AV8ORJWC
Joined: 13 Jul 2006
Posts: 1149
Location: Aurora, Oregon "Home of VANS"
|
 Posted: Sun Aug 13, 2006 5:16 pm Post subject: Builder Assist Confusion |
 |
|
It is painfully amusing how many builders (and proposed builders) of Kitplanes do not clearly grasp the 51% concept. This concept is likely to change in September but no later than January when the Task Force makes recommendations on this very dated process. Every builder should know that contracting for services for engine work, firewall forward, electrical wiring, exterior topcoat paint, interior fabrication and component installation, instrument and avionics selection and installation are exempt from the 51% rule evaluation.
“Fast-Build” is a relative new concept involving a third party fabricating and assembling repetitive tasks to reduce the monotony and repetition of tasks the builder has already or will soon be able to demonstrate. The manufacturers of kit-build aircraft who subscribe to this practice are careful to receive FAA approval that this process continues to protect the validation of the Amateur Builder. Often this can be accomplished by Third Party – Foreign Nationals of the Czech Republic/Philippines/Ecuador and other countries. On this process, the builder converts their money for time saved. The Fast (Quick) builder does not take away the builders ability to accomplish the required 51% tasks.
“Factory Assist Build” is a process used by Lancair to enhance and expedite the builder’s construction process. The Builder pays as much as $4,000 per week to use factory personnel, factory materials and factory tooling at the factory to increase the quality, safety and compliance with the 51% rule. In the case of Lancair, you can actually acquire 28 weeks (Yes, that’s $112,000 ) and have a ready to fly kit. Many builders have availed themselves of this process. Again the 51% rule is respected. Oh yeh, Epic uses this technique but the price has more zeros .
Then there are the “FBNs – Fly By Night” builders who for a fee complete the key steps in lieu of the builder completing said required work. Numerous shops have been known to provide this non-compliant build method. This process requires the builder to fraudulently state that they and not the FBN completed the work. This is nearly always a partnership in collusion between the two entities. Enter the DAR (Designated Airworthiness Representative) who allows this process to flourish over and over.
Finally there are the “BTS - Build To Finish” shops who intentionally complete more than two, three or four of the identical kits with the express interest in selling them to third parties for a financial remuneration. Always implying that their learning curve is shallow and they had to keep building the same model to get it Right.
Alexander’s, Synergy and Aircrafters are “Builder Enhancement” shops which ensure that the 51% rule is respected and the builder acquires the needed education and skill to honestly file the accurate paperwork as to the Builder of Record. The individuals who hire such shops come away with improved skills, higher quality work (Less shoddy finish) and pride in their accomplishment.
The complexity and flying speed of the Epic LT allowed a competitor (from Florida who felt threatened) to file a merit less grievance with the FAA last July which opened this can of worms. The issue was that many FBNs and BTS are willfully skirting the ole rules for profit. Rick Schrameck got his Epic approved, builders are happy, life is good. The Task Force will now look at what are the appropriate tasks in this era of EFIS, Plastic Aircraft and 1250 Shaft horsepower Turbo-props and kit jets which fly above FL240. With the bathwater will go the issue of those damned profit venues. The RV-10 is a remarkable four passenger cruiser which can be built solely by the passion of a single builder in as small as a single car garage. It can be built anywhere on this planet. It can be built for much less without the use of contracted services. It can be built to Showmanship quality without contracted services. No one has proposed interfering with a builders ability to sell is one of a kind Gee Whiz to a third party which was built compliant to the 51% rule. It will just require use of a trained professional to complete the annual inspection called a Conditional.
The masses on this list are hardworking, passionate, well meaning builders who share their experiences for the common good and are not trying in any way to skirt the intent of this 51% rule. For the others, I say shame on you and may your efforts go justly rewarded in this lifetime. … Back to Banging Rivets and laying up six BID composite.
John Cox
Do not Archive
| | - The Matronics RV10-List Email Forum - | | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?RV10-List |
|
|
|
Get Email Distribution Too!
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
