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-   -   thoughts on vans pricing release (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=155040)

n82rb 11-07-2017 07:22 PM

thoughts on vans pricing release
 
first, I have the utmost respect for van and the people at vans aircraft. I don't want to start any bashing or anything along those lines. I am wondering what people think about the pricing and availability release.

I understand what they are up against with all the models of aircraft that they produce and that there are costs with servicing these models. there is fine line between profit line and customer service. changes must come as new models are introduced and older model sales slow or even stop ( as in the case of the 6)

what really concerns me is not knowing what "significantly" is. what has this decision done to the value of every 3, 4, and 6 out there? if parts become 1 to 2 years to get and significantly higher in price, I am afraid that the value of my aircraft just went down the sewer. what will parts availability do to insurance rates? expensive parts, long lead times usually leads to higher hull rates or even unavailability to get hull coverage.

I believe that vans did not come to this decision lightly, but I cant help but feel that they just threw everyone that helped them become as great a company they are under the bus.

bob burns
RV-4 N82RB

Rv3Dave 11-07-2017 08:00 PM

I think vans does not want any more 3?s or 4?s built and this is just their way of ending these kit sales without saying that they are being ended. Glad my 3 is just about ready to fly. I am sure it will be one of the last ever built

n82rb 11-07-2017 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rv3Dave (Post 1217228)
I think vans does not want any more 3?s or 4?s built and this is just their way of ending these kit sales without saying that they are being ended. Glad my 3 is just about ready to fly. I am sure it will be one of the last ever built

if thats it fine, just stop selling the kits. but to tell 4200 builders that parts MAY be available with a 1 to 2 year lead time at an ELEVATED price is not good for 4200 of us.

bob burns
RV-4 N82RB

RyanB 11-07-2017 08:25 PM

And here I am just finishing off my HS stab on my 4. Rest of the kit ships in the next few days. Only thing that worries me now is if I make a mistake at anytime during my build and need to order a spare part, this could now take months and bring the project to a stand still. Oh well, build on

Robin8er 11-07-2017 09:24 PM

I think there is starting to be less and less air plane builders and more airplane assemblers. I consider my self an airplane assembler with my Rv 8, i think the kit is phenomenal, yet some people say they would never build an 8 because of the amount of work involved compared to the newer planes. Vans is a buisness and they are doing what makes sense for them.

philb 11-07-2017 09:32 PM

Mmmm, yeah. Not sure what to make of this, and how it may impact my future plans.

I?ve been right on the edge of pulling the trigger on Vince?s new F1 empennage to begin a Rocket build. The thought is that you pair this with -4 wings (or maybe evo wings, but there?s not a firm commitment to put these back into production ). Also, I?m still not sure how many -4 parts might be needed in an F1 fuselage.

So, discontinuation of the -4 line might impact a Rocket build. Lots of variables to consider, but it does give pause on committing. Makes an -8 that much more attractive.

Christopher Murphy 11-07-2017 09:40 PM

Parts to maintain the fleet
 
Most of the parts could be fabricated by anyone who put the effort into it. I wonder if the more difficult parts not fabbed at Vans could be contracted from the source vendor. Its not like the plans arent available..
Cm

rph142 11-07-2017 10:48 PM

I can finally rest easy knowing future builders won't flood the market with new -3B's. :cool:

Piloto506 11-07-2017 11:09 PM

RV3 RV4 market
 
Wonder what this will do to the RV3 and RV4 market.

rv6builder 11-07-2017 11:11 PM

As far as operating/maintenance/repair goes, I'm not worried about this. A large number of parts are the same between the 6/7/9, in fact I think most of my -6 finishing kit pieces purchased 5ish years ago have 6/7/9 stamped on them. And for the rest, short of the gear legs and maybe the engine mount, there isn't much I wouldn't feel comfortable making at home.

Now, if your part way though a build and need a kit, then that's pretty rough.


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