Lightning-List Digest Archive

Wed 02/04/09


Total Messages Posted: 20



Today's Message Index:
----------------------
 
     1. 05:32 AM - Re: Re: LAKESIDE LIGHTNING SHOW AND TELL (GARY PENNINGTON)
     2. 05:57 AM - ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) (AVN100@AOL.COM)
     3. 07:11 AM - Re: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) (flylightning)
     4. 07:18 AM - Re: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) (Mefford, Walt)
     5. 07:40 AM - Re: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) (Pete Krotje)
     6. 08:28 AM - Re: Re: LAKESIDE LIGHTNING SHOW AND TELL (Wayne Lenox)
     7. 08:34 AM - Re: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) (Hugh Sontag)
     8. 12:02 PM - ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) (AVN100@aol.com)
     9. 12:06 PM - Re: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) (Mefford, Walt)
    10. 12:43 PM - Re: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) (Jim Langley)
    11. 12:51 PM - Re: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) (Mefford, Walt)
    12. 01:16 PM - Re: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) (Hugh Sontag)
    13. 01:25 PM - Re: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) (Larzfromarz)
    14. 03:18 PM - Re: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) (Kayberg@aol.com)
    15. 05:06 PM - IFR Lightning (GARY PENNINGTON)
    16. 05:22 PM - Re: IFR Lightning (JOSEPH MATHIAS LINDA MATHIAS)
    17. 06:16 PM - Re: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) (Tex Mantell)
    18. 06:50 PM - ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) Round 3 (AVN100@aol.com)
    19. 07:03 PM - Re: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) Round 3 (Wayne Patterson)
    20. 09:21 PM - Re: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) Round 3 (N1BZRich@AOL.COM)
 
 
 


Message 1


  • INDEX
  • Back to Main INDEX
  • NEXT
  • Skip to NEXT Message
  • LIST
  • Reply to LIST Regarding this Message
  • SENDER
  • Reply to SENDER Regarding this Message
    Time: 05:32:19 AM PST US
    From: "GARY PENNINGTON" <pennington@q.com>
    Subject: Re: LAKESIDE LIGHTNING SHOW AND TELL
    Good morning Wayne The latest weather report does not look good for Saturday. I will monitor it each day and keep you informed. Have a great day. Gary ----- Original Message ----- From: Wayne Lenox<mailto:waynelenox@juno.com> To: lightning-list@matronics.com<mailto:lightning-list@matronics.com> Sent: Sunday, February 01, 2009 11:07 AM Subject: Re: Lightning-List: Re: LAKESIDE LIGHTNING SHOW AND TELL Gary Glad to have you. We do have a wind sock at the south end West side of RW 34. I will be on 122.8 ( lakeside) Wayne -- "GARY PENNINGTON" <pennington@q.com<mailto:pennington@q.com>> wrote: Hello Wayne I am planning on being there if the weather is good. I will contact you as we get closer. Is there a wind indicator of some kind? Thanks Gary Pennington ----- Original Message ----- From: Wayne Lenox<mailto:waynelenox@juno.com> To: lightning-list@matronics.com<mailto:lightning-list@matronics.com> Sent: Saturday, January 31, 2009 1:20 PM Subject: Lightning-List: Re: LAKESIDE LIGHTNING SHOW AND TELL <waynelenox@juno.com<mailto:waynelenox@juno.com>> ONLY SEVEN DAYS TO GO ----- Saturday February 7th Lakeside Lightning Show and Tell (AZ05) is open to all that have an interest in an Arion Lightning. Nel and I will furnish the lunch, Your Lightning will be the show. 9:00 to 10:00 AM fly-in. We will have Show and tell with Lunch for the afternoon. Should be a great time to meet other Lightning owners and friends. We Monitor 122.8 @ Lakeside (AZ05) RW 16/34 is paved 2700 ft long and 36 ft. wide. Elevation is 780ft. MSL. Normal Left turns. Please do not over fly the lake or houses to the North and West. Nel and I would like to know how many are coming, so please RSVP to waynelenox@juno.com<mailto:waynelenox@juno.com> Wayne and Nel Lenox Lightning N123WL Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=227898#227898<http://forums .matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=227898#227898> Attachments: http://forums.matronics.com//files/lakeside_129_08_102.jpg<http://forums. matronics.com//files/lakeside_129_08_102.jpg> p; Features Chat, http://www.matnbsp; via the Web title=http://forums.matronics.com/ href="http://forums.matronics.com">http://forums.matronics.com<http://w ww.matronics.com/Navigator?Lightning-List> _p; generous bsp; title=http://www.matronics.com/contribution href="http://www.matronics.com/contribution">http://www.matronics.com/c ================ ist">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Lightning-List tronics.com www.matronics.com/contribution ____________________________________________________________ The strong, silent type. Click here for great looking bamboo flooring!<http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2142/fc/PnY6rw2d22vUMshgrSb 4Ek3wiyaBbrdHx6ywe7QlnSSwT2Kd1e0qH/> http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Lightning-List<http://www.matronics.co m/Navigator?Lightning-List> http://www.matronics.com/contribution<http://www.matronics.com/contributi on>


    Message 2


  • INDEX
  • Back to Main INDEX
  • PREVIOUS
  • Skip to PREVIOUS Message
  • NEXT
  • Skip to NEXT Message
  • LIST
  • Reply to LIST Regarding this Message
  • SENDER
  • Reply to SENDER Regarding this Message
    Time: 05:57:59 AM PST US
    From: AVN100@AOL.COM
    Subject: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid)
    Since Arion has never considered my suggestions "helpful" I'll go ahead and post this ELSA build manual comment to group. Earlier, I was critical of Arion for failing to obtain FAA 51% kit approval before the ax fell on extreme builder assist aircraft such as theirs typically is, but at the same time I suggested immediate pursuit of the comparatively slam dunk ELSA by building the single required SLSA and then a hilariously simple ELSA "kit" version. It is encouraging to see they have begun the process, but discouraging to hear it sounds like they are simply repackaging the full kit amateur build version while squandering the ELSA opportunity (which not only has no 51% requirement but more like a formal 1% owner participation requirement - typically 10% in industry practice thusfar). I get this impression from Nick's misstatement that "In order to sell E-LSA Lightning we MUST have a very detailed ASTM compliant build manual so a builder could in detail re-produce the original aircraft." Horse puckey. If Arion wants to meet the demand for affordable high performance LSA (there are plenty of affordable 60 knot V-sub-h two seat former Fat-UL on the market), ELSA is the way to go and has multiple advantages with essentially only the "generating revenue for owner" disadvantage. In all its regulations, FAA regulatory requirements for craft and crew skyrocket when the innocent public pays money to get on board. Offering a personal use ELSA with a simplified build manual and minimal assembly required (and that at an unsophisticated "all thumbs" level) is the ticket to these advantages (from EAA, other sources, and my own bias) over SLSA and Amateur Built. For Arion, a major advantage to ELSA over SLSA is their carrying a fraction of the liability burden in either company premiums or adverse court verdicts: the builder must have screwed something up and the builder declared it airworthy, not us. Advantages to owners include: 1) Maintenance and annual condition inspection on an SLSA requires either A&P or owner attends 120 hour course. For ELSA, anyone can repair or modify and the owner can get an LSRI to do her own annuals with a 16 hour course. 2) Same as SLSA: if manufacturer approves and design, and equipment allow, it can be flown aerobatically (Lightning could be first LSA with that distinction although a future Cub-clone is also planning it and may get to market first) and (by private pilot or above) at night and IFR. 3) For an SLSA, any modification, including installation of new avionics, must be approved by the aircraft manufacturer. For an ELSA, you are free to modify the aircraft as you see fit and with unapproved components. Not implying dangerous, just less expensive without TSO certification costs.. 4) Phase one ELSA test is five hours vs forty for Amateur Built. 5) Resale value for ELSA will be much higher than same aircraft Amateur Built because owner can do maintenance (and, with LSRI, annuals) plus buyer has confidence 90% (typically) was factory built and quality-controlled on ELSA versus (theoretically but again builder assist program ethics and practices coming under scrutiny) 49% or less with EAB. On the other hand, SLSA will have the highest resale value of the three because they are 100% factory built, must be professionally maintained and can generate training/towing revenue. 6) And my personal favorite advantage on an aircraft as gorgeous as Lightning: ELSA N numbers must be 3 inches high, SLSA 12 inches. ================== PS It appears from owner site reports that, in fact, marketing fraud champion CZAW in Kunovice did go tits up and the SLSA Sport Cruiser (comparable in looks and Vh to Lightning LSA version but stuck with Rotax and weaker airframe) is being manufactured and sold by the bankruptcy victors: Slavia Capital.of Prague. **************Great Deals on Dell Laptops. Starting at $499. net/clk;211531132;33070124;e)


