The top 3 world automakers club excludes GM

Posted By on November 10, 2009

VW LogoChanges in the “big three” … world automakers that is:

  1. Volkswagen
  2. Toyota
  3. Ford

VW overtake Toyota as the world’s largest automaker

Well ahead of VW initial projection of becoming the world’s largest automaker by 2018, it has now officially surpassed Toyota Motor Corp. worldwide in unit production this year.

Over the weekend, German reports put VW Group at 4.4 million units for the first nine months of 2009, where Toyota has manufactured only 4.0 million units. This change is believed to be largely due to the success of government scrappage schemes that boded well with VW models.

VW Group’s sales for 2009 are up by 34 percent in the first nine months, totaling 622,853 units. VW’s Skoda brand in particular enjoyed the greatest growth in Germany with Fabia sales up by 92.4 percent, as well as Octavia sales up by 20.4 percent.

Although the scrappage schemes are believed to have played a role in VW’s early success, VW continues to do well along with the rest of the automotive industry in the German market in particular. The German market saw a 26.1 percent growth in registrations in October, despite the end of scrappage schemes in September.

Another major shift in world production was noted with Ford surpassing GM as the world’s third largest automaker. Ford reported 3.7 million units produced in the first nine months of 2009, with GM trailing only slightly with 3.6 million units produced

LINK

EAA284 reviewed video of Mark Dusenberry’s accident

Posted By on November 9, 2009

Clear day at Red Stewart Field

Enjoyed the nice afternoon weather and headed to the airport for our monthly EAA meeting. Today we reviewed the successful first flight (very impressive) and later accident of Mark Dusenberry’s 1905 Wright Flyer replica — NTSB preliminary report. Bob Luken reviewed his video of the flight and the accident (only the FAA has a copy besides Bob) and discussed the inherit pitch instability well know in this airplane. According to research, the Wright Brothers made changes to their original 1905 design by  pushing the canard “horizontal rudder” farther forward and adding 70 pounds of lead in order to improve CG for their July 1905 flights. This didn’t solve the sensitivity to pitch, but did improve the pitch problem somewhat.

Watching Video of Mark Dusenberry's flights

After watching the video of the accident several time in slow motion, it was easy to see that each pitch correction by Mark lead to exaggerated climb and dive movements and eventually an uncontrollable 45 degree angle to the ground. Although Mark built his replica to match the “improved CG 1905 design,” it is possible there still wasn’t enough weight forward — speculation on our part. Another thought was that he was also correcting with ‘wing warp’ bank left just before experiencing pitch oscillations, and that could have added to a loss of control? In any case, thanks for sharing the video with our EAA284 Chapter.

A teen car accident is one of a parent’s worse nightmares

Posted By on November 8, 2009

Accident on Bethany Road in Liberty Twp Ohio Nov 8, 2009

As I watched the paramedics and emergency workers waiting for the life-flight helicopter and cutting apart the car that a young man was driving on Bethany Road behind our house on Sunday morning, I couldn’t help but feel for the boys’ parents who stood looking on helplessly. From preliminary reports, he was heading home from spending the night at a friend’s house and looked to have dozed off at the wheel. His car crossed the oncoming lane clipping the telephone pole behind our house and sending his Infinity into a ditch landing on the culvert on our rear driveway. Methodically the emergency workers removed the driver as several of us watched the life-flight physician quickly attend to the boy’s leg; his femur was broken and looked to have been pinned in the wreckage. The doctor looked to have been suturing or tying off and blood vessel before moving him to the helicopter?

Helicopter in backyard

As I took a few photos of the accident, and the helicopter landing and taking off in our backyard, I stopped for a moment to say a prayer for both the young man and his mom and dad … as a parent, this is one of our worse nightmares. I’ll be checking on the boy’s condition and will edit below later.

LINK to GOOGLE PHOTO album

Setting up Windows Live Writer and Buckrub photo

Posted By on November 7, 2009

Although I’ve tried a a couple other blog editing and posting tools, I usually go back to web based WordPress posting. This is a test of the Windows Live Writer free software, a test I did once before with a different theme.

