RE: How to handle the guys with flawed plans?
What to do with guys with flawed plan(e)s ?
First, you ask to look at it. Check the CG, look at the radio installation. See if the airplane was constructed properly and if not, tell the owner if something needs to be changed. And during this time, you are chatting with the owner. Ask themhowlong have they been flying? Where do they normally fly? And so on. No/limited experience , then recommend that one of your seasoned pilots, (or yourself) test the ship for them. hint: (virtually anything that looks like an airplane WILL fly). And whileyou are testing their pride and joy they might notice that their heart is racing, thier palms are sweaty, and they care more about that airplane then they first thought. So you might suggest they take a few lessons before attempting a flight themselves.
Now I realize that many of you might have been trained to ridicule the airplane, humiliate the owner, and encourage them to seek another flying site. But I assure you that method is far less effective.