    Message 3


  • INDEX
  • Back to Main INDEX
  • PREVIOUS
  • Skip to PREVIOUS Message
  • NEXT
  • Skip to NEXT Message
  • LIST
  • Reply to LIST Regarding this Message
  • SENDER
  • Reply to SENDER Regarding this Message
    Time: 07:11:16 AM PST US
    From: "flylightning" <info@flylightning.net>
    Subject: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid)
    I know that in earlier post AVN100 made it clear how we stuck it to him about his blogs here. It is easy to see why, I do not believe he actually know what he is talking about. ASTM standards do specify the need for a detailed build manual to insure that the aircraft being produced as the ELSA version of the SLSA aircraft must in fact be built as an exact duplicate. There is no room for your own inventions and add ons, period. The aircraft must be built with approved options and those options installed per the original SLSA certificate. Same with avionics, only approved avionics ( not necessarily TSO just ones approved by Arion Aircraft, LLC) can be installed and again they must be installed as we dictate to insure that they are not installed in a manner which would cause non-compliance with the applicable standard. Yes we could easily approve something a builder might want to do but the long story short is the aircraft was shown to be compliant in a given configuration and therefore must remain in that configuration to be compliant. That is why you as the manufacturer of an EAB can change it because you say if it complies. We as the manufacture of the original SLSA state the compliance configuration and you as the builder of the ELSA must build it the same way to be in compliance. This is exactly why you can get away with building a 90% ELSA and circumvent the EAB rule; there are stipulations which are in fact different. SO yes we are working the SLSA lightning, with the intention of selling ELSA Lightning's only for the time being. I am not sure what opportunity was squandered here by Arion Aircraft, LLC .The only opportunity squandered appears to be yours, to post something that actually pertains to the build manual. Nick Otterback Arion Aircraft, LLC Note: that is my full name and yes I do put it at the bottom of my posts.did you? _____ From: owner-lightning-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-lightning-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of AVN100@aol.com Sent: Wednesday, February 04, 2009 7:57 AM Subject: Lightning-List: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) Since Arion has never considered my suggestions "helpful" I'll go ahead and post this ELSA build manual comment to group. Earlier, I was critical of Arion for failing to obtain FAA 51% kit approval before the ax fell on extreme builder assist aircraft such as theirs typically is, but at the same time I suggested immediate pursuit of the comparatively slam dunk ELSA by building the single required SLSA and then a hilariously simple ELSA "kit" version. It is encouraging to see they have begun the process, but discouraging to hear it sounds like they are simply repackaging the full kit amateur build version while squandering the ELSA opportunity (which not only has no 51% requirement but more like a formal 1% owner participation requirement - typically 10% in industry practice thusfar). I get this impression from Nick's misstatement that "In order to sell E-LSA Lightning we MUST have a very detailed ASTM compliant build manual so a builder could in detail re-produce the original aircraft." Horse puckey. If Arion wants to meet the demand for affordable high performance LSA (there are plenty of affordable 60 knot V-sub-h two seat former Fat-UL on the market), ELSA is the way to go and has multiple advantages with essentially only the "generating revenue for owner" disadvantage. In all its regulations, FAA regulatory requirements for craft and crew skyrocket when the innocent public pays money to get on board. Offering a personal use ELSA with a simplified build manual and minimal assembly required (and that at an unsophisticated "all thumbs" level) is the ticket to these advantages (from EAA, other sources, and my own bias) over SLSA and Amateur Built. For Arion, a major advantage to ELSA over SLSA is their carrying a fraction of the liability burden in either company premiums or adverse court verdicts: the builder must have screwed something up and the builder declared it airworthy, not us. Advantages to owners include: 1) Maintenance and annual condition inspection on an SLSA requires either A&P or owner attends 120 hour course. For ELSA, anyone can repair or modify and the owner can get an LSRI to do her own annuals with a 16 hour course. 2) Same as SLSA: if manufacturer approves and design, and equipment allow, it can be flown aerobatically (Lightning could be first LSA with that distinction although a future Cub-clone is also planning it and may get to market first) and (by private pilot or above) at night and IFR. 3) For an SLSA, any modification, including installation of new avionics, must be approved by the aircraft manufacturer. For an ELSA, you are free to modify the aircraft as you see fit and with unapproved components. Not implying dangerous, just less expensive without TSO certification costs.. 4) Phase one ELSA test is five hours vs forty for Amateur Built. 5) Resale value for ELSA will be much higher than same aircraft Amateur Built because owner can do maintenance (and, with LSRI, annuals) plus buyer has confidence 90% (typically) was factory built and quality-controlled on ELSA versus (theoretically but again builder assist program ethics and practices coming under scrutiny) 49% or less with EAB. On the other hand, SLSA will have the highest resale value of the three because they are 100% factory built, must be professionally maintained and can generate training/towing revenue. 6) And my personal favorite advantage on an aircraft as gorgeous as Lightning: ELSA N numbers must be 3 inches high, SLSA 12 inches. ================== PS It appears from owner site reports that, in fact, marketing fraud champion CZAW in Kunovice did go tits up and the SLSA Sport Cruiser (comparable in looks and Vh to Lightning LSA version but stuck with Rotax and weaker airframe) is being manufactured and sold by the bankruptcy victors: Slavia Capital.of Prague. _____ Great Deals on Dell <http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;211531132;33070124;e> Laptops. Starting at $499.


    Message 4


  • INDEX
  • Back to Main INDEX
  • PREVIOUS
  • Skip to PREVIOUS Message
  • NEXT
  • Skip to NEXT Message
  • LIST
  • Reply to LIST Regarding this Message
  • SENDER
  • Reply to SENDER Regarding this Message
    Time: 07:18:54 AM PST US
    Subject: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid)
    From: "Mefford, Walt" <walt.mefford@garmin.com>
    Easy for AVN100 to make these comments when there is nothing for him to loose. Walt Mefford N881WP ________________________________ From: owner-lightning-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-lightning-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of flylightning Sent: Wednesday, February 04, 2009 7:07 AM Subject: RE: Lightning-List: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) I know that in earlier post AVN100 made it clear how we stuck it to him about his blogs here. It is easy to see why, I do not believe he actually know what he is talking about. ASTM standards do specify the need for a detailed build manual to insure that the aircraft being produced as the ELSA version of the SLSA aircraft must in fact be built as an exact duplicate. There is no room for your own inventions and add ons, period. The aircraft must be built with approved options and those options installed per the original SLSA certificate. Same with avionics, only approved avionics ( not necessarily TSO just ones approved by Arion Aircraft, LLC) can be installed and again they must be installed as we dictate to insure that they are not installed in a manner which would cause non-compliance with the applicable standard. Yes we could easily approve something a builder might want to do but the long story short is the aircraft was shown to be compliant in a given configuration and therefore must remain in that configuration to be compliant. That is why you as the manufacturer of an EAB can change it because you say if it complies. We as the manufacture of the original SLSA state the compliance configuration and you as the builder of the ELSA must build it the same way to be in compliance. This is exactly why you can get away with building a 90% ELSA and circumvent the EAB rule; there are stipulations which are in fact different. SO yes we are working the SLSA lightning, with the intention of selling ELSA Lightning's only for the time being. I am not sure what opportunity was squandered here by Arion Aircraft, LLC .The only opportunity squandered appears to be yours, to post something that actually pertains to the build manual. Nick Otterback Arion Aircraft, LLC Note: that is my full name and yes I do put it at the bottom of my posts...did you? ________________________________ From: owner-lightning-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-lightning-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of AVN100@aol.com Sent: Wednesday, February 04, 2009 7:57 AM Subject: Lightning-List: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) Since Arion has never considered my suggestions "helpful" I'll go ahead and post this ELSA build manual comment to group. Earlier, I was critical of Arion for failing to obtain FAA 51% kit approval before the ax fell on extreme builder assist aircraft such as theirs typically is, but at the same time I suggested immediate pursuit of the comparatively slam dunk ELSA by building the single required SLSA and then a hilariously simple ELSA "kit" version. It is encouraging to see they have begun the process, but discouraging to hear it sounds like they are simply repackaging the full kit amateur build version while squandering the ELSA opportunity (which not only has no 51% requirement but more like a formal 1% owner participation requirement - typically 10% in industry practice thusfar). I get this impression from Nick's misstatement that "In order to sell E-LSA Lightning we MUST have a very detailed ASTM compliant build manual so a builder could in detail re-produce the original aircraft." Horse puckey. If Arion wants to meet the demand for affordable high performance LSA (there are plenty of affordable 60 knot V-sub-h two seat former Fat-UL on the market), ELSA is the way to go and has multiple advantages with essentially only the "generating revenue for owner" disadvantage. In all its regulations, FAA regulatory requirements for craft and crew skyrocket when the innocent public pays money to get on board. Offering a personal use ELSA with a simplified build manual and minimal assembly required (and that at an unsophisticated "all thumbs" level) is the ticket to these advantages (from EAA, other sources, and my own bias) over SLSA and Amateur Built. For Arion, a major advantage to ELSA over SLSA is their carrying a fraction of the liability burden in either company premiums or adverse court verdicts: the builder must have screwed something up and the builder declared it airworthy, not us. Advantages to owners include: 1) Maintenance and annual condition inspection on an SLSA requires either A&P or owner attends 120 hour course. For ELSA, anyone can repair or modify and the owner can get an LSRI to do her own annuals with a 16 hour course. 2) Same as SLSA: if manufacturer approves and design, and equipment allow, it can be flown aerobatically (Lightning could be first LSA with that distinction although a future Cub-clone is also planning it and may get to market first) and (by private pilot or above) at night and IFR. 3) For an SLSA, any modification, including installation of new avionics, must be approved by the aircraft manufacturer. For an ELSA, you are free to modify the aircraft as you see fit and with unapproved components. Not implying dangerous, just less expensive without TSO certification costs.. 4) Phase one ELSA test is five hours vs forty for Amateur Built. 5) Resale value for ELSA will be much higher than same aircraft Amateur Built because owner can do maintenance (and, with LSRI, annuals) plus buyer has confidence 90% (typically) was factory built and quality-controlled on ELSA versus (theoretically but again builder assist program ethics and practices coming under scrutiny) 49% or less with EAB. On the other hand, SLSA will have the highest resale value of the three because they are 100% factory built, must be professionally maintained and can generate training/towing revenue. 6) And my personal favorite advantage on an aircraft as gorgeous as Lightning: ELSA N numbers must be 3 inches high, SLSA 12 inches. ================== PS It appears from owner site reports that, in fact, marketing fraud champion CZAW in Kunovice did go tits up and the SLSA Sport Cruiser (comparable in looks and Vh to Lightning LSA version but stuck with Rotax and weaker airframe) is being manufactured and sold by the bankruptcy victors: Slavia Capital.of Prague. ________________________________ Great Deals on Dell Laptops. Starting at $499. <http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;211531132;33070124;e> http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Lightning-List http://forums.matronics.com http://www.matronics.com/contribution ------------------------- This e-mail and any attachments may contain confidential material for the sole use of the intended recipient. If you are not the intended recipient, please be aware that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of this e-mail or any attachment is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please contact the sender and delete all copies. Thank you for your cooperation


