lml@lancaironline.net Mailing List Archive

>We are engaged in an inherently risky endeavor. Flying in experimental
> airplanes, sometimes modifying them to suit our personal preferences and
> looking for a "better way" to do things on them. When someone like
> EngineAir or Lancair or Sierra Flight Systems or even Blue Mountain comes
> along with very promising technology we weigh the anticipated benefits vs
> the penalties for failure and make our choice. I want that choice. I want
> to encourage anyone who has a "better way" to develop it. I understand it
> may take years (if ever) to reach a level I will accept. If I buy something
> that doesn't work out for whatever reason, I made the choice; I will deal
> with the consequences.

Steve could not have said it better. Life is a choice between "taking calculated risks while

advancing the art", or "an initially safer, but stagnant and changeless society".

Progress requires considered risk. The irony is that the second choice eventually

compromises safety even more as the economics deteriorate and safer advancements are prevented.

Let's hope Chelton and EngineAir will recover from these recent tragedies.

Stu.

sseffern@yahoo.com