I thought that I would give you a "heads up" on what is coming;
As of December 31, 2007, no more parts for the Sedan will be produced. Between now and 12-31-07 if there is anything that is needed we will build the parts only with a 100% deposit. After that, if it isn't in inventory it is no longer available. When the inventory runs out, that's all there is. There will be no more.
I have spent 7 years and over $300,000.00 trying to make the Sedan into something that would support itself. I just have to admit that the owners don't need me so now they will be on their own again.
The oil cooler removal project cost me over $5,000.00 to bring to a successful conclusion. Every Sedan owner wanted to be notified when this would be available. Well, I posted it on my website and here on the Sedan site; so far only 3 owners have purchased the data pack to LEGALLY remove the oil cooler. One of them even passed the cooling test on floats!
Another case in point; this week a mechanic came into the shop with at nose rib that had an illegal repair on it (patched with dead-soft 5052-O aluminum) and photos of the main spar web with two 4"+ long cracks in the main spar web in the area of the lift strut attach fitting. He left the rib to have a new one made and went back to confer with the owner (this aircraft is operated on a 135 Air Taxi Certificate). 2 days later he came back and retrieved the nose rib and stated that the owner was going to do "something else" to repair the wing. The mechanic would not have any part of the "something else" and returned the wing to the owner.
Now I can understand wanting to save money but what else can the owner do but replace the spar web with a new part ($595.00). Yes, it would have cost $2500-$3500 to replace but what is the price of safety for an Air Taxi no less?!
I have posted questions for feedback on different items on this site and on my website. No one answered; ever!
I give up. The Sedan parts will be available until 12-31-07 if anything is needed; after that? No inventory, no part.
So, if you need anything call me now and get it on order with your deposit.
The TC is still for sale; along with all the tooling, parts, data, materials purchased and all the new STCs that were nonexistent when I got the data. The price is negotiable to a point, I want my investment back.
You have no idea how hard this is for me to come to this conclusion; I really love the Sedan and what I do but I am not independently wealthy nor do I have bottomless pockets. I've given it my best shot and I am getting tired of people doing all they can to go around me until they need something that they can't build themselves and then wonder why it costs so much to build one or two parts that I would have to sell 50 of just to break even. I can't go on if there is no support from the customer base.
This leaves the Sedan in a very precarious position of being permanently orphaned; no approved parts, no airplane.
Regretfully,
Burl
Heads Up Sedan Owners
Heads Up Sedan Owners
When all else fails, go to the source. Factory Approved parts and data will get you back in the air.
Folks: Are you really thinking about what we're losing here?!
I don't think that an airplane as unique as the Sedan has ever in history had better support. If Burl isn't going to do it, I'm not too sure anyone else can.
How many of you tried to find Sedan parts before Burl started producing them? Ever looked for a nose bowl, wingtip, lift strut.....etc., etc., etc...??
It's been a comfort to me knowing that there would be high quality new parts available when I needed them. I don't know about the rest of you, but I really don't look forward to going back to scrounging old parts.
There isn't anything to be gained by skimping on parts. Burl makes them right and those of you who are trying to save a couple of bucks by bypassing the manufacturer are hurting all of us. New Sedan parts are very reasonably priced for such a low production item. If you don't agree...priced any Cessna parts lately?
Any more input? I can't believe Joe and I are the only ones concerned about this!.......Louis
I don't think that an airplane as unique as the Sedan has ever in history had better support. If Burl isn't going to do it, I'm not too sure anyone else can.
How many of you tried to find Sedan parts before Burl started producing them? Ever looked for a nose bowl, wingtip, lift strut.....etc., etc., etc...??
It's been a comfort to me knowing that there would be high quality new parts available when I needed them. I don't know about the rest of you, but I really don't look forward to going back to scrounging old parts.
There isn't anything to be gained by skimping on parts. Burl makes them right and those of you who are trying to save a couple of bucks by bypassing the manufacturer are hurting all of us. New Sedan parts are very reasonably priced for such a low production item. If you don't agree...priced any Cessna parts lately?
