Lab One Offers Oil Analysis

Welcome to Lab One, Inc.

Lab One Inc was started in 1985 in Tempe Arizona as an oil analysis laboratory serving the aviation industry. With an acquisition of new personnel with expertise in ground equipment, Lab One branched out with a division that serves the trucking, construction and many other industries with quality oil analysis for ground equipment. New state of the art analysis equipment was introduced to make the flow of samples go quickly through the lab so all samples received in a given day could be processed and the results returned to the customer that evening.

In 2003, the lab was in need of larger quarters and moved to our present location just south of downtown Phoenix. The aviation division expanded the general aviation department to include a network of aviation distributors for the kits. Ground equipment kits are available directly from us or see our list of oil analysis kit distributors. Lab One has been approved by many companies both in the aviation division and the ground equipment department. Lab One is also an independent preferred testing laboratory for the Conoco Phillips Oil Company and distributes kits under the Analysis Plus Label.

Synergy Aircraft Project Launches Funding Drive on Kickstarter.com

 

Grassroots support prompts new guidelines at trendy crowdfunding site.

 

Kalispell, MT, May 16, 2012: Since its unveiling last year, John McGinnis' award-winning¹ Synergy aircraft project has garnered a lot of critical attention for its advanced aerodynamics, but its sexy looks and prototype flyby videos certainly don't hurt the pitch: major fuel savings and a modern passenger experience.

 

Looking something like a futuristic cross between a sailplane and a fighter jet, the boldly different five-seat aircraft promises a quieter, more comfortable ride, along with greater performance and efficiency. Curb appeal aside, there's an old quip among aviators; their response to the technical question of what really makes an airplane fly: “money.”

 

A Kickstarter.com fan himself, McGinnis prepared a project submission and was met with a terse “not the best fit for Kickstarter, as it does not fit our creative arts focus.” In response, several followers formed Friends of Synergy, a direct-to-project funding drive modeled on the Kickstarter rewards, which quickly raised over $5000. Others began typing emails and blog entries.

 

“We're not sure what happened,” McGinnis said, “but just after we gave up hope, we got an email from Kickstarter’s Callan Lamb: “I wanted to reach out and let you know that we've reconsidered your project submission.”

 

McGinnis said, “We're ecstatic that Kickstarter will now help. Though this Synergy Kickstarter project's initial goal of $65,000 is just ‘life support’ for the engine and landing gear installation phase of a much larger completion effort, we’re happy to receive this opportunity at this crucial time.” Many timely projects receive an outpouring of enthusiasm from backers, which is part of the appeal of the crowdfunding model, McGinnis said.

 

The Synergy Project bears a resemblance to other breakthrough efforts of modern memory, like the Gossamer Condor and Gossamer Albatross projects of Dr. Paul MacCready in the 70s, and the Rutan Voyager project in the 80's, which were accomplished almost entirely through volunteer efforts.

 

A credentialed lineup of test pilots, engineers and scientists, including thousands who follow the kit aircraft movement, are likewise following the project closely, many lending their time and expertise to the project at no charge. Several have traveled to Montana to help out personally, as the regular updates that appear on the project Facebook page have shown.

 

McGinnis and his growing team are much more confident in the aeronautical work than in the mood swings of the economy. Fickle or not, the project is counting on a major response from their resurrected Kickstarter campaign. “I think this could be huge,” McGinnis says. “Ordinary people get it.”

 

About Synergy:
Synergy is a five place, single engine experimental aircraft designed by John McGinnis. Unveiled April 29, 2011 by the EAA, online, and at the CAFE Electric Aircraft Symposium, the DeltaHawk diesel-powered, pressurized aircraft is distinguished by its unique 'double box tail' configuration and simultaneous application of seven highly advanced drag reduction technologies (patents pending).

 

Synergy home page:  www.synergyaircraft.com

 

Synergy Aircraft on Facebook (all regular updates):

Seen it all before? Probably not this time – get details of the unusual premise behind ‘open thermodynamics’ and the double box tail configuration; the engineering and testing of the concepts to date by clicking here.

Aero Lithium Batteries.. The Wave of the Future....Read On

If your reading this; you already know that the primitive lead acid battery is going the way of the horse and buggy.
Energy storage  in a lithium battery has advanced to the point of being very safe; very lightweight ; 1/4th or less the weight of a lead battery, longer life span, no battery tender required, higher resting voltage, higher cranking voltage / amps, cleaner, no gassing, less toxic and  environmentally much greener than lead acid.

Whether you have a Lycoming or Continental or Rotax or Jabiru engine;

Consider that a lithium replacement battery will last 5 times longer, and cost about 3 x's more than a stock lead  battery, thus, cheaper in the long run, while providing the benefits of lighter weight and smaller size.

