Joining Together

[runtoeat]

Recently, I have had problems obtaining parts for my CTSW. I have parts ordered and after 4 months, no word on when or if these will be delivered to the U.S. by FD Germany. Others on this forum have similar concerns. The forum states there are 1,018 members and 274 active member on this forum. 274 active members probably represents a large number of CT owners in the U.S.? I'm a realitively new member and don't know if this has been suggested but how about joining together and figuring out a way to create a direct link where an owner could order parts and check on the status of parts that have been ordered?

A lot of CT sales are by "word of mouth". I see very little in regards to magazine advertisements. A potential buyer can read sales literature and talk to sales people but a buyer in most cases will talk to a CT owner and will research forums such as this one to truely understand what he/she may expect as a CT owner. Owners are a critical source for the potential buyer of a CT to learn about "ownership experience" that is not found in the company's sales literature. One would think that the company would be interested in providing owners with good service and follow up to our requests for parts or information regarding maintenance and repair processes and procedures. Any thoughts or comments would be welcome.

[administrator]

Dick,

I've always had good luck with FD in obtaining parts with one or two small exceptions. Could you be more specific in what you need and whom you've contacted. Let me do some investigation for you.

Thanks

Roger H
Flight Design West
www.ctflyer.com

[runtoeat]

Hi Roger H. My issue has been trying to get the front suspension "kit" from FD to replace the factory steel spring suspension that is currently in my front fork. I called FD USA on 1-19-2010 and ordered the "kit". This week, I called to get the status on these parts. I was informed that they had not been sent by Germany and there was no estimate if/when these would be sent. Another poster on this forum, believe that it's Acresflyer, posted today and said that he waited 2 1/2 months to get new landing gear legs from Germany. I have seen where it has taken months of going between FD USA and Germany to get a working flap controller circuit board to replace a faulty board on a 2006 CTSW. In the cases, other than mine, the airplane is a hangar queen until parts arrive and can be installed.

I am not finding fault with FD USA. The people I talk to there are doing their best to provide up to date information to us and to provide us with the parts we need. They are working hard and are always there to talk to when I need help. It appears that they are frustrated in their attempt to obtain the parts we have requested. The other issue I am having is trying to get the proper repair procedure for replacement of the fuel filler fixture in my wing. I have a slight "weeping" of fuel from the caulking that goes between the filler and the wing surface. This caulk is hard and appears to be an expoxy material. There is no mention of what this material is, where it can be located and how it should be applied. There is no mention I can find for it in the FD manuals. FD USA has not repaired this area and could not supply me with any information on it. I called Lockwood and they have never repaired this area so couldn't provide me any info. I have sent an email to FD Germany on the email form that is provided on their website requesting the material spec and instruction how to apply this for my A&P to use. Maybe Germany will reply and maybe they won't. This is my reference to "putting a note in a bottle" and hoping it washes up on the shore over in Europe.

[Roger Lee]

Hi Dick,

Give me until later tonight and I may have an idea that will benefit everyone in the US including FD USA. I just need a little more info and maybe we can all have a voice as one.

[runtoeat]

Roger L and Roger H, thanks for jumping in. Please let me know if there is any way I can contribute to the effort.

[acresflyer]

Count Me in too! My plane has been down for three months. Hopefully we can correct this problem.

[BugBuster]

I bought used, sight-unseen, zero CT time-to date, still pending delivery and I have to say, at this stage, if I can even call it that, that this forum alone is worth the entry fee.......You go Roger!.....I can just see him now hanging up 'The Red-Phone to FD' and crafting out a supply-chain-management get well plan for'em..It's like waiting for Santa.....Good things to come!

[administrator]

Here's part of the problem and you can help...

One of the reasons for starting this forum was to learn about my aircraft before I made the big purchase. Once I made the purchase the reason for keeping the forum was continuing education. But, there's another reason as well and that's to spread the word about a what I feel is a great company and a great aircraft. It's a company and an aircraft that I want to see stay in business. Yes, mainly for selfish reasons - I own one and I don't want to see it go by the wayside in this new and upcoming industry.

I really enjoy my airplane and I really appreciate FD for providing me with a great deal of satisfaction. Another but... this is a tough industry and of course the economy hasn't helped matters at all. Sales are down which means profits are down and it's just plain not easy. If sales were flowing so would the parts - at least at a better rate then what they currently are.

So - what I would ask of each one of you is to help sell FD aircraft. I know most of you are proud of your aircraft and love to show it off but you can help out by making a little extra effort in stopping by an FBO occasionally and talking up the plane or giving an interested potential customer a ride. If you need a handout or a price list just me let me know and I'll gladly make one available.

Yes, I do sell the aircraft and yes this does sound like a sales pitch BUT really what it is is this: Rather then be frustrated or complain about a situation (and one in this case that all are aware of) it's better to help find a solution to correct the problem - and believe me selling more planes will go a long way to help correct the problems of parts flowing into this country...

Off my soap box!!! Thanks for listening...

Roger H

Get the picture - become a "salesperson" for FD, help move some planes and you'll help yourself by insuring the long term existence of your airplane manufacturer and help insure a better and quicker supply chain. (not to mention you could make a thousand bucks in the process)

[3Dreaming]

Roger, I agree a little that selling airplanes will help, but it is the support of the airplane that will keep the company alive.

[BugBuster]

What does the Forum at large think about starting a couple of consolidated 'Parts Order Status' tables/posts; one for Hi-Pri Deadlineable parts, and the other for all other parts?

Perhaps a visible information campaign might be helpful for the good of the order.
No Pun Intended---'for the good of the order', get it
What say others...?