FOURTH QUARTER | 2017
Supporting Backcountry Pilots for 4 years!
STOL ADVOCATE
STEVE JOHNSON
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STOL
AIRCRAFT MAGAZINE
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Q4 | 2017 Volume III | Number 4
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19 LATEST EDITION TO THE STOL AIRCRAFT MAGAZINE FLEET
SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY DENNIS “SHOOTER” SMITH
DENNIS “SHOOTER” SMITH
39 PRESS RELEASE Airframes Alaska Purchases Performance STOL “Keller” Flaps
44 TAKING TIME TO TAKE IN NEW VIEWS DOUG TURNBULL & MIKE NELSON
48 OSHKOSH 2017 A STOL Adventure DENNIS “SHOOTER” SMITH
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DEPARTMENTS www.STOLAircraftMagazine.com PUBLISHING
Publication Printers
CEO
Sheila Smith
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EDITOR IN CHIEF Dennis “Shooter” Smith
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
03 FROM THE COCKPIT Message from the Editor
DENNIS “SHOOTER” SMITH
04 AIRMAIL Letters to the Editor 05 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
16 MEDICAL TIPS Kidney Stones, Even These Shall Pass
RANDLE CORFMAN, MD, PHD
21 STOL STOPS #BackcountryGetAway Sulphur Creek Ranch, Idaho SCOTT BOLING
06 ASSET PROTECTION Buying a New Aircraft
36 STOL STOPS Lake Michigan Fly Out
09 BUSH PROTECTION Bond Arms Derringer, BackUp Protection from Texas
38 STOL PERFORMANCE TK1 Racing Suspension
SCOTT “SKY” SMITH
DENNIS “SHOOTER” SMITH
12 THE DUKE SPEAKS How’s Your Temperature? DUKE SMITH
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JEFFERY BABER
CHANCE STERLING
58 BOOK REVIEW Engine Management 101 by Bill Ross, Vice President of Product Support for Superior Air Parts DENNIS “SHOOTER” SMITH
SKYWARD BOUND
DENNIS “SHOOTER” SMITH
64 THE EMPENNAGE Our Parting Shot, Why Do We Fly DENNIS “SHOOTER” SMITH
ON THE COVER Steve Johnson STOL Advocate
DENNIS “SHOOTER” SMITH
40 SO YOU WANT TO BUILD A STOL Part Twelve: Saying Goodbye
INSIDE BACK COVER People & Planes of STOL
RICHARD WALKER
54 SOUTHWESTERN REGION Encourage the Next Generation of Pilots
ADVERTISING INDEX
RICK BOSSHARDT
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Airframes Alaska...41 Avemco Insurance...Inside Front Cover Bearhawk...42 CubCrafters...11 Custom Aircraft...23 EarthX...27 Husky Aviat Aircraft Inc...10 Micro AeroDynamics Inc...08 Q4 2017 |
STOL
AIRCRAFT MAGAZINE
Randle Corfman, MD, PhD Richard Walker Rick Bosshardt Scott Boling Scott “Sky” Smith
ART DIRECTOR Jackie McMillen
GRAPHIC DESIGN Courtney Smith PRODUCTION Innovative Solutions Group PHOTOGRAPHERS Dennis “Shooter” Smith Sheila Smith
WEB DESIGN Sheila Smith
ADVERTISING
Advertising Manager Sheila Smith 713-299-2062 sss@stolaircraftmagazine.com Dennis ”Shooter” Smith 713-816-0927 shooter@stolaircraftmagazine.com
