing, Aircraft dry wash and wax, Logbook review, and much more!

Fallon Pilot Shop is a one-stop shop for your aviation supplies and is conveniently located next to Melbourne Flight Training. We offer a wide selection of the latest pilot training material, cockpit gear, aircraft parts and consumables, and aviation novelty merchandise. We also offer many valuable “try before you buy” opportunities including a headset demo program, try-on apparel, and much more. Follow us at @fallonpilotshop or stop by the shop to see our latest sales and new product announcements. All MAPA Members get 5% off at the Pilot Shop! .

FOR SALE - Kenos Sun Shields made for a SR20/22 Cirrus. Like new in excellent condition with no rips or tears. New $225. Asking $175 or best offer. Jim Guida 517-214-6150

MAPA has new caps. They are $10 each and will be available at all MAPA sponsored events. [email protected]

Garmin GPS MAP 696 with yoke mount, XM antenna, extra cigarette lighter plugin cord, 120-volt charger, updated operating software and more. Asking $1150.00. Call CJ 321.604.2438

MAPA Officers Directors Newsletter Editor Ray Liles, President Randy Carmichael Dick Peiffer Mick Uramkin, VP Bob Curry [email protected] Andy Pedersen, Secretary Jim Morris Rob Terry, Treasurer Dick Peiffer Web Master Rob Terry Rob Terry Bill Werner [email protected]