SPECIAL: Introducing the KIT INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION By David Gustafson

There have been a number of manu- in agreement on that matter and expects to assure that homebuilding will always be facturer’s associations out there over time, develop one or a series of papers that will be an active and recognized part of EAA’s including GAMA, LAMA, and SAMA. shared with homebuilders through this site agenda. “Our industry is dynamic and Now comes AKIA, the organization that and others. They are also concerned about vibrant. Homebuilders remain one of focuses entirely on the homebuilt aircraft “orphan” aircraft that are purchased as a the most innovative and stimulating industry. It’s no easy matter to bring to- second hand aircraft and have no factory sources for development,” said gether a group of successful and opin- support (e.g., people who buy VariEzes). VanGrunsven. “It’s up to the leaders in ionated leaders from the companies that One of the current, major obstacles to this industry to assure that EAA and all make homebuilding what it is today, but providing transition training for pilots is other aviation organizations are provided the challenge is somewhat ameliorated regulatory obstacles to using homebuilts with topical information as it evolves so by the common interest and commer- commercially for training. AKIA would that the membership base of EAA is kept cial “stake” that they all have in the issues like to address this problem with the FAA. informed of what’s new and what’s dif- relating to Experimental Amateur Built The group is eager to participate in ferent. We think it would be a great idea Aircraft safety. The record is not good. It future meetings with EAA, FAA and the to have one or more industry representa- could be improved. NTSB whenever issues about EAB safety tives on the EAA Board of Directors to It will. arise. “It is essential that we improve com- assure that homebuilding and EAB de- A series of conference calls involving munications within the regulatory environ- velopments are properly communicated 14 different companies in the indus- ment,” said Dick VanGrunsven, founding and represented among that group. And try produced some surprising results in president of the group. “AKIA has a vested that brings up an essential point: AKIA terms of what some leaders are doing interest in the industry and is enthusiastic was formed to work with EAA. We hope in addressing safety. Transition training, about sharing knowledge and taking ac- our knowledge and experience will be of systems checks and other preparations tions that can enhance safety.” value to them in determining policy and for the first flight, Phase One flight test- Members of AKIA are also eager to meet direction. We’re encouraged that EAA ing and pilot proficiency are viewed by with EAA to discuss homebuilding and its was quick to acknowledge AKIA and the group as matters of mutual interest. place in the organization as EAA moves expressed a desire to work with us. We Safety concerns and ways of addressing forward. Homebuilding was the core value will always be a small organization, but those concerns are not and should not that launched EAA and the leaders in the we will look to EAA for guidance and as- be considered proprietary. The group is kit aircraft industry have a strong desire to sistance, which we would like to offer in

PAGE 1 DAVID GUSTAFSON…AIRCRAFT KIT INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION return. This venture should create under- tives can best be achieved when all industry standings that are a win/win activity for resources and utilized and are working in all of us.” harmony. Dick VanGrunsven is President, VanGrunsven indicated that AKIA John Monnett is Vice President and David also desires to work with EAA to make Gustafson is the Secretary/Treasurer. more people aware of the excitement and education associated with building an aircraft. To that end, they plan to propose a number of activities to EAA that would stimulate interest in the homebuilt indus- try. “ designed and built a number of different ,” said Van- Grunsven. “The shop at EAA was always busy with some kind of homebuilt proj- ect and that, in turn, had a significant impact on the growth of EAA and the number of homebuilts that are now on the FAA registry. We’d like to see more homebuilt aircraft activities associated with EAA HQ staff.” AKIA membership is open to any company engaged in manufacturing air- craft kits or products that are associated with the homebuilt industry. The charter members of the Association include Vans Aircraft, Sonex Aircraft, Zenith Aircraft, Kitfox Aircraft, Glasair Aircraft, Lock- wood Aviation, Aircraft, Arion Aircraft, WagAero, Aircraft Spruce & Specialty, Wicks Aircraft, Dynon Avi- onics and Communication Resources. AKIA hopes that dozens of other com- panies related to the homebuilt industry will soon become members. Their objec-

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