The Brazos Breeze EAA Chapter 983 Newsletter February 2002 Mailing Address: EAA Chapter 983, P.O. Box 903, Granbury, TX. 76049 Website http://www.eaa983.org

Chapter 983 meets on the second Saturday of each month at 10:00 AM. in Ken
houseman's hangar. N.E. corner of Pecan Plantation Airport

The first step in solving a problem is telling someone about it. - John Peter Flynn

NOTAMS:

Program Highlights

Bob Burkel from Concorde Aircraft Batteries gave the program. I tried to get my bride Donna to attend. I said “Batteries come in an endless variety of sizes, colors and shapes, have a thousand different uses and are FASCINATING!” It really was a very interesting presentation. Bob began with basic lead/acid battery theory, which remains unchanged since WWII. Most of his time was devoted to the sealed recombinant gas batteries. Basically an improved, sealed, lead acid battery with greater capacity in the same size. There are a few advantages to the cap vented “flooded” types we are used to. They have slightly better low temperature performance and indefinite shelf life prior to activation. BUT and he said “but” many times: Sealed, sealed, sealed. No leaks. No spills. No maintenance. Mount it in any position except upside down. Bob recommended keeping any battery fully charged but advised against a continuously operating trickle charger. He says they are inaccurate in their fully charged cutouts and overcharging is possible. Occasional low amperage charging is the way to go. Concorde is also working with Lancair on a dual battery concept for use with dual electronic ignition installations. Donna stayed home.

New Members

Wil Ramsey, Ft. Worth. Lee Sims, Stephenville. Sam and Betty Marshall. Barry Bennet, Grand Prairie. Ace Rawlins, Weatherford. Jerry Deemer, Granbury. David and Lori Folz, Dallas. David and Laura Jackson, Arlington. David and Jacqulyn Brown, Granbury. New and young (see Lee Sims) members are exciting and we‘re glad you‘re here. Welcome.

When one finds himself in a hole of his own making, it is a good time to examine the quality of workmanship. - John Remmerde

Bernoulli’s Law is still in effect #1 by Jimmy Cash

Bernoulli Effect: The definition according to the American Heritage Dictionary ( I wish I had a Webster’s), “The phenomenon of internal pressure reduction with increased stream velocity in the fluid.” Daniel Bernoulli (1700-1782). Ole Dan didn’t realize that he was the first sport aviator! He had discovered the principle by which all of our flying machines perform their magic today. Fortunately, this effect was passed into law, and cannot be repealed, as it is a law of physics. My point is that no matter what rules, regulations, laws or procedures we are required to remember and attempt to follow, Bernoulli’s Law is still in effect and our airplanes will not mysteriously fall from the sky.

Over the next few months, I will attempt to address some issues that face us as homebuilders and pilots, and clarify some of the fog that surrounds our sport. Sometimes what EAA tells us and what the local FSDO says are in conflict. This is the nature of the beast and often a fog generator. I will try to include references with which you can arm yourself. Ultimately, the best resource and support is from EAA, and they are eager to assist EAA members when issues arise. EAA’s website is http://www.eaa.org .

Disclaimer: I’m not always right! There is always a, “What if ?” I’m going to provide generic information, and save the “what ifs” for hangar talk over my favorite beverage. If I get it wrong, I’ll do my best to get it right the next month. Please, be gentle, It’s my first time!

In this issue I will discuss the implications of buying a partially built project, and getting the completed aircraft’s special airworthiness certificate (SAC). This is a frequent occurrence and sometimes you can find great bargains, which may not only include an airframe, but also, a workshop full of tools. But, how do you get the FAA to consider you the builder to allow a SAC to be issued? No Worries! You should be able to accomplish this feat with minimal effort, while maintaining your integrity and staying out of jail.

Most extreme situation: Airplane is at the airport ready for final assembly (way past 51% complete), and the builder loses his medical. You purchase the project, load it in a truck and while driving in the comfort of your Ryder with expired Florida plates (de ja vu), you ponder what kind of story you can tell the FSDO so you can get a SAC. Have no fear.

On Sept. 26,2001, the FAA released a new Advisory Circular, AC 20-27E, “Certification and Operation of Amateur-Built Aircraft”. This updated AC addresses this scenario, and is best summarized by Mark Forss, Aviation Information Specialist at EAA.

