[Wing] Consumer satisfaction?

[George McNutt]

  -----Original Message-----
  From: wing-admin at vansairforce.org [mailto:wing-admin at vansairforce.org]On
Behalf Of Jim Jewell
  Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2003 10:20 AM
  To: wing at vansairforce.org
  Subject: [Wing] Consumer satisfaction?


  I have been listening to home builder people's comments regarding the
inspection process that they are required to follow.
  It occurred to me that It might be good to get and share a more general
scan of builders experiances and reactions.

  If you are happy say how and why here.


  [George McNutt] __ If you are not happy say how and why here.

  Hi Jim,   - good idea!

  I think that the MD-RA is trying to do a good job and has many fine
volunteers, but I also believe that MD-RA is handicapped by their inadequate
agreements with Transport. These problems mostly emanate from MD-RA and
Transport headquarters but are exasperated by some individuals who seem to
think that their MD-RA training manual supercedes the CAR's.

  I ran into two procedures problems in April - May 2002 with MD-RA (Pacific
Region) while trying to get my initial flight authorization. My problems
were all resolved by getting a refund for my final inspection fees from
MD-RA and dealing with Transport Canada. I believe one problem area has been
resolved for succeeding builders.

  (1) Gross weight increase, - Despite already having kit manufacturers
letters on file MD-RA was insisting on a letter from the kit manufacturer
(Vans) approving a gross weight increase for my individual aircraft prior to
issuing a flight authorization. This seemed to be a case of the MD-RA
worrying about their own liability and ignoring what the CAR's said about
the subject.
  My understanding is that this problem is now resolved with the builder
supplying a letter assuming liability for the heavier weight.

  (2) MD-RA's inability to modify initial operating limitations - The 25
mile operating radius limitation at airports such as Boundary Bay can be a
safety hazard. All of the 25 mile area is built-up city, over water, in the
USA, in a high traffic area capped at 2500 feet by class "C" airspace or
over mountains.
  Unfortunately we are dealing with MD-RA,  Bombardier or Air Canada simply
request a safe operating area from Transport.
  In our case MD-RA says their hands are tied by their agreement with
Transport on issuing a safer operating area. They will only issue the
standard 25 mile area and then you must have Transport amend the Flight
Authorization to give you a safer area. Yes, amendments cost money, in this
case $35.
  Why should one pay hundreds of dollars for a Flight Authorization that
needs to be amended in the interests of safety??


  On a side note - I received excellent service from Transport Canada
(Abbottsford), no fee for changing the 25 mile radius to the Hope corridor,
no hassle in removing the VFR restriction, and I ended up with two final
inspections MD-RA and Transport for the price of one!


  George McNutt
  Langley B.C.

  6A - 152 hrs.









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