Ray- I'm sorry to say, but I don't believe that kits are making a come back. Most of the time I'm the only one flying "kit" planes at our field. I'm sure it's the same most places. I do my best to encourage newcomers to give building a try, but it's an up hill battle.


I hear " it's cheaper to buy an arf" all the time. People are missing the point ! It's "cheaper" to not fly at all ! Isn't the whole reason we do this for enjoyment ?


When I look at an arf in the box, I think "gee someone else had all the fun" so in a sense I didn't save money, I got cheated I get no satisfaction what so ever assembling an arf, in fact it's more like work.


The fun of going to the field on Sat. mourning and checking out folks creations has been replaced rows of clones. Gosh look at that ! another Avistar[:'(] I know I know, the Avistar is a good plane to learn with, but does everyone have to have one. What really amuses me is contests for best looking plane ( all arfs of course) do they send the guy in China the blue ribbon ?


As others have said, I think alot of it is just that instant gratification thing. I'm sure that "herd" mentality plays a part too. The "bean" counters that run todays major model companies have replaced the the folks that truely enjoyed the hobby. Sig has done a pretty good job maintaining their kit line. Great Planes/Tower-Hobbico and whatever else has shelved many.


Maybe this trend will turn around as people get bored with one cookie cutter arf after another. Maybe people will support people in this country, instead of the one that does not hold our best interests at heart. Maybe ma & pa stores will replace big box stores. Maybe kids will deliver newspapers again. Maybe people will support good companies, not just ones that save them the almighty buck. Maybe pigs will fly.



As the man said "The times, they are a changin."

Steve