Steve,
Very many thanks for your kind wishes, and your core point is well
understood. I can help a little on that...
The focus of priorities in Engineering is quite clear, and actually has been
for some time. Flying planes come first - "keep them in the air". Next are
projects at completion - "get them flying". Poor souls like me who are years
off flying are bottom of the stack - with exceptions made on a case-by-case
basis if work is being stopped by Engineering's lack of progress on an item
(as happened to me - I couldn't proceed with anything at one point as mods
on everything were pending).
What I don't think has been satisfactorily sorted is priority given to new
types. I fully accept that these are an investment in the PFA's future - but
at present I don't think we can afford that luxury. I'm interested in
feedback from folks on the level of priority we should give those (so fire
away!). Bear in mind, of course, that glider wings for Europas probably fall
into this category... and I know I'm not the only person who wants those (in
fact there are 2 EC members out of 18 who do!).
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
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Steven Pitt
Sent: 08 February 2006 08:29
Subject: Re: Europa-List: John Tempest leaving the PFA
--> <steven.pitt2@ntlworld.com>
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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