Plane Crash in Monroe Center Raises Concerns Over Experimental Airplane Safety
By: Vi Nguyen
Updated: June 28, 2012
June 26, 2012 (ROCKFORD) Experimental airplanes are home built. Work begins in your garage, and all the parts you need to build an airplane comes in a kit.
"Most now are kit build. Some you can build from plans where you build everything or kit planes, buy components and put them together," said Tom Janusevic.
Flying since 1970, Tom Janusevic is no stranger to airplanes. His love for the sky runs high. Having worked on a number of planes, the now airport manager at Cottonwood says, he has never invested time in an experimental plane.
"I kinda thought I like to build one one time, but when I re-built one and find out how many parts there are involved. I said, no I don't want to do that," said Janusevic.
There are many parts and components involved, but once the plane is built the pilot isn't ready to take off just yet.
The Federal Aviation Administration gives the green light after the plane is given a thorough inspection.
The pilot must then continue with rigorous training.
"As private pilots, we go through extensive training for more than anybody goes through to get a commercial drivers license," said EAA Chapter 1414 President Lee Hilbert. "Not only do we have to pass a FAA physical-- we also have to go through a bi-annual flight review every two years to make sure we're still competent to fly."
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board reports experimental airplanes have an accident rate less than one percent higher than the general aviation fleet.
"Most now are kit build. Some you can build from plans where you build everything or kit planes, buy components and put them together," said Tom Janusevic.
Flying since 1970, Tom Janusevic is no stranger to airplanes. His love for the sky runs high. Having worked on a number of planes, the now airport manager at Cottonwood says, he has never invested time in an experimental plane.
"I kinda thought I like to build one one time, but when I re-built one and find out how many parts there are involved. I said, no I don't want to do that," said Janusevic.
There are many parts and components involved, but once the plane is built the pilot isn't ready to take off just yet.
The Federal Aviation Administration gives the green light after the plane is given a thorough inspection.
The pilot must then continue with rigorous training.
"As private pilots, we go through extensive training for more than anybody goes through to get a commercial drivers license," said EAA Chapter 1414 President Lee Hilbert. "Not only do we have to pass a FAA physical-- we also have to go through a bi-annual flight review every two years to make sure we're still competent to fly."
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board reports experimental airplanes have an accident rate less than one percent higher than the general aviation fleet.
