I stand by my original assessment: Why would the FAA attack the only segment
of GA that's showing robust growth?  With the majors declaring bankruptcy
and everybody and their mother striking, maybe the only segment in all of
aviation? Like my old Gaffer used to say, "There has to be a purpose."

Bureaucracies sometimes don't make sense to outsiders--especially outsiders
that want something from them. But there's one assumption I think it's safe
to make; a bureaucracy generally won't do anything that has the potential to
make it less significant.  Those that work in the FAA know that eliminating
the homebuilt market will significantly reduce the need for the FAA.  On the
other hand, pointing out that some folks may be trying to skirt the 51% rule
serves to highlight the need for more inspections, to ensure compliance of
course.  More inspections = more inspectors = bigger bureaucracy.  Trust me,
these guys know how to protect their jobs!

Here's an example: I toured Deltahawk's (www.deltahawkengines.com) R&D
facility in Racine, WI (highly recommended if you can).  I learned during
the tour that since Deltahawk intends to seek FAA certification for their
engine, they've been working with the FAA to avoid any "deal breakers"
during the development process. I commented to Doug Doers, their Chief
Engineer and Vice Prez, that dealing with the FAA must be very frustrating.
I based my comment on my (common) belief that the FAA is contrary and
difficult to work with.  He told me that the FAA has actually been very
accomodating. They (the FAA) actually increased the size of Deltahawk's
flight test area for their Deltahawk-equipped Velocity allowing Deltahawk to
fly it to OSH. He (like me) attributes their helpfulness to job
protection -- a new engine on the market helps the US aviation market and
ensures the need for the FAA.

Placing more regulation on the homebuilt industry doesn't eliminate the
industry, it requires more oversight to ensure compliance.  And now here's
where I get controversial--maybe that's not such a bad thing.

Mark & Lisa Sletten
Legacy FG N828LM
http://www.legacyfgbuilder.com