Hi
Sikorsky , a very valid question.
Personally I'm one to go the private sector route 100%.
Governments supplying tax payer's money are bound by law to ensure that the general public benefits from the expenditure and that typically means loss of flexibility and also loss of some measure of control for the venture.
I'm thus proposing a concept that is private sector led and financed however, I have approached a government institution which assist with communication and obtaining approvals when it comes to engaging the many varied forms of government (national, county, etc. and state enterprises, organizations and authorities). They have been very supportive and were among the first to respond to my out reach begun seven weeks ago.
The concept must be sustainable, if growth in GA is to be achieved. There must also be the ability to take on risk which is something governments are less willing to do unless there is a wide, obvious and measurable public interest to be served that will ensure across the board bi-partisan support at the political level.
I'm looking for various solutions when it comes to "Builder Assist", as it's not meant to be a commercial operation where the intent would be to sell kit aircraft.
Instead the "Builder Assist" facility would be a component in a system where the goal is to support both the kit aircraft purchaser and the person seeking an opportunity to get involved in aviation as a hobby, in such a way that aviation safety - as desired by the local regulator - is achieved to the regulator's satisfaction.
I envisage achieving such through training programs which focus on safety, providing applicable quality aviation knowledge and social interaction that is fun focused.
I'll be approaching such private sector businesses as performance vehicle customizers, composite hull boat builders, light steel fabricators, machine tool importers, etc., to see if any are interested in partnering with overseas kit aircraft suppliers to set up local "Builder Assist" facilities.
The value proposition for such businesses might be among many things, an opportunity to :-
- establish an association with aviation for brand enhancement purposes
- network and gain access to a new local niche market
- advertise primary goods and services
- cross sell products
- venture into a nascent industry
Just all hypotheses at this point of course. 2020 will tell.
Thanks for your question.
Cheers,
dave
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