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ORIGINAL: Maudib

It does boil down to the "you get what you pay for" ideology. People don't like to pay $650+ for a 50cc aircraft, but as in the case of EF... when we got some slightly twisted fuses, 75 people were able to get their fuses replaced... no sending in the old one... Same with canopies/gear/wings from QQ...

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ORIGINAL: AirTech

Maudib,

I have to disagree with you. This "mentality" of you get what you paid for that's ingrained in the American consumer and exploited by corporate America, is completely wrong.

I spent over 30 years working in the field service support business for semiconductor companies. And I worked for several organizations. One thing that was paramount in every successful company I worked for was that "the customer is always right". It didn't matter if we were talking about a $500 copier or a multimillion semiconductor production tool, "the customer was always right". What that meant to the field service organization was basically that when the customer asked you to jump, you were only allowed to ask them how high.

I am sure that taking in consideration the starvation wages the manufacturers are paying to third world workers in Asia. These companies (i.e. Lanier) are making quite a juicy profit on each kit. The fact is that when a distributor orders a specific design from an Asian manufacturer they are required to order a CONTAINER full of product MINIMUM. That leads me to believe these people (i.e. Lanier) are paying pennies on your dollar. I refuse to be swindled by these greedy companies, and if they are running around like chickens with their heads cut off because they can’t handle the volume of work selling their products is creating, well they should not try to bite more than thy can chew. They should hire more employees to handle the excess business and invest money in replacement parts stock inventory. No wonder American workers are underemployed or mostly unemployed, because these companies don’t want to invest in OUR workforce, they rather exploit some poor peasant all the way across the Pacific than pay decent wages and benefits to some fellow American. There is no reason whatsoever that any consumer in America should settle for second best because they paid lower prices. The least you can do is never, ever buy any more of their products. Just take a look around in present day America. Corporations like GM are constantly blaming their employee’s benefit programs for the reason they are going bankrupt. They refuse to admit that their poor engineered products, manufactured under a minimum of quality control have alienated the American consumer. We prefer the foreign built automobiles because of their quality, value retention, and the customer support they provide. Nothing that has to do with cost of purchase.

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ORIGINAL: Maudib

Airtech,

I didn't say I agreed with it, I just said it's there.

Every manufacturer is responsible for it's policies.

I would be pissed too if I didn't have any recourse... and would show my dissappointment through not buying anymore either.

Wild Hare is indeed a fine company, but when I was sold a plane that was supposed to be 16.5 lbs with a G-62 and then an announcement was made that the factory only had grossly heavy aluminum stock for gear and wingtubes... and that a "lighter version" would be made available at an extra cost of $25. I was a little put off. Was it MY fault that the manufacturer stiffed him and put 1/4" thick aluminum gear on the Edge and Extra and used a really heavy grade of aluminum for the wingtube? Nope... but instead of either eating the cost himself or forcing the factory to make good, he passed the cost onto those who had already ordered. Accpet the crap gear & tube or pay more for a proper set.

His very words in similar complaints was "It's reflected in the cost".

I paid the price, built the plane, and when it still came in over 17 lbs with a DA50, I sold it without flying it. I've never ordered another WH plane since. Not that they are not good planes... just not what I expected them to be. I since have flown both an WH Extra and Edge and haven't changed my mind about ordering them.

I think since then he's pushed the manufacturer to maintain a better grade of materials.

I don't think the attitude is right, because if anyone takes my money, they should give me what they said they would. If not, they should make good. If not... then my CC company will make good FOR me.

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ORIGINAL: rchotdogpilot

I understand that there is frustration out there, but guys, it's winter, lets talk about the planes, not the companies that ahve screwed some of us. I'm not trying to rain on anyones parade, but lets enjoy what we have.
Anyway, still hoping for a sub-17 lbs Yak. I'll be happy with that.

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ORIGINAL: flyrccg

Local hs called and said that mine come in freight for $449+ tax. UPS busted 2 of these up last week with him. If I have any problems with the plane I'll only have to deal with him, not Tower or Lanier. I will inspect it inside and out before I pay for it. I sure hope its ok. If not I will buy another Yak.

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ORIGINAL: iflywhenican

I know that I am going to get slammed for my choice of engines for my Yak, [:-] but it is going to be a Fuji 64. Mainly, because I have one not doing anything and should help out on the CG problems.

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I know that I am going to get slammed for my choice of engines for my Yak, but it is going to be a Fuji 64.

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ORIGINAL: iflywhenican

Thanks PCSOL and Roger for the encouraging words about my engine choice. I'm sure it will be all that I will need as far as power. I do very little 3-D stuff anyway and just mostly IMAC and sport. Not long ago I saw a new Composite Yak get turned to pieces while doing a torque roll. The engine loaded-up and before the pilot could get it back she hit the ground. Heartbreaking to say the least.
I just picked up my Yak yesterday from the LHS that I had ordered from. I inspected every part and not one single infraction anywhere.
I am going down to Perry Ga. Friday of this week and will pick up a few items to complete it. [sm=thumbup.gif]

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ORIGINAL: petergordon

So I have an expensive question to ask here.

I had originally bought a ZDZ 50 NG for this plane as it was advertised to be 16.5 to 17.5 lbs and a 50 to 80 cc engine. I don't plan to go the costly route and upgrade to CF parts.
It now seems apparent that the optimal engine for this plane could likely be a zdz 60.
A quick break-down:
zdz 50 = 3 lbs bare 5 hp
zdz 60 = 4.1 lbs bare 6 hp
zdz 80 = 4.2 lbs bare 8 hp

the zdz 60 and 80 are VERY close to the same dimensions (same height, length, and same mounting dimensions, slightly smaller head on the 60). If I build stock and stick with the 50, I'll have to add nose weight. If I go pullpull on rudder, I'll likely have to add nose weight.

So, if the 60 and 80 are so close in weight and dimensions, why wouldn't I use one of my 2 80's in this plane rather than buy a 60? As far as I can tell, the only difference might be the cowl opening I have to cut (80mmx80mm vs 75mmx75mm) and the fact that the 60 has less power. If I had a 60 in my hands, then it'd be no question. But I have a 50 and two 80's. Now what to do[&:]

Peter

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ORIGINAL: Nogyro

My first one I ran stock for 3 years, then sent it out to Ralph and had it converted. Got tired of lugging a big starter around to crank it up on the magneto. [:@] I didn't have anymore power though after the conversion, just easy hand starting and a smoother idle. Ended up selling it, and now I have another one that is on stock mag. Finally figured out how to hand start it. Other than a little extra weight, I wouldn't change it for world. Great midrange and lots of power.;) Starts on the 3 "slap", just like an ignition engine.

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ORIGINAL: petergordon

Roger,

I'm sure you'll agree that you need an unbiased test pilot to try out some of your new engines :D Being so close, we could share notes, etc ;)

Besides that, I'll likely get little time to fly this bird. Mamma has a new one on the way, due in April. You were supposed to come fly with us anyway!!!

Peter

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