Posted for "Joe Bartels" <JoeB@lancair.com>:


Fox news, as "fair and balanced" as ever, has a rather interesting article
which I hope each and everyone of you will respond to.  It is located at
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/03/25/faa-issues-safety-warning-homemade-planes/#discussion-form.
 You will be able to express your views which I hope will not inflame but
instead inform those additional readers who peruse your comments.  Mine is as
follows:
 
 
 Pilots who read your article will know that the key to safe operation of an
aircraft, any aircraft, is training. We at Lancair insist on training. Ed
Smith, the pilot of the aircraft which lost its propeller, successfully
maintained control of an aircraft which was crippled as a result of an engine
failure. The fact that Ed and his passenger are alive today is as a result of
the training he received. The FAA elected to concentrate their concerns on the
fact that our aircraft kits produce very fast aircraft which generally
necessitates a higher landing speed. What does the FAA say about the many
other certified aircraft which have stall speeds higher than that of the
Lancair design? Also, how is the FAA addressing the Lancair Evolution kit
which has a stall speed of less than 61 knots during normal operations? I
think that sensationalism sells and facts are picked through to produce
sensationalism. Let's hear from pilots and not news men and women that can
tell us what they are first taught when learning to fly.
 
 Our very freedoms are under attack from all sides and all political parties.
 One might believe that term limits for politicians is the answer.  I say we
need term limits on the bureaucrats who are entrenched long before the
politicians we elect take office and remain well after that politician is
voted out.  It use to be that "To the victor remained the spoils" as that term
was used when politicians kicked out the bureaucrats that in government prior
to their election.  It would be far better if our politicians brought their
own bureaucrats with them when they arrived in Washington and then had the
whole mess kicked out upon their loosing office.  We need fresh thought in our
government from all levels..not just from those temporary office holders we
elect.  As an attorney I see the changes in law that take away more and more
creativity and personal freedoms.  Be vigilent my friends.  It is time to
voice our concerns as one to Washington.  I spent more than 3 years fighting
to keep the FAA at bay.  I see this as retaliatory to some extent.  I asked
the FAA to help us with training issues...they come up with citing the obvious
as it relates to aerodynamics.  
 
 Lancair will soon ask for a rule change that will allow our customers to
enjoy more commercial assistance in building their dream aircraft.  No, this
is not to make more money for Lancair...it is to help people enjoy the freedom
to have a custom built aircraft just like they can enjoy a custom built house,
boat, car or any other luxury item.  This effort will keep our friends who
provide legitimate builder assistance in business and provide a more
professional and safe aircraft built from our kits.  I hope you all will
assist in supporting this effort when the time comes by writing in support to
the FAA, your congressman and senator as well as the EAA.  I will keep you
informed as to our progress.  
 
 I have rambled far too much.  Hope to see you all at Sun & Fun.
 
 Joe
 
 
 Joseph C. Bartels, CEO
 Lancair International, Inc.