    Message 5


  • INDEX
  • Back to Main INDEX
  • PREVIOUS
  • Skip to PREVIOUS Message
  • NEXT
  • Skip to NEXT Message
  • LIST
  • Reply to LIST Regarding this Message
  • SENDER
  • Reply to SENDER Regarding this Message
    Time: 07:40:22 AM PST US
    From: "Pete Krotje" <pete@flylightning.net>
    Subject: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid)
    Arion has not put much effort into your suggestions because you are often off the mark in your understanding of Lightning and your understanding of the requirements for LSA aircraft. Gaining a S-LSA certification is certainly no "slam dunk" unless you are the type of person that really does not care about complying to the FAA requirements and are willing to put out a product that has questionable testing or insufficient documentation. If a company producing an LSA has a test and compliance document that has fewer than 2000 pages it has not really done the job. Arion Aircraft is going to do it right and your suggestion that we should short cut the process to make it a "slam dunk" is offensive to us. If you had read ASTM F-2563 you would know that a full and complete and highly detailed manual is required to be delivered with each aircraft kit intended for kit built E-LSA certification. We as manufacturers must sign a notarized statement that our manual complies with ASTM F-2563. You state that it is "horse puckey" that we have to do that. Perhaps your integrity level is so low that you would sign that document when you don't have a compliant manual but no one at Arion Aircraft will sign it unless we actually comply. An E-LSA aircraft built from a kit must be constructed and equipped exactly the way the kit manufacturer specifies. It is true that once the E-LSA certification is achieved a builder can modify his aircraft in any way he wants as long as he can document that it still meets the LSA requirements which includes compliance to all ASTM standards. The builder would have to sign a new FAA form 8130-15 attesting to the compliance to the FAA rule and ASTM standards. There would have to be documentation proving that the changed aircraft still complies with F2245, F2339, and others. Finally, you seem to want to use this forum to throw darts at CZAW and Sport Cruiser. We really don't care and if you are as far off the mark with those comments as you are on the LSA certification process then we should ignore them here and urge you to take those comments to the Sport Cruiser group (assuming one exists) Pete Krotje Jabiru USA Sport Aircraft, LLC 931-680-2800 www.usjabiru.com From: owner-lightning-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-lightning-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of AVN100@aol.com Sent: Wednesday, February 04, 2009 7:57 AM Subject: Lightning-List: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) Since Arion has never considered my suggestions "helpful" I'll go ahead and post this ELSA build manual comment to group. Earlier, I was critical of Arion for failing to obtain FAA 51% kit approval before the ax fell on extreme builder assist aircraft such as theirs typically is, but at the same time I suggested immediate pursuit of the comparatively slam dunk ELSA by building the single required SLSA and then a hilariously simple ELSA "kit" version. It is encouraging to see they have begun the process, but discouraging to hear it sounds like they are simply repackaging the full kit amateur build version while squandering the ELSA opportunity (which not only has no 51% requirement but more like a formal 1% owner participation requirement - typically 10% in industry practice thusfar). I get this impression from Nick's misstatement that "In order to sell E-LSA Lightning we MUST have a very detailed ASTM compliant build manual so a builder could in detail re-produce the original aircraft." Horse puckey. If Arion wants to meet the demand for affordable high performance LSA (there are plenty of affordable 60 knot V-sub-h two seat former Fat-UL on the market), ELSA is the way to go and has multiple advantages with essentially only the "generating revenue for owner" disadvantage. In all its regulations, FAA regulatory requirements for craft and crew skyrocket when the innocent public pays money to get on board. Offering a personal use ELSA with a simplified build manual and minimal assembly required (and that at an unsophisticated "all thumbs" level) is the ticket to these advantages (from EAA, other sources, and my own bias) over SLSA and Amateur Built. For Arion, a major advantage to ELSA over SLSA is their carrying a fraction of the liability burden in either company premiums or adverse court verdicts: the builder must have screwed something up and the builder declared it airworthy, not us. Advantages to owners include: 1) Maintenance and annual condition inspection on an SLSA requires either A&P or owner attends 120 hour course. For ELSA, anyone can repair or modify and the owner can get an LSRI to do her own annuals with a 16 hour course. 2) Same as SLSA: if manufacturer approves and design, and equipment allow, it can be flown aerobatically (Lightning could be first LSA with that distinction although a future Cub-clone is also planning it and may get to market first) and (by private pilot or above) at night and IFR. 3) For an SLSA, any modification, including installation of new avionics, must be approved by the aircraft manufacturer. For an ELSA, you are free to modify the aircraft as you see fit and with unapproved components. Not implying dangerous, just less expensive without TSO certification costs.. 4) Phase one ELSA test is five hours vs forty for Amateur Built. 5) Resale value for ELSA will be much higher than same aircraft Amateur Built because owner can do maintenance (and, with LSRI, annuals) plus buyer has confidence 90% (typically) was factory built and quality-controlled on ELSA versus (theoretically but again builder assist program ethics and practices coming under scrutiny) 49% or less with EAB. On the other hand, SLSA will have the highest resale value of the three because they are 100% factory built, must be professionally maintained and can generate training/towing revenue. 6) And my personal favorite advantage on an aircraft as gorgeous as Lightning: ELSA N numbers must be 3 inches high, SLSA 12 inches. ================== PS It appears from owner site reports that, in fact, marketing fraud champion CZAW in Kunovice did go tits up and the SLSA Sport Cruiser (comparable in looks and Vh to Lightning LSA version but stuck with Rotax and weaker airframe) is being manufactured and sold by the bankruptcy victors: Slavia Capital.of Prague. _____ Great Deals on Dell <http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;211531132;33070124;e> Laptops. Starting at $499.


    Message 6


  • INDEX
  • Back to Main INDEX
  • PREVIOUS
  • Skip to PREVIOUS Message
  • NEXT
  • Skip to NEXT Message
  • LIST
  • Reply to LIST Regarding this Message
  • SENDER
  • Reply to SENDER Regarding this Message
    Time: 08:28:52 AM PST US
    From: "Wayne Lenox" <waynelenox@juno.com>
    Subject: Re: LAKESIDE LIGHTNING SHOW AND TELL
    Gary and Lightning friends I have also been watching the weather in Arizona. ( weather in Arizona? ) Yes it look bad for our fly-in at Lakeside (AZ05). I think we would be smart to change the date to Saturday the 14Th of February. Hopefull y the weather will be better for us. I will contact all that said they would be here. The Lakeside Lightning Show and Tell will be put off for one week and he ld on the 14Th of February 2009, due the upcoming weather in Arizona. Gary, I also reread my post of February 1, 09 and I should have said our wind sock is on the South, East side of RW 34. Hope this change works out for all of us. Wayne and Nel Lenox <?xml:namespace prefix="v" /><?xml:namespace prefix="o" /><![endif]- -> ____________________________________________________________ Let great B to B marketing solutions propel your brand to new heights! C lick now! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/PnY6rw3BQyOCdp2H9PtPnlNE0iAk f8trMTE3GIP0iHT46f0WrIteb/