Lithium lightweight airplane starting batteries are for those that want faster acceleration, increased useful load,  shorter takeoffs and landings, have weight and balance issues,  want less mass/ stress during hard G turns, no maintenence, install anywhere, and like being on the leading edge of technology. 

The Lithium Iron Phosphate chemistry of these batteries are non- hazardous, non flammable and non corrosive. Extremely small self discharge , no memory like NiCd, and can be serviced / refurbished if ever. These Lithium aircraft starting batteries are a retrofit unit that will work in ANY fixed wing aircraft, helicopters, light sport planes, experimental aircraft, gyrocopters.

Engines with fuel injection or electronic ignition are highly advised to have a backup battery installed.  Lithium makes a good choice.


Contact Us Today

Free Flight Aviation Holding LEARN to FLY DAY

May 19: Learn to Fly Day

May14

GET YOUR “FREE” TICKETS BY CLICKING HERE OR HERE!

Have you dreamed of taking off into the blue skies above? 
The wild blue yonder?
Just for a moment?
Forever?

May 19th (Rain Date May 20th)  is your chance.
Please join Freeflight Aviation for
the 3rd Annual Celebration of “International Learn to Fly Day” across the country.
We’ll answer your questions.
Help Plan your future.
Show you aircraft.
Provide a means of taking flight.
(A New Diamond DA20 with G500 will be on display)
Listen to our song, our music, the HUM of Flight.
It’s our PASSION, it’s our Place, our People.

Visit our home, the Flying W Airport and Resort.
Known for it’s “Aircraft Shaped Swimming Pool”.
Peaceful, relaxing, and fairly quite, it sings our song, the Hum of Flight.
Come early and enjoy breakfast at the Runway Café.
Stay late, and enjoy a meal at the newly opening Pirones Restaurant (opening in early May).

The Diamond DA20

Freeflight Aviation with our EAA Member Friends, will be providing
Young Eagle Flights on May 19th 10 AM to 2 PM. 
First Come, first serve. 
Young Eagles..take an online course with Sportys and get a FREE Introductory Flight.

Too far away to visit our event, visit the International Learn to Fly Website for a location near you.

Are you on Facebooks? 

Thinking about joining us, you can also sign up on our Facebook Event Page .

Wicks Aircraft Supply...FREE SHIPPING!!!

Wicks Teams Up with PolyFiber for Seminar

TEAMS UP WITH

 

 

FOR A TWO DAY FABRIC COVERING WORKSHOP TO BE HELD

 

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

JUNE 8^TH & 9TH

 

2012

 

WICKS AIRCRAFT SUPPLY

410 PINE STREET

HIGHLAND, ILLINOIS 62249

 

 

WICKS AIRCRAFT / POLY-FIBER WORKSHOP

 

This 2-day seminar will give you hands on experience learning the basics of fabric covering.  Poly-Fiber Aircraft Coatings personnel will be running the hands-on seminar.  Working from a syllabus that has been refined over the past 15 years, the presenters will demonstrate preparation, fitting, gluing, heat-shrinking, coatings, taping, rib stitching and final painting techniques.

 

Essentially, it’s a 16-hour hands-on course, working with the materials and learning the skills of aircraft covering.  “We provide all the materials and tools for the class.  In 2 days of cutting, stitching and painting, most people are ready to go home and cover wooden wings or a tube fuselage.”

 

Friday, June 8th

7:30-8:00 am      - Registration (coffee & donuts)

8:00- 12:00        – Introduction and Safety

                   -Priming; Varnishing and Surface Prep

                  -Fabric Installation

                  -Heat Shrinking

                  -First coat of Poly Brush

 

12:00-12:30       - Lunch (provided)

12:30-5:00        – Envelopes and Tail-feathers

                  -Rib Lacing

                  -Fuselages

 

 

Saturday, June 9th:

8:00 am               – Taping 

                  -Heat smoothing tapes

12:00-12:30       - Lunch (provided)

12:30-4:30        – Spraying Poly Brush

                  -Spraying Poly Spray

                 -Spraying Poly Tone

                 -Repairs

                 -Topcoat paint review

 

 

.

 

Place:    Wicks Aircraft Supply

         410 Pine Street

      Highland, IL  62249

 

Cost:      $350 per person. Discounted price for EAA members - $325

Credit card required to secure your reservation.  Your credit card will not be charged until the week of the workshop

 

Equipment: Poly Fiber manual, all tools and supplies for class are provided.  Attendees may purchase any fabric, paint, spray equipment and painting tools and supplies.  Wicks offer a 10% discount during the workshop.

 

Sign up  @ wicksaircraft.com website for “Fabric Class ”, or call

1-800-221-9425 for more details and to reserve your spot.

 

Maximum class size:  25

Minimum class size: 12  (If 12 people are not signed up by June 1st, we will cancel the workshop and all deposits will be refunded. No refunds for airline tickets).