I’m also adding a photo from deer “buckrub” damage to be sure all in posting well (below)

buckrub091107

Let’s lighten the mood

Posted By on November 6, 2009

With the tragic news coming from Fort Hood (yesterday) and Orlando (today), and the unemployment numbers shocking economist nationally — now at 10.2% — I was in the mood for a bit of comedy. Jon Stewart to the rescue with a parody on the popular FoxNews celebrity Glenn Beck who is recovering from appendicitis. Enjoy!

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart Mon – Thurs 11p / 10c
The 11/3 Project
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show
Full Episodes
Political Humor Health Care Crisis

VW Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition coming January 2010

Posted By on November 5, 2009

Concept of VW TDI Cup Street Edition at SEMAIf you enjoy snapping your Volkswagen around a corner or stopping fast enough launch your sunglasses into the windshield, then you might want to consider the VW TDI Cup “Street” Edition. It’s closest kin is the Jetta GLI … but with a diesel engine.  Volkswagen announced that the TDI Cup Edition Jettas should be in dealer showrooms this January.

Jetta TDI Cup ‘Street’ Edition Racing Into Showrooms Soon

HERNDON, Va., Nov. 4 /PRNewswire/ — Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced the Jetta TDI Cup “Street” Edition will be available in dealer showrooms January 2010. The concept debuted in Las Vegas during the 2008 SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show. Following the SEMA show the concept was displayed at TDI Cup races throughout the country, where it was well received by enthusiasts and consumers alike.

“Since our inaugural TDI Cup series in 2008 we have received numerous inquiries as to whether or not we would offer a TDI Cup replica vehicle,” said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “We’re thrilled to announce that a special edition Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition will be available in dealer showrooms early next year. What makes this special edition so unique is that it features the optional, race inspired, TDI Cup body kit package combined with our clean diesel engine. The Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition is one exceptional special model that is as fun-to-drive as it is to look at,” added Barnes.

The similarities between the TDI Cup race car and the “Street” Edition equipped with the optional TDI Cup Edition Kit are apparent at first glance — the TDI Cup “Street” Edition Kit features the front bumper, side skirts and rear valance that are found on the TDI Cup race cars. The enhancements to the TDI Cup “Street” Edition go well beyond cosmetics. All “Street” Edition Jetta TDI’s feature larger brakes with red calipers, sway bars and European sport tuned suspension from the performance oriented GLI.

The TDI Cup “Street” Edition is powered by the award winning 2.0-liter clean diesel engine that produces 140 horsepower and an impressive 236 lbs.-ft. of torque. The engine makes use of an advanced electronically controlled turbocharger and common rail direct injection technology, and can be mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or the highly acclaimed DSG® transmission.

Other standard upgrades on the Jetta TDI Cup “Street” Edition include sport seats with Interlagos cloth, and a leather-wrapped, multi-function steering wheel that features paddle shifters when equipped with the DSG transmission. Completing this dynamic special edition is a set of 18 inch Charleston wheels with performance all-season tires. This special edition starts around $25,000–staying true to the brands mantra of offering affordable German engineering that is a whole lot of fun to drive.

The Jetta TDI Cup “Street” Edition, like the Jetta TDI, Jetta SportWagen TDI, Golf TDI and Touareg TDI qualifies for an Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle Federal Income Tax Credit. The tax credit on the “Street” Edition is $1,300.

Like all 2010 models, the Jetta TDI Cup “Street” Edition also comes standard with Volkswagen’s Carefree Maintenance Program, with this program there are no charges for the scheduled maintenance described in the vehicle’s maintenance booklet for the length of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty — three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

The cost of upgrading a PCs operating system

Posted By on November 4, 2009

Snow Leopard vs Win7I’m a regular reader of Paul Thurott and he had a great article on the “convoluted, ridiculous and hard to understand” pricing and option packages associated with upgrading a Microsoft Windows PC to the new Windows 7 operating system. He compared it to the “Bataan Death Match … but this time, the victims are your sanity and your wallet.” If you are a Mac lover, you’ll enjoy the “what is Microsoft thinking” article since Apple prices their update straight forward and all inclusive … although they do come every couple of years at a cost. Check out Part two of Win 7  vs. Snow Leopard.  Of course one could always consider one of  the vastly improved Linux OS flavors that are available as free downloads … which has me wondering why I still pay for licenses on my Apple and Windows computers?

