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<< Lancair Builders' Mail List >>
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I agree with everything Scott Krueger said except the part about 20 year old airplanes being antique/classic. I have a 1972 Cessna 150, and it doesn't belong on the south side of the field. Nor do 172s. I think the straight-tail 150s and 172's have a place on the south side, as would Scott's 337 Skymaster. This is primarily due to the rarity of the type, rather than the age. You just don't see Skymasters or straight-tail Cessnas much, and they should be displayed for all to see. My Cessna150, or one just like it, could be observed at any airport in the country.
Having said that, it might be nice to have an area set aside for flight training airplanes. Pick a single example of each primary trainer (150, Katana, Traumahawk, Skipper, Grumman T-Cat) and display those in a separate area, with some signs describing how you can become a pilot -- how long it takes, what it costs, etc. -- and maybe some flight instructors, and use this to foster the next generation of pilots. Maybe even introductory flights?
The other comments -- that EAA is ignoring it's homebuilt aircraft roots -- are right on the mark. The new renaissance in general aviation is growing from the seed corn of experimental aviation. Technology advances are not filtering down from business aviation, they are percolating upwards from our garages and basements. The Columbia 300/400, the Cirrus SR20, the Ballistic Recovery Chutes on certified aircraft, Vision Microsystems panels, Rotax engines and even the composite contruction used in the Diamond Katana are all testament to the vital role that experimental aircraft has in today's aeronautical marketplace.
Give the showplane pilots and one guest free admission to the show. Or give them a full tank of gas, like you do with the warbirds. Encourage them to come and bring their planes.
- Rob Wolf
LML website: http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html
LML Builders' Bookstore: http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair
Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.
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