Long Time North American Extra Distributor Severs Ties with
Factory
This announcement
caught us a bit by surprise, in light of the lengthy history
involved.
St. Augustine (FL) based Aero Sport, Inc., the distributor for
Extra Flugzeugbau Gmbh Aerobatic Aircraft has decided to halt its
import and sale of new Extra aerobatic aircraft, "...Due to
continued uncertainties with production and distribution plans of
the restructured German manufacturer, Aero Sport has made a
difficult decision to sever ties with the Extra organization."
Aero Sport will continue to support its current Extra aerobatic
customer base without interruption.
Aero Sport, as the exclusive North American distributor for the
past 10 years has sold more than 250 Extra aircraft and is widely
known as a popular home of aerobatic and sport aircraft. Aero Sport
claims that their success in selling aerobatic and other aircraft
"is no mystery." They note that their formula of aviation
experience and knowledge "comes together in a unique coastal
setting resulting in total quality experience for customers." Aero
Sport remains committed to its customers and will continue the long
tradition of sales and support for aircraft of all types.
Aero Sport, Inc. was
founded nearly 40 years ago and has become a leading aviation
facility offering a full service FBO, aircraft sales and management
services, pilot gift shop, aircraft charter, and fractional
ownership options. It is based at St. Augustine Airport and
conveniently located near Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra, and Word Golf
Village... it is also a very friendly place to fly into and
(deservedly) has built up a cult-following of fans among aviators
all over the world... especially during the "Golden Years" when it
was run under the guidance of the late (and much-missed) Jim
Moser... a true sport aviation advocate and booster.
Extra Provides A Counterpoint
Ken Weaver, who recently took over the manufacture of the highly
regarded Extra Aircraft line, seemed a mite dismayed over the way
that Extra had been characterized and was quite specific about the
future of the Extra 300 two place aerobatic monoplane line.
"Let me state, categorically, that Extra 300 is an important and
profitable line for us. I can't imagine any reason why we wouldn't
continue with it... and as a matter of fact, we are taking steps to
strengthen and reinvigorate the line."
Weaver noted that a new product support center was being brought
online to better serve the needs of Extra owners. This addition
will eliminate the 6 hour time difference with the West German
factory and dramatically improve the customer service
experience.
Weaver continued, "The 300 line has remained essentially
unchanged for the better part of seven years... so we are currently
working on improvements to the line... there are a number of short
term 'spruce-ups' in the works. We also have strong plans for the
long-term future of this aircraft."
Weaver hinted that the
short term improvements were of the kind that would make the Extra
easier to import and service, and that a number of "durability"
issues were being addressed that would improve the aircraft's
exterior appearance and ability to deal with the rigors of the
tough aerobatic flight environment. "We're hoping to see some of
those things fairly quickly... but most of the (short term
improvements) are internal aspects that most customers may not see
without close inspection."
Long-term, though, Weaver notes that celebrated aerobat and
aircraft designer Walter Extra is 'chomping at the bit.'
"We're looking at some substantial changes to performance,
maneuverability, and flying characteristics... Walter is always
tinkering and making things better... he'll get his chance. I hope
we'll see some of these updates this time next year."
Extra plans to produce some 30 units in 2004. Since taking over
and restarting the Extra line (which had been moribund due to
previous legal problems and a bankruptcy of the old company) on
August 1st, they have delivered a number of aircraft and expect to
finish the year with 8-12 deliveries.
Unfortunately, Weaver regretted that there was not much chance
of a start-up of the more basic Extra 200 aerobatic line that was
discontinued a few years back.... "It's simply too expensive a line
to produce when compared to the 300... we can't make them as
inexpensively as people think they should be, since a 200 is so
much like a 300 that the only real cost difference is in the
powerplant."