but have been unsuccessful in locating an EAA >Tech Counselor willing to inspect/sign off on any work done on my KR 2. >Bernie McLean >Poplar Grove IL +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I'm going out on a limb here as I'm not 100% sure my info is correct and my good friend, a local EAA tech counselor, is "unavailable for comment" (he didn't answer the phone). I don't believe the EAA T.C. "signs off" your work. They inspect your project, note their observations, and recommend changes if they see something they feel is unsafe or could be improved on. They should be completing a form, keeping one copy, giving you one copy for your builders log (records), and submitting the other to EAA. I may be wrong but I don't believe they are accepting any liability for their actions as their inspection is not "required" and is voluntary. My advice: Get the names of ALL the local EAA T.C's (from EAA if necessary) and call each one personally. Ask them to inspect your project. If they say they don't feel qualified then ask them to give you the name and number of someone who is. If still no luck, call EAA headquarters, chapter support, and explain the problem. Tell them their program isn't working for you and see what they suggest. Some individual situations require a more vigorous beating of the bushes. As for getting a D.A.R. to do the inspection, same thing, only work through the local FAA FSDO (flight safety district office, I think). Do your best to get the FAA to do the inspection. They will probably say they don't have the time or personnel and to get an independent D.A.R. If so, ask for a list of D.A.R.'s that can do the job and start making phone calls and get prices. I've heard charges anywhere from $150 to $1500 so shop around. I lucked out and found a DAR that was also a homebuilder and he inspected two planes on one visit for $150 each plus some mileage. He drove over 100 miles to do the inspections and had to get the whole thing approved as it was out of his designated area but bottom line is it can be done. As stated by a quote I read, either on the net or somewhere: "Those that say it can't be done should not interrupt those that are doing it". Mark Langford stopped by on his way home from Oshkosh and we got in some KR stick time this morning. I'll let him tell the story. Maybe he can even post some photos after he huggs the wife and kids. I hope he posts one of my flying buddy, A&P, EAA T.C., and good friend flying formation with us in his Acro Sport II this morning. we had some REALLY GOOD AIR !!! Larry Flesner 2004 Gathering host
