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EAA SUPPORTS VINTAGE AIRCRAFT OWNERS AT FAA/INDUSTRY AGING
AIRCRAFT SUMMIT |
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March
23, 2006 - EAA and the Vintage Aircraft Association presented a proposal to create a new vintage aircraft certification
category during this week's FAA/Industry Aging Aircraft Summit at Overland
Park, Kansas. Earl Lawrence, EAA vice president of industry and regulatory
affairs, presented the plan Wednesday, which would create an aircraft certification
category giving owners and their mechanics the ability to maintain vintage
aircraft using acceptable data or safety-based form, fit, and function
criteria, as opposed to unavailable or outdated type-certificate data. Also
attending the two-day summit is H.G. Frautschy, executive director of the
Vintage Airplane Association. Aging aircraft issues affect aircraft of all
vintages--from the first aircraft ever produced to aircraft produced in the
1970s and 1980s. Of particular concern are the effects of fatigue and
corrosion on aircraft. As primary presenters at the conference, EAA and VAA's
proposal addresses the concerns of the FAA while protecting the interests of
individual aircraft owners. Jay Underdown, EAA 717709, of Tailwheel Limited
spoke Wednesday as a non-mechanic concerned about potential regulations
increasing the cost of maintaining his 1940 Porterfield LP-65. "From a
practical standpoint, we really do want to keep our old antiques
flying," he said. Underdown also expressed interest in EAA's proposal to
create a new certification category. FAA presenters included Kim Smith (ACE-100),
manager of the Small Aircraft Directorate, and Marv Nuss, continued
operational safety program manager, who presented an overview of structural
issues that mechanics must deal with on a daily basis. Also appearing were
representatives of type clubs and other industry groups who have concerns
related to parts and data availability. In her Day 1 closing comments, Smith noted many
of the presenters were suggesting proactive solutions. "I knew before
how important type clubs were," she said. "I think today we may see
them as one of the pivotal points in the solution to this. I don't think
anybody knows these airplanes as they age better than the people who are flying
them." Smith also expressed appreciation for the contributions
manufacturers make to the continued airworthiness of the aircraft they
produced. aging aircraft fleet. An
FAA presentation on orphaned aircraft type certificates was also scheduled.
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