Sun n' Fun Update - FAA & HKS

[rmm_guam]

Sun n' Fun Update - FAA & HKS

Hello All..
Just spoke to Mark Beierle for tech support on my Odyssey. I opened the conversation asking about his time at Sun N' Fun. Mark said that meetings with the FAA regarding FAA Draft Policy 8130.2(H) and with HKS regarding continued production went well.

The FAA got over 20,000 comments (including mine) expressing deep concern about the proposed rule and particularly how it would serve to derail progress in electric powered flight. FAA Draft Policy 8130.2(H) became a focus only near the end of the comment period. That was because one diligent person actually took time to read the 300 page document, saw what was being said, AND got the news out to the rest of us. Word spread fast and, instead of the usual 300 or 400 comments, the FAA got 20,000+ comments, as just mentioned. By end of December, the FAA will have reviewed all the comments and will begin preparing a second version.

Regarding HKS... Mark and the good folks from Green Sky Adventures and other concerned parties met with HKS Representatives from Japan and apparently got down to hard numbers for cost to buy and the established/potential market. The HKS folks said they would take the information back to headquarters. Seems there is at least some cause for optimism that the HKS engine might stay in production. Nothing definite on that. But Mark seemed optimistic and it looks like HKS is willing to seriously consider keeping the engine in production. Any final decision remains unknown. But we do have some basis for hope.

Best regards,
RMM

[wsweidemann]

Regarding HKS:
How can we keep informed about whether (or not) there will be future for HKS engines, other than checking in with the Yahoo Forums? For such a well done engine that fills a niche market for small aircraft, it seems the marketing end of their business is what needs improvement more than the actual engine.
It would be great if these engines (and newer versions to compete with Rotax) would become available again however because of the picture I have seen, I'm not holding my breath.
Any more positive info would be appreciated.


Skot

[earthstaraircraft]

Hi Skot
We can get 50 engines for you if you want.
Happy Flying
Mark

Sent from my iPhone

[wsweidemann]

Mark,

I'm glad 50 engines are available. What about minor and major parts for those of us out in the field?

Skot