Wow, this thread is amazing~!
Rudolph introduces himself and thanks the Club and its members for being a "wonderful resource" helping him towards his AC purchase.
He receives some very warm hellos and some quick advice on locating and selecting an AP for his AC inpection.
The AC in question has some serious discrepencies. Rudolph articulates this well: engine data plate has no data stamped (big red flag), AD's not complied with(I don't understand how an AC can be annualled without updated AD's), incorrectly installed safety wire and wrong gauge, non-aviation battery, incorrectly installed carb heat controls, improper flight control rigging.
Rudolph then smartly states that he'll resume his AC search once he secures more money to purchase a plane better maintained. I'm sure this upsets a few here that still think its 1999 and $15k still has the same buying power.
A few questions asking for additional info on other discrencies and a few compliments on Rudolph making a wise decision to pass on this AC. Rudolph also shares the tail number of the AC to help other potential buyers be aware of this AC's condition and he describes this as a "major fixer upper".
Now, The Letter:
While most wouldn't take the time to write a long explanation and reasoning to the seller, I took it as most consumers do when they feel like they've been ripped off. That is to over document the chain of events. It seemed to me that Rudolph was making his feeling very clear, and that he expected to receive a refund of his Earnest Money Deposit back from the Seller.
The letter didn't read that Rudolph was threatning contacting the FAA, but suggested the Seller might have cause to. I too try to handle things at a lower lever, before escalating to the next step.
His letter rambled more than necessary to make his point, but was not offensive in any way. He stated that he accepted his portion of the costs incurred by this process.
The Comments:
"Stepping over the line" come on, we as pilots take up family and friends routinely. If someone deliberately and grossly misrepresented the condition of an AC as it relates to Safety, I would be pretty upset.
"This guy probably prided himself on not spending much money on the airplane" Exactly, that's why $16k AC exist. While you cannot always recoupe upgrade and mainentence cost, most sellers who've done it right try to as evidenced by the asking price.
"finding the perfect airplane" Man, I'm amazed by this comment. I don't think Rudolph was "nit picking" this airplane. This plane has some serious question marks. Rudolph stated that paint, interior nor avionics were not his priorities, SAFETY was his first priority.
"Brand New Airplane" Wow, again, this isn't even a comparison. I think Cessna would be shut down swiftly if it was delivering new AC with Mis-rigged flight controls, engine controls not connected...please...
These are all just opinions, and I didn't read any "calloused" comments
There are quite a few Club members who err on the side of Safety and routinely replace any questionable part.
"Come off your Throne" really?? Caring about himself, wife and any other passenger and not wanting to get them KILLED is not a bad thing.
Most would rather not have the FAA involved including myself, but this was a good learning experience for everyone, including any potential AC shoppers and new Club members.
Gary and Carl, as active aviation professional, I appreciate your replies, and others, Gary just said it well
Last edited by Fred_Ledo; 01/28/07 01:50 AM.