MAILING ADDRESS: 13121 Louetta Road, Ste 1370
DENNIS “SHOOTER” SMITH
14 MAINTENANCE Pickle Your Engine. Do It.
Chance Sterling Dennis “Shooter” Smith Doug Turnbull Duke Smith Jeffery Baber Mike Nelson
Cypress, Texas 77429
PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 32106 Windrose Lane Waller Texas 77484
SUBSCRIPTIONS Sheila Smith
BACK ISSUES To purchase back issues please visit: www.STOLAircraftMagazine.com
R & M Steel...13 SkySmith Insurance...08 SunCountry Cubs...57 Texas STOL Round Up...Back Cover Texas STOL Round Up Play and Win...59 Turnbull Restoration...47 Univair...23
RETAIL SALES To sell STOL Aircraft Magazine at your establishment contact Dennis Smith at 713-816-0927
SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES
To change your address, order new subscriptions or report a problem with your current subscription, please email STOL Aircraft Magazine at sss@STOLAircraftMagazine.com Printed in The United States of America
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From The Cockpit |
BY DENNIS “SHOOTER” SMITH
ell, we have completed another year of production. The third quarter 2017, “Frank’s issue,” closed out our third year of production. This issue, the fourth quarter of 2017 starts year number four. We are now read in all fifty states and 27 countries. We here at Casa del STOL thank you, our readers and advertisors who have supported us in our first three years of steady growth. As we move toward the close of 2017 we must look back and consider several safety issues impacting our sport. Slow flight is very unforgiving. Several crashes have occurred this year directly related to minimal flight speeds. Fortunately, low speed results in lessened impact and few injuries have occurred. Before trying to fly low and slow, become proficient at high and slow. Learn the boundaries of your aircraft’s performance envelope before dragging it in on final approach or down the landing area. Ground effect will help very little at minimal speeds. Be very aware of wind conditions at low flight speed. The sudden loss of a head wind at minimal speed may result in the loss of lift and possible stall. Low flight has come under new scrutiny from the FAA related to both aircraft and drones. Check your FAR-AIM for the fine print of flying low. In general, flying below 500 feet can get you in trouble in most areas of our country. Know the definition of “open assembly of people.” Understand what objects are defined as “structures.” Chasing the neighbor’s cows, a coyote, pig, buzzing the beach or river sandbar can get you “busted” by the Feds. VFR minimums don’t change because your in a STOL aircraft that can fly at twenty miles per hour. Know the rules before you go. It could save your license to fly. We have all heard by now that the BasicMed medical is in effect. New rulings require a bit of study to bring us up to speed. Check AOPA’s and EAA’s websites for information on the requirements of BasicMed if you plan to fly under this medical model. The ruling DOES have limitations. Don’t be fooled that you can fly with all health conditions and limitations under this type of medical. Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner. Pilot’s should be exceptionally thankful. We are blessed with the ability to see our world from a perch that most will never experience. We can fly into scenic areas that have no other means of access. Give back this holiday season. Support those that support and fight for your way of life. Contribute to the AOPA, the RAF, Supercub.org and give a subscription of STOL Magazine to a friend. Give a child a ride in your aircraft for Christmas.
Give Thanks, have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. With cooler temperatures and shorter days coming our way, inspect your aircraft, do some maintenance, check your annual and ELT battery date. Replace the batteries in your PLB and tracking device and above all, be safe out there.
Dennis “Shooter” Smith Editor-in-Chief STOL Aircraft Magazine shooter@STOLAircraftMagazine.com 713-816-0927
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STOL DEPARTMENT
Airmail
Dennis, Sheila and staff, Just like to say thanks for a magazine that just gets better and better. With encouraging good friends and STOL, the fire has been lit to finish my Cubby. Twenty five years in the making, with a few airplanes in between, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Its a STOL clip wing, which makes for a long story. Having the time of my life! -Wayne from Hamilton MI
Built from scratch, wag-aero plans with some changes, 85 stroker, copied paint from CC with permission.
“You guys are awesome!!” -Anthony, Kerr Valley Airport
Hi, Just caught a serendipitous reference to your magazine in a IG videopost re OSH#17. Lucky me! I just subscribed through pay pal for a year. -Steve M
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“Really like your magazine, so do my brothers, keep up the good work. ” -George W., Colorado
I am a proud subscriber to STOL Aircraft Magazine -Nick M.
STOL
AIRCRAFT MAGAZINE
STOL DEPARTMENT
Calendar of Events
COMING EVENTS 4TH ANNUAL TEXAS STOL ROUNDUP-NEW LOCATION! NEW DATE! SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 1, 2017 HONDO, TEXAS
The fourth annual Texas STOL round-up will be held at its new location on South Texas Regional Airport in Hondo Texas. (HDO) This former military training field was built in response to the attack on Pearl Harbor for pilot training in less than 90 days! The field provides five runways in excess of 3200’ with the longest being 6002’. It has a massive ramp and a new modern terminal building. A grass runway has been made especially for the STOL competition. Hondo is located 38 miles west of San Antonio Texas on highway 90. Multiple vendors and sponsors including STOL Aircraft Magazine will be on the field for the event. Register to compete and receive a chance to win a Turnbull/Marlin lever action .45-70 rifle courtesy of Turnbull Manufacturing and STOL Aircraft Magazine. Come and enjoy the competition, comradery, and fun. The new fall date should provide for good weather.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR! September 29-October 1, 2017 4rd Annual Texas STOL Round-Up Hondo Municipal Airport Hondo, Texas Info www.texasstolroundup.org A STOL Aircraft Magazine sponsored event
October 5-9, 2017
Wentworth Aerodrome Fly-in, The WAD
October 19-22, 2017
High Sierra Fly-in and STOL Drag Race Dead Cow Lake Bed, Nevada A STOL Aircraft Magazine sponsored event
December 17, 2017
113th Anniversary of First Human Manned Heavier than Air Flight Kitty Hawk, North Carolina
October 13-15, 2017
Thomasville Georgia 50th Fly-in (TV)
Submitted by Marc Cramer of NY
THE HIGH SIERRA FLY-IN AND STOL DRAG RACE OCTOBER 19-22, 2017 DEAD COW LAKE BED, NV
Submitted by Kevin Quinn.
