a thought or two
Some of us have been around EAB aircraft for 40 or 50 years and it amazes me how the attitude and view of these "homebuilt" aircraft has changed over the years. Years ago one had to be somewhat of a craftsman with very good skills to build an aircraft that would pass an FAA inspection. One had to build almost every single part of the aircraft with only peers for quality control. (Ever wonder what the origin of the the EAA was?)
Now, one can watch a video or bang together a tool box and suddenly they are a skilled craftsman.
I am not speaking for Van's but part of the reason they provide you, the kit builder with maybe not the best skills, with some of the most critical parts already built is as much quality control as making the aircraft easier to build.
Builders are like pilots, they come in all skill levels, some are conscientious and some don't care.
Its good that you find these sub- standard rivets,,, but it should never be a surprise. This kind of thing has been happening since men started building airplanes.
When you walk up to an EAB airplane, never assume that its 100% up to standard. I have declined to ride in more than a few airplanes because I suspected it wasn't well built or designed. I don't let other people fly my airplane, not because I am afraid of them cracking it up, but because I know I built it and if something I did caused it to crash I would be devastated.
my point is... to stress E Amateur B
cm