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/339662
38 Vol.3 No.7 / July 2014 HANGAR DEBRIEF ELEVEN YEARS HAVE PASSED since I began building my Hatz CB-1 from plans. During this time I've never grown tired of working on my project or lost motivation. After the building process started, I began to clearly understand the passion for home- building that was shared by those who came together and organized the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). I've always been fascinated with the simple designs and construction techniques that were used to create safe, low-cost airplanes. My interest grew more and more and I couldn't wait to start building. I am now down to final as- sembly on my Hatz biplane and preparing for the airworthi- ness inspection. I have developed so many good friendships with other builders who have given a tremendous amount of advice and support. This is the spirit that causes EAA to thrive and grow every year. EAA has been the pathway for millions to get involved in sport aviation by either building or flying. It is paramount that we preserve the history and heritage of EAA and celebrate its early beginnings each year at EAA AirVen- ture Oshkosh. The Hatz Biplane Association and I are proud to par- ticipate in EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014 and support the positive changes coming to the homebuilders' community. Thanks to Homebuilt Community Manager Charlie Becker, there will be an area where we will focus on early home- built designs that were popular in the early years of EAA. The idea is to focus on grassroots, low-cost, in-your-garage homebuilding. We will be focusing on early designs such as the Fly Baby, Pietenpol, Wittman Tailwind, Baby Ace, Hatz biplane, Acro Sport, Breezy, and so on. We invite other homebuilt type clubs and supporters of these designs to join with us to display drawings and provide information to potential builders. A builder will be able to see examples of finished and flying airplanes that were built using skills that can be learned in the Workshops area. The new display will be in the Aeroplane Factory (the former North Exhibit Building). Our goal is to develop and grow a common area that brings back to life the early, nostalgic, plans-built airplanes and provides technical help to those who want to get started building. Many people who are considering building come to Oshkosh to gain knowledge and search for resources as they begin, and later, throughout the building process. We will be there to offer information and support. Please stop by the Aeroplane Factory and visit our dis- play. If you would like to volunteer to help promote this grassroots scratchbuilding effort, please e-mail me at Kevin.Conner@Williams.com . Kevin Conner is the president of the Hatz Biplane Association. Learn, Build, and Fly… A new plans-built emphasis at Oshkosh BY KE VIN CONNER, E A A 700293 E A A E X P _ J u l y 1 4 . i n d d 3 8 EAAEXP_July14.indd 38 7 / 1 / 1 4 9 : 5 8 A M 7/1/14 9:58 AM