Come see and participate in Kevin Quinn’s unique STOL Drag Race on Dead Cow Lake Bed just a stone’s throw away from Reno Nevada.This STOL Aircraft Magazine sponsored event is a one of a kind. Pitting all comers of all aircraft types against one another for a drag race STOL style. Daily activities and fly outs. Night time fun around the campfire. Bring your tent and enjoy the action!
KEEPING UP WITH YOUR SUBSCRIPTION
DON’T LET IT RUN OUT!
STOL Aircraft Magazine is published four times per year. Mail dates are March 15th, June 15th, September 15th and December 15th. Subscriptions run for one or two years, depending on the requested length of your subscription, from the date that we receive your subscription. Your subscription termination date is located on the mailing label of each issue. If you have provided us with your e-mail address, we will send you a reminder that your subscription is about to end. If you have not provided an e-mail address we will send you a post card reminder. STOL Aircraft Magazine adheres to strict confidentiality standards. We will not sell or release your e-mail address or any other information that you provide to us. We hate junk mail as much as you do. We hope that you enjoy reading STOL and that you will refer us to a friend or advertiser.
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STOL DEPARTMENT
Asset Protection |
BY SCOTT “SKY” SMITH
BUYING A NEW AIRCRAFT
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hat better way to celebrate the holiday season than to buy a new aircraft. And if you currently own an aircraft and have it insured you probably have coverage to protect that new purchase, sort of. Typically, aviation policies include a new aircraft purchase coverage that is good for 30 days from the purchase of a new aircraft. BUT...that doesn’t mean all aircraft are covered. If you own a single engine, four place fixed gear aircraft and you have never flown anything else, that doesn’t mean that you can go buy a light twin or a heavy single and have coverage. You might be able have the aircraft delivered and parked in your hangar until you make arrangements but maybe not.
Make sure that you read the policy for their specific definitions of an aircraft on your policy. One company’s division states “single engine, non-pressurized, less than 350 horsepower and less than 9 seats”. If you buy something outside of the listed parameters the policy you have might not be able to cover the aircraft. Basically, that division of the aviation insurance company and the policy you have might not be able to provide coverage for the new aircraft. That doesn’t mean the “company” won’t provide coverage, but it might have to go through a different branch or division. Additionally, there are often requirements on the amount of time the aircraft needs to be owned and the company needs to be notified. An example of that might be “if the aircraft
is to be leased or owned for MORE than 30 days then there is coverage if the company is notified within 30 days of the purchased. If that’s not enough, just because the aircraft is covered, doesn’t mean you can fly it. In the case of a move up, say you own a Cessna 172 or a Piper Cherokee 140 and you move up to a Cessna 180 or even a Super Cub it doesn’t mean you are covered. If you are not qualified in the aircraft, you cannot fly it and be insured. In addition, if you hire a pilot, they won’t be insured unless they meet the open pilot warranty. But how do you know what the open pilot warranty is? If you are buying an aircraft that is not similar to what you have on the policy, the open pilot warranty will not be the same. So you will probably need
to ask the agent. And, by the way, what is an open pilot warranty anyway? Open Pilot Warranty (OPW) simplified, is the minimum requirements that a person must meet to fly your aircraft AND for you to be covered. That doesn’t mean that they are protected, but you are. Example time! If you have someone that flies your aircraft, maybe less than 10 hours a year, they could be under the OPW. If you own a 4 place, fixed gear, single engine: the OPW might be private license, current medical, current flight review, 300 hours total time and 10 hours make and model. If the pilot meets those requirements and is flying your aircraft and has a claim, the company will usually pay the claim as if it was yours. BUT, if the insurance company felt the pilot was at fault, they
will probably go after the pilot to pay back all the money that they paid you in the claim. That’s part of subrogation of rights, which is another article. When you start dealing with higher performance aircraft, (retractable gear, constant speed propellers, etc.), the OPW is more restrictive. It might be Private license, instrument rating, 750 total time, 250 retractable and 25 make and model. Another thing to watch is the instructor requirements. Most polices require the instructor to meet a portion of the OPW or they cannot provide instruction. I have had many cases where the instructor must have an instructors rating, 250 retract time and 25 make and model and the instructor only has 5
