The Aircraft Kit Industry Association held a business meeting during the recent EAA Airventure at Oshkosh and elected new officers for the coming year. Jeremy Monnett will serve as President, Dick Van Grunsven has become Vice President and John McBean is the new Secretary/Treasurer. The elections occurred during AKIA’s annual meeting.
The group also listened to three speakers, starting with Mark Giron of the FAA. He brought up the FAA’s interest in improving transition training by simplifying the LODA process which allows for training in homebuilt aircraft. This would allow builders an opportunity to purchase instruction in an aircraft that is identical or similar to the one they are ready to complete. The FAA is also looking at allowing a second pilot to participate in Phase One flight testing of homebuilts to enhance safety. Since most homebuilt aircraft accidents occur within the first ten hours, as a result of pilot error, the FAA believes a pilot qualified in type could be an invaluable asset in early flight testing.
Charlie Becker, Director of Homebuilt Aircraft Activity at EAA, spoke about the organizations future plans for accommodating homebuilts at AirVenture. All of the AKIA members expressed strong support for EAA’s hosting of the One Week Wonder project at this year’s event. Becker was followed by AkIA member Paul Dye, who expressed a desire to see more articles written for Kitplanes magazine by the industry leaders.
For more information on AKIA visit www.AKIA.aero.
