REFLECTOR:Velocity Manuals, Methods & Views

[Scott Derrick]

I think it should be a free service to get on the list, if you can prove 
you own a Velocity.

A listing of current KPC's and the quarterly "Safety Corner"  Article that 
is published in the VV would cover it.  They could also use the list to 
disseminate immediate notification of urgent AD' type info.

No additional work required except pasting those two existing pieces of 
information into one email and sending it to the list server.

I volunteer my host space and setup of the list for free.  Like the 
reflector, all the factory would have to do is send one email to the 
list.  They would also have full control of who's on it and what gets sent.

Once the list is set up they could move it to any server of their choice if 
they wished.

Scott

At 05:22 AM 4/14/2004, you wrote:
>Chris,
>
>Well, I didn't REALLY think it would be all that expensive to set up but 
>wanted to grant the benefit of the doubt.  We'll see what some of the 
>other follow up comments are but I'm betting that Velo is a majority of 
>one if they believe that a information system on the net is not a good 
>idea.  Robin succinctly pointed out, most aircraft kit companies generally 
>come up short with information technology....all the more reason for Velo 
>to take the initiative to be different, and better.  How often does an 
>opportunity come along to separate yourself from the competitive pack by 
>doing something that is good for quality, safety and, ultimately, sales?
>
>Darn it, I'm so pumped over the idea that I feel like flying down to 
>Sebastian right now and help start setting up the 
>program....unfortunately, I can't because the Velo is in the shop and its 
>a long walk.
>
>Chuck
>-----Original Message-----
>From: reflector-admin@tvbf.org [mailto:reflector-admin@tvbf.org]On Behalf 
>Of Christopher Barber
>Sent: Tuesday, April 13, 2004 11:30 AM
>To: reflector@tvbf.org
>Subject: RE: REFLECTOR:Velocity Manuals, Methods & Views
>
>Chuck,
>
>I respectfully disagree. A system that keeps us posted of changes and 
>safety issues could be done VERY cheaply. Something as simple as a 
>broadcast email....yeah, not all owners would be reached, but most would. 
>Not all are being reached now. All that would need to be done is have an 
>email line on the order form and that is added to the broadcast email 
>list. Yes, that is very simplistic, but a partial resolution. Hell, IF I 
>had to pay a couple of hundred for initial subscription, I might as well 
>continue with VV....which, btw, I plan to do. I like getting it even if I 
>think it is obsolete as a primary information media (and out of date as to 
>most of its information.... other than for entertainment).  Also, very 
>labor intensive to sort through for real information. (even though I liked 
>seeing Kevin's bird highlighted).
>
>I know not all builders have internet access at home, but ALL have access 
>to the internet via local libraries, colleges etc. To be able to easily go 
>to a web page and verify current changes and safety information seems to 
>be a good motivation to PAY ATTENTION.  To use this as an excuse not to 
>use a better and and easy resource I think borders on negligence (strong 
>word. Sorry, but it is my opinion).  I respect, like and appreciate the 
>folks at Velocity Inc. a great deal, however, I am extremely disappointed 
>that they are relying on, IMNSHO, dated arguments.  I think it is a 
>mistake that the Velo web page does not have an alert page (and email 
>list) that can be easily updated by Brendan (sorry Brendan..more work. But 
>he seems to be the only one that focuses on Computer issues...maybe Scott 
>B too).  This can be easily done by CHEAP software off the shelf.  I AM 
>NOT a computer guy, but even I can do this kind of stuff. The only issue 
>is the time and desire to do it. Once implemented, very little time is needed.
>
>I do not know what kind of deal Velo has with Lavorie graphics, but if it 
>were me, I would be annoyed at the inaccessible nature of updating the web 
>page easily.  Maybe Rick does it for free and as a result it low 
>priority.  I was recently told that the work on the Velocity Store page on 
>the web was done a while ago (if you have noticed it has been off line for 
>several months), but the web people have not posted it yet...NOW, 
>information has changed and thus it will be delayed further.  I really 
>would rather go to this info page then AS&S FIRST.
>
>I think that Velocity needs to get past the idea that the internet is a 
>novelty. Heck, I basically bought my kit over the internet (I did buy my 
>Jaguar online). I am not some freak power user...just pay attention to the 
>world around me.
>
>One of the arguments seems to stem that everyone has a mailbox, thus VV is 
>the best media.  But if not everyone subscribes, for whatever reason, it 
>does little good.  When it can be made free and available but it is not 
>AND it is charged for, it is almost as if safety information is being held 
>hostage in return for a dollar (BTW, I don't think this, but it does not 
>look good).  NOW, PLEASE NOTE, yes, I am an attorney, but I AM on 
>VELOCITY's side (and I am not usually a litigation attorney), and I am 
>very much against the abuse of the legal system (it should NOT be looked 
>at as a lottery), but, how would it sound to a jury to hear that the 
