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Quite clearly lots of people do want to talk about it!

Posted by Paul Coggan on Mon Jun 17, 2002 03:39:56 PM

Mr Jameson asked this question, and I quote:

"Why doesn't the EAA, CAF or others want to discuss the issues of whether an aircraft is an restoration or a replica? It appears that they only want to "brand" aircraft without a bill of sales as replicas. What reason is there beyond which classification the FAA denotes it?"

Without going around in circles again let's cut to the chase. Who at EAA have you asked this question of? What wouldn't they tell you that you wanted to know.

Sorry, but I don't understand the last part of your question.

I've had many constructive conversations on this topic with both EAA members and CAF members over many years. To be honest I don't think there is a definitive answer, and I have tried over the past 15 years to publish as much as I can on the subject.

Lastly, may I ask why do you want to know?

I have, over the years, often put forward similar questions to you, for debate. In his book 'Restoring Museum Aircraft' Robert Mikesh puts forward some interesting definitions of replica, restoration et al. That would be a good starting point. There are also many other professional opinions on the subject.

I have been saying for years that it would be a good idea to have some working definitions that most people will at least consider reasonable. But even trying to put such definitions forward seems to raise heckles!

For the record I did say I believe this is what forums are for. I am not a warbird owner and nor do I have a vested interest so I don't say anyone's opinions are wrong.

Please don't take my comments out of context. I don't have any axe to grind.

To date no one has answered my questions posed in earlier posts. It's no good trying to say it doesn't matter, because clearly it does or you wouldn't have asked the question in the first place! Had there been definitions (however loose) in existence there wouldn't be any need to ask the question.

Cordially

Paul Coggan

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