Matt,

I don't think I took anything out of context, but was addressing what was written in pretty plain English--and I did read your statements more than once before making a reply.

I still contend that .45 size D/F conversions are not a threat to the hobby so long as the turbine installed is appropriate to the size of the airplane. You should recall that I flew a GWM powered Cougar for several years that had been built for ducted fan but never flown with one, was 14 years old when I installed the turbine, weighed 14# at takeoff and flew just fine. So what is your concern with ducted fan conversions and appropriate sized turbines? What evidence can you show to document that they are not safe (since that is the implication)? If a guy has problems building the kit and hires a "professional/qualified builder", where's the problem?

Perhaps the "elitist" perspective comes through by making statements that impugn that those with "lesser means" (so as not to be insulting) are somehow not capable of deciding for themselves how to spend their own money. Kind of like a recent past-President who made a similar statement about a proposed tax cut not working because the average guy couldn't be counted on to "spend it properly"! Again, when a person gets in over his head financially--with ANYTHING--it is his responsibility and he will, ultimately, make the decision he deems necessary based on his priorities. Probably if a deposit were required up front for returns/repairs, those without the means to pay the bill wouldn't send it in and leave it!

Kit engines like the MW-54 and JDE-54 should actually help people with less money to spend because they can take them apart, replace parts as needed, clean out the dirt if they've run off the runway, etc. without having to incur additional expenses by returning them to the factory for repair.

There are still plenty of guys flying trainers, 30% stuff, as well as turbines who might be considered hazardous to the hobby whether they build their own airplanes or just fly what they buy. But the doom and gloom naysayers have largely been disproven in terms of the handwringing predictions that there would be large numbers of fires and crashes that looked like the airplanes were carrying laser guided munitions. To a large extent, the AMA certification and waiver processes have put a measure of sensibility and awareness on this area of the hobby.

Let's face it, control rests with each individual--and knowledge is power. So as long as the consumer educates himself, which most of them do, and the dealer provides information, there is much pleasure to be gained by moving into the world of jets. No one will ever be able to control what the second or third hand purchaser does with what he buys on eBay or the in the swap shop at his local field! If he gets in over his head or doesn't understand the equipment, he will likely just get rid of it.

Larry