Ed;
I think the idea of a
checklist; or what might become a sort of “manual” of suggested
practice, is a good one; however, I don’t see it as necessarily a direct
adjunct to a technical review. Each installation is configured different according
to the type of aircraft and the builders ideas. Although a checklist can
serve as a structure to coordinate a review; the important thing is (as you
have stressed before) the function of a system, and the factors supporting that
function, be clear to at least one member of the “advisor” team, so
the review becomes configuration independent. Perhaps it is just me, but
the idea of checklists seems to structured, and the focus can become the checklist
rather than what is actually going on.
The checklist and compilation
of accepted practice is something that needs to be available to anyone even
from the start of an installation. Attempts at this have been made (Best
practices, the Wiki site), but one function of the ARPA (or whatever)
should/would be to bring more attention and focus on its compilation.
Just a couple of early
morning stray thoughts.
Al
My
suggestion is to start working on a "Checklist". That could
start here
on
the list - not necessary for face to face for to get that ball rolling.
We
even have some material such as the "Best Practices List" and the
Weki?
thing
(that I am not familiar with) that may well provide a starting point.
My
point here is if we are to be successful we will need such a
"checklist"
and
if we are unable to develop one, I question how effective we are going
to
be. It should at least have a subpart that a builder could start
consulting
from day one - as John Slade mentioned, with no guidance while
constructing
- people are going to be a bit resistive to having invested
time
and money and then are told they need to rip it out and start over.
Help
prevent the problem rather than help me fix it sort of approach. I
know
we could never cover all avenues and should not try. I think we focus
on
the rotary engine aspect particularly the critical subsystems such as: .
1.
Fuel
2.
Ignition
3.
Controller
4.
Electrical Wiring
5.
Lubrication
6.
Cooling
7.
Motor Mount
8.
Exhaust
9.
Intake
etc.
In
each case, we might start out with a brief description of the function of
the
subsystem, principles of operation, possible gotchas, examples of good
(or
bad) approaches.
Clearly
it would be a live body of knowledge that would continue to be added
to
and refined.
Just
some thoughts on the topic
Ed
-----
Original Message -----
From:
"David Staten" <Dastaten@earthlink.net>
To:
"Rotary motors in aircraft" <flyrotary@lancaironline.net>
Sent:
Sunday, May 22, 2005 9:41 AM
Subject:
[FlyRotary] The Rotary Powered Flyers Association
>
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
>
>
>
>
>>>
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>>>
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