r_adical

My Feedback: (19)

Amazingly Their website is still showing a Lewis Patton Hawk on it

dubd

My A-10 crashed because a single engine flameout, not because of a manufacturing or design issue.

Damo260

But Skymaster did not come up with the fix for the fin BVM did.

Damo

Shaun Evans

Disco,

What will it take? No matter what people post, demonstrate or prove, it's still the same ol' tired refrain of "all manufacturers have problems." If you keep saying it, I guess that will make it true (in your own mind), but it just doesn't comport with the facts. They're not an 'out-of-the-box-ready airframe' so the real problem is 'users who don't know how to properly render them airworthy' or whatever?? Does FEJ agree with you on that, because I haven't seen them advertise that?

You mention SM crashes. You even state that they're "way more." I'd be interested to see some verifiable numbers on that. As someone else already stated, you can have a higher number of crashed with another maker just based on frequency of flight and the odds catching up. Are the SM crashes due to fatally flawed design or QC issues?

For me, the truth was obvious after my 3rd or 4th build, but the argument stopped completely when I saw Rav's X-rays. What will it take for you?

dubd

Who cares who came up with the fix? Skymaster planes got better from their partnership with BVM. Skymaster also listens to feedback. Trying to give feedback to FEJ is like talking to a dog with rabies.

dos007

My Feedback: (24)

Frank thank you for acting in the best interest of the jet community and for the safety of all those who attend. Well done!

hboost

My Feedback: (15)

Is this only for the new Honeycone Jets? Does this include the older fiberglass versions with plywood formers etc....?
thanks

AndyAndrews

At least they came up with a fix. FEJ never attempted to fix anything. They just continued to blame their customers for the structural failures.

Damo260

I do I almost lost my F- 16 because of it.

AndyAndrews

My interpretation of Franks post is all FEJ jets and their successors.

dubd

The fix has been available for years. Shame you were not aware of it. I did the same modification to my large SM F-86.

AndyAndrews

I'm actually surprised that Skymaster hasn't emplimented a permanent fix to this problem. Back when I had mine there was a "mod" that completely fixed it 100%. If Skymaster hasn't fixed this then SHAME ON THEM for not doing so. The bottom line though is that generally, most if not all skymaster products are made very well. Comparing them to FEJ is simply rubbish.

dubd

SM has changed their linkage system, but it's still internal. Likely good for people flying with 160 size engines. I think a lot of people would be upset if the plane came with an external linkage from the factory.

AndyAndrews

"The Mod" was totally internal. SM could easily replicate it. And it was 100% rock solid.

Andy

dubd

There was a change since your F-16. I still opted for an external linkage.

AndyAndrews

It was a great mod. totaly hidden and rock solid. I still have the music wire insterts that I made for backups in case I lost one.

Damo260

I can't say FEJ has started fixing things up like with my 1/4 scale BAe Hawk it has the new elevator and ply formers in it not honey comb formers it a start thing aren't going to change over night I've read and seen all the losses. I hate seeing anyone crashes.

Damo

dubd

Too little, too late. RIP FEJ.

Damo260

Skymaster don't tell you that you have to any modification to it. Even with new setup Skymaster have for the F-16 in due time I can see it being a problem.


Damo

dubd

Do you know of someone who had the updated stab linkage break when using a 180 or smaller engine? You keep harping on small issues with SM. Fact of the matter is that jet modelers accept a fair degree of modifications. The problems with FEJ are above that tolerance.

Damo260

No not at the moment but give it time. But this is the point I'm trying to make every company are have problems with there kits doesn't mater how big or small. So if a jet crash at this event you going to band to. Because you had done it FEJ ???????

Damo

dubd

Damo, No one has ever disputed your point about every company having problems. That statement is obvious and too simple as there are too many variables to lump all of your examples into a single category. The cause of each crash is different. It's the rate of failure and the response and accountability of the company that will factor in on whether the jet community has had enough. Until now only one company has earned that top spot.

AndyAndrews

Damo, we have given them time. Skymaster has been making jets way longer than FEJ. They have only improved their products over the years verses FEJ getting worse. Skymaster's issues to date haven't risen to the level that FEJ's have. FEJ's problems are exponentially worse justifying this action. If Skymaster ever does get to the same level of unsafe manufacturing, design flaws and retched customer service, then I can assure you I will be right there hammering them to. This has nothing to do with one brand verses another. This has everything to do with attempting to make our hobby as safe as possible.

Give yourself a reality check bud. Do you actually think for a second, that the owner of one of the world's largest and most prestegious jet events would take this action if the issues weren't valid or didn't merit it?

After what happened to Lewis, I wouldn't be surprised if KY Jets ends up doing the same thing. And I wouldn't blame him!

AndyAndrews

I just wrote a long letter to AMA and sent it to all of their officers. It's time for AMA to ban FEJ by name just like they reserve the right to do on turbine manufacturers if those are proven to be unsafe. Hopefully thay will respond in kind.

VF84sluggo

My Feedback: (55)

Wonder if other "major" jet rally CD's will follow Frank's lead? Heck, forget "major"...how about CD's at any jet rally?