Tech counselor etiquette

[OrenAir]

So when you're ready to have someone look at part of your project, what do you do? Is there some specific etiquette for asking a tech counselor or someone to look at it?

[BillL]

Not particularly, just ask.

While is is good to have them come look and paper helps with your DAR, go to EAA.org and look at what to expect and not to expect from the TC. They are mostly to see if you are following the plans and quality looks safe, not necessarily "good". I'm sure some are more talkative than others, but they don't usually provide advice on mods and such.

[BrianDC]

We have a few Tech counselors in this area. I had Lee Ragsdale take a look at my project twice now (his info is on the EAA site as well as the EAA Chapter 186 site).

Basically I sent an e-mail asking if he had some time to come over and look at my project (including details of what I was building / what stage I was at). Based on his availability and mine, we came up with an agreeable time for him to come over. As far as prep work, I basically cleaned up my shop a bit so he could get access to my work.

After looking your work over and generally talking about your progress he provided a write-up for my records. I look at these visits as a good way to judge if I'm doing a good job or if I need to go back and clean up some items.

[rleffler]

Just ask......

It's also good to get multiple tech counselors to look at your project if you have multiple in the area. Just don't ask them to come at the same time

You'll get different advice depending on their background an expertise. More eyes is always better.

[bkthomps]

i think they like to get paid for their time, someone else can clarify?

[Mark Dickens]

It's a mixed bag. I had one come over to look at my tail kit when I finished and the only comment I remember was "well it won't win any awards"...what an a$$hat, and it's the tail flying on my plane now. Another TC came over, chatted for a few minutes, looked things over and pronounced it all good. His comment was "I like your plane!"...it's a useful concept, but to say that the quality of the inspection can vary is vastly understating the case. Good luck

[Kyle Boatright]

Originally Posted by bkthomps

i think they like to get paid for their time, someone else can clarify?

The most I've ever accepted is/was a soft drink and the promise of a beer at Oshkosh when the plane is finished.

[sglynn]

Originally Posted by bkthomps

i think they like to get paid for their time, someone else can clarify?

What is the etiquette for tipping, paying, gift certificate or etc. for Tech Councilors. I've had one guy faithfully come three times and offered helpful info each time. I never offered him anything, because I'm just not inclined to think to. But should I have offered him something? Its not too late.

For example the CFIs that provide BFI's at Fly-In events usually get $50 bucks even though it is volunteer for them.

thanks for telling your experiences in this area.

[DanH]

Offer him a beer. I mean a good beer. A man once offered me a Bud Light. That airplane never flew.

[BMC_Dave]

I believe the EAA expressly forbids payment for TC services, something about integrity or something...