"Vaughn Simon" wrote in message
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"Reggie" wrote in message
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Does anyone recall ANY experimental aeroplane built by the current
leader of the Experimental Aircraft Association????

The organization's name is Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), not
Homebuilt Aviation Association (HAA). Your point in regards to our
second-generation President may be well taken, I don't recall him having
the aviation background to match his father's; but there is more to
experimental aviation than homebuilding. Classics, warbirds & Light Sport
should come quickly to mind, but did you know that many gliders are
registered Experimental even though they may be factory made? Perhaps
that is why many of the glider pilots I have met over the years are
members of the EAA, even though they get precious little coverage in the
EAA magizine.

To me, the EAA has always represented the "little guy" in aviation better
and more directly than any other organization.


I believe that the main categories of "Experimental" airworthiness
certificates are Exhibition, Air Racing, Amateur built, Market Survey -
sales demonstration, research and development. I don't believe that Light
Sport is part of this system.

"War Birds" fall in Exhibition and/or Air Racing as do many competition
sailplanes. R&D/Market Survey are normally pre-production version of
aircraft intended for standard airworthiness certificates. Of course
classic/antique aircraft must be maintained in accordance with their
standard airworthiness certificate.

Even though the EAA was instrumental as a lobbying agency for the Light
Sports Aircraft and the transition of ultra-light aircraft to the light
sport category; light sports aviation's birth has been completed and is
live, well and growingl. The successful growth of LSA is no longer
dependant on the EAA.

It would appear to me that the EAA should return to a balance between
Exhibition, Air Racing, Amateur Built, and classic/antique. Isn't this the
organizations legacy? I also believe it is the organizations future.

Wayne
HP-14 N990
http://www.soaridaho.com/Schreder