Transitioning low-time pilots
The Cirrus accident this week launched an important thread, just how do low-time, trainer pilots transition to an RV? It's going to take more than just a few hours with an RV isn't going to cut it, isn't it? (More on RV List)

Rudder "problem" blamed in Inhofe incident
As his plane approached the Tulsa airport, Inhofe said he informed the tower of the rudder problem and that he needed to land on the airport's longer runway instead of the shorter one he normally uses. (Tulsa World)

Annual price hike announced
Van's Aircraft has announced their annual price increase, a bit earlier than normal. According to a posting on the company Web site, prices will increase no more than 3%. (More)

Behind the scenes at Land of Enchantment
As Doug Reeves approached the Land of Enchantment Fly-in organization, I was struck by his passion, not just for the sake of flying an RV, but also for his obvious interest in a couple of local charities, as well as his obvious interest in a favorite subject of mine: the concept of "community." In an e-mail this week, I asked Doug about his "behind-the-scene" story. (More)

Interception procedures
Watching this video of an RV-8 being intercepted (it was practice) by some A-10s reminded me to pick up a copy of the AOPA interception checklist."
Related video:
Don't land downwind (You Tube)

Profile: Dalski RV-10
Just discovered this article in a previous edition of EAA chapter 168's newsletter about repeat offender Dave Dalski. Dave is building an RV-10. He's already built an RV-8. (More)

First Flights
This issue we've replaced the first flights feature with something for builders. At the same time, we're struck by the number of first flights by people whose names we don't recognize from the various bulletin boards. Here's Loal Wood, who flew his RV-7 for the first time Tuesday morning. (MoKan Chapter)

OTHER NEWS

Best use of instrument space
Dave installs engine gauges. (The Adventures of N466PG)

What RVers are saying about the NYC crash
RV Builders on Yahoo
SoCal RVers
VAF
RV List

GA safety issues to get more scrutiny
NTSB chairman's remarks before investigators' workshop. (NTSB)

Morons to Oshkosh
AVWeb column reviewing the inability of some pilots to follow simple directions.

Are service bulletins mandatory?
Tom Ferraro takes on a topic that usually leads to spirited debate. (EAA 1246)

Changes in SWRFI
New leadership and a "smarter" schedule. (EAA 35)

Flight of three
Dave Copp writes about a gaggle of planes -- including an RV -- who head for the motorcycle rally in Sturgis. Nice, ummm, pictures. (EAA 648)

Resources
VAF adds section for reference material. (VAF)

FLYING STORIES The sky was not smooth this time. Most of the flight, we were in very light chop. Good thing Jack doesn't get sick. I was able to find three bumps that Jack used to test the canopy with his head. I am happy to report that the canopy had no problem with remaining on the plane, no cracking from a blunt object striking it, and Jack's head didn't bleed any. I didn't say it didn't hurt but that is part of Jack's story. -- Tom Gummo in EAA 768 newsletter

Long bolts on brakes
Here's an idea that I've never heard of before, that apparently makes a big difference in the "springback" action on brake pedals. Replace the two small bolts in each pedal bottom, with a single long bolt. Does it work? Some folks in the VAF thread, although it may raise some removal issues. I'd love to hear more from people who've tried it, or analyzed the fix.

Roll your own intersection fairings
Rick Gray of the Ohio Valley RVators group on Yahoo says making your own intersection fairings is the way to go. "It takes 2 or 3 days total time," Rick says, 'but only a few hours of actual work time." He offers a step by step approach. A couple of pretty spiffy pictures here too.

ARCHIVES See a list of previous RV Builder Hotlines organized by date and subject. (Go)

PICTURE OF THE WEEK Bryan Duke took this nifty air-to-air shot while on a lunch run last Sunday in Kern Valley, Calif. More pictures are here.