Return-Path: Received: from smtp.itis.com ([209.83.0.138]) by truman.olsusa.com (Post.Office MTA v3.5.1 release 219 ID# 0-52269U2500L250S0V35) with ESMTP id com for ; Wed, 21 Apr 1999 09:44:13 -0400 Received: from StuSeffern (a4-25.itis.com [209.83.11.217]) by smtp.itis.com (8.9.3/8.9.3/Chorus Networks) with SMTP id IAA05459; Wed, 21 Apr 1999 08:46:32 -0500 (CDT) Message-ID: <01ea01be8bfc$ba57faa0$04000003@StuSeffern> From: "Stu Seffern" To: "Lancair Group USA" , "Tom Ender" Subject: Continental Engine Failures Date: Wed, 21 Apr 1999 08:41:22 -0500 X-Mailing-List: lancair.list@olsusa.com Mime-Version: 1.0 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> << Lancair Builders' Mail List >> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >> Rob, Stu is correct. I understand the frustration created by the lack of quality in General Aviation. When you spend that kind of money on an engine and it fails for any reason we should be concerned. Government controls on General Aviation have made sure we don't see any improvements. The only way to improve the quality is to "change the process" to prevent defects. You can't improve quality by inspection, you will only catch a mistake not prevent it. The great engine manufactures of the world like Toyota and Honda create processes that identify defects before they happen. The process will tell you if your producing defects, not inspection or more government controls. The process will guarantee that every engine will start and will run according to design specifications. General aviation wouldn't have to put up will this crap if the government wasn't involved! Competition would guarantee continuous improvement. Certification only guarantees that there will be no improvements for the life of that product. Gary K. Bacon Mercury Marine Engines Eliminate the incentive to produce improvements, nothing improves. It would cost upwards of 50 million dollars to certify a new water cooled aviation engine. Orenda's final price to buy?= $100,000 ea. Infinitely expensive does not equal 100% safe with Government regulated products. At some point safety is reduced by lack of innovation and reliance on the Government to perform "effective" safety checks. At some point consumers just get expensive AND unsafe. Stu. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> LML homepage: http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html