Now that I have some dents in my amour let me add a few things to this thread I started. I didn?t start this thread to
bash Vans! I started it so through the process of free speech on the form we as builders new and old could express some thoughts in a professional manner in regards to the changing of the type of kits and customer service at Vans. At the end of the day as this poll progresses Ill be the first to admit that it reveals that most builders are satisfied with the customer service at Vans. Let?s think of it another way so we are clear on one thing!
Do I think the United States of America is the greatest country on earth to live?
Yes I do! But I think there are a few things that could be better!
Do I think Vans Aircraft is the Best Kit Plane Company on the Earth?
Yes I do! But I think there are a few things that they could do better in regards to customer service!
Now let me see if I can hit a few highlights from comments I have seen so Far on this thread.
Sam Thanks for reminding me my dues are pay.
If I buy a new $30,000.00 car and plan on keeping it for ten years I would probably buy the extended warranty or yes if it was offered I would probably buy the extra customer service on a $90,000.00 plane if it was offered. It?s done every day when you go into a store you are offered an extended warranty on just about everything you buy. You would be very surprised how many RV12 build videos are be sold right now to those builders.
Once again I?m talking about buying an all inclusive kit where there are no decisions to be made and very few options offered except which colors to paint it or use in the interior.
Will old schools guys still build it their way? You bet they will but I predict that most new builders will not choose to do this. Stats on the RV12 will bear this out. This is a new world order men and the profile of the new Kit builder is a changing!
Which market are they expanding into? You make the call. Oh look here is one, through a another Company they are now offering Factory built RV12s obviously this will attract new customer who are not Kit plane builders at all.
This thread is not conclusive to the RV14.
Here is an example of a question that might occur. Mr Dynon Tech, I have a sensor problem can you help me? Dynon Tech,How is your Skyview wired? Customer, I don?t know because on my RV14 there is a Proprietary Vans Built Switch Panel that it is plugged into. Dynon Tech, Sorry can?t help you out cause even though that?s definitely our product(think about how many D-180s and now Skyviews will go into the over 700 serial numbers issued RV12 Kits) offered in the all inclusive kit we don?t have to wiring diagram of that switch panel either.
Maybe we could do it this way. Vans puts out for bid to the avionics companies that they are looking for a Avionics package to put into their new inclusive RV14 Kit. We predict that over 500 of these packages will be sold in the next 10 years. Along with this we want free tech support during installation of you product for our builders. Furthermore in support of this you will be required to sign a non- disclosure/use contract on our wiring diagram in the airplane.
Now take the same paragraph and insert the words Lycoming/Textron Inc.
Will they do it, who knows but it wouldn?t hurt to try.

If all else fails maybe yes they can charge customers for this convenience if they so choose. Again everybody else is doing it.
Ok ,I've knocked out the dents in my amour and am ready for another round.
All Hail to the freedom of the Word!