I had a phone conversation today with Jack Harrington, president of the EAA
Warbirds of America division, regarding importation aircraft parts.
I brought up the issue of the MVPA, and he indicated that the MVPA was
present for the meeting he attended in Washington D.C., but that the MVPA
and the EAA were not working together (to the best of his knowledge).
The import of American manufactured products given to other countries under
Lend/Lease or Military Assistance Programs (softskin, armor, and aircraft)
is controlled by the Department of State, while the import of (any) armor is
controlled by the BATF (part of the Treasury Department). The ATF is the
processor of the notorious "Form 6," and must approve the importation of
"implements of war."
These are two separate issues, with different bureaucratic departments in
charge of each.
The ATF will now approve Form 6 applications for all subsonic foreign built
aircraft. Why the ATF is so concerned about supersonic aircraft escapes
me.....especially after a single engined Cessna managed to kamikaze the
White House so successfully. The cost of operating a supersonic jet is so
tremendous that the market must be miniscule for airworthy examples.
Not being a member of the MVPA (but a former member of the MVCC), they
probably aren't seeking my opinion, but not only should the MVPA be in
contact with the EAA Government Programs Office and the EAA Legal Advisory
Council, but perhaps they should be in contact with Jim Inhofe, the U.S.
Senator that is spearheading these efforts on behalf of the EAA. Clearly he
is on the side of the hobbyist on this issue.
Perhaps the MVPA has already done the above and resolved this issue, and
will be notifying the members in the next issue of "Army Motors" or "Supply
Line." :-)
----- Original Message -----
I also have to wonder if our MVPA has been in contact with the EAA to take a
lesson or two, or if they are still sitting on center and wringing their
hands over making waves. Is there any contact at all with Washington? Or
will our one and only group representation let the hobby quietly wither and
die?
Please .........someone tell me I am wrong.
__________________________________________
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