Is this 51% Rule compliant?

http://www.usjabiru.com/Four%20Seats%20Four%20Weeks.htm
I know that the Glasair "Two Weeks to Taxi" program claims that their
local FSDO has examined their program and given it their blessing. But
after sitting in a Sportsman 2+2 I'm not convinced it's wide enough for me
and my usual flying partners. This plane looks like it has more room, and
the "Builder Education" program looks like they do even more work for you
than "Two Weeks To Taxi" - you end up with a plane that is even painted.

But I've also heard that the FAA is cracking down on Builder Assist
programs where the builder does less than 51%. So if I bought this, would
the FAA be knocking on my door next? (Which brings up the other question:
what happens when the FAA says you didn't do 51%? Uncertify the plane?)

I've also heard that they crack the whip pretty hard on these programs,
making you work well into the night every night. What would they do if
you were, say, suffering from chronic knee pain and needing to sit down a
lot while you worked (I used a bar stool a lot when I was building my
canoe)? Could they work around that?

--
Paul Tomblin http://xcski.com/blogs/pt/
If Microsoft made your letter box, all some one would have to do is write
"Burn the house down" on a piece of paper and post it through the door,
and your house would go up in flames. - David Ruck

I didn't see anything in there that said that they do the work not you.
Lou

In a previous article, "Lou" said:
[about http://www.usjabiru.com/Four%20Seats...r%20Weeks.htm]
I didn't see anything in there that said that they do the work not you.

Well, they do say that they do the painting and install the interior.
"At this point, Jabiru USA Sport Aircraft will paint the structurally
complete airplane and finish installation of the interior."
Some of the other stuff seems ambiguous as to whether you do it or they do
it.


--
Paul Tomblin http://xcski.com/blogs/pt/
"We sealed our federal pact without bloodshed and without exploitation of
the weak by the strong. All it took was fairness, justice and some
compromises on both sides." - George-Etienne Cartier.

Remember the rule doesn't say you have to do the majority of the work.
It says you have to do the majority of the tasks. The difference, for
instance, is if you work on one wing rib and the builder's assist people
work on all the others, you get credit for working on that task.
Therefore, it's not as restrictive as it may seem.

The FAA is saying they're going to be looking at whether the current
rule meets the intended education benefit. For now, if the assist
program meets the FAA requirement, then you should be fine.

I guess the best way to ask about the need to sit while working would be
to contact the people in the program you intend to work with. You could
also get references. Also, a couple of the programs have had magazine
articles written about them. You could ask if they had reviews of their
programs published.

Trust, but verify.

Paul

Paul Tomblin wrote:
http://www.usjabiru.com/Four%20Seats%20Four%20Weeks.htm
I know that the Glasair "Two Weeks to Taxi" program claims that their
local FSDO has examined their program and given it their blessing. But
after sitting in a Sportsman 2+2 I'm not convinced it's wide enough for me
and my usual flying partners. This plane looks like it has more room, and
the "Builder Education" program looks like they do even more work for you
than "Two Weeks To Taxi" - you end up with a plane that is even painted.

But I've also heard that the FAA is cracking down on Builder Assist
programs where the builder does less than 51%. So if I bought this, would
the FAA be knocking on my door next? (Which brings up the other question:
what happens when the FAA says you didn't do 51%? Uncertify the plane?)

I've also heard that they crack the whip pretty hard on these programs,
making you work well into the night every night. What would they do if
you were, say, suffering from chronic knee pain and needing to sit down a
lot while you worked (I used a bar stool a lot when I was building my
canoe)? Could they work around that?

("Paul Dow wrote)
Remember the rule doesn't say you have to do the majority of the work.
It says you have to do the majority of the tasks. The difference, for
instance, is if you work on one wing rib and the builder's assist people
work on all the others, you get credit for working on that task.
Therefore, it's not as restrictive as it may seem.


Who has been nicked by the 51% rule so far?

IIRC, a homebuilt jet company (name?) was put on notice (last year?) for
their 'too helpful' owner/builder assist program. Anyone else?


Montblack

Isn't paint interior work and avionics exempt from the rule?




In a previous article, "Lou" said:
[about http://www.usjabiru.com/Four%20Seats...r%20Weeks.htm]
I didn't see anything in there that said that they do the work not you.

Well, they do say that they do the painting and install the interior.
"At this point, Jabiru USA Sport Aircraft will paint the structurally
complete airplane and finish installation of the interior."
Some of the other stuff seems ambiguous as to whether you do it or they do
it.


--
Paul Tomblin http://xcski.com/blogs/pt/
"We sealed our federal pact without bloodshed and without exploitation of
the weak by the strong. All it took was fairness, justice and some
compromises on both sides." - George-Etienne Cartier.