lcfitt(at)sbcglobal.net
Guest
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 Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2008 10:21 pm Post subject: Short Changing Ourselves!! Steve, are you out there? |
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"I was someone... perhaps THE one, who..." Steve is referring to in the
latter part of his post. Frankly, I am a bit suprised as to his
recollection that my request that he nof fly over my house had to do with
his piloting skills (maybe more to do with his reading skills, I guess) as I
knew nothing about his ability in that area (Until reading today of his 1300
hours over 30 years). My request he not fly over my house was solely due to
the fact that aviation insurance sort of vanishes when flying in violation
of the FARs, which I still think is the case when flying an airplane
certified for more than the LSA limits without a medical. So Steve, if you
are flying your Model V without a medical, the request still stands, please
don't fly over my house. Unless, of course you really do have more assets
that you mentioned to that poor widow. Sorry guys, and I do mean it, but
the question arises. How many of us got into our airplanes without help
from our friendly bank or at least the credit card, Huh? I can shed a tear
for how Steve helped out this poor widow that only wanted to clean out her
hangar. But the tearing suddenly dries up when I remember that it was him
that priced the airplane in the first place and stood by as her adviser
sending away all the self serving offers from those creeps - most, if not
all in excess of $15,000, I am sure. Sorry again guys, but any commodity is
only worth what another is willing to pay. $15,000 vs. $30,000 or maybe
$28,000 or even $25,000 Whoee! Did I hear the word lowballing somewhere in
a previous post. Geez!
Steve your other comment about me has a hint of merit, I have to admit. I
re-read most of the posts after our hard landing - crash if you want to call
it that, or ball, if you prefer - and admit that I wasn't very forthcoming
on the list as to the cause. John McBean did report a telephone
conversation with me in which he posted to the list the primary cause of the
let down - "Lowell had a gradual loss of Oil Pressure that eventually went
to Zero.. He chose to land with power before an engine seize."
I do find it curious that with all the communication with the FAA and AIG,
including personal interviews, written statements, and very thorough
document submissions, It didn't occur to me to make a better explanation to
you, Steve, and perhaps other interested members on the list. It was not
intentional. My real excuse is more likely due to the volumn of private
traffic on my email account from well wishers requesting information on our
wellbeing and a corresponding amount of outgoing describing our condition,
and lots of personal emails detailing the crash, I didn't realize that
John's brief statement was all there was with regard to the cause of the
crash submitted to the list until now. Steve, this was not intended to
slight you to be sure, It's just that my life outside of the list was a bit
overwhelming at the time. And wonderfully, still is.
So here goes Steve. About ten minutes into our flight I had a total loss of
oil pressure and decided that the clearing below us was my best shot at
putting it down. We were in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains
with rolling hills pretty much covered with Oak trees and our version of
scraggly pines. A better choice? Subject to the second guessing we all
do - possibly - but then a whole new set of potential outcomes come in to
play, some better and others potentially not good at all - no thank you. In
any event, we were running out of clearing before we touched down, so I
pulled the nose up to stall and planted it rather than taking our chances
with an Oak tree. Would I do it again? I can live a long time without an
airplane.
Regarding experts. My definition would be someone who has direct experience
in a subject. Sorry again one last time, but for the best information about
my airplane or the Rotax 912 series engines, I contact Mark, Larry, Hal,
Dan, or Ken. No, Steve, maintaining T-6s or Storchs or even flying them,
for that matter, do not an expert make regarding Kitfoxes despite your 40
hours flight time and a bunch of oil changes. 582s? I'd definitely lend an
ear to Bruce Harrington or Don Smythe. Two trained engineers, the latter in
quality control at Newport News on Nuclear Submarines. Both these guys took
that kind of thinking to the bank with their airplanes. Float planes? Paul
Seehafer. NSI? Deke. The list could go on and on. The point here is that
these guys are able to give answers not just opinions. Just my opinion.
Lowell
| Quote: | Now, when I approached this group a year or so ago I was immediately
condemned by the self-called "experts" when I inquired about Sport Pilot
Privileges with a Series 5. These "experts", who "knew it all" said I
didn't
"deserve" to own or fly such a craft as I hadn't built it myself. One went
so far as to send E-mail glorifying his "vast" experience and "requesting"
that I never, ever, fly "over his house" as he considered me a danger due
to
my "limited knowledge of aviation."
That person then proceeded within the year to ball his own aircraft up in
a
field for reasons that have never been explained in this forum.
. I shouldn't admit it but I find that quite ironic.
I am pleased to say that I am able to, and do, fly my "5" under Sport
Pilot
privileges. Perfectly legal under the LSA rules and regulations. Learn
what
"Maximum Takeoff Weight" is, as defined by the FAA in regards to LSA
issues,
and apply it.
In the words of Forest Gump..."That is all I have to say about that."
Steve B.
Michigan
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