Rickey B.
Joined: 22 Mar 2008
Posts: 70
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 Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 5:26 am Post subject: Zenith-reactions to the NTSB. |
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Excellent post, Rick, and I could not agree more!!!
Rick Beckman
Zodie Rocket XL
N-52EB
Wheels up soon!
Zenith-List message posted by: Rick Lindstrom
Your $0.02 is worth so much more than that, you've just stated a very well-reasoned and clear assessment of the 601 issue. And I'm using the word "issue" because it is exactly that, we seem to have elements of a lynch-mob mentality at play here that appears to feed on itself instead of hard facts.
Throw around words like "problem" and "flutter" in cyberspace enough times, and it becomes accepted as fact. As far as I know, there still have been no concrete findings from any reliable source about a single source of the 601 crashes. We tend to lose sight of the big picture sometimes here, which is that everybody involved; builder, pilot, manufacturer, insurer, or passenger; ALL would like to put this matter to rest and get back to building and flying.
Personally, I'm appalled that so many here, people I've considered good cyber-friends in the past, have indulged in name calling, character assassination, outright threats, and other forms of rudeness over this matter. There's been no shortage of chest-thumping and posturing either, and although it might feel good at the moment, it can be very damaging long term. Words are powerful, and they do have meaning. And these messages stay with us long after the "send" button is pressed.
Do we really want to impugn the integrity of a fine light aircraft manufacturer that is working hard on this, and alienate them? If so, what will we do for factory support? True, it's frustrating not to hear anything from them while the chatter reaches a fever pitch on the list, but I think they're wise in only releasing information that's solidly researched and confirmed. In my opinion, there are a few folks here who owe the Heintz family a large apology. We all trusted them enough to buy their airplane kit, and trust our lives to it. Let's trust them a bit more to address this issue in their usual conservative, scientific manner.
Those who think the risk of flying their 601s is currently too great have voluntarily grounded them, which is wise in my opinion. Those who don't, haven't. This is OK, too. Every time we strap on an airplane, we go through a new risk analysis session, and make decisions accordingly. My own 601XL lost its hangar space last fall, so I moved it to my shop for some upgrades in the meantime. Until I can find another hangar for it, it will remain AOG. But I was flying it regularily even while this debate was already hot and heavy, as it's proven its airworthiness time and time again, and still shows zero signs of any sort of incipent design flaw after encountering all sorts of weather and turbulence.
Let's not forget that builder care, pilot technique, and accumulated airframe stresses might also play some huge parts here. Loose or oversized spar bolts, rough handling of the stick at high airspeeds, unauthorized aerobatics, or improper airframe materials all seem to go unnoticed here while the emphasis centers on aileron flutter (which although likely, has still not been proven to the point of requiring mods beyond keeping proper cable tension).
I certainly don't want any more crashes and fatalities. No one does. Everyone who has a 601, or loves someone who flies one, has a dog in this fight. But, please, let's not let our fear and uncertainty result in biting the hands that feed us while we await the hard data. Let's not demonize those who should be our staunchest allies, because only through working as a team will we resolve this in the shortest order. To do otherwise only drags things out, and stifles the free exchange of crucial information.
Rick Lindstrom
Zenvair N42KP
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