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March
2009
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Welcome to the March 2009 Issue of Experimenter
Joe Norris
The homebuilt community has a couple of hidden gems. They really shouldn't be hidden, but it seems that they are. These gems are the EAA Technical Counselor and Flight Advisor programs. These 100 percent volunteer programs have helped thousands of amateur builders do a better and, more importantly, safer job of building, testing, and flying their homebuilts. The Federal Aviation Administration recognizes these programs as enhancements to homebuilt safety and mentions the programs in its advisory circulars and other guidance materials related to amateur-built aircraft.
What we need is more participation in these programs. Almost every EAA chapter has one or more EAA technical counselors, and most also have a flight advisor or two. Yet it appears that only a relatively small percentage of builders take advantage of the expertise of these active and knowledgeable volunteers.
We would like to see that percentage grow, and we encourage each and every one of you to help us make that happen. If you are building a project right now, check with your local EAA chapter (you are a member, aren't you?) and find out who your technical counselors and flight advisors are. Talk to them! They're ready, willing, and able to offer advice and counseling on a wide range of subjects. They'll help you make sure you are on track to complete a well-built, safe aircraft. And the best part is, there's no cost to you! It doesn't get any better than that!
If you are a technical counselor or flight advisor, be an evangelist! Make presentations at your chapter meetings, write articles for your chapter newsletter, and make yourself available to the people in your area who are working on projects. This is the spirit of EAA members helping members at its finest.
More information on EAA technical counselors can be found at www.EAA.org/techcounselors. For info on flight advisors go to www.EAA.org/flightadvisors. Share this info with your fellow EAA members. Spread the word! And while you're at it, get your fellow homebuilders to subscribe to Experimenter!
On another subject, I will be "on the road" in April. First I will be visiting the EAA chapters in the Las Vegas area to meet with the members and discuss EAA's programs and offerings for the homebuilder community. Then I will be attending the Sun 'n Fun fly-in later in the month, meeting more members and working with the Publications team to gather material for future issues of Experimenter.
Enjoy this month's issue!
- Joe Norris, EAA's Homebuilders Community Manager
