I read the comments concerning the situation with Kirk Hammersmith, Peter Stiles and D2 with much compassion and concern for these fine individuals.  I only hope that they are able to work out the very complex situation that has come their way.  

 

I first met these men during my own builder’s workshop experience at Lancair.  At that time Kirk was the manager of Lancair Avionics and he and I spent hours talking about my ES building project and the electronics and panel that I would someday want to install.  This was the same weekthat Joe Bartels had just arrived in Redmond to begin operating the Lancair company that he had just purchased.  I was there when a mass exodus of past Lancair employees departed the company all in search of their own entrepreneurial dreams.  I can remember well the postings made on this list how the Lancair company was suffering and the future was bleak.  What now has been over 4 years and all seems to be ok at the Lancair company.

 

Kirk has had a very unfortunate thing happen to his dream.  All of this has developed over the holidays.  A time where it is very difficult at best to try to find any resolutions and offer any hope or reconciliation to his customers, vendors, creditors, employees, wife, and family.  It has only been 4 business days that the business world has been back to “business as usual” following the holiday breaks.  During these few days I am certain that Kirk has been working diligently to try to understand his situation and what he can do about it.  I am sure that he will come up with something ranging from “absolutely nothing to offer anyone to complete restitution”.  Most likely it will end somewhere in between.

 

One thing for certain is that none of the problems are going to be resolved by castrating and ruining the man by comments on this list.  I think all would be better off to give him a little time.  It certainly can not hurt.

 

He is my friend. He has been attempting to do that which many of you have done successfully.  That is to become a successful business owner, to be profitable, to make a contribution, and to love what is being done, to find the American dream.  Over the past few years I have heard him speak highly of many of you.  Especially those that are passionate about the Chelton SFS products..  He loves what he does and the vision he has (or had) for D2A, Chelton, experimental aircraft, and his customers.  I think it appropriate to let him see what he can come up with.  It may just take some time.  I know he has been silent but wouldn’t’ you knowing what is waiting if he surfaces?  I know that he is going through hell.  He is concerned, he is worried, he is literally sick.  I know he monitors this list and I am certain that he feels the pain many of you have.  He has nothing to gain until he has something to offer.  And when or if this time comes I suspect it will happen personally and individually out of respect for all who are damaged and not as a general posting on this list.

 

It is human nature to fight for our rights, but I think it a little early.

 

Bryan J. Burr

Lancair Super ES

N132BB

Chelton/Freeflight/Crossbow

And damm proud of it!

 

Thanks KIRK!