 

Hotels:

Holiday Inn Express, 20 Central Blvd., Highland, IL 62249 phone 618-651-1100.

 

Transportation:  Shuttles to and from local hotels provided.  Pick up and drop-off to local airports for those who wish to fly in.  Shafer’s Metro East Airfield, in St. Jacob, IL (3K6); Highland Illinois Airfield (H07); Greenville Illinois Airport (GRE).  Please call at least 2 days in advance so we can schedule your pick up and departure.

Soaring NV Grants Commercial Pilot Rating

Gabriel Hopes to Fly for Virgin Galactic

Gabriel Engle Passes Commercial Pilot Glider Check ride

Gabriel Engle of San Francisco, CA, earned his Commercial Pilot Glider license on May 8, 2012 at SoaringNV, Minden, NV. 

Gabriel is an Airbus Captain for Virgin Atlantic Airlines.  Gabriel  hopes  having a commercial glider rating will help him achieve his goal of flying for Virgin Galactic. 

Gabriel was trained by Russell Holtz, Chief Instructor at SoaringNV, who had this to say, “Gabriel studied ahead of time and arrived very well prepared, which accelerated his training.” 

Gabriel also utilized our glider flight simulator, which saved him about $1000 on his training.  Gabriel said, “From the get-go everyone at SoaringNV was friendly, patient, professional, and thorough. 

I came in with no sailplane experience, and Russell had me ready for my commercial check ride in less than a week.”






Accompanying photo (L to R):  Mike Johnson, Designated Pilot Examiner; Gabriel Engle, Commercial Glider Pilot; Russell Holtz, Glider Instructor

Soaring NV and a New Pliot...Pedro Azevedo Passes Private Pilot Glider Check ride

Pedro Azevedo Passes Private Pilot Glider Check ride

Soaring NV

- May 6th, 2012

    Pedro Azevedo is a new glider pilot who became interested in flying as a child. He is originally from Canada and has wanted to fulfill this childhood fantasy of flying sailplanes.

Pedro has been taking lessons at Soaring NV with Gabe Bourbeau, a Soaring NV tow pilot and glider instructor.

On May 6th, 2012 Pedro received his first rating as a private glider pilot from DPE, Mike Johnson. All of his training has been done in Soaring NV’s training glider ASK-21.

He has now accomplished his childhood fantasy, and looks forward to soaring on his own.

Accompanying photo (L to R): Gabe Bourbeau, Glider Instructor; Pedro Azevedo, Private Pilot Glider; Mike Johnson, Designated Pilot Examiner

Bankruptcy For Hawker Beechcraft

Hawker Beechcraft Thursday announced that it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, having entered agreements to eliminate $2.5 billion in debt and securing financing that will allow it to pay its employees, for now. Last year, Hawker lost over $600 million, but company officials remain publicly optimistic about the viability of the company. "Restructuring our balance sheet and recapitalizing the company in partnership with our debt holders will dramatically improve Hawker Beechcraft's ability to compete in a rapidly changing environment," CEO Robert Miller said in a statement. Restructuring won't just impact Hawker, which last week announced 350 layoffs, but will also impact suppliers. The company says it will continue to operate "in the normal course of business" and fill all orders for available products.

The company will now work to restructure its balance sheet and recapitalize. It will continue with its bid to win a Light Air Support contract from the U.S. Air Force for its AT-6. Hawker says that more than two-thirds of its bank and senior bond debt holders have given support to its prearranged restructuring plan. If the court confirms the company's reorganization and consummates the plan, equity ownership in Hawker will be transferred to the company's debt holders. The company is currently headquartered in Wichita, with operations in Arkansas, England, and Mexico. It owns 100 authorized service centers worldwide.

Cessna Caravans Final Assembly In China

A "strategic agreement" between Cessna and the China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Company Ltd. (CAIGA) will see Caravans completed in China for sale to the Chinese market, Cessna announced Thursday. Cessna says the agreement advances a framework set in March that opens markets to the manufacturer that otherwise would remain out of reach. Under the agreement, Cessna Caravans will be built in Kansas and sent to Shijiazhuang, China, for final assembly and sale in China. Cessna expects China "to be one of the largest general aviation markets in ten year's time," and that "the versatility of the Caravan makes it a great fit" for the Chinese market.

According to Cessna, CAIGA "has demonstrated great capabilities with general aviation production, and this made the choice of the Shijiazhuang facility a simple one." Cessna hopes the Caravan will cater to commuter fleets, tourist operations and sightseeing businesses in China. CAIGA's parent company is AVIC, which signed a deal with Cessna in March. CAIGA's facility will conduct finally assembly, painting, testing, interior installation, customization, flight testing and delivery for in-country customers. The relationship between CAIGA and Cessna is meant to create the foundation of a larger venture that will include not just final assembly but also "sales and customer support for the Caravan in China, for the Chinese market."