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EAA AirVenture ’12 New Target Time
Electric
Flight Prize Competition at Oshkosh Postponed
Despite a strong influx of applications, the Experimental
Aircraft Association (EAA) announced on June 23, 2011, that the $60,000
Electric Flight Prize has been postponed until EAA AirVenture ’12 to allow
viable candidates to complete Phase I flight certification according to Federal
Aviation Administration regulations.
Aircraft designers and innovators submitted nearly a dozen entries into the
$60,000 Electric Flight Prize, which is designed to elevate the accomplishments
and viability of flight powered exclusively by electricity through three flight
competitions and an innovation evaluation.
Sponsored by AeroLEDs, Aircraft Spruce &
Specialty, Dynon Avionics, and Wicks Aircraft Supply, the Electric Flight Prize, was to have been held
during EAA AirVenture ’11, July 25-31 at Wittman Regional Airport (OSH) in
Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Phase I is the normal, designated period in which the pilot completes 40 hours
of flight testing, certifying that the aircraft is controllable throughout its
normal range of speeds and throughout all maneuvers to be executed.
Additionally, the pilot certifies that the aircraft has no hazardous operating
characteristics or design features, and is safe for operation. Completing this
test period and properly documenting its success is a normal process for every
new amateur-built aircraft.
“As with any new, emerging technology, time is an essential element to ensure
advancements are made effectively,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA and AirVenture
chairman. “After discussions with the prize candidates, it was evident most
would not be able to meet the FAA requirement by AirVenture ’11. Let’s be clear
that the era of electric flight is drawing closer every day, and it will be
showcased at Oshkosh.
“By staging the Electric Flight Prize at AirVenture ’12, innovators will be
able to secure necessary certification and build on their advancements,
resulting in a strong field of viable candidates ready to make the future of
aviation a reality.”
Even without the Electric Flight Prize, the latest electric aircraft
innovations will be showcased at AirVenture ’11. Showcase flights from select
aircraft will take place on dates to be announced, plus a full schedule of
forums and displays at the EAA Innovation Center will highlight the advances
and future promise of electric aircraft as this “green” technology begins to
secure a place in tomorrow’s aviation world.
The second annual World Symposium on Electric Aircraft, set for July 29-30,
will feature several industry leaders discussing electric propulsion aircraft
in an open forum, offering what they envision is the future for this rapidly
growing flight segment that is attracting the attention of scientists,
engineers, manufacturers, and investors.
EAA AirVenture 2012 will be held July 23-29 of next year.
Info:
EAA, phone: 800.564.6322 • Website: www.eaa.org
• www.airventure.org .
– Report filed by EAA Communications.
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