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<< Lancair Builders' Mail List >>
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Earlier this week I read a well written and informative post by Larry
Graves of Aircrafters LLC about how to fix a big leading edge ding. I
went to their web site and found that they were located only about 45
minutes away (Gilroy, CA, south of San Jose), and since they had a fire
extinguisher for sale I wanted to buy, I had all the excuse I needed to
drive down for a visit.
Aircrafters is the brainchild of Larry and Dave Saylor, San Jose State
grads from the Aeronautics programs, and both long experienced in
general aviation with appropriate credentials. They started Aircrafters
to help home builders in the San Francisco bay area and have completed a
number of interesting projects including Lancairs, Europas, helicopter
repairs, and there was a BD-5 and Glasair III in the shop when I
visited. I spent a couple of hours nosing around and taking to them
about airplanes, projects, and engine cooling, particularly their
approach to cooling the Hirth engine in the BD-5 project.
The shop is spacious, bright, clean, neat, and well equipped with a
broad variety of supplies and power tools. Additionally, these guys are
apparently well connected with the local FSDO which is aware of their
builder assistance program and helps ensure that the builder assistance
complies with the appropriate FARs to keep owners from getting into
trouble late on. This also helps when going through final paperwork and
inspection procedures prior to first flight.
Larry and Dave will provide assistance ranging from simply renting space
for those that need room and access to tools up to the maximum allowable
levels of builder support with composites, sheet metal, and presumably
also fabric and wood aircraft and helicopters. Hollister airport is
nearby and is the FAA approved local airport outside of the metropolitan
area recommended for flying off restrictions. They also have contacts
with local paint shops for final painting services.
Larry and Dave are also getting the appropriate training and
certifications to permit in-progress and final inspections for various
experimental aircraft types (as well as the regular spam can stuff), and
so can come to your hanger and do the type of inspections that keep help
give the insurance companies and owners the warm fuzzies before first
flight. Regular inspection, repair, upgrade, and modification services
are also available after first flight. Dave in particular has been a
regular practicing A&P working in the local area for many years.
Summary: unlike some other places I have visited that provide builder
support, Aircrafters appears to be not only well equipped and located,
but is also staffed by experienced, knowledgeable, and aeronautically
(college) trained staff. If you need help in building or want some
inspection, repair, or maintenance services for your home built
(including helicopters), give them a look. I was very impressed.
www.aircraftersllc.com 408-847-5957
Fred Moreno
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LML website: http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html
Builders' Bookstore: http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair
Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.
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