Posted for "Joe Bartels" <JoeB@lancair.com>:

 Listers:
 
 Prior to May 1, 2005, AIG refused insurance to the Lancair IV-PT.  In my many
conversations with those that were in charge of underwriting, I was told that
until we did a better job of policing our own customers and their aircraft, it
was likely that we would never have insurance.
 
 In an effort to convince AIG that insurance was necessary to our Lancair
customers, I negotiated with AIG and they consented to providing coverage when
Lancair or an approved representative inspected the aircraft.  While there
were other requirements regarding training, it seems that our customers are
now voicing outrage over the cost of the inspections as well as the
availability of the inspections.  I will try to address the concerns as
expressed.
 
First, let me state that I would rather not have to worry about the
availability of insurance, however, since it is important to our customers, I
find that I have no discretion and thus must do all that I can to have it made
available.  Second, our efforts in inspecting the kits, once built into
registered aircraft, do provide a measure of assurance in the eyes of the
underwriters that at least at the time of the inspection, suggests that the
aircraft inspected meets the minimums required by Lancair for safe flight by a
competent and well trained pilot.  Third, these inspection by Lancair do
create a degree of liability on its part that cannot be assumed without some
recompense.  Fourth, the inspections can be done at Lancair, thus you do not
have to have Tim Wilson or any of our designees fly to your home port.  Fifth,
Tim Wilson can assist in having multiple inspections.  He is available to tell
you where he will be and I know that we will split his travel costs pro rata
with anyone else wishing to fly to his location.
 
 While I do not mind having others designated as an inspector for Lancair,
they would have to be trained by Tim Wilson and they would have to agree to
conduct the inspection according to our requirements.  We have had others
attempt to inspect and the outcome has not been to our satisfaction.  Should
anyone wish to participate by becoming an inspector, they may apply directly
to me by first calling me at 541-350-2901.  
 
 The frustrating notion about this is that there was an uproar when there was
no insurance, there was an uproar when training was mandated and now there is
an uproar about the inspections.  The net result is that there is insurance.
 You have an option to disregard training and inspection....many do.  I do not
advise that because I am the one that is first called when a Lancair goes
down.  I am also the one named the ridiculous law suits that follow.  I am
still the one that has to pay for the litigation which, ridiculous or not,
follows.
 
 The inspection has to be performed but once, unless you resell it and then it
is up to the new owner to have it inspected prior to having it insured.  If
you are having difficulty in having the aircraft inspected due to an
expiration date, please advise Tim or I and we will do what we can to expedite
your inspection.
 
 If anyone thinks I am making money on inspections, they're nuts!
 
 Joe
 
 Joseph C. Bartels, CEO
 Lancair International, Inc.