WIX Archives
Re: Quite clearly lots of people do want to talk about it!
Posted by David M Jameson on Mon Jun 17, 2002 07:46:15 PM
In reply top 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 is
: sues of whether an aircraft is an restoration or a replica
: ? It appears that they only want to "brand" aircraft witho
: ut a bill of sales as replicas. What reason is there beyon
: d which classification the FAA denotes it?"
:
: Without going around in circles again let's cut to the cha
: se. Who at EAA have you asked this question of? What would
: n't they tell you that you wanted to know.
:
: Sorry, but I don't understand the last part of your questi
: on.
:
: I've had many constructive conversations on this topic wit
: h both EAA members and CAF members over many years. To be
: honest I don't think there is a definitive answer, and I h
: ave tried over the past 15 years to publish as much as I c
: an on the subject.
:
: Lastly, may I ask why do you want to know?
:
: I have, over the years, often put forward similar question
: s to you, for debate. In his book 'Restoring Museum Aircra
: ft' Robert Mikesh puts forward some interesting definition
: s of replica, restoration et al. That would be a good star
: ting point. There are also many other professional opinion
: s 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 def
: initions 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, becau
: se clearly it does or you wouldn't have asked the question
: in the first place! Had there been definitions (however l
: oose) in existence there wouldn't be any need to ask the q
: uestion.
:
: Cordially
:
: Paul Coggan
:
Mr. Coggan and others;
Every so often, something comes along and reminds us of what we may have forgotten. Whether tired of beating the drum, singing the montra, or whatever; there will always be a new face that has not spent the time on these boards as yourself. Your opinions, and everyones are needed, as they are ALL valuable. If decisions like this little topic were so simple, it would have not generated the response that it has.
The outrage should be against the government for letting a salvour spend his money to pull up a crashed plane off the sea floor, only to swoop in after it is out and say its theirs, ala Navy. The other branches appear to have learned some time back.
The outrage should be at the government, for not caring enough about the history of what made this country what it is. If someone can provide enough documentation to the government, why not let that person or group apply and receive the "bill of sale" from them. What is the difference, other than the existing law that grand fathered them in up until the 60's; (BUT THIS IS ANOTHER TOPIC FOR ANOTHER DAY).
How come that an existing owner can purchase another aircraft for parts, in yet his aircraft remains true to the cause. If a second person purchases the left-overs, maybe more than once, finally aquiring enough to make another flyable, this is deemed as less than original by some.
While my time in this line of field is less than some, more than others, I and the others that will follow do not and will never have the opportuniy to view the past, ie the way it was. But we are also not lost or blinded from it either. We know that the only way to make them fly again is find pieces and parts, put them together, and make the rest; still true to form, true to the cause. History, in all, yes it is.
Then comes along the purests and naysayers, dousing the passion of the new.
When the greatest generation is at last all gone, who then do their children and grandchildren look to. Are we to only to open books, looking at the pictures, or a trip to the museums.
This bulletin board is littered with the possibility of new salvage sites, almost daily. You can almost feel the anticipation that someday one of these sites will be a treasure trove.
As it appears that propeller driven military aircraft make a slow resurgence, more exposure equals more interest for all.
Long gone are the days when an estate sale reveals a P-51 in the shed, disassembled wings and a fuselage of another at a scrap yard. Where else is there; the bottom of the ocean, the icelands, a forest or a swamp.
What should be recognized, and I am not saying that it isn't; is the love of these aircrafts, to be a small part of history. To be the first one in 60 years to find it again and have it fly. To be judged as an equal on the same terms, without having to have 4" red block letters saying "Experimental" on the fuselage.
Maybe the difference is with me, is I won't give up. I am not bitter, nor hold a grudge, quite the contrary. I have spent a long time donating my time to others, if for no other reason, than I had done it before and they had not. I have donated my time to the museums and spent my hard earned money so that others can have a place of reference. These are just a few. To those who know me, they know this to be true.
This is not the place to name names, suffice it to say it is there. I enjoy and look forward to your and any others point of view. I agree with much of what you said above too. Thats a great place to start, continue on.
My reason for bringing it up remains the same. Honesty, passion and respect for the few who dare to wish, and follow their dreams.
David