    Message 7


  • INDEX
  • Back to Main INDEX
  • PREVIOUS
  • Skip to PREVIOUS Message
  • NEXT
  • Skip to NEXT Message
  • LIST
  • Reply to LIST Regarding this Message
  • SENDER
  • Reply to SENDER Regarding this Message
    Time: 08:34:36 AM PST US
    From: Hugh Sontag <fly.lightning@gmail.com>
    Subject: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid)
    For that matter, he won't even identify himself. It's easy to snipe anonymously. I don't understand it - maybe it gives him the feeling he can say anything he wants, right or wrong, and never have to answer for the accuracy of his writing. I suspect he gets off on needling people. It would be a disadvantage if his targets knew his name. Hugh Sontag >Easy for AVN100 to make these comments when there is nothing for him to loose. > >Walt Mefford >N881WP > > >From: owner-lightning-list-server@matronics.com >[mailto:owner-lightning-list-server@matronics.com] >On Behalf Of flylightning >Sent: Wednesday, February 04, 2009 7:07 AM >To: lightning-list@matronics.com >Subject: RE: Lightning-List: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) > >I know that in earlier post AVN100 made it clear >how we stuck it to him about his blogs here. It >is easy to see why, I do not believe he actually >know what he is talking about. ASTM standards >do specify the need for a detailed build manual >to insure that the aircraft being produced as >the ELSA version of the SLSA aircraft must in >fact be built as an exact duplicate. There is no >room for your own inventions and add ons, >period. The aircraft must be built with approved >options and those options installed per the >original SLSA certificate. Same with avionics, >only approved avionics ( not necessarily TSO >just ones approved by Arion Aircraft, LLC) can >be installed and again they must be installed as >we dictate to insure that they are not installed >in a manner which would cause non-compliance >with the applicable standard. Yes we could >easily approve something a builder might want to >do but the long story short is the aircraft was >shown to be compliant in a given configuration >and therefore must remain in that configuration >to be compliant. That is why you as the >manufacturer of an EAB can change it because you >say if it complies. We as the manufacture of the >original SLSA state the compliance configuration >and you as the builder of the ELSA must build it >the same way to be in compliance. This is >exactly why you can get away with building a 90% >ELSA and circumvent the EAB rule; there are >stipulations which are in fact different. SO yes >we are working the SLSA lightning, with the >intention of selling ELSA Lightning's only for >the time being. I am not sure what opportunity >was squandered here by Arion Aircraft, LLC .The >only opportunity squandered appears to be yours, >to post something that actually pertains to the >build manual. > >Nick Otterback >Arion Aircraft, LLC > >Note: that is my full name and yes I do put it >at the bottom of my postsdid you? > > >From: owner-lightning-list-server@matronics.com >[mailto:owner-lightning-list-server@matronics.com] >On Behalf Of AVN100@aol.com >Sent: Wednesday, February 04, 2009 7:57 AM >To: lightning-list@matronics.com >Subject: Lightning-List: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) > >Since Arion has never considered my suggestions >"helpful" I'll go ahead and post this ELSA build >manual comment to group. Earlier, I was >critical of Arion for failing to obtain FAA 51% >kit approval before the ax fell on extreme >builder assist aircraft such as theirs typically >is, but at the same time I suggested immediate >pursuit of the comparatively slam dunk ELSA by >building the single required SLSA and then a >hilariously simple ELSA "kit" version. It is >encouraging to see they have begun the >process, but discouraging to hear it sounds like >they are simply repackaging the full kit amateur >build version while squandering the ELSA >opportunity (which not only has no 51% >requirement but more like a formal 1% owner >participation requirement - typically 10% in >industry practice thusfar). > >I get this impression from Nick's misstatement >that "In order to sell E-LSA Lightning we MUST >have a very detailed ASTM compliant build manual >so a builder could in detail re-produce the >original aircraft." Horse puckey. If Arion >wants to meet the demand for affordable high >performance LSA (there are plenty of affordable >60 knot V-sub-h two seat former Fat-UL on the >market), ELSA is the way to go and has multiple >advantages with essentially only the "generating >revenue for owner" disadvantage. In all its >regulations, FAA regulatory requirements for >craft and crew skyrocket when the innocent >public pays money to get on board. Offering a >personal use ELSA with a simplified build manual >and minimal assembly required (and that at an >unsophisticated "all thumbs" level) is the >ticket to these advantages (from EAA, other >sources, and my own bias) over SLSA and Amateur >Built. For Arion, a major advantage to ELSA >over SLSA is their carrying a fraction of the >liability burden in either company premiums or >adverse court verdicts: the builder must have >screwed something up and the builder declared it >airworthy, not us. > >Advantages to owners include: > >1) Maintenance and annual condition inspection >on an SLSA requires either A&P or owner attends >120 hour course. For ELSA, anyone can repair or >modify and the owner can get an LSRI to do her >own annuals with a 16 hour course. > >2) Same as SLSA: if manufacturer approves and >design, and equipment allow, it can be flown >aerobatically (Lightning could be first LSA with >that distinction although a future Cub-clone is >also planning it and may get to market first) >and (by private pilot or above) at night and IFR. > >3) For an SLSA, any modification, including >installation of new avionics, must be approved >by the aircraft manufacturer. For an ELSA, you >are free to modify the aircraft as you see fit >and with unapproved components. Not implying >dangerous, just less expensive without TSO >certification costs.. > >4) Phase one ELSA test is five hours vs forty for Amateur Built. > >5) Resale value for ELSA will be much higher >than same aircraft Amateur Built because owner >can do maintenance (and, with LSRI, annuals) >plus buyer has confidence 90% (typically) was >factory built and quality-controlled on >ELSA versus (theoretically but again builder >assist program ethics and practices coming under >scrutiny) 49% or less with EAB. On the other >hand, SLSA will have the highest resale value of >the three because they are 100% factory built, >must be professionally maintained and can >generate training/towing revenue. > >6) And my personal favorite advantage on an >aircraft as gorgeous as Lightning: ELSA N >numbers must be 3 inches high, SLSA 12 inches. > >================== >PS It appears from owner site reports that, in >fact, marketing fraud champion CZAW in Kunovice >did go tits up and the SLSA Sport Cruiser >(comparable in looks and Vh to Lightning LSA >version but stuck with Rotax and weaker >airframe) is being manufactured and sold by the >bankruptcy victors: Slavia Capital.of Prague. > > ><http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;211531132;33070124;e>Great >Deals on Dell Laptops. Starting at $499. > > >http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Lightning-List > >http://forums.matronics.com >


    Message 8


  • INDEX
  • Back to Main INDEX
  • PREVIOUS
  • Skip to PREVIOUS Message
  • NEXT
  • Skip to NEXT Message
  • LIST
  • Reply to LIST Regarding this Message
  • SENDER
  • Reply to SENDER Regarding this Message
    Time: 12:02:49 PM PST US
    From: AVN100@aol.com
    Subject: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid)
    OK boys, calm down here. What a thin-skinned bunch of interest-conflicted old harpies you turned out to be. So much for free speech and open discussion. I thought this was a Lightning forum not "Praise Arion" list. Next time before going to DEFCON ONE, check the subject line and check the facts. The reason I remain anonymous is to urge you to deal with and ideally learn from those facts and answer some questions while avoiding what your livid responses suggest would be immediate personal retaliation against me through my employing agency. I do not want to be your friend. I want my Lightning and those of potential customers viewing all this to be the best ELSA it can be. FACTS AND CLARIFICATIONS: 1) Arion did fail to secure 51% approval before the ax fell 2) Excessive factory staff participation at 51% builder assist centers was one of the reasons the ax fell. I think captive DARs may have been another. 2) My E's principal observation and the only quote from Arion challenged was the claim the ELSA build manual had to be of such detail that the builder could reproduce the original aircraft. You made it sound like that meant be able to build the whole airplane from small parts EAB-style her or himself rather than simply end up with a product identical to the original SLSA. If the furnished ELSA kit contains the suggested 90% (ideally for owners: higher) complete, factory-finished, preassembled components, then doesn't the "builder" only have to be able to reproduce the remaining ten percent (or less) of the original aircraft? 3) Pete - it is amazing that you as a Jabiru representative are throwing hand grenades at me for mentioning the CZAW follies (which were not very funny to hundreds of screwed Mermaid depositors). Those bulletins are relevant because: a) Sport Cruiser is Arion's closest LSA competition in style, price, and performance while far superior in interior space and comfort (and many potential Lightning buyers are simultaneously considering those); b) as in today's flames, the people (including you) quickest to denounce me have some or all of their incomes attached to Lightning. The consumers who read this list need an independent advocate as they could easily grow either starry-eyed or fearful of instant condemnation if they ask critical questions. Some already send me questions they are afraid to personally ask you. Others may need reminders of how marketing in the SP world can and has run amok and how undercurrents flow in the industry. Hell, if UKSC Group rumors and this sales shift to Prague are correct, your own company's early decision to cut off supply of engines to CZAW because of fraudulent business practices there helped doom the original CEO and send the corporation into bankruptcy. Check with HQ if you hadn't heard that. As one builder thusfar has proven, the SC is a helluva LSA with a 3300 pulling it instead of that flying toilet and hangar queen Rotax. 4) But back to kneejerk Nick. Apologies if I misunderstood your original plaint that "so a builder could in detail re-produce the original aircraft" from this manual you are working on for ELSA. You yourself tied it into the full experimental amateur built manual detail which as far as I can tell simply does not apply. Dozens of manufacturers are gonna put out ELSA (and thus build manuals) who do not even have a full experimental kit for sale. But let's go to the point you gave me the most abuse on: your pointless insistence that the ELSA must be built with approved options only "and no add ons, PERIOD !" Pointless because I never said otherwise. Once the aircraft is completed IAW your build manual and is accepted and registered as an exact ELSA equivalent to your thusfar solitary SLSA, the owner has far more latitude in subsequent modifications and equipment choices than if it were registered as an SLSA....where she would have to get your approval for every change (and judging from your positive and courteous responses thusfar that might become problematic). At this point I'm going to say "sorry for any misunderstanding" and it would be nice if y'all reply likewise... keeping in mind Deming's admonition to invite (not retaliate against) critique. Or just go ahead and 'fess up to your "My Way or the Highway" business model. **************Great Deals on Dell Laptops. Starting at $499. net/clk;211531132;33070124;e)


    Message 9


  • INDEX
  • Back to Main INDEX
  • PREVIOUS
  • Skip to PREVIOUS Message
  • NEXT
  • Skip to NEXT Message
  • LIST
  • Reply to LIST Regarding this Message
  • SENDER
  • Reply to SENDER Regarding this Message
    Time: 12:06:29 PM PST US
    Subject: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid)
    From: "Mefford, Walt" <walt.mefford@garmin.com>
    I believe in free speech. I just don,t agee with you. Also my right. ________________________________ From: owner-lightning-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-lightning-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of AVN100@aol.com Sent: Wednesday, February 04, 2009 12:02 PM Subject: Lightning-List: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) OK boys, calm down here. What a thin-skinned bunch of interest-conflicted old harpies you turned out to be. So much for free speech and open discussion. I thought this was a Lightning forum not "Praise Arion" list. Next time before going to DEFCON ONE, check the subject line and check the facts. The reason I remain anonymous is to urge you to deal with and ideally learn from those facts and answer some questions while avoiding what your livid responses suggest would be immediate personal retaliation against me through my employing agency. I do not want to be your friend. I want my Lightning and those of potential customers viewing all this to be the best ELSA it can be. FACTS AND CLARIFICATIONS: 1) Arion did fail to secure 51% approval before the ax fell 2) Excessive factory staff participation at 51% builder assist centers was one of the reasons the ax fell. I think captive DARs may have been another. 2) My E's principal observation and the only quote from Arion challenged was the claim the ELSA build manual had to be of such detail that the builder could reproduce the original aircraft. You made it sound like that meant be able to build the whole airplane from small parts EAB-style her or himself rather than simply end up with a product identical to the original SLSA. If the furnished ELSA kit contains the suggested 90% (ideally for owners: higher) complete, factory-finished, preassembled components, then doesn't the "builder" only have to be able to reproduce the remaining ten percent (or less) of the original aircraft? 3) Pete - it is amazing that you as a Jabiru representative are throwing hand grenades at me for mentioning the CZAW follies (which were not very funny to hundreds of screwed Mermaid depositors). Those bulletins are relevant because: a) Sport Cruiser is Arion's closest LSA competition in style, price, and performance while far superior in interior space and comfort (and many potential Lightning buyers are simultaneously considering those); b) as in today's flames, the people (including you) quickest to denounce me have some or all of their incomes attached to Lightning. The consumers who read this list need an independent advocate as they could easily grow either starry-eyed or fearful of instant condemnation if they ask critical questions. Some already send me questions they are afraid to personally ask you. Others may need reminders of how marketing in the SP world can and has run amok and how undercurrents flow in the industry. Hell, if UKSC Group rumors and this sales shift to Prague are correct, your own company's early decision to cut off supply of engines to CZAW because of fraudulent business practices there helped doom the original CEO and send the corporation into bankruptcy. Check with HQ if you hadn't heard that. As one builder thusfar has proven, the SC is a helluva LSA with a 3300 pulling it instead of that flying toilet and hangar queen Rotax. 4) But back to kneejerk Nick. Apologies if I misunderstood your original plaint that "so a builder could in detail re-produce the original aircraft" from this manual you are working on for ELSA. You yourself tied it into the full experimental amateur built manual detail which as far as I can tell simply does not apply. Dozens of manufacturers are gonna put out ELSA (and thus build manuals) who do not even have a full experimental kit for sale. But let's go to the point you gave me the most abuse on: your pointless insistence that the ELSA must be built with approved options only "and no add ons, PERIOD !" Pointless because I never said otherwise. Once the aircraft is completed IAW your build manual and is accepted and registered as an exact ELSA equivalent to your thusfar solitary SLSA, the owner has far more latitude in subsequent modifications and equipment choices than if it were registered as an SLSA....where she would have to get your approval for every change (and judging from your positive and courteous responses thusfar that might become problematic). At this point I'm going to say "sorry for any misunderstanding" and it would be nice if y'all reply likewise... keeping in mind Deming's admonition to invite (not retaliate against) critique. Or just go ahead and 'fess up to your "My Way or the Highway" business model. ________________________________ Great Deals on Dell Laptops. Starting at $499. <http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;211531132;33070124;e> ------------------------- This e-mail and any attachments may contain confidential material for the sole use of the intended recipient. If you are not the intended recipient, please be aware that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of this e-mail or any attachment is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please contact the sender and delete all copies. Thank you for your cooperation