“When you purchase a partially completed aircraft from a builder you in a sense are taking over a project and you will be the builder of record. You need to substantiate that the aircraft was built for education and recreation, so the original builders logs, invoices, receipts and photos of the project will be needed to show the FAA that you did not purchase the project from an individual or company that does this for hire. When you complete the project and register the aircraft, apply for the airworthiness certificate using your name as the builder. You may apply for the repairman’s certificate, but you must show the FAA your skills with regards to knowing the aircraft inside and out and your ability to determine if the aircraft is in a condition for safe operation. The FAA may allow this, if you take some additional training, for example a course or two at the local A&P school, or maybe an EAA Sport Air Workshop. This requirement is dependent upon the inspector.”

Basically, the FAA wants to see that the aircraft was built for education and recreation, and that no commercial assistance (work for compensation) was done. AC 20-27E states that major portion includes the construction efforts of the previous builders, and those past efforts should be added to the new builders log to show the construction history. Also, you will have to show tractability of ownership from the kit manufacturer, if applicable. This can be proven in the form of Bill of Sale from the kit manufacturer, and from all previous owners.

There you have it. Don’t be intimidated by the prospect of purchasing a partially completed project. As long as you can show it was built for education and recreation and without commercial assistance, you should have no problems obtaining your SAC. And remember Bernoulli’s Law is still in effect, and it’ll fly regardless.

"Best stick and rudder man I ever flew with”

Claims Jim Hyde, chapter member and lifelong friend of Gordon Winfield who passed away in January. Gordon and wife Melba spent the last couple of years living in Georgetown, Texas. He was one of the earliest members of Chapter 983 and by some accounts was one of the founding Ten. Every longtime chapter member remembers him with fondness and regard for his flying skills and his penchant for planning and preparation. Jim met him in 1961 when Gordon was an Electra Captain for Braniff. Taken under wing, he washed his plane in exchange for flying time and Gordon was instrumental in getting him hired at Braniff. There they spent many hours in the same cockpits. Gordon was involved in experimental aviation in some unique ways. He was one of the first pilots certified to fly an ILS. He helped open up South America to the airlines when any flying at all down there was an experiment. He was taking delivery of a DC-4 and was overhead watching as Howard Hughes took his world famous and short lived flight in the Spruce Goose. Gordon was one of the earliest settlers at Pecan Plantation where he and Charles Williams built a RV4, which now resides in Paris, France. Jim says Gordon is the standard by which he will always judge an airline Captain and folks around here say he is the standard by which they judge a gentleman. If you’d like to read more about Gordon Winfield go to the Chapter website. He’s led a fascinating life and we are all the richer for it.

Change of Command

In December Gary Bricker called and invited me to a get together. The old Chapter officers (a really old and gray group) were going to give words of wisdom and transfer the reins of power to the new folks (young, smart, good looking). I was expecting a Change of Command Ceremony with bands, bunting, speeches and perhaps even a sword raised in honor of the outgoing CO.
Not even close Leroy.
I was almost overdressed. I wore shoes that could be shined (weren’t, but could have been). Lots of good advice and offers of continuing help were given. Instead of us handing them plaques of achievement they presented us with the “Legacy Box”. “This could be impressive” I thought. “Lots of history and piles of instructions on how to do the thousands of things that the chapter does each year.” Wrong Again. Inside that old cardboard box was: 1 CD, 4 notebooks, 1 clipboard and the key to the Granbury Airport display.
My God! We’re on our own!
In truth the real “Legacy Box” of Chapter 983 is the membership roster. On those pages is a wealth of history, honor, knowledge, accomplishment and willingness to help. This changeover was indicative of the way the Chapter works and succeeds. Nothing fancy, just a bunch of people in tennis shoes willing to share and help. That’s how the fly-ins, Young Eagles, Tech Counselor programs and all the other things that get accomplished around here are done. To all those who volunteer, work on each others projects and fold chairs; beginning with the original Ten who started the chapter to those who are going to help in the months to come: Thanks.

You can make more friends in a month by being interested in them than in ten years by trying to get them interested in you. -Charles L. Allen

Classifieds

Schedule of Chapter 983 Events

Chapter 983 Officers and Contacts