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REFLECTIONS Ed Chenevey

Well, it's meeting time again and if Art brings his laptop and Mike his projector, we can view some of the pictures that Jim Ahmen, Dick Alleger and I took on our trip to Sun-n-Fun. Included are four side trips which Dick took to Silver Hill, Tom Reilly's , Leeward Air Ranch, and Warner-Robbins AFB. Frank also wants to look at his roadable airplane CD.

I wonder how many years it will take for the LSA NPRM to resurface. Everyone had their own petty issues, me included. I suggested a higher gross weight (EAA did too), a redefinition of the 39/44 kts stall speed, elimination of the two year window for the experimental LSA certification, and an increase in the Part 103 gross weight to legitimize more ultralites. I didn't worry about the operating rules and licensing requirements which are a bit excessive in my view, but the EAA and others did. The EAA and NAFI responses are on the EAA web site, EAA.org for your perusal.

One of the neatest things that I learned at Sun-n-Fun was that one of the Cessna guys obtained an STC to LOWER the gross weight of a Cessna 140/120 to 1232 lbs. So now there is a precedent to accommodate other aircraft if they become too heavy for the final rule; if and when that happens.

Checking out the EAA Chapter list on the EAA web site shows that Chapter 643 appears to be back in business at Alexandria and a new Chapter 1333 was formed at Central Jersey (Kupper) last year.

Dick Sollner and Bill Moore are going to fly around the world, westward leaving here on Friday, May 17. Their first order of business is to get their long range tanks installed in the rear of Dick's Twin Comanche in California. Then they have to get final approval from the FAA before they leave. The plan is to leave from Oakland, since this is the closest to Hawaii, on Sunday May 26. Return is schedulled for July 1.

The westbound route was selected because the trade winds blow west near the equator. California to Hilo, Hawaii is the longest leg so right away they will know whether they are in trouble. They have a web site prepared, flightaroundthe world.com which shows their route, itinerary, etc, and will include pictures as they progress. They are both regulars at the Chicken Coop so I have kept up with their plans. Bill was a member of our Chapter back in the 70's. Anyway, Dick has spent lots of money (40K) on instruments and radios and they have received a 20% overweight allowance from the FAA. If they can get approval at Oakland fine; if not Santa Barbara is 70 miles further and San Diego is 140 miles further from Hawaii. But that is Plan B.

By the way, Mike Stoddard told us last month that Marty Balk no longer has the DC-3 so his around the world jaunt is certainly on hold.

Chapter 501 (Lincoln Park) will hold a Fly-In at Warwick NY on Sunday May 19. Food and trophies. Similarly today I received a notice of a Chapter 891 Fly-In on Sunday June 9 at Sussex. And finally, for Dave, Art, or anyone else, the spring engine show and flea market at Jacktown (Bangor - Richmond PA road) will be held on May 18 and 19.