Quote:
Originally Posted by Rocketboy
I think it's well written and fair.
It protects and rewards those who have earnestly learned new skills and knowlege, and rewards them with the right fly their aircraft within a complex highly regulated airspace system.
It similarly protects above builders from losing their priveldges due to the actions of well funded persons trying to get a new high performance aircraft without paying the price of a certified aircraft.
As usual, it only takes few to ruin a good thing for everyone and this regulation seems to offer excellelant protection for the experimental aircraft community.
Writing the FAA to petition a more lenient stance will enhance profits for Vans and the like and increase the chance ALL OF US will lose the privledge of experimental flight.
I, for one, will write the FAA and support their position as it is in my best interest.
Consider carefully what you wish for.
Flame away. I built my own airplane.
Bob
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Well written and fair? Where do you find the "well written" part when everyone from a wannabe builder (me) to the top kit manufacturer is asking for an interpretation of "fabrication"? I also do not believe that the great majority of us are asking for lenience... nor supporting the actions of the "we build it for you" shops. We are asking for a reasonable sculpting of the rules to support the actions and methods used for many years by the majority of builders out there. I believe that allowing the kit manufacturer to fabricate the parts we assemble is not diminishing the education or recreation gained, and undoubtedly provides for greater parts quality control and consistency - resulting in a safer end product.
Depending on the interpretation of this vague "fabrication" rule... there is a great possibility that the end result will be less ability for many of us to build and fly our dreams.
I am not sure why you are worried about Van's making a profit. I had the opportunity to visit the factory last week. I have to tell you I didn't see a lot of expensive cars in the parking lot. What I found was a bunch of hard working individuals from Tom Green on down... happily producing a product that they have a passion and love for. Grass roots America.
And while I am happy for you that you built and have your own plane... your post sure echos of what we call the IGM attitude. I got mine...
While you challenge others to flame you... my intention is not that... but hopefully to provide some balance to your post to many of the folks who have not had the time to research this as much as myself and others have. While I would encourage them to research and form their own opinions... I do exercise the liberty to express mine.
The FAA needs to provide a better explanation of "Fabrication"... and further it is my strongest recommendation that "fabrication" not be separately tallied from assembly. I am not advocating loosening of the standards to allow professional assembly shops to be tallied under the 51% requirement. I would encourage the FAA to instead concentrate on better documentation by the inspecting official and taking a stronger stance against the few bad apples.
Respectfully disagreeing and responding.
DJ
CHANGES TO THE FAA KIT CHECKLIST AND THE "51%" RULE
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