Apple Snow Leopard OS

  1. Mac Leopard users can upgrade to Snow Leopard for $29 or five-Mac Family Pack for$49.
  2. Intel-based Tiger OS users will spend $169 or $229 for the family pack.
    ***All previous Mac hardware configurations are out of luck … old Leopard is a far as you can go.

Microsoft Windows 7 OS

  1. Windows 7 Home Premium (Upgrade) $119.99
  2. Windows 7 Home Premium (Full) $199.99
  3. Windows 7 Family Pack (Upgrade, retail only) $149.99
  4. Windows 7 Professional (Upgrade) $199.99
  5. Windows 7 Professional (Full) $299.99
  6. Windows 7 Ultimate (Upgrade) $219.99
  7. Windows 7 Ultimate (Full) $319.99
  8. College Students only: Windows 7 Home Premium (Upgrade) or Professional (Upgrade) $30 <== quite the deal if you have a .edu email address.  Haven’t had the nerve to try my alumni dot edu email address?

Volkswagen TDIs sales remain strong for October 2009

Posted By on November 3, 2009

Volkswagen’s clean diesel TDI models continue to perform especially well. Jetta TDI sales accounted for 40 percent of total Jetta sedan and SportWagen sales, while sales of all TDI models accounted for 24 percent of total October sales. (LINK)


HERNDON, Va., Nov. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Volkswagen of America, Inc. today
reported October 2009 sales of 17,037 total units, representing a 7.2 percent
increase over October 2008.

CC, Volkswagen's stylish four door coupe performed exceptionally well for the
month with 2,349 unit sales, representing its best sales month since March.  

The Jetta, consistently Volkswagen's top selling model, posted a 25 percent
increase over October 2008 with 9,076 unit sales. Demonstrating that today's
consumers are placing a greater emphasis on cleaner, more fuel efficient
vehicles, Volkswagen's clean diesel TDI models continue to perform especially
well.  Jetta TDI sales accounted for 40 percent of total Jetta sedan and
SportWagen sales, while sales of all TDI models accounted for 24 percent of
total October sales.  

"We're extremely pleased with our October sales results," said Mark Barnes,
Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc.  "Our clean diesel TDI
models continue to gain momentum in the market place, and the Golf and Touareg
TDI's are welcome editions to our model lineup. As our stylish and elegant CC
continues to gain market awareness, I'm confident that it will continue to
gain sales momentum.  It's a remarkable vehicle that truly represents what
this brand is all about--affordable German engineering. With more and more of
today's consumers looking for affordable, fuel efficient, and fun-to-drive
vehicles without sacrificing refinement, our brand is well positioned for a
bright future, " Barnes added. 

Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon,
Virginia.  It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg,
Germany.  Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars
and Europe's largest automaker.  Volkswagen sells the Eos, Golf, New Beetle,
New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, GLI, Passat, Passat
wagon, CC, Tiguan, Touareg 2 and Routan through approximately 600 independent
U.S. dealers.  All 2009 Volkswagens come standard-equipped with Electronic
Stabilization Program.  This is important because the National Highway and
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new
vehicle safety technology since the safety belt. Visit Volkswagen of
America online at www.vw.com or www.media.vw.com to learn more.

    VW-US Snapshot                               --------YEAR-TO-DATE---------
                   October-09 October-08 Yr/Yr % October-09 October-08 Yr/Yr %
                     Actual     Actual   change  YTD Actual YTD Actual  change
                     ------     ------   ------  ---------- ----------  ------
    Rabbit/Golf        598      1,066    -43.9%     6,276      18,105   -65.3%
    GTI A5/A6          576        655    -12.1%     5,995      10,836   -44.7%
    R32                  -        109   -100.0%       139       2,899   -95.2%
                       ---        ---                 ---       -----
      Total Rabbit/
       GTI/R32       1,174      1,830    -35.8%    12,410      31,840   -61.0%
    Jetta Sdn        7,046      5,992     17.6%    76,333      79,309    -3.8%
     SportWagen A5/
      A6             2,030      1,267     60.2%    13,904       3,617   284.4%
                     -----      -----                           -----
        Total Jetta  9,076      7,259     25.0%    90,237      82,926     8.8%
    New Beetle
      - Coupe          873      1,083    -19.4%     8,850      13,662   -35.2%
      - Convertible    295        423    -30.3%     3,964      10,075   -60.7%
                       ---        ---                          ------
      Total New
       Beetle        1,168      1,506    -22.4%    12,814      23,737   -46.0%
    Eos                473        504     -6.2%     6,388      11,956   -46.6%
    Passat Sdn         471        886    -46.8%     7,855      21,461   -63.4%
           Wgn         168        201    -16.4%     1,947       5,104   -61.9%
                       ---        ---                           -----
        Total Passat   639      1,087    -41.2%     9,802      26,565   -63.1%
    CC               2,349        659    256.4%    17,536         659  2561.0%
    Tiguan             970      1,856    -47.7%    10,809       6,533    65.5%
    Touareg            519        399     30.1%     3,513       5,876   -40.2%
    Routan             669        789    -15.2%    13,308       1,164  1043.3%
                       ---        ---    -----     ------       -----  ------
    TOTAL           17,037     15,889      7.2%   176,817     191,256    -7.5%
                    ------     ------      ---    -------     -------    ----

