I really do admire a guy who can build a piece or art that flies. I have the skill and experience to build from plans, kit, or ARF. In the last couple of years, this hobby has seen a change much like that of my passion of earlier days. 25 years ago, my first computer was such a rarety in a house that friends came over just to see what it was. As a programmer, I learned quite a bit. When Windows came on the site around 1990 all the old timers complained that people were taking the easy way out. But this also opened the door to so many people that computers are very common and easy to use (compared to the days of DOS and assembler). I never hear of people complaining about the dumbing down of this industry anymore. But they are very happy about how mass production has dropped the prices. No one seems to be complaining that these parts are made in Asia either.

Now back to RC aircraft; In the last four years, I have built 5 kits, 7 ARFs and 1 from plans. With my time being so restricted now with kids, work, and continuing education, I have really come to appreciate the ARF. My first ARF was a 1978 Jayhawk Arrow (ewww!) My last was a H9 Ultra Stick last October. (I have bit a GP Big Stik and Tower Kaos for club members in the last few weeks) I have found that I much prefer spending 40 hours flying over 40 hours building. When it comes to pattern ARFs, There aren't that many around, so I don't see much argument in my plane looking like everyone elses. One other note, Composite ARFs are NOT cheap, and for some reason, these aren't criticized as being ARF junk. Now why does that sound like a double standard?

As for the girl in Taiwan? well, first off, this is a better job than she might have otherwise. (Most ARFs are from mainland China anyway) Second, because she builds the same model over and over, she is going to be a FAR better builder than someone looking to get into Pattern without a husge time investment. Finally, the last three ARFs I have seen are built fairly well, with my only concern being for the way the leading edge rib extension is used to secure the wing to the model.

Lets face it, ARFs are a better buy, a better than average build (name brand counts), faster to assemble, and introduce new people to a wonderful hobby. It begins to sound elite-ish to suggest that someone who builds the aircraft is in some way superior to the person who purchases it.

Bob