[Wing] Re: MD-RA Consumer satisfaction?

[Della & Robert Kennett]

Hi Jim. 

My comments regarding the inspection process follow.

I was generally happy with the MD-RA portion of the process.  I dealt with three different inspectors over the 5 1/2 years it took to build the plane.  The first one didn't go totally by the book with respect to the paperwork in order to save the builder some of the inspection fees (i.e. he would let you take the smaller pieces such as empennage, flaps, etc. to his place for inspection and enter some notations in his own personal files.  He would then sign them off when he did the pre-cover on the wings).  Unfortuneately, he was no longer doing inspections when it came time to do the wing inspection.  The second inspector worked with me on this as he knew the first inspector and trusted him.  I did sweat for a few days however, anticipating that I might have to remove a few rivets in the completed pieces.  It probably also helped that I had very good records and pictures showing the insides of the various pieces before they were closed.

By the time I got to the final inspection, the second inspector had retired.  Dwayne Piper from Kamloops was the new inspector and I found him to be very easy to deal with.  He answered a lot of questions ahead of time concerning the process, and was very thorough during the inspection.  He had built his own RV and was obviously knowledgeable about the aircraft.  The paperwork was returned within 10 days, as promised.  I didn't have any problems with the paperwork (unlike some other local builders) since I was aware of the document at www.vansairforce.org that Terry Elgood had put together.

I agree with other responses that the fees seem a little high considering that the inspectors don't get any of it.  You can save some money if you have room to leave the empennage, flaps & ailerons until the wing inspection, or don't mind finishing them off without using the various jigs.  For peace of mind, however, you should have someone look at them before you get too far into the project in case there are some serious problems with your riveting skills.

Transport Canada was another issue, however.  The application for the certificate of registration took several weeks.  I finally phoned them and was able to get the process moving.  I also applied for an expanded test area with the local TC office.  After several weeks, I received a "no" response for what I had asked for (Penticton to Salmon Arm to Kamloops).  They would however give me Salmon Arm (a gain of about 1 mile beyond the standard 25 mile range as I was based in Vernon) for a $35 fee.  Needless to say I declined.  When I was getting close to having the hours flown off I contacted TC in Vancouver to find out how to have the restrictions removed.  After bouncing from person to person I left a detailed voice mail with supposedly the right person.  No response was received.  I then contacted George McNutt in Langley who indicated that he received his C of A over the counter in Abbotsford.  I called the local TC office in Kelowna and was told "This is a very low priority for us - send us the letter and logbook and we'll get to it when we can".  I didn't push it since it was November but understand that another builder pushed them recently when he received a similar response and was able to get it completed over the counter.

Rob Kennett
RV-6A C-GRBK
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Jim Jewell 
  To: wing at vansairforce.org ; rv-list at matronics.com ; national at raa.ca 
  Sent: June 18, 2003 8:48 AM
  Subject: [Wing] Re: MD-RA Consumer satisfaction?


  ATTN. Canadian rv-list, RAA and Western Wing members.

  It has been pointed out to me that the original version and purpose of the email below was not clearly identified.

  One more time. 

  This email is meant to be an informal non scientific public arena poll. It is intended to spark commentary and conversation in respect to the MD-RA inspection process.

  I have been listening to local area aircraft kit builder people's comments regarding the MD-RA 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.


  If you have Suggestions? here. 


  Jim in Kelowna


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