On Dec 28, 2004, at 5:12 PM, Ed Burkhead wrote:
Greg,
You’re right that “It points up the tyranny of paperwork over common sense.”
But I think they do have some common sense behind them. There are thousands of experimentals out there that would make fine sport planes but were certified with higher gross weight. If the FAA didn’t ban downsizing, lots of those planes would be in for a paperwork refit to qualify, then would be flown outside the new weight limits.
This is the FAA’s protection against that deluge.
Ed Burkhead
Hi Ed,
You're right when you say that those "thousands of experimentals out there certified with higher gross weight would make fine sport planes." You're wrong when you use the label "common sense" to a bureaucratic conspiracy to limit the number of aircraft that would otherwise qualify under more reasonable rules.
I disagree as to the "common sense" you attribute to the FAA's position. It isn't their job or within their rightful authority (as part of a government which presumably and only by their continued consent represents the interests of the people) to LIMIT any American's lawful access to the sky for their regulatory convenience.
The FAA routinely forgets that American airspace belongs to the people's...not to them. Someday I hope the pilot community rediscovers the cajones to initiate and properly fund whatever effort is necessary to FORCE what has become a rogue agency back into its proper role of protecting the general public while encouraging (as opposed to intimidating or insulting the intelligence of) a growing aviation community.
I just can't bring myself to be so happy with this bone that they halfway toss us after decades of destroying the commercial value of the basic pilot's license and regulating the business of designing and manufacturing aircraft damn near out of existence." With "friends" like these, we don't NEED enemies.
Greg also said "But what's particularly stupid is when they rather arbitrarily codify things that just don't make any sense."
Rignt on, Greg! They won't get any compliments from me from such silliness. They claim to be professionals, and so I, too, hold them accountable when their conduct and actions are of questionable good faith. When you complained or their "...tyranny of paperwork over common sense" my immediate thought was "what's your point, Greg? If you consider the 337 situation these days, this is NOT the exception, it's the RULE!
Regards,
WRB
