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FAA Trying to stop us all?
Hi Carl,
I believe that you're reading way more into this
memo than is actually there. I see nothing that would make builder ASSISTANCE
programs illegal. They just want to evaluate the program to make sure that the
spirit and letter of the existing regulation is met. Let's face it, there
have been MANY instances of applicant's for an experimental certificate who's
building experience has consisted of writing checks. Are their
airplanes "safer"? Arguably yes, in some instances. Being "better built" ,
however, doesn't make it "amatuer built".
We have a huge amount of freedom in the amatuer
built category. Professional assistance has never been illegal, nor does this
memo propose to make it illegal. I believe that the Feds want to make
a distinction between professional assistance and professional building. I, for
one, don't find this particularly onerous.
If you want to have an airplane built for
you...call Cessna. If you want an amatuer built airplane...build it. Get
ASSISTANCE where needed. I seriously doubt that the FAA will object to
ligitimate professional assistance. There is an Advisory Circular that
specifically addresses this matter. There's a fine line between "show me how to
do this" and "do this for me". I believe that this memo is just letting you know
that they will be looking to see if you're crossing that line.
Mine may not be a popular opinion. What do you
listers think? I don't think that the Feds are actually changing their
position. It's the industry that has, over the past several years, changed
theirs.
Bill Harrelson
N5ZQ 320 1,100 hrs
(built by Sue and me with plenty of assistance)
N6ZQ IV under
construction using the experience and skills that the previous assistance
helped us acquire
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