Jeremy
This is not an attempt to vent frustrations at you or anyone else but as I
approach my kit completion I hope that the Engineering Offices efforts are
being concentrated on existing builders with kits about to fly rather than
new 'commercial' kits that are still coming off the drawing board.
I am not in the know but my impression is that much valuable time has been
spent testing new 'sexy' aircraft rather than looking after the fleet.
I wish you both well in your endeavours be it house hunting, aircraft
building or married life.
Regards
Steve Pitt
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jeremy Davey" <europaflyer_3@msn.com>
Sent: 07 February 2006 15:17
Subject: Europa-List: John Tempest leaving the PFA
>
> (Apologies to the non-UK folks for whom this will be of only marginal
> interest at best.)
>
> PFA HQ have issued the following statement:
>
> "Our Deputy chief Engineer John Tempest has reluctantly decided to move on
> after 10 years of dedicated work for PFA. John has been head hunted by De
> Havilland Support (DHS) for some time and has now made a final decision to
> take the opportunity to develop his career with DHS. We wish him well in
> that move.
>
> To maintain our capability John will remain as a consultant to PFA.
>
> As members know we are currently interviewing candidates for a Head of
> Engineering and a new design Engineer. With John's imminent departure we
> have now expanded this programme to include a replacement for John.
>
> Clearly this situation will reduce in the short term our capability and
> service levels will potentially suffer. Be assured all efforts will be
made
> to mitigate this problem. During this difficult period members are asked
to
> assist by reducing their demands as much as possible."
>
> I'd just a like to add a few personal notes, as I know this will give rise
> to great concern in a group such as the Europa community that has a lot of
> flying aircraft, many more approaching first flight, and a high rate of
> modifications.
>
> First of all, this is an excellent opportunity for John, who has given the
> PFA 10 years of service, and it is quite understandable that he wants to
> progress his career. He leaves us with my best wishes.
>
> Secondly, obviously this is not a good time to lose an Engineer. We were
> already recruiting a fourth Engineering head, and replacing the Head of
> Engineering. We're down to 1 man (Francis) compared to 3 a year ago, and
> compared to a budgeted headcount of 4. It doesn't take Burt Rutan to work
> out that this situation brings 'challenges'.
>
> Obviously I'll be doing my best, along with the rest of the Engineering
> committee at the PFA, and the EC, to resolve this as quickly as possible.
> We'll also be using this as an opportunity to re-think the way Engineering
> works (clouds and silver linings and all that). Liza and I are 'heads
down'
> house-hunting at present, and that process will hopefully be followed by a
> house move, so can I just say that I'd really appreciate it if folks
didn't
> 'vent' their frustrations at me at this time.
>
> 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)
> 1430 build hours to date, build currently stalled due to house moves and
> lack of workshop
> Intended fit:
> Rotax 914 turbo, Airmaster CS fully-feathering prop
> Lots of lights, buttons, switches, gizmos, and alarms
>
>
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