----- Original Message -----
From: "Michael D. Callahan" <micallahan@worldnet.att.net>
To: "Rotary motors in aircraft" <flyrotary@lancaironline.net>
Sent: Thursday, October 10, 2002 11:28 AM
Subject: [FlyRotary] Re: Auto Coversion Judging


> Ed,
>     I am a member, and former VP, of chapter 152, which handles SERFI
> judging under the supervision of Dick Simpson. Dick mentioned that there
was
> a bit of a squabble down there, but as you pointed out, said he had no
> guidelines to operate under.
>     This was Dick's last year as head judge, but Dave Richardson (also one
> of our guys) will be taking his place. Both Dick and Dave are either
> building or flying auto powered aircraft. Dick is starting on a Fisher
Tiger
> Moth with a Suzuki, and Dave has finished and is about to fly a Dragonfly
> with a VW. They will sincerely work to get this done right. Dick is kinda
> short and gruff, but he is a great guy and quite a craftsman.
>     If you or anyone else has any idea how to contact the folks at SNF or
> OSH that put together the judging of the auto conversion class, that would
> probably be the best place to start.  Mike C.


Hi Mike, thanks for the additional info.  According to the info I got from
Gerry, Dick Simpson has agreed to head up the SERFI Auto Conversion Board
and I was given his mail address.  So I am trying to get some input on what
our community thinks a valid criteria might look like and provide that as an
input to Dick.

Some have indicated that they really don't care to have folks who may be
well meaning but just not into auto conversion to judge their aircraft.
They indicate that having us folks who have done the job provide comments is
more meaningful - I can certainly relate to that viewpoint.  Others have
indicated that such awards would do much to eliminate the "stigma" attached
to Auto Conversions, so not surprising we have different views.

I think if we could come up with a meaningful criteria (if possible)  that
would be useful for Non-auto conversion judges to use that it may provide
more credibility for auto conversions - not that the lack would in any way
deter those who are focused on auto conversions.  I mean 99% of us do it
because of the challenge, realiability we believe we can gain and perhaps
disenchantment with expensive aircraft engines that can require crankshaft
and other replacements so frequently that its become a joke.

But, since I stirred the pot, I feel I am obligated to provide some
meaningful input to Dick. So any ideas would be appreciated.

Ed Anderson