Welcome to Our Last Issue
You know I can remember writing the opposite title seven years ago and with it went so much expectation and fun. What a ride and adventure it has been. We really hope you have enjoyed it as much as we have.
As we construct this final issue, my thoughts are surprisingly not on our past issues, but on the folks we know and have known within the community as well as with the industry's future.
I think this is because I've always seen us as an integral segment of the whole -- not really a separate business, but more of a room within a large home.
And of course, as people who are part of the community, we're not going anywhere. Stu will complete, then fly his Helicycle and continue several research and computer projects on his list. Hopefully, his Safari will go to a good home and once again fly. We'll be going to various helicopter events of course and that will be fun. My secret wish is to travel into many of the countries of our subscribers, to see where they fly and have a sense of what experimental aviation is like elsewhere in the world. When you read and look at the article from Albert Questiaux of South Africa, "2011 Chopper Tour Along The South African East Coast", page 28, you'll know why the itch has gotten a whole lot stronger.
But this is a closure and we do want you to know how fun a trip it's really been. Right from the original commitment as we slowly made our way to Oshkosh in 2004 and the follow on announcement at the evening get together at CHR's camp and Rex Radcliff demanding to have #001 subscription number. I've just been re-reading the beginning of Alice in Wonderland and have a greater appreciation for Alice's senses as she fell down the rabbit hole - amazing what we found in all the cupboards along the way to now.
Every adventure should be completed with a success and ours is no exception. The experimental kits using a turbine engine have a great deal of difficulty obtaining Airworthiness certification because of some FSDOs and their interpretation of the FARs.
Stu's research has uncovered flaws in the regs and was most fortunate to locate a FAA agent willing to work through the difficulties with him. You will read all about it -- as far as it has gone at publication date - in "FAA 91.409 and the Turbine Powered Experimental Amateur Built Rotorcraft", page 5. We urge you to let any builders, owners and pilots of turbine powered experimental helos know of the article and information.
Before continuing to tell you about the rest of the magazine - a much larger issue than usual - I need to let you know that Bill Orth is very ill and needs your best hopes and care for his recovery. We miss him this issue as his articles were so pointed and helpful.
Orv took time off from his increasingly busy schedule to discuss two topics important to him and other RotorWay people. You may want to contact him to lend your support. Check out "From My Vantage Point..." page 8.
Homer and his family are also completing their tenure, as major East Coast helicopter meet location. Chris Yule wrote just the right article, "So Long, It's Been Good to Know You...", page 10, describing this year's finale with the presentation of the photo book Chris created from so many contributed images of past years. . Joe Loxterkamp grabbed a raft of photos of the weekend and I'm sure he has posted the lot on his website.
Ron Bartlett found and detailed information on "The Aviotecnica ES-101 Raven (now the ALPI AH130 Sylon)" page 16, a take off on the RotorWay 162F and for good reason.
Paul Grieshaber and Dick James, complete with his camera again traveled to Oshkosh to bring back photos and information about this huge show, page 19. Geoff Downey wrote a well deserved follow-on piece about "Supporting Oskosh" on page 22.
There are several more articles, which Stu and I found interesting to write. We do hope you enjoy this last issue of Experimental Helo Magazine. We've enjoyed it all.
Kathy Fields
You can now order a printed copy for $10.00 USD from our printer, Pack Wrap Business Center, Inc (see contact area below) in addition to your regular electronic copy. We've started the series with the November 2010 issue. This change gives you the option of obtaining hard copies of those issues which you really need in print. All of the transaction will be between you and PackWrap. Their contact information is at the bottom of this Introduction.
The copy will be a full color, magazine formatted issue, exactly the same as that which you receive electronically.
We've designed a four-inch (4"), full color and embroidered patch and sent the creation off to our favorite embroidery person. You can order now. We have enough for a good first run, so count up the number of places you want to display your very own Test Pilot patch (see the design in the next column) and order from our web site or call. We'll get them out as soon as they arrive, so you'll have them in time for the shows.
The cost is $8.00 USD for US and $8.50 USD for international pilots, which includes shipping. Multiple purchases may need to have a shipping charge added, but it will only be our cost.
Stu says he's putting them on his flight suit, helmet bag and heavy jacket.
So, I hope you enjoy the reading for September 2011. Its been fun putting it together and creating all the changes.
Kathy
PackWrap
1500 McLean St
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
760-446-3010
fax 760-446-5180
packwrap@ridgenet.net or
packwrap@hotmail.com
|
|
|
Kathryn & Stuart Fields, Editors & Publishers of
Experimental Helo magazine
|
|
