Just something to throw out there.
What are people's opinion on having Sr Officers build a Light Sport Aircraft as part of an AE program for Sr Officers?
If they can afford it, go for it, might even be good to let the cadets watch/help a little. There may be some issues about who owns it though, somehow fractional ownership of an experimental aircraft seems problematic at best.
Thats actually a great Cadet AE project.
At my old squadron, we were toying with the idea of building a replica of the Wright Flyer. There are blueprints available from the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, for a fee.
After careful deliberation, we realized we didn't have the funds to pull it off. Same idea, different plane...
There may be unanticipated legal, insurance or operational factors that could toss water on it as well..
V/R,
This idea actually has some merit to it. It has that grass roots feeling. Nothing against the cadets, having started as one myself, but we become so cadet centric in our activities sometimes that it does turn away the Seniors that may show genuine interest. If all the hurdles could be conquered to get an activity like this started, I would advertise it as an members/squadron activity. Cadets and Seniors working together for the fun of it. :)
If anybody mis-understands my statement, just IM me and I'll be happy to explain further.
I think the biggest issue would be who "owns" it when you're done. Also who gets to fly it and under what circumstances?
This might be a good opportunity for one of those "booster clubs" to keep it out of the CAP paperwork/legal morass.