The relationship between buyers and builders

[humptybump]

How many buyers know the builders of their planes? How many builders keep in touch with the buyers of their planes? I keep asking myself this question.

I've owned my RV-8 for 6 months now. It's a great airplane. It's an airplane I would not have found without VAF.

What I found most interesting is I made a new friend in the process. It's six month since I flew Art's plane away from it's birth place. Art tracked my flight to it's new home. Art called me that first night to ask how it went and how I liked the plane. He sent me a care package of common screws, nuts, fasteners, rivets, and bits. He answered my simple questions about the electrical system, the engine, the oil cooler, and more. I called Art after my next cross country flight. I called Art before the condition inspection. Art called me after the condition inspection to find out how it went and what we found. He helped me diagnose a brake problem I was having. We talk every few of weeks. We talk about airplanes, weather, and home improvements. He is threatening to visit. I hope he takes me up on the offer!

So, I'll ask the question - for all the buyers, do you keep in tough with the builder? To the builders, have you keep in touch with the buyer?

[JonJay]

Good post Humpty. I think it has a lot to do with the VAF family as you mention. I sold an RV3 project and although I never met the buyer, we kept in touch. He is now flying the airplane. He called me the other day to let me know that he had 2 hours on it and we chatted for some time. I thanked him for keeping in touch. I knew I sold it to the right person and told him so. Even though I did not finish that project, I still feel a connection to that airplane.
It is very rewarding.

[Vlad]

Great post Glen!

I like this quote from Turbo


...4,000 hours and counting. thanks vans for a great design, thanks lee ray for building a plane that became mine. it was built in stuart yacht and country club, it came to stuart airport for final assembly when i became interested in these RV aircraft in 1999. my friends told me about a new yet to be flow RV. i saw it, i bought it, and the rest is history.


They say never say never but I say I never sell my baby

[Louise Hose]

Although there were three intermediate owners, I contacted my plane's builder (Mike Seager) very soon after the purchase. He was wonderfully helpful in answering questions and we continue to be friends. When a question about the build comes up (e.g., Did you use slosh in the tanks?), I drop him an email and get an answer. Paul and I (and Mikey) made a pilgrimage to Mike's place a couple of years ago to learn more about Mikey's early years and let Mike fly it again. In my mind, Mikey will always be Mike's plane that I've had the privilege to foster.

[humptybump]

Louse, I agree with sentiment. In my mind, I'm just the current caretaker of "Art's plane".

It is hugely comforting to know I have access to the builder for questions just like you mention. My flying mission is slightly different from the original as so we often discuss re-equipment topics.

As for Turbo's 4000 hours. That's a work in progress.

[JonJay]

Originally Posted by Louise Hose

Although there were three intermediate owners, I contacted my plane's builder (Mike Seager) very soon after the purchase. He was wonderfully helpful in answering questions and we continue to be friends. When a question about the build comes up (e.g., Did you use slosh in the tanks?), I drop him an email and get an answer. Paul and I (and Mikey) made a pilgrimage to Mike's place a couple of years ago to learn more about Mikey's early years and let Mike fly it again. In my mind, Mikey will always be Mike's plane that I've had the privilege to foster.

I saw Mike yesterday, flying "old blue"?, the 6A. Of course he was doing his thing, transitioning one of the thousands he has mentored. Your airplane and builder have some great history. How fun is that.
I have lived on the airpark here for ten years. People still refer to my house as "Pauls" house, the original builder. My Bucker is still called "Berts Bucker", the guy who restored it. I still let Bert fly the Bucker but I wont let Paul live in my house. Ha!

[Spindrift]

Since discovering that the engine in the plane I bought was a disaster waiting to happen and letting the builder know, he stopped replying to my emails.

However, I do get periodic updates and progress photos from the guy in South Africa who bought my project. It should be flying soon!

[jetjok]

I sought out the gentleman that built most of my -6, just to ask a few questions and to let him know that I had it. I was hoping to make a new acquaintance and get the history of this plane. He was shocked to hear from me, and could not get off the phone fast enough.
Oh well!

[KatieB]

I feel like a caretaker for Tony Boy, too. My boyfriend has been friends with Tony Spicer for a long time, so when we got the opportunity to salvage Tony's -3B after the SnF tornado, it meant much more to us than just a deal on a bunch of parts in a salvage yard. Of course Tony is there to answer questions, and I send him updates on our progress. It's really cool!

I would love to meet the builder of Ben's "new" RV-8 and tell him how much we appreciate his beautiful craftsmanship.

[awayinthesky]

Humpty,

I was fortunate enough to buy Rick's RV-4 (N806RG). Rick was terrific about answering any questions, offering to assist with anything at all, & even offered to help with the condition inspection (Fantastic guy!).

I have put 134 delightful hours on Rick's RV-4 this year & Rick has shared in my enthusiasm all along the way.

I have great comfort knowing that Rick has previously owned this ship & did a fabulous job completing the project.

I wish all buying experiences could be as positive as this one was/continues to be.

Still Grin'n RICK!