Rick:

You would be hard pressed to find ANY reasonably priced ARF made in the USA. Unfortunately, if I started a company manufacturing ARFs made in the USA and tried to compete with the other manufacturers, I would go out of business quick.

The problem is that like Dick said, most of American modelers want the best designs for the least amount of money. Our standard of living in the US unfortunately prices us out of a lot of work. That's why our import/export ratio is always out of wack. We make too much money to keep work here. It's not profitable.

You're right though, one thing that he could do is automate a response whenever he goes out of town so that you will know that he is not available.

It's a good idea. Why not suggest it to him by way of email?

Do it in a constructive way and maybe he'll follow your advice!

Jim!