Unacceptable
Hi Greg,
I have a total of 317 laser-cut parts in my RV-14A empennage, fuselage, and wing kits. I've gone through my inventory using the latest data provided, and 195 of the parts in my kits have been deemed "Acceptable for Use."
Note: As the aircraft manufacturer, I do not consider laser-cut parts "Acceptable for Use."
The total cost (per current pricing) to replace those 195 parts before tax and shipping appears to be $2,750. Between the weight and size, I suspect the cost of shipping could be nearly $400.
Per the guidance on the portal: I am able select and save these parts now, and Van's will communicate pricing in the future (translation: I am expected to buy them. Again.) Given that the "significant discount" offered for associated replacement parts is currently ~33%, I suspect the future "communicated price" would be at least $1,840 plus tax (7.5% - $138) and shipping ($400?) assuming a similar discount was applied.
This is not ok.
Per:
https://www.vansaircraft.com/rv-14
"
All of the aluminum components are formed and
pre-punched with all the rivet and bolt holes already in place and final-sized. The “matched-hole”
punching technology makes the airframe essentially self-jigging: when you insert cleco clamps and all the holes line up, you know the airframe is straight."
Note: Punched parts, not laser-cut parts. Final-sized, punched parts were a key feature of the RV-14 kit that motivated my decision to purchase. Van's clearly knows the value of this kit feature because it is called out at least twice in the kit's marketing material.
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Per:
https://www.vansaircraft.com/update-history-laser-cut-parts-notices
Jul 4 update: "
Van’s will replace any laser-cut parts which are dimpled by the builder during the construction process, upon request, as soon as we are able to do so based on parts availability."
Jul 12 update: "It is the builders’ responsibility to assess each part and make his/her own determination as to the suitability of each part both before and after assembly.
Van’s will replace parts that the builder/manufacturer deems are not suitable when the parts are available."
Aug 12 update: "The forthcoming web portal will allow a builder to select which laser cut parts are needed for replacement as well as any other
associated parts needed due to damage, which
will be made available at a significant discount."
Sep 6 update: "As we’ve described in the past,
laser-cut parts will be replaced with punched parts at no charge if requested. If a customer has punched parts that also need to be replaced, we will provide the opportunity to make that request and will display the discounted price of those parts on the portal."
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Like many here, I have been on hold for months. Although frustrated and skeptical, I have remained patient, cautiously positive, and aligned to the notion that Van's would do the right thing.
I am a reasonable and fair person. I know this is and has been a difficult and costly issue for Van's (and the community); however, expecting me to purchase punched parts to replace laser-cut parts supplied in kits that were supposed to have punched parts in the first place is not the right thing.