>SAFETY information is SOLD.  I truly think the arguments are "old" (as is 
>this discussion) and not doing it "better" is a false economy. I think 
>Velocity has been quoted prices for internet issues that seemed very high 
>at the time. As a result the option was shelved. But it can be done 
>economically and in a streamlined manner. I hope the "powers that be" at 
>Velocity take their head out of the sand. FWIW.
>
>All the best,
>
>Chris
>
>
>Christopher Barber
>
>Attorney and Counselor at Law
>
>
>
>"Serving the needs of Senior Texans"
>
>Barber Law Firm
>11930 S Sam Houston Pkwy E
>Suite 103
>Houston, Texas 77089-4755
>281-464-LAWS (5297)
>
>
>CBarber@TexasAttorney.net
><http://www.texasattorney.net/>www.TexasAttorney.net
>
>
>
><http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001>
>texas
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: reflector-admin@tvbf.org [mailto:reflector-admin@tvbf.org]On Behalf 
>Of Chuck Jensen
>Sent: Tuesday, April 13, 2004 10:05 AM
>To: 'reflector@tvbf.org'
>Subject: RE: REFLECTOR:Velocity Manuals, Methods & Views
>
>Kurt,
>
>You bring up a good point...and bad point.  Certainly, the good was your 
>discovering the deficient nose gear before it had a chance to bring itself 
>to your attention at a most awkward time.  The bad point is the "system" 
>that would have you in a place where you have a known deficit part, and 
>didn't know it.  Strictly my opinion, but in this day of computers, 
>internet, email and relational databases, it seems there ought to be a 
>better tracking/notification system.
>
>Such a system would be a significant investment in setting it up, in that 
>there are already a few hundred planes of unknown history and pedigree 
>that would need to be entered.  But once set up, it would have high 
>utility value to builders and would help prevent your very 
>circumstance.  If the Factory (the obvious "owner" of the program) needed 
>to recover some of the upfront cost, they could ask a one time 
>subscription fee of $200 or $300 to cover initial costs.  The 
>budget-minded among the builders could just choose to not participate and 
>continue to rely on luck in obtaining the information.  I would expect 
>that a quality control program of this sort would ultimately come close to 
>paying for itself as a strong selling point to new potential buyers for 
>the Factory.
>
>I'm sure Scott could fill us in on the number of times that changeout of 
>the nose gear has been mentioned in VV and here-n-there, but you are 
>evidence that the "system" employed is still not good enough.  From your 
>postings, it seems apparent that you take care, are merticulous and are 
>sometimes even anal on details (your description!), yet you (re)discovered 
>the problem by luck and happenstance.  That's not really good enough for a 
>plane that ends up costing $100K+.
>
>Still room to improve.
>
>Chuck
>
>[Chuck Jensen]  -----Original Message-----
>From: reflector-admin@tvbf.org [mailto:reflector-admin@tvbf.org]On Behalf 
>Of NMFlyer1@aol.com
>Sent: Tuesday, April 13, 2004 9:12 AM
>To: reflector@tvbf.org
>Subject: REFLECTOR:Velocity Manuals, Methods & Views
>
>           This has been an interesting couple weeks. I just thought I 
> would share a couple things.
>I know you have read some of my posts regarding aileron and rudder 
>frustrations lately.
>
>I have been working on my kit for quite some time (almost 3000 hours so 
>far). No fast build anything, almost nothing farmed out, and my change to 
>Chevy power eats up a LOT of time.
>
>Due to the time line, many things have changed at Velocity. My old manual 
>is obviously outdated, but will usually work. On my ailerons, it did not. 
>The factory has always been helpful and patient, and my aileron quest 
>caused me to start printing out the newer On-Line plans. Of course, the 
>new plans and my old manual are similar in some areas, and quite different 
>in others.
>   I believe that a number of improvements and clarifications are located 
> in the new On-Line instructions that would be valuable to other builders 
> that have been building for some time.
>There will be areas where the older parts or methods do not quite jive 
>with the new instructions. That can be dealt with, but I believe the newer 
>methods are much improved.
>I ordered some parts from Aircraft Spruce & Headache, and my rudders 
>should be finished within a day or two of receiving the parts. The 
>relatively cheap parts will allow me to follow the newer methods in the 
>manual, and have better functioning and longer lasting rudder controls.
>
>Since I have been building a while, I have a stack of velocity Views about 
>3" thick. I read every one and check the KPC's in every issue. There is 
>always the possibility that one can miss some information, and that 
>happened to me.
>The latest V-V Rehashed the issue on nose gear forks. Last night in the 
>hangar, I glanced down at my nose gear fork, and: Holy Batshit... It looks 
>like I have the obsolete nose gear fork!
>Now I have to get my V-V from work and double check... but THAT is a 
>valuable piece of information! That one little piece of previously 
>emparted information could well have saved me enough headache and damage 
>money to pay for a life's subscription to V-V.
>
>Just thought I'd share.... my TheRapist says it's good for me  :)
>
>All the best... Kurt Winker


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