Laser-Cut Parts Fiasco Comes to a Close This Summer

Van's Aircraft published the video that accompanied an email to customers earlier this month, explaining the upcoming deadlines for those with outstanding orders and issues in order to get things back to normal.

The firm has been going through its Chapter 11 process pretty smoothly, all things considered, laying out a plan of attack and making right on problematic parts while filling orders that have piled up since the pandemic builder's boom. Now, the company wants those who had the laser-cut parts delivered inside their delivered Van's Aircraft kit check whether or not they need to take action. The firm stressed that the newer laser-cut parts are generally up to snuff, as found through their extensive simulation and engineering studies, but Van's wants to be extra cautious and replace some pieces just in case. That may seem a bit paranoid in other industries, but for experimental aircraft - and a world where the average Cessna 152 has a fair shot at becoming a centenarian in service - it's understandable why Van's wants to go the extra mile.

Affected laser-cut parts were generally delivered in shipments from 2022 to the first half of 2023. Such parts replaced previously punched holes and elements with a more modern and efficient laser-cut version of the same. Van's has a classification list of such parts, where each is classified as either "replacement recommended" or "acceptable for use". They assure buyers and builders that even should they keep the laser parts they should be just fine, but as with any performance envelope in aviation it's good to make that margin as big as possible. Primary structures and parts that lack redundancy are the big targets for replacement here, and Van's will keep bugging affected customers until they select their replacements. The firm's already sent out a series of e-mails throughout the year, but those who've not yet paid attention to the inbox could easily have missed the news. 

The deadline for buyers of standard Van's kits to either turn down parts replacement, or to accept the revised parts package, is June 30th. Even if buyers are fine with the laser-cut units, they must specifically reply to Van's to let them know of the decision. Once the selection is made, Van's will get the replacement parts shipped out as usual. If you miss the bus this time, the replacement parts will no longer be available for free or reduced prices, and you will be cursed to pay full retail, so builders beware. Now, for the quick-build buyers, the deadline for parts replacement orders is August 31st of this year. The same rules apply for the quick-builders as the standard kit builders - miss the deadline this time around and the cheap route will be closed off for good, so take advantage of the program while you can!

Customers who bought RV-7, RV-8, RV-10, or RV-14 wing kits will get either a package of solely the affected replacement parts if they have not begun to assemble their flaps and ailerons, but those who have already started their construction will get an entirely new assemblage of parts. (Hopefully the older pieces make for a cool garage wallhanger.) Quick-build variants will have a similar option, with the choice to get specific replacements for only the affected parts for the flaps/ailerons, or to receive a fully-assembled quick-build set of flaps and ailerons at a "significantly reduced price versus retail". That's a bit harder to choose, but Van's is cool for giving the option.

On top of all that, there will be a set of "engineering solutions" for the RV-10 and RV-14 wing and fuselage kits in both build flavors, with documentation to be published this month.

FMI: www.vansaircraft.com