Posted for "Curtis Wray" <Curtis.Wray@dynetics.com>:

Brent,

I am in general agreement with much of the text in your email and to some
extent your emotions, although some pontification is clearly evident. I do
that also when I get emotionally involved! I do not, however, agree with
your statement "Lancair is not responsible for the safety of an aircraft you
build..." Lancair IS responsible, to one degree or another, for the safety
of the aircraft they design. Why? Because Lancair PROFITS from the sale of
kits and engineering drawings/instructions they market (and which, buy the
way, they claim to be safe). I have paid them for the design engineering
that assures a safe aircraft when built to the plans, with proper
construction techniques and piloted with the appropriate skill level. To
that extent they are responsible for the safety of the aircraft they design
and market. This does not obviate builder/pilot responsibility. On the other
hand, builder/pilot responsibility does not absolve Lancair from continued
assessment and correction/improvement of design, construction methods and
materials where safety improvement is warranted.

Curtis Wray
LIVPT