Oregon builder accepts Hughes challenge
Recluse Howard Hughes told his aircraft design team never to talk about the technology of the Hughes Racer, the monoplane now on display at the Smithsonian Institution National Air and Space Museum that set a landplane speed record of 352.4 mph in 1935. (An open-cockpit Italian seaplane that flew 441 mph held the ultimate record at that time.) He told them, "Bad things will happen to you." They never talked and never learned what those "bad things" were, but they never doubted that Hughes was capable of doing them.
For 40 years the secrets were kept, and intentional misinformation took its place. When Jim Wright of Cottage Grove, Oregon, accepted the challenge of leading a team to build a flying replica, he discovered that 80 percent of all technical magazine articles published from the 1930s to the 1970s about the Hughes Racer were incorrect.
Despite the difficulties, Wright has unraveled some of the secrets and expects the replica aircraft to start taxi tests by the time you read this, with its first flight by spring. Wright heard the story about "bad things" from the late John Newbury, an engineer on the original Hughes design team who died last year.
"It was more than a racer," Wright said. "For Hughes, it was the future of aviation — a technology testbed." Hughes had a reputation around the Pentagon as being difficult to work with, and he correctly feared that military planners would take his secrets to rival Lockheed for contracts.
One of the secrets Wright discovered was the use of oil pressure to blow the gear down in the event of a hydraulic leak. Without hydraulic pressure, the uplock system can't be unlocked. Hughes routed oil pressure into the hydraulic line through an emergency valve. Wright plans to incorporate that idea into his Glasair III when he is done with the Racer.
Metal work on the replica is especially difficult. For example, a single piece forms the fuselage and turns into the vertical fin. Wright wasn't sure that feat could be repeated, but master metalworkers have accomplished the task.
Hughes invested $250,000 in the project starting in the early 1930s.Wright prefers not to say what the replica has cost the building team, but added that 30,000 hours of work have gone into it.
Don Berliner, editor of Golden Pylons, the newsletter of the Society of Air Racing Historians, first published an article on Wright's project in late 2001. He said there is a boom in replica building, with at least 50 copies of historic aircraft in the works around the nation. He even gets calls from builders asking what historic aircraft are not under construction. Other replica aircraft that may fly this year include one flown by famous race pilot Roscoe Turner and the Gee Bee R-1 flown by Jimmy Doolittle, Berliner said. — Alton K. Marsh
CAF changes name to CAF
The name is different but the acronym remains the same. The Confederate Air Force will now be known as the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) after its members voted to change what became an increasingly controversial name.
The vote came after the group endured flak for the use of the word Confederate and decided it wanted to spend less time defending itself and more time raising money to keep the warbird fleet flying. Concerns that corporate sponsorships for anything carrying the Confederate name might dry up also contributed to the name change. The name was originally painted on a North American P-51 Mustang as a joke in the 1950s and it happened to stick. The group thinks the new name more accurately reflects one of its core objectives: "To perpetuate in the memory and the hearts of all Americans the spirit in which these great planes were flown in the defense of this nation."
Of the 1,945 votes cast by its members, 54 percent favored approving the new name, which was unveiled on December 7. Other names on the ballot were runner-up Ghost Squadron (34 percent of the votes), Heritage Air Force, and Heritage Flying Museum. The CAF originally received more than 1,000 recommendations from people from all walks of life before it whittled down the list of names.
Make landings for Lindbergh
One of the best ways to honor Charles A. Lindbergh is to fly. Or, more importantly, to land. The Charles A. and Anne Morrow Lindbergh Foundation has announced Landings for Lindbergh, an event where pilots will land their aircraft at airports throughout the world on May 18, the Saturday before the seventy-fifth anniversary of Lindbergh's nonstop solo transatlantic flight.
"Landings for Lindbergh offers pilots a chance to honor personally an aviation pioneer and American hero, and all he accomplished throughout his life," said foundation President Reeve Lindbergh, daughter of Charles and Anne. Upon completion of the event, pilots will receive a limited edition commemorative gift featuring a scale replica of the Spirit of St. Louis. The gift will be personalized to recognize each pilot's involvement. To participate, pilots must register in advance and contribute or raise $250 for the foundation. Pilots will be asked to have a witness verify their participation. Anyone with a valid pilot certificate, current medical certificate, and access to an airplane is welcome to join in the celebration.
