These photos show portions of the 120,000 square foot factory now housing Czech Aircraft Works. Pictured are (L) Tom Gunnarson, president of LAMA and proprietor of Aviation Services, and (R) Jiri Konecny, technical manager of CZAW. The two men are reviewing ASTM standards to prove CZAW compliance.
At Sun ‘n Fun 2007 and Aero 2007, LAMA announced its voluntary ASTM compliance audit program. For consumers this will be known through the LAMA decal applied to all Special Light-Sport Aircraft after a manufacturer successfully completes an audit. Admittedly a dry subject, LAMA audits give consumers additional assurance that a manufacturer actually meets the standard used to win SLSA airworthiness. *** Aviation Services proprietor Tom Gunnarson has conducted four audits already but as LAMA Chairman, I wanted to observe an audit. So, I traveled with Tom to Czech Aircraft Works just before the Prague ASTM meeting in early June. I can attest that this is a thorough (“exhausting” is another word), days-long effort that goes line by line through ASTM standards. It doesn’t guarantee a “good” aircraft but can assure buyers that the airplane is what the manufacturer says it is. LSA pilots should be pleased this occurs and should start looking for the LAMA decal on the airplane of their choice.
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