Len Todd

I have had a lot of luck calling on the phone and asking for John, if it is a tech issue, and Dennis, if it is an administrative issue. I also keep in mind that: One catches more flies with honey than with vinegar. Just have to keep things in perspective (i.e. No one is dying because of toy delivery delays.) These turbines are toys!

Over the years, I have learned that many service businesses have to be in multiple businesses to survive. This causes confusion and often precludes immediate response to customers, at times. I have found that a lot of patience typically pays off. Unfortunately for us, if a turbine goes down in the flying season, you have to have a spare Turbine (or Plane), especially if you have a short season like us above the Mason-Dixon Line. But in the off-season, who really cares if it takes 15 days or 15 weeks for a part? Of course if you are headed for FL Jets, things could be a little different. Thus, ... have more than one plane or engine. Of course, if the spare is in the shop too, then repair turnaround time may be a factor.

Another souce of delay is waiting for a container to come from Europe/Asia. Not having a well organized order to ensure that a container is filled with the right stuff can also be a problem. But, what happens when a container is washed overboard or lost in the storage yard? These kinds of things happen! Ever lose a set of keys?

We have 11 Jet Guys in our club. There may be one or two brands that I have not seen at the field. But, ... My personal belief, after watching all the issues at the field, is that all brands have troubles. Some of the troubles are our lack of knowledge. Some are just defective parts, etc. Some are a product that was not tested well enough for product release. None of these issues are a direct cause of John's or his tech's. They can't manufacture spare parts and/or whip up new ECU programs. etc.

I also, believe we are subjected to being the beta tester for all new models. Unfortunately for JetCatUSA, they inherit all of JetCat's poor-design/manufacturing problems. Maybe the blame for not getting a part in a timely manner falls on the Manufacturer versus the USA Contact. After all how can JetCat USA stock all the parts for all the models not knowing which toy will break today?? And they have a month or two lead times to deal with.

Another source of delay is waiting for a container to come from Europe/Asia. Of course not having a well organized order to ensure that container is filled with the right stuff can also be a problem. But not knowing what you (JetCat USA) will need a couple months in advance compounds shortages. So far, I have not ever waited to buy a new JetCat engine. Usually there is one somewhre in the supply stream (e.g. Dreamworks, Chief, etc.). Replacement parts could easily be a different story, ... For all brands!

One of our JetGuys swore off JetCat last Year. Since, he has had a Kingtech, 3 Wrens and now a couple Merlins. Have not seen his Merlins fly yet. So, .. the jury is still out on them. But every other brand he has tried he has had problems with either defective hardware or poorly performing software.

Just because we pay big bucks for our toys does not mean we are NOT subject to all the delays and frustration encountered in dealing with overseas manufacturers. Good things come to those who remember the honey and are patient, ... at least more often than not. In the end, it is just a toy!