Cirrus Design Corporation is a major sponsor of the event. As an incentive to participate, the foundation will randomly select a pilot who will receive a free one-year dry lease on a Cirrus SR22. "Charles Lindbergh is the father of modern aviation, and a true international hero who brought nations and continents together," said Alan Klapmeier, Cirrus president and CEO who is serving as honorary lead pilot for the event. "Today, more than ever, we need to celebrate our heroes."
Several other events have been scheduled to commemorate the anniversary. On May 20 and 21 there will be reenactments of Lindbergh's most famous takeoff near the original Long Island site, followed by landings near dusk at Le Bourget in France using replicas of the Spirit of St. Louis. The foundation also will be presenting its annual Lindbergh Award to an individual who has made significant contributions toward establishing a balance between technology and nature.
But it doesn't end there. From August 9 through 11, Little Falls, Minnesota — Lindbergh's boyhood home — will be celebrating his 1927 return to the city following his famous flight. There will be a parade, commemorative dinner, fireworks, and an airshow featuring the Experimental Aircraft Association's Spirit of St. Louis replica. Other events are also being planned. For more information, or to register for Landings for Lindbergh, call 763/576-1596 or visit the Web site ( www.lindberghspirit.com).
Group plans memorial for forgotten mechanic
Don't forget Charles E. Taylor. Just to make sure you don't, a group in Georgia is working to honor the man who is considered the "father of aviation maintenance."
As the mechanic and designer of the engine used in the Wright Flyer, Taylor is the forgotten member of the team that made aviation history. The Aviation Maintenance Career Commission (AMCC) is hoping to rectify the oversight by creating a special memorial. It will also honor other pioneers in aviation maintenance, such as Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award recipients.
Money for the memorial will be raised by selling bricks for $50 apiece. The bricks will be part of the memorial that will be dedicated on the anniversary of Taylor's birthday, May 24, 2003. The bricks will have three lines for names, A&P license numbers (if applicable), and affiliations to the aviation maintenance field. For more information, contact Rita Campbell, AMCC executive director, at 770/943-7942.
PILOT HEADLINERS
Recent news from AOPA's weekly e-mail newsletter.
Cirrus breaks ground
Cirrus Design Corporation is planning to ramp up production of its single-engine aircraft lines with the groundbreaking for a new facility at its Duluth, Minnesota, headquarters. Cirrus officials said the new 63,000-square-foot building will be used for painting and finishing operations and will also serve as the customer delivery center.
Daniel Webster rebounds from 9/11
Applications to aviation programs at Daniel Webster College in Nashua, New Hampshire, are up 10 percent over last year — previously a record enrollment year — despite the fallout from September 11. School officials said students are still determined to have careers in aviation.
Olympic torch visits Wright company
The 2002 Winter Olympic Torch Relay brought some attention to aviation's past by stopping at the Dayton Aviation Heritage Historical Park on its way to Utah. The torch spent about five minutes at the Wright Cycle Company in Dayton, Ohio.
GE to buy magneto manufacturer
Unison Industries Inc. announced January 8 that it had signed a definitive agreement to be purchased by GE Engine Services, a division of GE Aircraft Engines, which is a business unit of the General Electric Company. Unison's product list includes a line of magnetos and the Lasar electronic engine control system for piston aircraft engines. The transaction is contingent upon various regulatory approvals. The terms were not disclosed.
Think tank asks president to protect GPS
A Washington, D.C.-based think tank pointed out in a report that the GPS network, important to the aviation industry, could be disrupted by terrorists. The Heritage Foundation concluded that the president should designate the network as a vital national asset and assign the Department of Defense as the lead agency to coordinate security with private businesses and other federal agencies.
Glasair, GlaStar back in the air
More than a year after Stoddard-Hamilton Aircraft Inc. closed its doors, Glasair and GlaStar kits are back in production. Things have been moving ahead of schedule for New Glasair LLC and New GlaStar LLC. In late November a complete GlaStar kit with no backordered parts was shipped to a builder in England.
