Pegasus gliders.

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.

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

Mitch wrote:

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.
Mitch, before you blast people you haven't even talked to, talk to Steve
N. about what he's done, try to get an idea of the magnitude of the
problem. You'll learn a lot more about the problem you face, the
problems the SSA faces trying to solve them, and that you are not the
only one with a problem in the SSA. And then, if they still seem like
lazy, uncaring wusses, you can continue to blast. And if you do, you
will not get any sympathy from me, who has watched Steve perform an
immense amount of work for the SSA and the NW glider clubs for literally
decades.

It's a very unfortunate situation you are in, but it was not caused by
Steve or the SSA, but by Centrair.

--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA
* Change "netto" to "net" to email me directly

On Nov 29, 10:37*pm, Eric Greenwell wrote:


It's a very unfortunate situation you are in, but it was not caused by
Steve or the SSA, but by Centrair.

--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA
* Change "netto" to "net" to email me directly

I'm not in the situation, I have a Discus, I am just trying to help
friends out. I have no doubt Steve has done a TON of work towards
this, that is evident. This can't be resolved by one person fighting
the battle alone, it must be many people working together... But where
are they? If the FAA route did not work, why can't a class action
suit be filed against Centair? This would require some sort of
organization made up of people with a common interest with a clear POC
(Point of Contact). Humm, wonder where we could find one of those?

Thanks for a well articulated and thought our response, Eric. Your
points are valid and noted.

EX

Class action suit? Did you and your friend not know about the life
limit when the glider was purchased? I believe your reasoning is
preventing a rational view of the situation that you find yourself in.