    MEMO: Jetta
     Sedan TDI        1839
    MEMO: Jetta
     SportWagen TDI   1819
    MEMO: Touareg
     TDI               234
    MEMO: Golf TDI     116
          TOTAL TDI  4,008

SOURCE  Volkswagen of America, Inc.

NPR news story on remembering Capt. David “Seth” Mitchell

Posted By on November 2, 2009

Capt. David "Seth" MitchellAlthough most of my conservative friends would be appalled I listed to National Public Radio, they produced an appreciated story reflecting on the life of Capt. David “Seth” Mitchell, 1 of 14 Marines killed on October 27th and played the story nationally (MP3 Link). It was good to hear how the community of Loveland (NE of Cincinnati) showed respect to Capt. Mitchell’s military service and his life, although it’s frustratingly painful to hear of the loss of those who have given their lives for our country. Thanks for sharing Capt. David “Seth” Mitchell’s story NPR — see Cincinnati Enquirer story.

_

Mark Dusenberry 1905 Wright Flyer III October 1, 2009

Posted By on November 1, 2009

1905 Wright Flyer III

Reposting — Bob Luken (EAA284 President):

On October 1, 2009 Mark Dusenberry was engaging in practice flights in preparation for the 104th commemorative celebration of the Wright Brothers demonstration of the first practical aircraft, their 1095 Model III Flyer. Mark completed one successful flight in the morning.

During his second flight of the day the aircraft began a series of pitch oscillations, finally striking the ground in a nose down attitude. In the 1905 Flyer the pilot is not strapped in. He lies on the lower wing. Photos of the impact clearly show Mark sliding forward on the wing.

Mark sustained significant injuries in the crash. He was taken to Miami Valley Hospital by Care Flight. Initially, he was listed in critical condition. He underwent two surgeries that night. His condition subsequently improved. He has been transferred to a hospital in Cleveland to be closer to family and to continue a rehabilitation program. The last report I received indicated that he had no feeling below the waist.

As a result of his injuries Mark will have a long period of rehabilitation and will incur large medical bills, not covered by insurance. Donations can be sent to Mark’s sister Lori. Checks should be made payable to The Citizens Bank. On the memo line indicate “Mark Dusenberry” Checks can be mailed to Mark’s sister, Lori at the following address.

Mark Dusenberry
c/o Lori Golec-Judy
121 E. 13th St
Dover, OH 44622

At the November 8th EAA284 chapter meeting we will show a video of Mark’s successful flight, preparations for the second flight as well as footage of the crash. There will be some discussion of the problems the Wright encountered with pitch instability, as well as the measures they too to solve this problem.

1905 Wright Flyer III accident

NTSB Identification: CEN10LA001
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Thursday, October 01, 2009 in Dayton, OH
Aircraft: DUSENBERRY MARK J 1905 WRIGHT FLYER, registration: N3635N
Injuries: 1 Serious.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

On October 1, 2009, at 1100 eastern daylight time, an experimental 1905 Wright Flyer, collided with the terrain following a loss of control shortly after taking off from the Huffman Prairie Flying Field at the Wright-Patterson AFB (FFO), Dayton, Ohio. The pilot received serious injuries. The airplane received substantial damage to the fuselage, wings, and elevator. The flight was being operated under Title 14 code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated just prior to the accident.

_

Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee

  1. lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
  2. digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.
My Desultory Blog