Gulfstream jet to be used in environmental study
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation has been awarded a $49.8 million contract to supply one G-V business jet to the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). The modified aircraft will be used in a wide range of environmental research missions supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The jet is scheduled to enter service in 2005.
To sign up for the free AOPA ePilot newsletter or to view the archive, see AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/members/files/pilot/epilot/).
Military approves Texan II for training
Good news for Raytheon. The military has approved full-rate production for the T-6A Texan II. The Air Force and the Navy are expected to buy nearly 800 of these training aircraft through 2017.
Raytheon's T-6A training system first became operational last November at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia. The two-seat turboprop aircraft are also being used elsewhere in the world. The NATO Flying Training program in Canada flies 24 of the aircraft while the Hellenic Air Force of Greece started student pilot training in them last September. Raytheon has delivered 17 of the 45 aircraft that were ordered by Greece. Raytheon also developed a comprehensive ground-based training system for the aircraft.
Squawk Sheet
On January 22 the FAA issued a final rule airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Raytheon Aircraft Company aircraft. AD 2002-01-10 requires owners of Beech models 65-90, 65-A90, 65-A90-1, 65-A90-4, B90, C90, C90A, E90, and H90 airplanes to repetitively inspect the main landing gear upper torque knees and lower torque knees for evidence of fatigue cracks and replace them if necessary. The FAA said the AD resulted from many incidents of the main landing gear torque knees cracking or breaking on the specified aircraft. The AD is intended to prevent landing gear from failing during ground operations. The AD takes effect on February 22.
Members in the news
Jim Upton, AOPA 126199, has published his latest book, AirlinerTech Lockheed L-1011 TriStar. It describes the world's first airliner that was designed to land itself and details the jet's unique features, such as the turbofan engines that were the most efficient of the time. It also covers some of the unusual modifications to the jet, including a flying hospital and rocket launch platform. Upton worked for Lockheed for 35 years as a flight test engineer and test director. This is his third book. It is available in bookstores for $16.95 and is being distributed by Specialty Press in the United States.
Marianne Smith, AOPA 1316699, has found a new campaign tool: a Cessna 172. She has been using the airplane along with the help of her husband and twin boys in her bid for the state senate, fourth district, in Northern California. "We bought the plane for business, but it's a great campaign tool," she said. "I can't believe how few legislators seem to understand the benefits or are willing to stand up for GA. If I'm elected, that will change." Smith and her family live at the Nevada County Airpark and can be reached via e-mail ( [email protected]).
Gene Gaynor, AOPA 505624, is a mayoral candidate for the City of Lancaster, California. An active pilot, Gaynor is based at General William J. Fox Airfield and is a former president of the Fox Airport Association.
Jim L. Hamilton, AOPA 155576, was selected by the FAA as the 2002 Certified Flight Instructor of the Year for the Southern Region. Hamilton was selected for promoting aviation, safety, and commerce. "Keep on doing what you are doing. The aviation community needs more teachers and leaders who are not afraid to get involved," said a letter from the FAA. Hamilton owns Midlands Aviation Corporation at the Columbia Owens Downtown Airport in Columbia, South Carolina. He is a contender for the National Certified Flight Instructor of the Year.
Michael P. Melia, AOPA 1413646, has received the Helicopter Association International's (HAI) 2001 MD Helicopters Law Enforcement Award. Melia is a lieutenant with the Massachusetts State Police. During his 26 years with the force, Melia assumed command of the Air Wing Unit and transformed it into an internationally recognized leader in airborne law enforcement. "Melia has provided the citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with a professional, well-equipped, expertly trained airborne law enforcement unit dedicated to public and aviation safety," according to HAI. Melia was scheduled to receive the award on February 16 at Heli-Expo 2002.
Joe Weber, AOPA 908539, has published his latest novel, Dancing With the Dragon, a techno-thriller featuring "nail-biting excitement and razor's-edge flying scenes," according to the author. Released by Presidio Press in hardcover, it is available at bookstores and on the Internet.
Weber blends his own flying experience as a Marine carrier trained pilot, corporate jet captain, and general aviation enthusiast into his best-selling books. For more information, see Weber's Web site ( www.joewebernovels.com).