    Message 10


  • INDEX
  • Back to Main INDEX
  • PREVIOUS
  • Skip to PREVIOUS Message
  • NEXT
  • Skip to NEXT Message
  • LIST
  • Reply to LIST Regarding this Message
  • SENDER
  • Reply to SENDER Regarding this Message
    Time: 12:43:40 PM PST US
    Subject: Re: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid)
    From: Jim Langley <pequeajim@gmail.com>
    I am so tired of the "House trolls" approach to conversation in some of the forums, I usually ignore them but I will voice my thoughts anyway. I strongly considered the SportCruiser almost two years ago when I was shopping for an airplane, (I have a PPL, so LSA was not a factor). As you say, I did like the spacous cabin but I steered away from the company because of obvious practices that "did not smell right". My money, my decision. I was so close to writing the check, thank God I did not! When I bought a Lightning, I bought into the company and the build center as well. Arion and Green Landings have had a couple of opportunities to prove my faith in them was justified, and HAVE COME THROUGH EACH TIME! I am not a Arion ra ra guy and have not always agreed with EVERYTHING they have done, however, I DO like 99% of their direction. It's their business model, not mine. I really like all the people at Arion, trust them, and while my enthusiasm some times might be mistaken for promoting the company, I am my own man with my own opinions; I just get excited about things some times. I will say this... They have NEVER let me down. I judge people by their actions and integrety, and that is pretty much it; no ra ra... Being on the Lightning list, I do not expect to talk about SportCruisers. An occasional post about another aircraft that uses the same engine or parts is IMHO acceptable, but take the "company going down in flames" talk elsewhere; I'm not interested. If I want to talk SC, I'll post on the three SC lists that I am a member of. I'm sorry if I am being a bit harsh here, but I am really tired of your made for TV "House" type of comments. Post like this and you get no respect, and only take up good email space. Kindly Jim Langley N730AL On Wed, Feb 4, 2009 at 3:02 PM, <AVN100@aol.com> wrote: > OK boys, calm down here. What a thin-skinned bunch of > interest-conflicted old harpies you turned out to be. So much for free > speech and open discussion. I thought this was a Lightning forum not > "Praise Arion" list. Next time before going to DEFCON ONE, check the > subject line and check the facts. > > The reason I remain anonymous is to urge you to deal with and ideally learn > from those facts and answer some questions while avoiding what your livid > responses suggest would be immediate personal retaliation against me through > my employing agency. I do not want to be your friend. I want my Lightning > and those of potential customers viewing all this to be the best ELSA it can > be. > > FACTS AND CLARIFICATIONS: > > 1) Arion did fail to secure 51% approval before the ax fell > > 2) Excessive factory staff participation at 51% builder assist centers was > one of the reasons the ax fell. I think captive DARs may have been another. > > > 2) My E's principal observation and the only quote from Arion challenged > was the claim the ELSA build manual had to be of such detail that the > builder could reproduce the original aircraft. You made it sound like that > meant be able to build the whole airplane from small parts EAB-style her or > himself rather than simply end up with a product identical to the original > SLSA. If the furnished ELSA kit contains the suggested 90% (ideally for > owners: higher) complete, factory-finished, preassembled components, then > doesn't the "builder" only have to be able to reproduce the remaining ten > percent (or less) of the original aircraft? > > 3) Pete - it is amazing that you as a Jabiru representative are throwing > hand grenades at me for mentioning the CZAW follies (which were not very > funny to hundreds of screwed Mermaid depositors). Those bulletins are > relevant because: a) Sport Cruiser is Arion's closest LSA competition in > style, price, and performance while far superior in interior space and > comfort (and many potential Lightning buyers are simultaneously considering > those); b) as in today's flames, the people (including you) quickest to > denounce me have some or all of their incomes attached to Lightning. The > consumers who read this list need an independent advocate as > they could easily grow either starry-eyed or fearful of instant > condemnation if they ask critical questions. Some already send me questions > they are afraid to personally ask you. Others may need reminders of how > marketing in the SP world can and has run amok and how undercurrents flow in > the industry. Hell, if UKSC Group rumors and this sales shift to Prague are > correct, your own company's early decision to cut off supply of engines to > CZAW because of fraudulent business practices there helped doom the original > CEO and send the corporation into bankruptcy. Check with HQ if you hadn't > heard that. As one builder thusfar has proven, the SC is a helluva LSA with > a 3300 pulling it instead of that flying toilet and hangar queen Rotax. > > 4) But back to kneejerk Nick. Apologies if I misunderstood your original > plaint that "so a builder could in detail re-produce the original aircraft" > from this manual you are working on for ELSA. You yourself tied it into the > full experimental amateur built manual detail which as far as I can tell > simply does not apply. Dozens of manufacturers are gonna put out ELSA (and > thus build manuals) who do not even have a full experimental kit for > sale. But let's go to the point you gave me the most abuse on: > your pointless insistence that the ELSA must be built with approved options > only "and no add ons, PERIOD !" Pointless because I never said otherwise. > Once the aircraft is completed IAW your build manual and is accepted and > registered as an exact ELSA equivalent to your thusfar solitary SLSA, the > owner has far more latitude in subsequent modifications and equipment > choices than if it were registered as an SLSA....where she would have to get > your approval for every change (and judging from your positive and courteous > responses thusfar that might become problematic). > > At this point I'm going to say "sorry for any misunderstanding" and it > would be nice if y'all reply likewise... keeping in mind Deming's admonition > to invite (not retaliate against) critique. Or just go ahead and 'fess up > to your "My Way or the Highway" business model. > > > ------------------------------ > Great Deals on Dell Laptops. Starting at $499.<http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;211531132;33070124;e%22> > > * > > * > >


