As with many of the responses to this, I am supportive of IMC and Night in
suitable
homebuilt aircraft. (I actually gained a night rating during my PPL last
year and am sorry to not be able to retain that now I have bought a PFA
aircraft).
It has long been my view that IMC increases safety, rather than decreasing it.
A number of issues/comments have been made on this listing re: engine failures,
only using the rating 'in emergency', perhaps allow it but with increased minima
and so on. The point I would make is that all of these comments are comments
about the RATING and nothing at all to do with 'homebuilt' v's 'certified'
aircraft. If someone is going misjudge a situation and have an accident, they
are as likely to do that in a 152 as they are in Europa. Therefore, the simple
question for me is to determine that the aircraft is capable of safely operating
in these conditions. The rest is pilot choice.
As an aside (but maybe related) - the ability to fly IMC is invariably a key
element
of a pilot aircraft choice. At the moment, the restrictive VFR Only rules
for PFA I feel may discourage some who, even if they don't have a current IMC,
feel that they may want one later on and so err on the side of caution. By
removing this restriction from PFA, I think more people would opt for PFA flying
rather than the more expensive certified route and hence raise the profile
of the PFA. Just a thought.
Tim
________________________________
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com on behalf of Jeremy Davey
Subject: Europa-List: What's your position on Night and IMC privileges for
Permit
aircraft in the UK?
(Again, apologies to the non-UK folks - another local issue I need to
consult on.)
Many in the UK Europa community know I'm passionate about wanting 'extended
privileges' (Night and IMC) in Europas and other suitable Permit aircraft.
The PFA is looking into the possibility of pushing the CAA for Night and IMC
privileges for Permit aircraft in the UK. I've taken an action to find out
how interested the membership is, and this Forum seems a good place to
start!
Let's start by understanding what some of the constraints MIGHT be (nothing
is decided yet).
1) Obviously only suitable types are going to be considered. So no IMC
work in a Pitts S2. Stability will be a key requirement here.
2) Aircraft will have to be suitable equipped - including the right
instrument and lighting fits.
3) Permits allowing extended privileges will likely cost more to cover
the extra Engineering work.
4) Required inspection and build standards may well be higher.
Given the above, could I please ask PFA members to advise me either on this
Forum or privately to EuropaFlyer_3@msn.com as to whether you:
1) Would be for this proposal
2) Would be against this proposal
3) Would be neither for nor against this proposal
Thanks and regards,
Jeremy
Jeremy Davey
Europa Monowheel 537M G-EZZA
Europa Club Vice-Chairman, Webmaster, PFA NC Representative
PFA EC Member
"If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs, then it is
possible you haven't grasped the severity of the situation."
Tail done
Standard XS wings with mods underway
CM installed in fuse (with airbrakes fittings)
1200 build hours to date
Intended fit:
Rotax 914 turbo, Airmaster CS fully-feathering prop
Lots of lights, buttons, switches, gizmos, and alarms
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