AGAZINE - Midwest Flyer

deposit was mailed the next morning.
I attended the first week of class
in September in Oshkosh, Wisconsin,
and then the second and third weeks
in October and February in Corning,
California. This gave me the unique
opportunity to experience the course
at the headquarters of both EAA and
Rainbow Aviation Services.
My LSRM class included a diverse
group. Included were a recent high
school graduate starting a career; a
Designated Pilot Examiner; a U.S.
Air Force veteran of the Iraq war,
currently employed by one of the
new LSA aircraft companies; a circuit
court judge running for re-election;
the owner of an LSA manufacturing
company; and several doctors of both
the medical and research species.
Experienced homebuilders, and
general enthusiasts like me, rounded out the group.
All proved talented when it came to the work that
brought us together. The cohort size is kept to about 12
people. Much of the work is done in teams, and preplanning
is done by the staff to match experienced people
with those who are a bit greener. My mechanic experience
was limited to a flivver project. I completed the ground
up restoration of a 1930 Model A Ford 10 years earlier;
however, no prior experience is needed to enter the
program, not even a pilot certificate. Camaraderie formed
quickly, everyone was eager to learn, and patience was the
norm. No one was left behind.
While I worked toward the Airplane rating, Rainbow
also offers this training for Weight Shift and Powered
Parachute aircraft. Lighter-than-Air and Glider are future
possibilities governed by the rule (FAA Order 8000.84A).
An individual can earn any aircraft rating or a combination.
The hours and cost would differ, but again, therein lays
the versatility. The rating includes three Core modules
and at least one Elective (choose one or more Airplane,
Weight Shift, Powered Parachute). Each module includes a
Gene Olinger is pleased with the rib stitching,
baseball stitches and inspection holes he has
made in a salvaged stabilizer.
John Craparo
mix of lecture and hands-on practical
experience.
Here is a brief view of the modules
in the Airplane course, the minimum
time required, and an abridged list of
the elements:
Module 1 (Core) is a 16-hour
Regulatory Maintenance Overview
unit including elements on the ASTM
consensus standards by which LSAs
are certified, requirements of the rules
governing LSRM, record keeping, and
safety.
Module 2 (Core) is a 24-hour
Airframe General unit including
elements on hands-on weight and
balance, performance of minor repairs
and alterations, inspection of structures,
and the electrical system.
Module 3 (Core) is a 45-hour Engine
and Propeller unit including elements
on 2 and 4-cycle engines, service and inspections, troubleshooting,
propeller theory and maintenance, propeller
repairs, electrical and mechanical engine instruments, and
accessory removal and replacement.
Module 4 (Elective) is a 35-hour Airplane Class unit
including elements on theory and operation of flight
controls (remember there is no requirement to be a pilot
in order to earn this certificate), aircraft rigging of flight
controls, inspection, removal and recovering of cloth on
wings and tail surfaces, removal and installation of the
engine and accessories, trouble shooting and adjustment of
carburetors and magnetos, composite materials and repairs.
While designed around light maintenance and
inspections, the potential for broader privileges exist. Under
Omnni 10/8/04 5:12 PM Page 1
OMNNI ASSOCIATES
“Airport Engineering and Design Services”
For Additional Information Contact
Aaron Stewart At 920-735-6900
ONE SYSTEMS DRIVE, APPLETON, WI 54914
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2010 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE 53