    Message 11


  • INDEX
  • Back to Main INDEX
  • PREVIOUS
  • Skip to PREVIOUS Message
  • NEXT
  • Skip to NEXT Message
  • LIST
  • Reply to LIST Regarding this Message
  • SENDER
  • Reply to SENDER Regarding this Message
    Time: 12:51:02 PM PST US
    Subject: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid)
    From: "Mefford, Walt" <walt.mefford@garmin.com>
    Nicely said Jim. Let's just end it here. Walt Mefford N881WP ________________________________ From: owner-lightning-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-lightning-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Jim Langley Sent: Wednesday, February 04, 2009 12:40 PM Subject: Re: Lightning-List: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) I am so tired of the "House trolls" approach to conversation in some of the forums, I usually ignore them but I will voice my thoughts anyway. I strongly considered the SportCruiser almost two years ago when I was shopping for an airplane, (I have a PPL, so LSA was not a factor). As you say, I did like the spacous cabin but I steered away from the company because of obvious practices that "did not smell right". My money, my decision. I was so close to writing the check, thank God I did not! When I bought a Lightning, I bought into the company and the build center as well. Arion and Green Landings have had a couple of opportunities to prove my faith in them was justified, and HAVE COME THROUGH EACH TIME! I am not a Arion ra ra guy and have not always agreed with EVERYTHING they have done, however, I DO like 99% of their direction. It's their business model, not mine. I really like all the people at Arion, trust them, and while my enthusiasm some times might be mistaken for promoting the company, I am my own man with my own opinions; I just get excited about things some times. I will say this... They have NEVER let me down. I judge people by their actions and integrety, and that is pretty much it; no ra ra... Being on the Lightning list, I do not expect to talk about SportCruisers. An occasional post about another aircraft that uses the same engine or parts is IMHO acceptable, but take the "company going down in flames" talk elsewhere; I'm not interested. If I want to talk SC, I'll post on the three SC lists that I am a member of. I'm sorry if I am being a bit harsh here, but I am really tired of your made for TV "House" type of comments. Post like this and you get no respect, and only take up good email space. Kindly Jim Langley N730AL On Wed, Feb 4, 2009 at 3:02 PM, <AVN100@aol.com> wrote: OK boys, calm down here. What a thin-skinned bunch of interest-conflicted old harpies you turned out to be. So much for free speech and open discussion. I thought this was a Lightning forum not "Praise Arion" list. Next time before going to DEFCON ONE, check the subject line and check the facts. The reason I remain anonymous is to urge you to deal with and ideally learn from those facts and answer some questions while avoiding what your livid responses suggest would be immediate personal retaliation against me through my employing agency. I do not want to be your friend. I want my Lightning and those of potential customers viewing all this to be the best ELSA it can be. FACTS AND CLARIFICATIONS: 1) Arion did fail to secure 51% approval before the ax fell 2) Excessive factory staff participation at 51% builder assist centers was one of the reasons the ax fell. I think captive DARs may have been another. 2) My E's principal observation and the only quote from Arion challenged was the claim the ELSA build manual had to be of such detail that the builder could reproduce the original aircraft. You made it sound like that meant be able to build the whole airplane from small parts EAB-style her or himself rather than simply end up with a product identical to the original SLSA. If the furnished ELSA kit contains the suggested 90% (ideally for owners: higher) complete, factory-finished, preassembled components, then doesn't the "builder" only have to be able to reproduce the remaining ten percent (or less) of the original aircraft? 3) Pete - it is amazing that you as a Jabiru representative are throwing hand grenades at me for mentioning the CZAW follies (which were not very funny to hundreds of screwed Mermaid depositors). Those bulletins are relevant because: a) Sport Cruiser is Arion's closest LSA competition in style, price, and performance while far superior in interior space and comfort (and many potential Lightning buyers are simultaneously considering those); b) as in today's flames, the people (including you) quickest to denounce me have some or all of their incomes attached to Lightning. The consumers who read this list need an independent advocate as they could easily grow either starry-eyed or fearful of instant condemnation if they ask critical questions. Some already send me questions they are afraid to personally ask you. Others may need reminders of how marketing in the SP world can and has run amok and how undercurrents flow in the industry. Hell, if UKSC Group rumors and this sales shift to Prague are correct, your own company's early decision to cut off supply of engines to CZAW because of fraudulent business practices there helped doom the original CEO and send the corporation into bankruptcy. Check with HQ if you hadn't heard that. As one builder thusfar has proven, the SC is a helluva LSA with a 3300 pulling it instead of that flying toilet and hangar queen Rotax. 4) But back to kneejerk Nick. Apologies if I misunderstood your original plaint that "so a builder could in detail re-produce the original aircraft" from this manual you are working on for ELSA. You yourself tied it into the full experimental amateur built manual detail which as far as I can tell simply does not apply. Dozens of manufacturers are gonna put out ELSA (and thus build manuals) who do not even have a full experimental kit for sale. But let's go to the point you gave me the most abuse on: your pointless insistence that the ELSA must be built with approved options only "and no add ons, PERIOD !" Pointless because I never said otherwise. Once the aircraft is completed IAW your build manual and is accepted and registered as an exact ELSA equivalent to your thusfar solitary SLSA, the owner has far more latitude in subsequent modifications and equipment choices than if it were registered as an SLSA....where she would have to get your approval for every change (and judging from your positive and courteous responses thusfar that might become problematic). At this point I'm going to say "sorry for any misunderstanding" and it would be nice if y'all reply likewise... keeping in mind Deming's admonition to invite (not retaliate against) critique. Or just go ahead and 'fess up to your "My Way or the Highway" business model. ________________________________ Great Deals on Dell Laptops. Starting at $499. <http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;211531132;33070124;e%22> " target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Lightning-List ttp://forums.matronics.com _blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution ------------------------- This e-mail and any attachments may contain confidential material for the sole use of the intended recipient. If you are not the intended recipient, please be aware that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of this e-mail or any attachment is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please contact the sender and delete all copies. Thank you for your cooperation


    Message 12


  • INDEX
  • Back to Main INDEX
  • PREVIOUS
  • Skip to PREVIOUS Message
  • NEXT
  • Skip to NEXT Message
  • LIST
  • Reply to LIST Regarding this Message
  • SENDER
  • Reply to SENDER Regarding this Message
    Time: 01:16:23 PM PST US
    From: Hugh Sontag <fly.lightning@gmail.com>
    Subject: Re: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid)
    You have nothing but poor excuses for hiding in anonymity. You "urge" without standing behind what you say. Some of what you claim with authority is wrong. You excoriate without basis. You could ask questions without acting like you know the answers. Come to think of it, you mostly don't ask questions, you just make derogatory self-important comments. You could be civil instead of insulting and inflammatory, yet you choose otherwise. I wouldn't want you as a friend. So is your "employing agency" Farmingdale State University? By the way, this jerk has offended people on other lists before. I found a long post of over-the-top criticism and insulting commentary by this author on another Yahoo list, which culminated in a call to remove him from the list. Hugh Sontag >The reason I remain anonymous is to urge you to deal with and >ideally learn from those facts and answer some questions while >avoiding what your livid responses suggest would be immediate >personal retaliation against me through my employing agency. I do >not want to be your friend. I want my Lightning and those of >potential customers viewing all this to be the best ELSA it can be.


    Message 13


  • INDEX
  • Back to Main INDEX
  • PREVIOUS
  • Skip to PREVIOUS Message
  • NEXT
  • Skip to NEXT Message
  • LIST
  • Reply to LIST Regarding this Message
  • SENDER
  • Reply to SENDER Regarding this Message
    Time: 01:25:59 PM PST US
    Subject: Re: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid)
    From: "Larzfromarz" <peteromig@gmail.com>
    You're being kind rough on Farmingdale aren't ya [Wink] Larry "Larzfromarz" Romig Long time Lurker Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=228522#228522


    Message 14


  • INDEX
  • Back to Main INDEX
  • PREVIOUS
  • Skip to PREVIOUS Message
  • NEXT
  • Skip to NEXT Message
  • LIST
  • Reply to LIST Regarding this Message
  • SENDER
  • Reply to SENDER Regarding this Message
    Time: 03:18:30 PM PST US
    From: Kayberg@aol.com
    Subject: Re: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid)
    Wow. When I left this morning my email was clear, when I get back home tonight I discover there was a veritable exchange of broadsides between a likely troll and the home team!!! My thought is just that there are two kinds of people out there. Those who understand the rules of the Light Sport game and those who do not but presume otherwise. After spending the last three years at airshows trying to explain Light Sport regs to the unwitting, I commend the Arion team for its clarity and enthusiasm. It is like a form of torture to be "told" what the regs say..when they dont; or to be asked the most basic questions about Light Sport......repeatedly. My short answer is that Pete, Nick and company live and breathe Light Sport. They DO know the regs and what they really mean. They DO sit on the committees for all phases of Light Sport. Their very livelihood depend on accurate, truthful and thoughtful actions concerning the Light Sport arena. They have the most skin in the game. A verbal broadside challenging their grasp and execution in the Light Sport arena is to be compared to a fart in a whirlwind or perhaps an flea urinating on the leg of an elephant. As Buz might say, "your mileage may vary" doug koenigsberg In a message dated 2/4/2009 4:16:51 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, fly.lightning@gmail.com writes: --> Lightning-List message posted by: Hugh Sontag <fly.lightning@gmail.com> You have nothing but poor excuses for hiding in anonymity. You "urge" without standing behind what you say. Some of what you claim with authority is wrong. You excoriate without basis. You could ask questions without acting like you know the answers. Come to think of it, you mostly don't ask questions, you just make derogatory self-important comments. You could be civil instead of insulting and inflammatory, yet you choose otherwise. I wouldn't want you as a friend.


    Message 15


  • INDEX
  • Back to Main INDEX
  • PREVIOUS
  • Skip to PREVIOUS Message
  • NEXT
  • Skip to NEXT Message
  • LIST
  • Reply to LIST Regarding this Message
  • SENDER
  • Reply to SENDER Regarding this Message
    Time: 05:06:07 PM PST US
    From: "GARY PENNINGTON" <pennington@q.com>
    Subject: IFR Lightning
    Hello everyone Does anyone know if the Lightning can be legally flown IFR? Thanks to all and happy flying. Gary Pennington


    Message 16


  • INDEX
  • Back to Main INDEX
  • PREVIOUS
  • Skip to PREVIOUS Message
  • NEXT
  • Skip to NEXT Message
  • LIST
  • Reply to LIST Regarding this Message
  • SENDER
  • Reply to SENDER Regarding this Message
    Time: 05:22:08 PM PST US
    From: "JOSEPH MATHIAS LINDA MATHIAS" <lbmathias@verizon.net>
    Subject: Re: IFR Lightning
    Yes, Gary. If you comply with FAR 91.205, you can fly the Lightning IFR. Mine is equipped for IFR. Linda ----- Original Message ----- From: GARY PENNINGTON To: lightning-list Sent: Wednesday, February 04, 2009 8:05 PM Subject: Lightning-List: IFR Lightning Hello everyone Does anyone know if the Lightning can be legally flown IFR? Thanks to all and happy flying. Gary Pennington ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- Checked by AVG - www.avg.com 01/28/09 19:24:00


    Message 17


  • INDEX
  • Back to Main INDEX
  • PREVIOUS
  • Skip to PREVIOUS Message
  • NEXT
  • Skip to NEXT Message
  • LIST
  • Reply to LIST Regarding this Message
  • SENDER
  • Reply to SENDER Regarding this Message
    Time: 06:16:34 PM PST US
    From: "Tex Mantell" <wb2ssj@frontiernet.net>
    Subject: Re: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid)
    Very well said: Thank You Tex ----- Original Message ----- From: Kayberg@AOL.COM To: lightning-list@matronics.com Sent: Wednesday, February 04, 2009 6:15 PM Subject: Re: Lightning-List: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) Wow. When I left this morning my email was clear, when I get back home tonight I discover there was a veritable exchange of broadsides between a likely troll and the home team!!! My thought is just that there are two kinds of people out there. Those who understand the rules of the Light Sport game and those who do not but presume otherwise. After spending the last three years at airshows trying to explain Light Sport regs to the unwitting, I commend the Arion team for its clarity and enthusiasm. It is like a form of torture to be "told" what the regs say..when they dont; or to be asked the most basic questions about Light Sport......repeatedly. My short answer is that Pete, Nick and company live and breathe Light Sport. They DO know the regs and what they really mean. They DO sit on the committees for all phases of Light Sport. Their very livelihood depend on accurate, truthful and thoughtful actions concerning the Light Sport arena. They have the most skin in the game. A verbal broadside challenging their grasp and execution in the Light Sport arena is to be compared to a fart in a whirlwind or perhaps an flea urinating on the leg of an elephant. As Buz might say, "your mileage may vary" doug koenigsberg In a message dated 2/4/2009 4:16:51 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, fly.lightning@gmail.com writes: <fly.lightning@gmail.com> You have nothing but poor excuses for hiding in anonymity. You "urge" without standing behind what you say. Some of what you claim with authority is wrong. You excoriate without basis. You could ask questions without acting like you know the answers. Come to think of it, you mostly don't ask questions, you just make derogatory self-important comments. You could be civil instead of insulting and inflammatory, yet you choose otherwise. I wouldn't want you as a friend.


