Jim,
I too am concerned with the shoddy building practices of a few manufacturers of ARF's, and would like to appologize for my assumption that you were for a ban on them period. I think most RCer's are concerned with the safety of their aircraft and will give even an ARF a thourough going over to insure that it is structurally sound prior to starting the engine for the first time. I recognize also that not every detail of the structure will be visible without at least some disassembly. My point was simply that most RCer's that have at least some experience (not totally new to the hobby), will make every attempt to insure the integrity of the airframe. There may be a hidden flaw that is not readily detectable, which is the concern of several of those in this discussion includuing myself but, the builder must satisfy himself that the aircraft is sound. After an accident has occured, and the search for who to blame begins, the end user/builder will still be considered along with the manufacturer and seller of everything from stem to stern on the aircraft for liability whether it was scratch/kit built, or an ARF. I have witnessed shoddy workmanship in built up kits as well as ARF's. My point about the experienced members in the club giving final approval for any new, repaired, or rebuilt model prior to takeoff was to reveal the effort by the members of our club to provide support and expertise to those less experienced. If we are going to refuse to help others insure the safety of their aircraft because of fear of responsibility then why even bother to join a club or the AMA? The club that I belong to has a greater exposure to abuse than most as the feild is located within a river spillway next to a public road. We have had this discussion many times since anyone wanting to fly can do so without being a club member or having an AMA membership (except when one of the members is present to ask them to leave). As far as forcing the manufacturers of those soddy ARF's to change their ways, well good luck! Changes don't generally take place until after the fact but, I'm with you guys when it comes to brainstorming for ideas. Why wait until someone gets hurt?