hours make and model or doesn’t have any. In that case, by the policy, there is no coverage for the dual the owner is receiving. No coverage? Just because the instructor knows how to fly that particular aircraft, doesn’t mean that they will meet the instructor requirements of the insurance company. How do you find out these requirements? Read the policy or call the agent. What does all this mean? Even if you have coverage included, it might not do you any good. Remember this is an insurance policy (or contract). You need to follow the policy language. If you are not sure of the policy language or have questions, maybe the only way to find out is call the agent and ask questions. If you make the call to the agent for the details, you just as well have them get w w w. S T O L A i r c r a f t M a g a z i n e . c o m
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STOL DEPARTMENT
Medical Tips | to speak. The crystal enlarges, grows and a kidney stone is produced within the kidney. The ureter moves the urine, with the stone, down the pathway toward the bladder but if the stone is of a size that impedes the flow of urine back pressure upstream from the stone increases and the ureter dilates. This dilation causes significant irritation to the nerves which supply the ureter, inducing a more powerful contraction by the ureter, providing even more stimulation to the nerves within the ureter. The ureter is typically 10-14 inches in length and should the stone be of large enough diameter it may take a considerable length of time to move the stone. Occasionally the stone may be so large that it simply cannot pass! Nature knows how important it is to keep the urine flowing in order to remove waste products and the ureters will writhe strongly, shutting down other operations in order to facilitate movement of the urine. Hence the incapacitating pain.
BY RANDLE CORFMAN, MD, PhD.
What can we do to prevent formation of kidney stones? Hydration. Drink plenty of fluids, water in particular (2-3 liters per day!). The more you sweat, the less urine you produce and this increases the concentration of substances within the kidney which are capable of forming stones. For some of us it may be necessary to avoid certain foods (nuts, seeds and grains which are high in oxalate content) unless they are combined with calcium-rich foods (calcium and oxalate bind each other in the gut, reducing likelihood of kidney stone formation). Treatment of kidney stones is generally to push fluids and give whatever pain medications it takes to control your pain. I’m talking big pain relievers, even intravenous choices. In some cases it will be necessary to undergo treatment with ultrasonic means of breaking up the stones (lithotripsy), or to have an operative procedure to go up through the bladder to retrieve the stone, or to place a stent to facilitate the passage of
urine through the blockage until the stone can be dissolved. If you understand the impact that kidney stones can have on your ability to do even simple tasks, you can understand why the FAA is so concerned with aviators who have a history of kidney stones. Once you have had a kidney stone attack (and it truly is an attack) you are more likely to have another, particularly if there are other stones hiding up inside the kidney! This will require some sort of diagnostic imaging study so that your urologist can clearly state that there are no further stones present within the kidneys or ureters. For most aviators who have a solitary kidney stone you can be back into the cockpit quickly, but you should selfground until your urologist is confident that there are no remaining stones. If you are operating under BasicMed, simply report the episode to your primary care physician. If you are operating under an FAA medical certificate, let your AME know and the AME will want a letter from your urologist stating an absence of remaining stones and, provided certain conditions are met, your medical certificate can be issued by your AME on the spot. Drink much water, my friends! That is the key to preventing kidney stones and the pain that goes with it! Happy flying! Randle Corfman, MD, PHD is a reproductive specialist in MN. He holds commercial, instrument, S/MEL and SES ratings. He has special interest in wilderness and survival training and flies a C-210 and PA-18.
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AIRCRAFT MAGAZINE
LATEST ADDITION TO
T HE
STO L A I R CRAF T M AG AZ IN E
F L E E T
We have recently sold our Backcountry Super Cubs project and purchased a 1963 Piper PA-18 Super Cub. (See Build a STOL in this issue). I will give a full description of the history, detail, and specifics of the aircraft in our next issue.
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Photo by Larry Griffith
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STOL
AIRCRAFT MAGAZINE
Photo by Larry Griffith
Photo by Larry Griffith
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