    Message 18


  • INDEX
  • Back to Main INDEX
  • PREVIOUS
  • Skip to PREVIOUS Message
  • NEXT
  • Skip to NEXT Message
  • LIST
  • Reply to LIST Regarding this Message
  • SENDER
  • Reply to SENDER Regarding this Message
    Time: 06:50:59 PM PST US
    From: AVN100@aol.com
    Subject: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) Round 3
    I will repeat my simple Lightning ELSA questions at the end, hoping against hope that in this round, finally, someone can objectively and credibly answer them. It is SO easy to make this about me instead of about the aircraft... and to forget I intend to buy one so must think the company and aircraft are fine overall... yet unlike allah, not perfect. Like Salman Rushdie I get fatwahed by the mullahs for pointing that out, asking questions, and making suggestions. Far easier to attack me and critique my style (or lack of it) instead of answering my questions or contradicting my observations. The posts thusfar do the former with relish but not a single one does the latter. Viz: wampam declares he disagrees with me, as is his right. Doesn't say what he disagrees with. Offers not a single factual contradiction. pequeajim calls me a "House Troll" and then admits that thanks to House Trolls like me criticizing CZAW duplicity on those forums he once monitored, something didn't smell right and saved him making a big financial mistake. I guess that is a veiled thank you. Veil you're velly velcome. Like his pals, he does not offer a single factual contradiction of anything I posted about Arion and the Lightning. Even I will admit some of it MUST be in error and much of it was speculation and/or requests for correction and explanation. He declares he has his Lightning, gets fantastic customer service, and doesn't give a rat's ass about anyone who is in the same position here that he once was in with CZAW = interested but uncommitted, making comparisons with the competition, and wanting to consider all aspects. Simply the most selfish "House Whore" I have ever encountered on any enthusiast forum. Hey, he started the name calling. Walt cheerleads for and thus seems to agree with piquedjimbo that this forum is for praising Arion and meeting the needs of current EAB owners... so prospects and ELSA inquiries be damned. If he and piquedjimbo are right about that, well someone just say so.... and ex-cu-u-u-se me. And may never be heard a discouraging word and the skies be not cloudy all day. In a word, dear Hugh, "no"... but I have been using Macs since graduating from an Apple IIe to an SE and through a half dozen since. As for my role and record in other forums see above, noting that all calls for my removal elsewhere came from company execs or shills who did not want their PR puffery or Ponzi schemes (or cash flow) challenged. Worse, some were from sycophants currying favor while trying to jump ahead of others for early delivery dates. All were answered with ten times as many posts of praise for my independence from average readers. As a result I'm still posting on those forums and still considered objective and reliable, albeit bawdily colorful. I know far less about Arion and the Lightning than I did about those other marques. I have never said Arion is guilty of their deliberate misrepresentations or indeed any malfeasance. Actually I think the long post you refer to was during a pitched battle five years ago with fat-UL advocates who wanted the Sport Pilot movement stillborn or, if they couldn't kill it, hoped Limbaugh-like that it would fail miserably. I see some are still around even though their cause isn't. And as for the insults and derision from Doug K., uhh... don't you fall under the "clearly conflicted interest, personal monetary benefit" banner that drives so many of those ignoring the substance of my concerns thusfar to launch ad hominem attacks? Thought I saw you financially connected to Green Landings which I thought is financially connected to Arion... but retraction and apologies if mistaken. If not and you ARE tied in financially somehow, time for YOUR apology and admission that while market forces and the missed 51% opportunity have brought Pete and Nick late and grateful to the LSA game, they did not originally "live and breathe it" as you claim, unlike some newer 100% SP manufacturers... and remain capable of errors or oversights. Aviation safety and consumer protection depend on asking questions rather than accepting the status quo and/or ad copy. Unethical bribe time. Admit all that and I will cheerfully provide a list of twenty spelling and grammar errors from the comparison table - as part of my constant and consistent product improvement effort. About that chart, if you ARE with Green Landings, doesn't your own comparison table's "free rain" [sic] analysis sort of support my prior (and universally derided) assertion that ELSA allows more equipment and mod flexibility than SLSA? And whassupp with both being the same price? And why advertise (and according to my old pal Dan Johnson take deposits on) SLSA if you only intend to build one for homologation, then go straight to exclusive ELSA production for an extended period? Oh christ, more questions. And clouds in the sky. Who needs this, right? Potential SP buyers who want as much credible, objective information as they can get, that's who. And not just marketing puffery. Obviously not current EAB owners who are free to ignore this topic entirely yet who instead chime in attempting to deny the information to others. So can ANY of you answer ANY of these questions instead of trying to kill the messenger? a) Did Arion miss the 51% EAB opportunity that was out there year after year until last fall (and won't they have another bite at the apple yet) ? b) If the 120knot Lightning ELSA is going to be 90% or more (how much more?) factory or dealer or subcontractor built when the owner gets it and begins the final ten percent or less, why would its ELSA build manual have to be as complex as one for the EAB 170mph Lightning? c) Once your ELSA is complete and registered, are or aren't you much more free to maintain and modify it than you would be with an SLSA? d) Is Arion going to start delivering LSA in May, 2009, per their claim at Sebring to Dan Johnson? e) If they are, will those be ELSA and/or SLSA and what production rate per month of each? I thank any helpful, honest, and brave souls for any answers to the above and additional hard info on Arion LSA models provided myself (perhaps back channel would be best for your safety and reputation) or in public to interested but silent readers. As for the gaggle of indefatigable character assassins, based on an excellent suggestion from Koenigsberg, I fart in your gen-e-ral dee-rection. **************Great Deals on Dell Laptops. Starting at $499. net/clk;211531132;33070124;e)


    Message 19


  • INDEX
  • Back to Main INDEX
  • PREVIOUS
  • Skip to PREVIOUS Message
  • NEXT
  • Skip to NEXT Message
  • LIST
  • Reply to LIST Regarding this Message
  • SENDER
  • Reply to SENDER Regarding this Message
    Time: 07:03:29 PM PST US
    Subject: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) Round 3
    From: "Wayne Patterson" <Wayne@lpwa.net>
    Matt - manage the list and get this idiot off now if you want me on it. This is not what I read the list for. Wayne Patterson LOUGHTON PATTERSON GROUP PO Box 398 South Perth 6951 08 94742126 From: owner-lightning-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-lightning-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of AVN100@aol.com Sent: Thursday, 5 February 2009 11:44 AM Subject: Lightning-List: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) Round 3 I will repeat my simple Lightning ELSA questions at the end, hoping against hope that in this round, finally, someone can objectively and credibly answer them. It is SO easy to make this about me instead of about the aircraft... and to forget I intend to buy one so must think the company and aircraft are fine overall... yet unlike allah, not perfect. Like Salman Rushdie I get fatwahed by the mullahs for pointing that out, asking questions, and making suggestions. Far easier to attack me and critique my style (or lack of it) instead of answering my questions or contradicting my observations. The posts thusfar do the former with relish but not a single one does the latter. Viz: wampam declares he disagrees with me, as is his right. Doesn't say what he disagrees with. Offers not a single factual contradiction. pequeajim calls me a "House Troll" and then admits that thanks to House Trolls like me criticizing CZAW duplicity on those forums he once monitored, something didn't smell right and saved him making a big financial mistake. I guess that is a veiled thank you. Veil you're velly velcome. Like his pals, he does not offer a single factual contradiction of anything I posted about Arion and the Lightning. Even I will admit some of it MUST be in error and much of it was speculation and/or requests for correction and explanation. He declares he has his Lightning, gets fantastic customer service, and doesn't give a rat's ass about anyone who is in the same position here that he once was in with CZAW = interested but uncommitted, making comparisons with the competition, and wanting to consider all aspects. Simply the most selfish "House Whore" I have ever encountered on any enthusiast forum. Hey, he started the name calling. Walt cheerleads for and thus seems to agree with piquedjimbo that this forum is for praising Arion and meeting the needs of current EAB owners... so prospects and ELSA inquiries be damned. If he and piquedjimbo are right about that, well someone just say so.... and ex-cu-u-u-se me. And may never be heard a discouraging word and the skies be not cloudy all day. In a word, dear Hugh, "no"... but I have been using Macs since graduating from an Apple IIe to an SE and through a half dozen since. As for my role and record in other forums see above, noting that all calls for my removal elsewhere came from company execs or shills who did not want their PR puffery or Ponzi schemes (or cash flow) challenged. Worse, some were from sycophants currying favor while trying to jump ahead of others for early delivery dates. All were answered with ten times as many posts of praise for my independence from average readers. As a result I'm still posting on those forums and still considered objective and reliable, albeit bawdily colorful. I know far less about Arion and the Lightning than I did about those other marques. I have never said Arion is guilty of their deliberate misrepresentations or indeed any malfeasance. Actually I think the long post you refer to was during a pitched battle five years ago with fat-UL advocates who wanted the Sport Pilot movement stillborn or, if they couldn't kill it, hoped Limbaugh-like that it would fail miserably. I see some are still around even though their cause isn't. And as for the insults and derision from Doug K., uhh... don't you fall under the "clearly conflicted interest, personal monetary benefit" banner that drives so many of those ignoring the substance of my concerns thusfar to launch ad hominem attacks? Thought I saw you financially connected to Green Landings which I thought is financially connected to Arion... but retraction and apologies if mistaken. If not and you ARE tied in financially somehow, time for YOUR apology and admission that while market forces and the missed 51% opportunity have brought Pete and Nick late and grateful to the LSA game, they did not originally "live and breathe it" as you claim, unlike some newer 100% SP manufacturers... and remain capable of errors or oversights. Aviation safety and consumer protection depend on asking questions rather than accepting the status quo and/or ad copy. Unethical bribe time. Admit all that and I will cheerfully provide a list of twenty spelling and grammar errors from the comparison table - as part of my constant and consistent product improvement effort. About that chart, if you ARE with Green Landings, doesn't your own comparison table's "free rain" [sic] analysis sort of support my prior (and universally derided) assertion that ELSA allows more equipment and mod flexibility than SLSA? And whassupp with both being the same price? And why advertise (and according to my old pal Dan Johnson take deposits on) SLSA if you only intend to build one for homologation, then go straight to exclusive ELSA production for an extended period? Oh christ, more questions. And clouds in the sky. Who needs this, right? Potential SP buyers who want as much credible, objective information as they can get, that's who. And not just marketing puffery. Obviously not current EAB owners who are free to ignore this topic entirely yet who instead chime in attempting to deny the information to others. So can ANY of you answer ANY of these questions instead of trying to kill the messenger? a) Did Arion miss the 51% EAB opportunity that was out there year after year until last fall (and won't they have another bite at the apple yet) ? b) If the 120knot Lightning ELSA is going to be 90% or more (how much more?) factory or dealer or subcontractor built when the owner gets it and begins the final ten percent or less, why would its ELSA build manual have to be as complex as one for the EAB 170mph Lightning? c) Once your ELSA is complete and registered, are or aren't you much more free to maintain and modify it than you would be with an SLSA? d) Is Arion going to start delivering LSA in May, 2009, per their claim at Sebring to Dan Johnson? e) If they are, will those be ELSA and/or SLSA and what production rate per month of each? I thank any helpful, honest, and brave souls for any answers to the above and additional hard info on Arion LSA models provided myself (perhaps back channel would be best for your safety and reputation) or in public to interested but silent readers. As for the gaggle of indefatigable character assassins, based on an excellent suggestion from Koenigsberg, I fart in your gen-e-ral dee-rection. ________________________________ FAQ, Web http://www.matronics.com/contribution ===========