Any more input? I can't believe Joe and I are the only ones concerned about this!.......Louis
Louis:
You *are* aware, I suppose, that there are something like 750 Sedans currently registered? Of those, how many are airworthy and actually flying? Of those, how many owners are hanging out here at this web-site?
The customer base for Burl is exceedingly small. If every person in the world who cared about the Sedan called Burl, he'd still have time for coffee each day.
They're a grand old aircraft I'm sure but the fact of the matter, unfortunate as it may be, is that it just ain't practical from an economic standpoint.
If you're passionate about saving the old bird, pony up and buy Burl's inventory, type certificate and STCs. Maybe you can make it work.
Jon B.
You *are* aware, I suppose, that there are something like 750 Sedans currently registered? Of those, how many are airworthy and actually flying? Of those, how many owners are hanging out here at this web-site?
The customer base for Burl is exceedingly small. If every person in the world who cared about the Sedan called Burl, he'd still have time for coffee each day.
They're a grand old aircraft I'm sure but the fact of the matter, unfortunate as it may be, is that it just ain't practical from an economic standpoint.
If you're passionate about saving the old bird, pony up and buy Burl's inventory, type certificate and STCs. Maybe you can make it work.
Jon B.
Jon B.
Burl,
We are terribly sorry, you have come to this decision! We absolutely understand your frustration and would love to help, if only we could. We are also totally aware that our project would never have been possible without your very professional, dependable, prompt and kind support, well beyond what can be expected.
To all readers:
We are restoring a Sedan here in Europe. Finding, inspecting, purchasing used parts from individuals in the USA and having them shipped, would have immensly slowed our rebuilding progress and drastically increased the cost, to say the least. Honestly, chances that we would have found all the required parts to complete the airplane, are equal to ZERO. Ok, I admit, ours is a rare situation. Your domestic used airplane market might treat you with ALMOST everything you need. But nevertheless, thanks to Burl, it will shortly be one beautiful Aeronca more in the skies!
Jon B.'s simple calculation (with almost correct numbers) is sad, but probably true. But hey, don't we NEED guys like Burl?! Enthusiasts and serious businessmen who provide great support and help keeping our planes in the air. Certainly, aircraft parts and services are not free; yes, they are expensive. BUT, what is the alternative?! Fixing planes with illegal parts of minor quality? Flying a damaged plane, while hoping to find the required part somewhere out there, before the wings fold? Isn't it a great feeling of security to know that, should you need a fix, it is just a phone call away?! What is this worth to you??? To us, this well justifies the numbers in Burl's price list. So, let's not forget: The price we pay for a part, buys us more than only the part itself!
Matt & Monika Sieber
Switzerland
We are terribly sorry, you have come to this decision! We absolutely understand your frustration and would love to help, if only we could. We are also totally aware that our project would never have been possible without your very professional, dependable, prompt and kind support, well beyond what can be expected.
To all readers:
We are restoring a Sedan here in Europe. Finding, inspecting, purchasing used parts from individuals in the USA and having them shipped, would have immensly slowed our rebuilding progress and drastically increased the cost, to say the least. Honestly, chances that we would have found all the required parts to complete the airplane, are equal to ZERO. Ok, I admit, ours is a rare situation. Your domestic used airplane market might treat you with ALMOST everything you need. But nevertheless, thanks to Burl, it will shortly be one beautiful Aeronca more in the skies!
Jon B.'s simple calculation (with almost correct numbers) is sad, but probably true. But hey, don't we NEED guys like Burl?! Enthusiasts and serious businessmen who provide great support and help keeping our planes in the air. Certainly, aircraft parts and services are not free; yes, they are expensive. BUT, what is the alternative?! Fixing planes with illegal parts of minor quality? Flying a damaged plane, while hoping to find the required part somewhere out there, before the wings fold? Isn't it a great feeling of security to know that, should you need a fix, it is just a phone call away?! What is this worth to you??? To us, this well justifies the numbers in Burl's price list. So, let's not forget: The price we pay for a part, buys us more than only the part itself!
Matt & Monika Sieber
Switzerland