Polling the list...

Interest in forming such a group. Participation requirements will be
left to be determined.

Goals as previously stated:
1) Member Education and Safety
2) Pre-First Flight and Phase One Inspections and Support
3) Ongoing Peer Technical Support for rotary engined aircraft
4) Industry Liason (Insurance, Manufacturers, Kit Builders)
5) Accident Investigation / Rotary Engine Expertise

This list serv can serve (with Marv's approval) as the means for
distributing information regarding the group.

It can incorporate separately, or as an independent EAA chapter, or as
an adjunct to an existing EAA chapter. Incorporate or add on to a 501C3
so that expenses can be deducted by members.

The Annual Business Meeting would be held in a public airshow venue,
such as OSH, SNF, or Pickneyville.. prefereably someplace centrally
located so ALL can attend with less than 2 days flying.

Members would volunteer to be advocates for the rotary engine, provide
peer safety inspections and technical counseling. Reimbursement for
services/expenses can be considered and are to be determined later.

We can better determine our direction and focus once an initial core
group decides to start functioning. Once we know who/what our resources
are, then we can better determine where to begin.

David Staten
League City (Houston), Texas

Count me in. It's important to carefully consider the name selected to represent this group. I recommend ARPA: "Association of Rotary Powered Aircraft." A Rotary Powered Flyers Association is good but the noun "Flyers" implies a social mission whereas we really want to focus on hardware. Let's invite others to submit their preferences for a name as well. The organization itself would qualify as a 501(c)(3) educational organization, eligible to receive tax deductible donations and allow volunteers to deduct expenses associated with the mission. This would include developmental costs if done under the auspices of the association. We should gather at Oshkosh to form an association and write the constitution and bylaws. Then we can incorporate and file a Form 1023 Application for Recognition of Exemption with the IRS. This should be an independent organization and not an internal organ of the EAA or any other entity. This association, if organized professionally, would immediately be recognized as the most serious voice in all matters relating to the use of rotary engines in experimental aircraft. The association should charge membership fees, publish educational materials, train speakers to attend EAA chapter meetings, and even maintain a booth at Oshkosh and Sun-N-Fun to attract members and promote rotary engine installations. A prime mission of the association would be eventual examination and certification of rotary installations. This would reduce construction errors and, hopfullly, qualify the builder with insurance underwriters.