Recently I had an email exchange with Vans about a second aircraft I acquired. During the course of this exchange it became apparent that they had determined my first kit was flying by downloading the Australian aircraft register from CASA (Eq of US FAA).
The catch is that the aircraft never flew under the tail number they quoted to me. In my case I am certain my kit flew several years after Vans determined the first flight occurred. Here in Australia it is not uncommon for kit owners to register their "mark" in order to reserve it ahead of time.
To be fair, Vans openly admit they do these sorts of things. I just had not considered that they might have done so in my case.
My conclusion is that it is fairly likely Van's completion numbers are overstated to some extent - at least in this part of the world.
The catch is that the aircraft never flew under the tail number they quoted to me. In my case I am certain my kit flew several years after Vans determined the first flight occurred. Here in Australia it is not uncommon for kit owners to register their "mark" in order to reserve it ahead of time.
To be fair, Vans openly admit they do these sorts of things. I just had not considered that they might have done so in my case.
My conclusion is that it is fairly likely Van's completion numbers are overstated to some extent - at least in this part of the world.