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This page details my dealings with the FAA. If you're not sure what the FAA is (or if you just want to read my screwball opinion of what it is) click here. Each entry below (latest entry on top) is a phone call, form submission, site visit or any other required interaction with the FAA.
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| what is the faa? |
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One would think that if one decides to build an aircraft one would understand the inherent risks and proceed with the utmost caution. But alas, of the many freedoms available in our country, the freedom to act stupidly still seems to be the one most often exercised; I'm thinking of my daily commute... I'm not saying all people are stupid -- I used the word seems because it seems my most vivid memories are those near-death experiences directly resulting from my own or someone else's stupidity. I'm sure if I thought about it long enough I'd remember someone acting prudently and intelligently, I just can't think of one right now... If one's stupidity can only result in injury to oneself, one is usually left to proceed without Government interference; you might even end up as a Darwin Award recipient. If, however, the breadth and scope of one's stupidity encompasses the likelihood of death and/or dismemberment for someone other than oneself, or the destruction of property other than one's own, the Government generally feels obligated to get involved. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the US Government agency that establishes and enforces the rules regarding all things aviation in our country; if you wanna build an aircraft they're gonna be involved (see above). The FAA's role with respect to the experimental aircraft builder is that of safety nanny, as indeed, safety should be the paramount concern. Although some builders view the FAA with distrust, hate and discontent seeking to avoid or deceive them and/or "game the system", I choose to view the FAA as another resource; and a valuable one at that. (Surprised anyone feels that way? Peruse some of the Advisory Circulars at these links.) What most "FAA Haters" seem to forget is that the FAA serves a very valuable purpose. An example: knowing the condition in which some owners choose to maintain their aircraft, even with FAA oversight, can you imagine if those same owners knew there was no oversight whatsoever? Yikes! The FAA is not without fault; what government agency is? We've all heard the horror stories of how the FAA "took" this person's license, or "denied" that persons medical, some of them are even true! All bureaucracies appear heartless and cruel when rules are applied without regard to individuals or circumstances. But in all my dealings with bureaucracies (remember, I'm a 20-year USAF veteran) I learned this: if you can convince THE BUREAUCRACY that you believe THE BUREAUCRACY is there to help you and that you are eager to comply with all THE BUREAUCRACY'S bullsh.. uh, I mean their rules, yeah... no, their VITAL, INVALUABLE rules, you can generally avoid the worst of the pain and inconvenience (nudge nudge, wink wink). That being said, please refer to this page to read about my dealings with the FAA. I'll try to include as much detail as possible in an effort to help you avoid the pratfalls of non-compliance; after all, just as when dealing with the Borg, resistance is futile!
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