REFLECTOR: On factory interaction with builders

[Lawrence Epstein,MD]

IMHO, you are comparing apples and oranges. 
Van's are Metal aircraft and the fit & finish are variable, but
different. 

Lancair is a composite aircraft which I admit the current fleet is
easier & therefore possibly more likely to have a finer fit & finish
than the Velocity, it is also $39,500 for the least expensive (current)
model (2 seats FG Legacy).  The 4 seat ES is $82,500. If you compare the
Velocity to the Lancair 360 & 320, I think that the finished product
compares favorably.

Larry Epstein

-----Original Message-----
From: reflector-bounces at tvbf.org [mailto:reflector-bounces at tvbf.org] On
Behalf Of Tom Martino
Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2007 9:26 AM
To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list
Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: On factory interaction with builders

What you say is technically true ... but when you compare Velocity with
Van and Lancair ... the company and factory fails by comparison.  I can
say this from personal experience based on my business dealings with
professional builders.  And after seeing other kits from the ground up.

The "other" kit manufacturers I mention have more consistency,
owner/builder communication, overall quality and a more reliable fleet.

Oh, I know, I will be criticized for my views.  And I will hear from the
"Velocity can do no wrong" club ... but instead of being blinded by our
love for the plane (yes, I still love my Velocity) we need to open our
eyes to reality.

There have been numerous occasions where the factory had no idea how to
answer a question or solve a particular issue ... even though I knew
other builders had the same questions or issues.

The company does not seem to build on past experience and the wealth of
knowledge accumulated from their customer base.

In short, I think finished Velocities in general, lack the finish, trim
and reliability of other kits planes.  When you see an outstanding
Velocity, it stands out.  It is outstanding in spite of the factory --
not because of it.

Tom Martino




-----Original Message-----
From: reflector-bounces at tvbf.org [mailto:reflector-bounces at tvbf.org] On
Behalf Of Ron Brown
Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2007 5:40 AM
To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list
Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: On factory interaction with builders

These are after all, homebuilt aircraft.  Velocity Aircraft Inc.
provides us 
with a pile of parts - it is our responsibility to turn it into an
airplane, 
to fly it, and to maintain them.  It is our airplane that the FAA
certifies.

Since there are over 300 (or is it  over 400 now?) of us Velocity
aircraft 
manufacturers - it would be impossible for VA, Inc to keep up with 
everything that we are want to incorporate or enhance.

I think we manufacturers should do a better job of informing the other 
manufacturers of any problems we are encountering.  The Reflector is an 
outstanding way to do this - we just need to do a better job.  Surely 
somebody else saw the note about the problem with the cylinders and
could 
have told us about it.

Scott B. has been very patient with us manufacturers.  I know Duane has
had 
many heart burns over the criticism the factory receives over just about

anything - starting with Velocity Views or a disagreement because
certain 
builder enhancements haven't been universally incorporated and
backfitted to 
all previous kits.

Brian Michalk has even been burned at the stake numerous times for his
very 
generous hosting of the Reflector.  Unfortunately, some of our fellow 
manufacturers have departed the Reflector over the harsh responses to
some 
of their questions or suggestions.  Some of us just have never heard the

word TACT!  The Reflector is NOT the creation or responsibility of VA,
Inc.

Thank you Scott B for your EXTREME patience!

Ronnie Brown
A VERY satisfied customer of a pile of parts - which now a GREAT
airplane - 
because I manufactured it, I fly it, and I maintain it.
EAA Technical Counselor & Flight Advisor 

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