    Message 20


  • INDEX
  • Back to Main INDEX
  • PREVIOUS
  • Skip to PREVIOUS Message
  • NEXT
  • Skip to NEXT Message
  • LIST
  • Reply to LIST Regarding this Message
  • SENDER
  • Reply to SENDER Regarding this Message
    Time: 09:21:10 PM PST US
    From: N1BZRich@AOL.COM
    Subject: Re: ELSA = KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) Round 3
    AVN100, I will provide what I think are the answers to your questions, although you never took the time to answer mine the last time you were on this list. The reason I am going to take the time to answer them is because others on the list may be interested in the answers, and one of the main purposes of the list is information sharing. For those that may be somewhat new to the list, please realize that I do not now, nor have I ever worked for Arion Aircraft. I am just a happy customer that they trust to fly all their aircraft (because of my past flying, building and testing experiences). So here goes: a) Did Arion miss the 51% EAB opportunity that was out there year after year until last fall (and won't they have another bite at the apple yet) ? Arion has requested that the EAB Lightning kit be looked at, but as most of you know those FAA inspections are on hold until the new 51% rule is out. So it eventually will be inspected. Your comment about Arion missing the opportunity year after year is misleading for several reasons. First, remember the prototype Lightning did not even fly until March of 2006. Nick was giving it glowing reports to Pete, but Pete was reluctant to spend more of the investor's money in a demonstrator and to develop a complete EAB kit until he at least got a second opinion on the prototype's flying characteristics. That is when I got lucky and Pete asked me to fly the prototype. That flight report from my flight in July 2006 is still available on the Lightning web site. Also remember that the first Lightning demo didn't fly until April of 2007, less than 2 years ago and not too much before the moratorium was put in place. A tremendous amount of work has been done by Arion since the first demo flew and with very few people actually on the Arion team to do that work. Completing the paperwork to get the EAB kit inspected for the 51% list probably took back seat to getting the actual kits into production and doing all the other things that a start up company with only two or three workers has to do. Remember, a kit does not have to be on the 51% approved list to be built as an EAB. It just makes the builder have a good builder's log to show the DAR to prove that he did at least 51% of the work. Heck, he needs a good builder's log when he applies for the repairman's certificate. Also remember that the Tennessee guys had previously sold the VM-1 Esqual kit and they had it inspected for the 51% list and it was approved. Believe me, the Esqual kit is easier to build than the current Lightning kit, so I see no problem with the Lightning EAB kit being put on the approved list when the FAA gets back to doing those inspections. b) If the 120knot Lightning ELSA is going to be 90% or more (how much more?) factory or dealer or subcontractor built when the owner gets it and begins the final ten percent or less, why would its ELSA build manual have to be as complex as one for the EAB 170mph Lightning? Who said the ELSA Lightning kits will be 90% complete? I am betting that Arion, being a proactive company, will work with each builder and let them determine how much work they want the factory to do before they take delivery or arrive for the builder's assist program. Why do it any other way? Let the customer "have it their way". So you may see ELSA Lightning kits with anywhere from 50% to 90% complete. After some point they may find that it is better to do them all to the same completion for making things more standard. We will have to wait and see what transpires. Remember, flexibility is the key to airpower. The complex build manual will be complex because of the SLSA Lightning and the fact that it's build manual (and POH) must meet ASTM standards. The ELSA Lightning will use the same build manual - no need to write a separate one, and the ELSA builder may possible benefit in the future having a much more complete build manual (in case the airplane needs some repair). And remember there can be no ELSA until there is at least one ASTM approved "turn key" SLSA. And please don't confuse the old heavy ultra light ELSA that the FAA came out with to get all those illegal "fat" ultra lights on the registered list. The ELSA we are talking about can only be if the company first builds a certified SLSA. Hence all the work to get everything ASTM approved. c) Once your ELSA is complete and registered, are or aren't you much more free to maintain and modify it than you would be with an SLSA? I must admit I have not thoroughly read up on what you will be allowed to do after an ELSA is flying. I do know that for the initial registration as an ELSA it must be exactly like the SLSA. But also remember that the SLSA can have options as to various avionics, etc. that are on the approved list, so the ELSA can have those same options. Things like wheel pants, landing lights, etc. can also be on this approved options list. I would guess that if a builder later wanted to install a radio that was not on the initial approved list, it would be like installing a radio in your "store bought" airplane. Have it installed and signed off by the appropriate person. d) Is Arion going to start delivering LSA in May, 2009, per their claim at Sebring to Dan Johnson? What do you mean by LSA? SLSA or SLSA? And remember, they are already selling EAB kits that can be built to meet the requirements to be flown by a Sport Pilot. Assuming all goes well with the ASTM certification for the SLSA Lightning LS-1 that will probably take place in late March, there will probably be ELSA Lightning LS-1 kits available by the Sebring time frame. Remember once again, this is a small company that depends on many different suppliers. Lets hope the current economic situation throughout the country does not effect any of Arion's suppliers. e) If they are, will those be ELSA and/or SLSA and what production rate per month of each? The initial emphasis will be on the ELSA kits, not the SLSA. Why? So far most of the interest has been in kits, not turn key airplanes. Also, assuming the EAB Lightning kit does not meet the new 51% rule because of the 20% fabrication (who really knows what that will mean) then at least Arion can continue to sell ELSA kits until the EAB kit is re-packaged. As to production rate per month - Who knows? Again, this is a small company. They will do their best to meet demand, but to set some production rate at this point is not desirable. Let supply be driven by the suppliers and demand be driven by the customer. I see no other good way to do this in a small company. They certainly don' want to flood the market, even if they could. So, AVN100, how about answering my previous question. I am curious, do you now or have you ever worked for the FAA in the National Flight Procedures Office? If you don't and have not, then how did you pick your email name? Inquiring minds want to know. Blue Skies, Buz PS: If you are trying to be abrasive, you are doing a good job. Maybe part of the "We're not happy until you are not happy" way of thinking. If you are not trying to be abrasive, I suggest you re-read what you have written before you hit the send button. **************Stay up to date on the latest news - from sports scores to stocks and so much more. (http://aol.com?ncid=emlcntaolcom00000022)




    Other Matronics Email List Services

  • Post A New Message
  •   lightning-list@matronics.com
  • UN/SUBSCRIBE
  •   http://www.matronics.com/subscription
  • List FAQ
  •   http://www.matronics.com/FAQ/Lightning-List.htm
  • Web Forum Interface To Lists
  •   http://forums.matronics.com
  • Matronics List Wiki
  •   http://wiki.matronics.com
  • 7-Day List Browse
  •   http://www.matronics.com/browse/lightning-list
  • Browse Lightning-List Digests
  •   http://www.matronics.com/digest/lightning-list
  • Browse Other Lists
  •   http://www.matronics.com/browse
  • Live Online Chat!
  •   http://www.matronics.com/chat
  • Archive Downloading
  •   http://www.matronics.com/archives
  • Photo Share
  •   http://www.matronics.com/photoshare
  • Other Email Lists
  •   http://www.matronics.com/emaillists
  • Contributions
  •   http://www.matronics.com/contribution

    These Email List Services are sponsored solely by Matronics and through the generous Contributions of its members.

    -- Please support this service by making your Contribution today! --