is it really so tough to understand that different folks have different perspectives based on the differing impacts we all face? Some haven’t started building yet. Some need just one more kit. Some have many thousands of dollars in deposits at risk. Every individual has a certain level of risk tolerance and for many, paying more money to reduce or eliminate their risk is reasonable. They don’t want to see the company fold. Maybe others do want to see that outcome, for instance if they stand to lose very little money and feel that this outcome somehow represents a justice done in their eyes…
Most people want to see Vans succeed and last long after our days of flying are over. Is that so difficult to understand and accept?
I agree, and I think I have said this before, but I am going to say it again. There is a whole industry of people who are hurting now due to this situation. No, I am not speaking about myself or my business, as the maintenance business will always be there. It is all of the "add-on" suppliers, for the lack of a better term. They have made a lot of difference in customizing or just plain enabling us to finish our RV's over the years. Everything from interiors, instrument panels, engine shops, wheels/brakes, control locks, dimple/die sets, etc. I bet I could go on for multiple pages just listing half of the ones I have used over the years,
including this very forum. Many of them have been hurting for a while now due to the slow down in building because of the LCP/bankruptcy issues. For those who might have a bone to pick with Van's, I'm not here to say whether you are right or wrong. Everyone's situation is different. But, again, it is a whole lot bigger than just Vans. Let's not lose sight of that. I've been around long enough in the corporate world to know mistakes have a way of working themselves out over time, and usually everone ends up better and stronger for it. If this doesn't happen at Vans it would be very surprising and certainly an outlier. Maybe every individual won't have a "win" in their eyes, and I understand that. Quite candidly, with my lack of patience, if I had been building now I know it would be showing. But in the end, I think the hwole industry is going to get better and stronger.
I'd be willing to bet that other kit manufacturers have been watching and have been having their own internal discussions on how to make sure they don't end up in the same place. I they aren't they are shortsighted.
For those of you who are still building and haven't lost the dream, spend time to think about things you hadn't thought about before. I know I go through that. Most of the time I am really glad for the slowdown as I catch something before it is a problem. I've been working on a panel upgrade for the RV-10 for the last few months, and thought I had it all sorted out. It's taking more time to get the stuff than I initially counted on, but guess what? I find myself making changes or catching things even today, luckily 5 minutes before it was set to be labeled.
Also, technology changes, so with the delay comes new opportunities for instruments, ignition systems, etc. I would encourage you to make good use of the delay to see what things could have been missed by you or could be changed. If you haven't found or thought of something, my bet is you haven't looked or thought hard enough.
Vic