[Wing] Consumer satisfaction?

[Jim Oke]

My views on MD-RA .....

First off, about 10 years ago I built an RV-3 and the three (possibly four) inspections were done here in Winnipeg by Transport Canada reps. All inspections were done promptly within a day or two of making a request. After the final inspection was done at a local airport I had a few snags to fix and the inspector later stopped by on his own initative to recheck the airplane and so my flight permit got issued without my even asking for it! My experience was not untypical of other Winnipeg area builders. In short, we got excellent service at no direct cost from our local TC office and were rather unhappy when AIR-ABA came on the scene replacing TC with big inspection fees attached as well. AIR-ABA seemed to be a National fix for a distinctly southern Ontario (mostly Toronto) problem where I gather there were real problems getting inspections done.

Yes, that was 10 years ago before the Feds got on their "cost-recovery" aka "price gouge" binge for most TC services and I agree that the price tag for a TC inspection would be a big one if they were still in the amateur-built business.

My general impression with the two inspections (pre-closure & final) for my RV-6A have been positive. Then, too, the two or three local MD-RA inspectors are longtime local builders who are known to most of the local homebuilt community. MD-RA HQ in London has been a bit slow in responding to requests for inspections - simple answer is to send the money well ahead of time and follow up with a phone call a few weeks before you actually need the inspection. My inspector (whom I have know personally for five years or more) was patient, through, and courteous - what more could one ask?  The forms took more than one try but the advice on completing them was free and readily given.

I have wondered over the past few years about what the real $$$ balance sheet for AIR-ABA and now MD-RA looks like. Was the initial "break even" budget realistic and met? Was the program subsidizing RAA or vice versa? Are present costs reasonable to cover the level of service builders want and create a modest reserve for the future? Are there other curious minds wondering about this?

Can't think of any real suggestions. A lot seems to depend on the HQ in London and basically a hiccup there (be it computer problems, somebody away or on vacation (not a complaint, BTW, we all have to have a life somehow) puts everything on hold across the country. It is tempting to suggest regional MD-RA offices but the fragments would likely be too small to be vaible on their own and there would be all sorts of standardization problems to deal with.

My own opinion is that it would be better if TC would get back into homebuilt inspections on some sort of reasonable basis - but that's not likely to happen in the present government climate in the GWN. Plus we wouldn't want the same bureaucrats who have done such a swell job running (??) the gun registration program anywhere near recreational aviation. Interesting that in the big, bad, everythings privatized, USA, builders can call on a friendly local FAA guy for  their final inspection but in kinder, gentler, socialized this and that Canada, the government washes it hands of homebuilt aircraft and says do it yourself, we can't or won't be bothered! 

So much for politics. Have to get my airplane back together assuming my flight permit will actually show up someday soon....

Jim Oke
Winnipeg, MB
RV-6A C-GKGZ (waiting for paper)



  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Jim Jewell 
  To: wing at vansairforce.org 
  Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2003 12:19 PM
  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.


  If you are not happy say how and why here.


  Suggestions?


  Jim in Kelowna  
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