On Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at 3:45:05 PM UTC-5, Don Johnstone wrote:


Up until today I was firmly of the opinion that EASA and their regulation
was an unnecessary imposition on gliding. I had always believed that no-one
who flew a type certified glider would make structural modifications
without consulting the type certificate holder and obtaining their approval
for a modification, I simply did not believe that anyone could be THAT
irresponsible. I seems I was wrong, which is nothing new. I suppose that
EASA is a necessary evil while there are those who think that such behavior
is acceptable. What worries me most is that these actions are taken by
people who are described as well respected and qualified engineers. It
certainly increases my understanding of the attitude of EASA to FAA
licensed engineers.
I am well aware that in the past such modifications were made to simple
wood and fabric constructed gliders, cutting and patching a hole in fabric
or indeed metal skins is a completely different matter to drilling holes in
a GRP structure, the best that can be said is that such action has not
failed, YET, or maybe not.
To say that a course of action is ok because A.N Other did it and got away
with it is not safe practice, especially when it encourages those without
knowledge to try an "inspired" fix.
If you can produce a note of compliance, a relevant AD or tech note, from
the type certificate holder I will of course take it all back.

I'm not so sure what Mr Johnson did would fall into the category of some really bad action as the writer above seems to imply.
The maintenance and repair manuals required as part of instructions for continued airworthiness specify various levels of damage and how they are to be handled. Come small holes commonly can be taped over, at least temporarily. It is quite possible the hole Mr Johnson described falls in that range. As as aero engineer by degree, he certainly would have made the proper judgement.
Sometimes, to get access to inner stuff to keep older gliders flying, a hole may need to be cut. Obviously it should be repaired as appropriate. In truth and composite repair is commonly easier that one in metal.
That said, Joe Winglifter should not just cut holes in stuff obviously.
EASA is an evil that is best avoided at all costs. In my view it has contributed little, if anything to our little part of the universe, yet has added much cost and aggravation to those it affects.
UH