On Nov 29, 11:36*am, Mitch wrote:
From the SSA site:

The FAA indicated in the letter that potential alternative solutions
to extend the service life of these aircraft could be pursued by
private interests. *The SSA, in reviewing what information would be
required to pursue this, has determined that we do not have the
required resources.

The SSA is disappointed with what now appears to be a final outcome
for this issue. *However, over the course of discussions the last 4
years on this, and other certification related issues, it has become
apparent that further dialogue on the subject of how the FAA handles
glider certification is necessary and we will continue to pursue and
protect the interests of our membership.

Stephen Northcraft, Chairman
SSA Government Liaison Committee

So, what they are saying here is "We give up, if you guys want to do
it individually, you may go ahead and do that". *If they (The SSA) do
not have the required resources to pursue this, what can the
membership as a whole do to provide the necessary resources? *Once
again from the site-

"The SSA acts as the ‘umbrella’ organization for soaring in the United
States by representing the collective interests of its members –
individuals, clubs, chapters, and businesses...The SSA actively
encourages involvement of youth in the sport, and provides
representation to Federal agencies..."

*I have done, and continue to do my share for the sport of Soaring, I
feel I have the right to be disappointed, and to publicly blast the
lack of action by an organization that I have believed in since I was
14.

Steve Northcraft has put huge hours into trying to get a favorable
outcome for this problem. The issue is that the FAA can only use
manufacturer's "approved data" or a suitably engineered and approved
STC as a basis to continue airworthiness.
Since Centrair won't provide such data, the only method currently
available would be for some entity to create, engineer including all
required source data, document, and then get approved a test plan for
continued airworthiness. OH- one other detail- this entity will also
have to carry the liability going forward that results from these
activities. Steve's statement is correct, the SSA does not have either
the finanacial nor technical resources to undertake such a project.
The only real practical solution is either export to a country without
life limit certification, or get a massive cramp in the log book entry
hand.
Sorry for your pain.
UH