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Old 07-19-2017 | 01:24 PM
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sirrom
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Originally Posted by lov2flyrc
Having a pair of Ventrix on display, and clocking dozens of flights on them at FJ2017; there was quite a bit of false rumor, confusion, and interest in this airframe.
I realize we have been a bit tight-lipped on the status of the Ventrix and I thought it would be best to dispel any rumors floating around and explain the release delays from our end.

The Ventrix is a fantastic low cost turbine airframe, perhaps one of the best introductory level aircraft I have personally flown; yet even the seasoned pilots that have flown them have shared a desire to add one to their stable as an everyday sport plane.
So why have we been so quiet?..... I have learned over my numerous years in this industry to never heavily promote a product until we physically have the item in-house and available; delays in production or delivery, when customers are anxiously awaiting product arrival, tend to create unnecessary frustrations for all.
Our container of Ventrix kits arrived at the US ports in late November, and shortly afterwards was seized by customs due to a copyright infringement; the factory supplying an unlicensed Michelin logo on the sticker sheet included in the box with the kits. In January, we acquired the release paperwork from Michelin, clearing our infringement with Customs. However, as with most things tend to go with our pathetically run government entities, we are still waiting for them to provide a release of our shipment….. “We are busy, we will get to it when we get to it” is what we are told.
As soon as customs decides they need to stop eating doughnuts and releases our container, the kits have physically arrived at our facility, we will post them on the website for purchase. Until then, like you…. We sit and wait for my tax dollars to be put to use ☹

While we are on the subject of the Ventrix; we do have stock on the Pro-Link electric gear sets specifically developed for the Ventrix and we will be offering install packages which include virtually everything needed to complete your Ventrix at significant savings. We will also offer complete combo packages including you turbine choice; JetCat P100, JetsMunt VT80 or M100 with further savings offered!

We apologize for these delays which are out of our control… but wanted the facts to be known!
For those that have been patiently waiting, just know the wait will be worth it!
Todd Witkoff
Dreamworks Model Products



I tend to stay out of these things, but this one I just couldn't. Todd I understand your frustration as dealing with many government entities suck, but like many other companies and places, they are understaffed, over worked and underpaid for the crap they have to deal with. I have family that works for customs in LA and Miami and it is a horror show for them as well. The sheer volume of stuff that come across our borders that they have to contend with and then to have to stop a container of product because of a stupid sticker, but its their job not matter how stupid. Now you have done what you have done to get it rectified, but you are worried about one or two containers, but they have millions of containers that they have to deal with constantly and these stupid little legal issues. You are upset because they are not working as fast as you would like them to, but look at it in the grand scheme of what they have to deal with. Not starting a pissing war, but I know the story from the other side and with all these manufacturers overseas shipping stuff here, their headaches have multiplied as well. I went out and did a quick search for you, here are some stats from 2013 about this very thing:

"This year, CBP processed more than $2.3 trillion in trade while enforcing U.S. trade laws that protect the nation’s economy and the health and safety of the American public. CBP processed nearly 25 million cargo containers through the nation's ports of entry, up 1 percent from last year. CBP conducted more than 24,000 seizures of goods that violated intellectual property rights, with a total retail value of $1.7 billion, representing a 38 percent increase in value from FY 2012. "

Patrick