Superior XP vs SL

[ddurakovich]

Don't discount the value of the Mattituck workshops at Oshkosh! Every other day they tear one down, and on alternating days they build it back up. And when I say they, I mean whoever is standing around willing to lift a wrench. Sure, a bunch is done in preparation, but you see every detail of every part, and the whole thing takes about 6 hours.

They're not listed in the forums or workshops as I recall, I literally stumbled into their tent last year. As I recall it's in the area of the EXXON Elite tent? Mahlon, feel free to jump in!

Absolutely top notch instructions and "tricks", and a digital camera commits it to more than just memory. I did take some shots of thing I thought were important in between torqueing bolts and installing cylinders. The day I was there we had about 6 - 8 people "helping/learning", and as I recall, at least one for sure, and possibly two of the guys there were A&P's!

[mahlon_r]

Steve,
There is no sales tax in NY for aviation related items. So we don't have to charge it. I don't know about "importing an engine into the land of Arnold" But if you paid for the engine in NY, to me the sale happened in NY and CA sales tax shouldn't be due. I don't have to charge CA sales tax here. But check with local sales tax people to confirm you don't have to send them a check when you get home.
The Oshkosh schedule is as stated, one day take apart workshop and the next assemble work shop. Assemble days take about 5-6 hours and normally start around 11:00, and take apart days take 3-4 hours and start around noon or 1:00. It can get crowded and it can be OK crowd wise. Certainly, a good way to see some of those little things that make a difference. They are located in the Exxon tent daily, every day except the last day normally. I will update the list when I have the schedule worked out.
We also have workshops here in Mattituck periodically. Next one is tentatively scheduled for the first weekend in November. All day Saturday affair, starts at 8:00am and ends 5-6 PM. No charge for the seminar and we provide free breakfast and lunch. You are responsible for getting here and motel, if that is necessary for any one?s particular situation. This is a classroom environment, not a hands on, workshop. We limit class size to 25-35 people, so it is very personal with the instructor in a very open forum atmosphere.
If you or any other folks are interested in the workshop at out facility in November, just email me and I will put you on the "keep informed about the workshop list" and keep you updated and supply registration details once things are firmed up, as the date approaches.
If you are considering this, look at JetBlue if they are anywhere near an airport for you, as they fly into JFK and are normally very resonable from the west coast. You would need a car rental and a motel for a couple of days and a few meals out. That should be the extent of your expendatures.
Good Luck,
Mahlon
"The opinions and information provided in this and all of my posts are hopefully helpful to you. Please use the information provided responsibly and at you own risk."

[szicree]

Ok Mahlon, it looks like you're moving out in front here. So I can stand there and observe the building and testing process for no upcharge, I pay no NY tax, and I get to visit the big apple for the first time ever! My next question is will the engine fit in the overhead on the flight back? Just kidding, but how much can I expect to pay to have it shipped to Ca? Thanks for all the info.

Steve Zicree

[rv7boy]

Mahlon,
How close are your facilities (Mattituck) to the Islip Airport (KISP)? I believe Southwest Airlines flies into KISP.
Don Hull

[Ironflight]

Steve,

I think Mahlon really answered the question best, but in my view, I looked at it like any mail-order purchase from out-of-state. I don't pay sales tax when I order from A/C Spruce becasue they don't do business in Texas. Same thing with Mattituck, and I paid them from here. The fact that I went up there for a visit had nothing to do with it! Again, I can't speak for how California does it.....

Paul Dye
Finished riveting my Canopy Skirt tonight - and no cracks!!

[mahlon_r]

Don,
We are about a 55 minute drive from ISP. ISP is located about 1/2 way between the city airports (JFK and LGA) and our location. The city airport drive to us, can be upwards of two hours depending on the traffic situation. ISP is by far the airport of choice, as far as convenience once here, but is mainly served by Comair through Cleveland and Atlanta or Southwest. So using ISP normally means non direct flights... a bit of a pain getting here but a lot easier once here. The flights in and out of ISP also tend to be a bit more expensive then using one of the city airports unless you get tickets as soon as the flights become available.
Good Luck,
Mahlon
"The opinions and information provided in this and all of my posts are hopefully helpful to you. Please use the information provided responsibly and at you own risk."

[mahlon_r]

Steve,
The only way to get it in the overhead, is apart, with lots of people and lots of carry ons!.
Freight to CA should be no more then $250.00 assuming surface type freight.
One word of note is that the city is actually about 70 miles from our location. We are in a very rural farm type area (vineyards and vegetables) and it is a couple of hour hectic drive to downtown Manhattan.
Good Luck,
Mahlon
"The opinions and information provided in this and all of my posts are hopefully helpful to you.

[RV7ator]

Here's my three cents (inflation, you know) re sales tax 'cause it cropped up here, again.

Governments are in cahoots with each other and expect you to pay tax on anything to someone. Mail order, or buying-out-of-state wise, your home state holds you liable for "use" tax in lieu of "sales" tax if you buy out of your home state, whether in person or delivery by common carrier, when you don't pay sales tax where purchased. Anybody who 'fesses up to all those Spruce (or Mattituck) orders ought to have their head examined, but that's the situation. If you pay tax there, you're local revenuers generally are mollified, even if the rates differ; government somewhere got its pound of flesh.

Even in a state without sales tax, if your locals would impose tax, you're liable. Oregon (Van's) doesn't have sales tax, so you deflect the pain if you pick up a $17K kit in person. But when you go to register your new airplane, the FAA tells your home state who then comes calling. That's the big shock for most builders, the post-registration-wipe-the-RV-grin-off-your-face inquiry from your friendly local tax collector.

That's how bureauocracies remain in business. Then there's property tax for the unfortunate many, especially in states/counties as ravenous as CA.

Me (hunkered down, expecting black helicopters momentarily)

[Ironflight]

Actually, I do have my head examined on a fairly frequent basis by the folks that give me very expensive flying machines to play with...

....What you left coasties have to remember is that "Texas is a whole 'nuther country!!"

Paul Dye
Fiberglass everywhere..."I thought I was building a METAL airplane!"

[NYTOM]

Steve I know that sales tax thing is hard to believe. I live here in NY and if they could, they would tax the air we breathe. About six months after I registered my a first plane I received a curt form letter from the tax guys demanding I pay up. That aside, I have to agree that having a company like Mattituck build you engine would be a wise decision. Im sure there's a lot of good engine builders out there that can save you a few bucks but I guess with Mattituck part of the price is their reputation. They have been building these things since before a lot of us were born. I've been going through the same agonizing thought process your going through the last year or so. I've been building a 6A for ten years (2 kids college=stop building) and I'm coming back up to speed now. I've watched painfully as the prices have risen every year so I 've decided to buy everything now even though it will be a couple of years into the air. The Superior build school was considered but with the money I save at Mattituck I'll be able to buy an autopilot and some other goodies. Also in my opinion I think the ECI components are Superior (pun intended). Insurance compines feel much better insuring a experimental flying behind a factory built and the huge sigh of relief and smile I got out of my wife made it a no brainer. Buy it so your pickup is scheduled at the time of Mattitucks engine class and you'll have a great engine and know everything about. And FREE food.did I mention the free food. I'm telling you all things considered, its the best deal in the country.