Bird strikes are an unescapable risk of aviation. Fortunately, most strikes result in only minor damage, but combine high speeds and large birds (or lots of them) and the outcomes deteriorate. We received a few pictures this week which show a close call between a Piper Arrow and turkey vulture which happily ended without human injury.
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We received a powerpoint slideshow presenting a plausible scenario for the Embraer Legacy / GOL 737 mid-air collision which occured over Brazil on September 29th, 2006. The presentation is in Portuguese, but the key points are well illustrated. While the author is anonymous, the first slide claims that the source is a ‘credentialed’ (certified) by CENIPA the Center for the Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents which is part of the Brasilian Ministry of Defense.
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PlanePlaces.com Correspondant Larry Z filed the following report and photos on his attendance at MERFI 2006 held at the Marion Municipal Airport (KMRT) in central Ohio:

Wow, what a couple of years and a change of leadership can do. I just came back from the annual MERFI (Mid-Eastern Regional Fly-in) in Marion Ohio. In years past I’ve always been a little disappointed in the communications and services once you’re on the ground there. This year was just a wonderful experience.

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Our CH-701, N701ST has had quite a life in photos- including features in EAA Experimenter, Water Flying, and other online and print venues. The latest is the August 2006 issue of the EAA Sport Pilot magazine in an article about light seaplanes. Great shot of Sarah and Larry out for some fun during AirVenture 2005.

It was quite a treat to have a pair of F-22’s visit Oshkosh last week. They are still working at approving a full low-level airshow, so we were limited to impressive low passes, high-g turns and pull-ups, and a higher altitude demonstration of the F-22’s low-speed maneuvering prowess via vectored thrust. Besides our photo album, we put together 3 videos to better capture the power of seeing the F-22 up close.

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We put together a quick look at our photos from our AirVenture trip last week today. It was a great week despite hot tempertures. Highlights included fly-bys by the F-22 Raptor and Navy Blue Angels, the arrival of a Brittish Lancaster Bomber, and a wonderful stay out at the Oshkosh Seaplane Base.

Look for more detailed articles about our various Oshkosh adventures in the coming weeks as we have time to go through our notes and photos.

We got our 1st full day at AirVenture today. The 1st suprise was finding a picture of our Zenair CH-701 in the current issue of Sport Pilot magazine. It is a nice picture taken during lasts year’s Oshkosh with Sarah and Larry out for a ride.

One of the earliest CH-701 amphibians is parked in the homebuilt section this year. N701SR has a distinctive sunset paint scheme and sports a Continental O-200 engine. This CH-701 was completed prior to having the Rotax 912 series as a viable engine option.

One of only two flying Brittish Lanchaster bombers from WWII arrived just prior to the airshow.

The airshow was interupted by a 15 minute downpour which sent much of the crowd running for cover.

We spent the evening back at the seaplane base taking pictures of the action. Tomorrow we’re off for an early morning photo walk with the Canon EOS promotional team followed by another full day of airplanes and those that love them. We’ll get pictures posted to the gallery as soon as possible.

If your path to Oshkosh takes you over north central Indiana, consider KRCR Fulton County Indiana for a stop.  As of 14 July 06, their fuel was priced at $3.50/gallon for 100LL (Basler’s price at OSH was over $4.00 on the same day).

We’re looking forward to another great Oshkosh Airventure this year.  Weather permitting, we’ll have our Zenair CH-701 amphibian at the AirVenture Seaplane Base.  Anyone planning to fly into Oshkosh should get a copy of the current year NOTAM and read it carefully.  General information about the show, lodging, and schedule is available at www.AirVenture.org.

Hope to see you there! And check back here at PlanePlaces.com for full coverage after the show.

Please enjoy our pictures from last years EAA Oshkosh fly-in. We plan to be at Airventure again this year so look forward to another set soon. CLick on the image below to go to the gallery.