Experimenter is a magazine created by EAA for people who build airplanes. We will report on amateur-built aircraft as well as ultralights and other light aircraft.
Issue link: http://experimenter.epubxp.com/i/134623
Chapter to Finish Fallen Member's Plane A special project is occurring at the EAA Chapter 79 hangar on Spokane, Washington's Felts Field. About a dozen chapter members are working to complete construction on the RV-8 owned by a fellow member, U.S. Air Force Captain Tyler Voss, who was tragically killed along with two other airmen when their KC-135 Stratotanker crashed on May 3 in Kyrgyzstan. furbishing his RV-8 before deployment; but duty called, and he would be leaving the next day. Vance said, 'Well, at least you're leaving for a good cause—to fight for your country.' They agreed, wished each other good luck, and Tyler said he would see Vance in two months." Voss, who was 27, joined the chapter about two years ago after acquiring his airplane from another owner. He was feverishly working to finish his new panel and other upgrades at the time he was deployed earlier this year. Chapter President Jack Hohner became friends with Voss when he joined the chapter. "I got to know him when he started working on the airplane in our chapter hangar," he said. "Always had a smile on his face, was well liked by everyone." Chapter 79 is a very active chapter with about 120 members. Chapter member Marian Heale wrote in the May edition of The EAA Chapter 79 newsletter: "On his last day in the country he gave his life for, Tyler was working on his RV-8 at the EAA hangar. He spoke to (chapter member) Vance Simons, who had become a friend since he is also building an airplane in the hangar, and they saw each other often. Tyler said his goal had been to finish re- Unfortunately that day never came. Voss died when his Stratotanker crashed near Chon-Aryk, Kyrgyzstan, shortly after takeoff on a refueling mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After the crash, chapter members decided to volunteer their time to finish Voss' airplane as a tribute to the fallen warrior. "We had more people come forward willing to help out than can be accommodated," Hohner said. He estimated about 40 hours of work left to complete the airplane, which, when done, will be flown back to his hometown in Texas to be given to his family. EAAer Wins in Valdez STOL Competition Congratulations to Frank Knapp, EAA 1111767, of Palmer, Alaska, winner of the Alternate Bush Class (Experimental) in the 2013 STOL competition at the Valdez May Day Fly-In and Air Show in Alaska. 54-foot landing in his first set, and 58 and 56, respectively, in the second. Along with easily winning his class, Knapp's performance was tops for the entire competition. Knapp and his yellow Cub X modified aircraft registered a 58-foot takeoff, Knapp wrote on the SuperCub.com forum, "It was great. After a year of testing and going in small circles (300 hours), I thought it would be comfortable. It's funny what happens with a little pressure! Setting on the ground for a couple seconds after the first landing, I woke to the fact I was really there; it all happened with muscle memory—no one was really flying!" EAA Remembers Frank Beagle EAA was saddened to learn of the passing of Frank "WOOF" Beagle, who died in his sleep on May 12, 2013. Frank was the voice of ultralights, having been the announcer "down on the farm" in the Ultralight/Light Plane area for 30 years. He started announcing in the late 1980s to provide information for those watching the daily flying activities. His deep, gravelly voice and hearty laugh were his signature. Frank was also a member of the board of directors of the original EAA Ultralight Council established in the early 1980s and served as the emcee for several ultralight safety seminars in various states in the Midwest for many years each spring. EAA extends its deepest sympathy to Frank's family and many friends. EAA Experimenter 9