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Subject: RE: [LML] Re: FAA and Kit built A/C
Thread-Topic: [LML] Re: FAA and Kit built A/C
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From: "John W. Cox" <johnwcox@pacificnw.com>

I will repeat the query and ask again for additional clarification.  "I
know of no VANS AIRCRAFT (ex-employees) engaged in Builder Assist.  I
know of no position by VAN to support a Factory Build Assist at Aurora,
OR."  Can John Halle answer offline to whom he is referring?

I am well aware of many of the country's best Lancair builders, Van's
(repeat offenders) builders who have done it repetitively for commercial
benefit and respected independent firms throughout the country that
build a range of kit products.  Those groups enhance the safety of the
final product and more importantly the education of the
builder/repairman. They have helped to improve products and introduce
valued new technologies. I have seen the Epic LT plant two weeks ago in
Bend and understand the issues.

I began my journey three years ago to build a Lancair by taking a two
year sabbatical and getting my A&P.  In that time I learned that many
builders do not understand the 51% task rule and still think it is 51%
of the hours. Many A & P mechanics run from the responsibility of
helping maintain the airworthiness of those kit products. If you
consider sanding, then it won't be a compliance problem based on hours.

It would be valuable when purchasing a kit to know which task items are
completed by the factory and which can be credited to the builder upon
accomplishment.  Aerocrafters in California has done a great job
clarifying this misunderstood issue.  The six seat, turboprop composite
kit will be an interesting reference point and I hope Rick gets final
approval regardless.

For those willing to write the big checks, willing have someone else
build and then deliver the final painted product, I just hope they
complete Pete's High Performance Ground School before my insurance rates
go any higher.  I have enjoyed watching the output over the last four
years.  I believe this activity is worthy of future FAA endorsement.  I
don't know where the EAA stands on the issue so I look forward to
today's proclamation.  I am watching the GA fleet age even faster than I
am.

John Cox

> I know of no such quality Builder Assist program in connection with ex
>  VAN's employees or a similar Factory Assistance Program at Aurora.

Starting in 1998 I built a GlaStar in my garage, taking 3 1/2 years.  At

that time there was no factory support and indeed the factory went into=20
bankrupcy while I was building.  Today however the New GlaStar company=20
is strong and has a great builder's shop in Arlington WA.  They have=20
improved the quality of the build, perhaps made the aircraft safer (I=20
might have avoided 2 fires in the cockpit had I used the program), and=20
certainly got more aircraft flying by the initial builders instead of=20
someone who bought the partially finished kit second hand.  I believe=20
builders' assistance shops are a good resource for today's sophisticated

designs.=20


Robert M. Simon,  ES-P N301ES