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Still waiting on aileron counterbalance weights

Gash

Well Known Member
Patron
Is anybody else still waiting for their aileron counterbalance weights? I've been waiting about 5 months for mine (as well as those little shims for the wing stiffeners). Just wondering if others are in the same boat, or if I'm an outlier case.
 
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Is anybody else still waiting for their aileron counterbalance weights? I've been waiting about 5 months for mine (as well as those little shims for the wing stiffeners). Just wondering if others are in the same boat, or if I'm an outlier case. With all the completed wing kits now, it leads me to question the effectiveness of Van's back-order tracking system.
I think the counterbalance is just a steel gas pipe you can get at Lowes. You might want to call Vans.
 
I think the counterbalance is just a steel gas pipe you can get at Lowes. You might want to call Vans.
Not correct for a -15 - they are using segmented lead weights that slide inside a permanently installed tube - that allows Vans to fine-tune the weights later if they wish. Not the same as the 12,000 flying low-wing RV’s…
 
Not correct for a -15 - they are using segmented lead weights that slide inside a permanently installed tube - that allows Vans to fine-tune the weights later if they wish. Not the same as the 12,000 flying low-wing RV’s…
Thanks for the clarification.

I am baffled by the Vans back-ordered parts tracking and distribution process. I don't understand how it is that certain builders get all of their parts, while others are left out in the cold and get to watch people post pictures of their finished kits. I am wondering if they're using a formal customer tracking software, or if it's (like I imagine) a desk covered with disorganized Post It notes.

I'm getting pretty irritated about paying a lot of money so that I can be a parts distribution system beta tester.
 
Get on the phone every day till they ship your parts..... Nothing on Van's current models takes 5 months to produce if in house.

Or........

Maybe they just don't like you....🥴
 
Thanks for the clarification.

I am baffled by the Vans back-ordered parts tracking and distribution process. I don't understand how it is that certain builders get all of their parts, while others are left out in the cold and get to watch people post pictures of their finished kits. I am wondering if they're using a formal customer tracking software, or if it's (like I imagine) a desk covered with disorganized Post It notes.

I'm getting pretty irritated about paying a lot of money so that I can be a parts distribution system beta tester.
I agree with your suspicion of a bunch of post-it notes.

At one point I had to send them a scan of their own inventory sheet showing back ordered ribs (not an outsourced product) because they showed that the parts had been shipped. Luckily, the inventory sheet they sent clearly showed the B/O status and they promptly added the parts to their list. When I get home from work tomorrow, I have a UPS package waiting that might have them waiting for me.
 
Get on the phone every day till they ship your parts..... Nothing on Van's current models takes 5 months to produce if in house.

Or........

Maybe they just don't like you....🥴
You assume that I haven’t done this? 🙂

Believe me, I don’t get on VAF to solve problems like this. I posted only to gather information and to share a data point.

There is a distribution system here with opportunities for improvement, and open communication with Vans is the path to a solution. They’re great people and always very courteous. But I sure would like to wrap up this back order issue (as I’m sure they would too).
 
When I recieved my partial wing kit, I reverted back to Vans about the B/O parts with a clear file. I listed the parts that were there, but listed on their side as B/O parts.
I was surprised to recieve a second complete QB wing tank for the Right wing. So on my way to do a biplane if I find another left tank ;) (RV-16 project ?)

Shipping at their expense to Europe a free right tank is questionnable.
 
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