Pinga
I grew up with homebuilt a/c, if I wanted to see my Father it was in the workshop.
I have two concerns about the system.
1; There are a lot of "new" pfa type of owners, many with little or no engineering experience and little flying experience. They buy a homebuilt and tend to treat it like a "boy racers" car, doing mods and fitting toys without ever getting approval or an inspection. Some Inspectors must not be doing a good job and the eng dept do not police the system well.
What got to me about the Adams case is that there are lots of other un-reported accidents in both PFA and BMAA aircraft, often these are repaired and sold on the this "new" type of owner. I know I should do my duty and report anything like this that I know about. But some Inspectors don't even bother reporting them.
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2; The approval of type like the Europa. "The great British hope". I have seen 3 aircraft accidents in the last 10 years. All in Europa mono wheel aircraft. All with high time pilots on board. All landing.
Talking to the pilots I was told that the aircraft will fly before it can be controlled properly. "you are in the lap of the gods for a few seconds at take off and landing" said one pilot.
So why has the PFA spent so much time promoting this aircraft when there are many safe aircraft not being allowed on the register ( and some like the Shadow grounded). It seems that the process is handled by a few people who can get carried away with something they fancy rather than good old aero engineering principles.
I have 1800 hours on 30 type, over 600 on 20 tailwheel type and 100 or so gliding. I have never flown an aircraft that could not be controlled on the ground, (some require a bit of skill) so what the hell is the Europa doing in the air at all. See the SRG publications over the last few years I think the Europa averages about 4 bumps per month.
I don't have the answer to the problem but the PFA need to change.
Dawn