Mailing List flyrotary@lancaironline.net Message #22393
From: Russell Duffy <13brv3@bellsouth.net>
Subject: RE: [FlyRotary] Re: Technical Advisor and official rotary association
Date: Mon, 23 May 2005 08:36:36 -0500
To: 'Rotary motors in aircraft' <flyrotary@lancaironline.net>
Message
Sounds stifling to me. At this point, the rotary installation is still evolving rapidly and new ideas appear all the time. Trying to comply with "old" ADs is a different mind set entirely. I think every builder should be encouraged to follow Georges' recommendations, especially about ground testing but beyond that is is up to the builder. I realize I am the only voice that is not enthusiastic about the formation of the safety police. Jerry  
 
Hi Jerry,
 
Well, you've been the only "voice", but you're not the only one who opposes this idea.  I've been sitting back and just hoping this fizzles out on it's own.  
 
I for one, will not follow the recommendations of any one person, or group of people, unless I personally agree with that recommendation.  The thought of having a full fledged, tax exempt, card carrying organization that essentially tells the insurance company what's right and wrong just rubs me the wrong way. 
 
The list already allows us to get other's opinions, far more than the roving pack of inspectors <g>, and on more than a few occasions, I've been convinced that one idea or another wasn't the best choice.  As I said before, anyone on this list should feel perfectly comfortable asking anyone else to inspect, or allow them to inspect each others projects.  With or without the organization, that only works if you have someone relatively close, so I see no advantage to having the organization.  
 
As for accident inspections, didn't PL just do this?  If so, then an official organization is clearly not required.  I do think there could be merit in having a knowledgeable rotary person look over the engine and systems after an accident, but I'm not convinced it will make a significant difference.  For the most part, we tend to survive our accidents, and I haven't seen one person yet who wasn't perfectly honest with the list as to the cause, even though it meant admitting to a bad choice or mistake.  In the (thankfully) very rare case such as Paul's, the actual reason will likely never be known, unless it was really obvious, and then the NTSB folks will catch it.  
 
Sorry folks, but that's the way I see it.  
 
Cheers,
Rusty (in trouble now)  
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