Attention all 150cc Extra 260 and Yak 54 owners

[bodywerks]

I see your point, Bob.
I just put two more flights on mine today. "luckily (so it seems)" I still have a plane.
I understand everyone's frustrations. I wish there was a more hunkydory origional solution.
Aeroworks has treated me pretty well over the past couple years so I am giving them the benefit of the doubt. I honestly don't expect to have any wing problems given my light weight and flying strictly Intermediate IMAC. Of course, it goes without saying that I will not be happy if I do esperience a failure, especially only weeks before the Shootout...

[BOSSIER_ROB]

My original thought was " I can't believe they are doing that!" I have owned an AW aircraft and it was well built. I never had a problem getting someone on the phone answering questions. My plane arrived quickly, packaged well, and was flawless in every way. I couldn't complain. I know they didn't plan to design a tube that would break just to save a few ounces. I know they are going through the process to send better tubes in future aircraft. I'm sure they are going to do something about the tubes already shipped with planes, but it just doesn't seem right to send a "stick" to fix a failing part as a temporary "fix" that could (and seems in some cases IS) cost someone a very expensive airplane. I can see this from some other companies that are a little, not so customer friendly, but from a company as large and highly spoke of as AW that is well known for some of the highest quality ARFs in the world, it just doesn't sit right. I hope they get it straightened out and soon, but this idea just doesn't seem like it was thought out at all. Hope you don't blow your wing off! Good luck at the shootout.

[jbrink]

It was my AW 42% Yak that disassembled during a positive snap roll directly in front of me in level flight last Thursday, Sept. 4. The left wing came off and folded back against the fuselage when the tube exploded with a sound like a 12 gage. The wing also failed. The break was surprisingly clean and about 1/2 to 1 in. outside the fuselage right through the plug. Mark Dennis and Rocco have the wreckage and are studying the break. The balsa plug was one that I made on a friend's lathe from Rocco's description and it fit very well.
I was practicing the Advanced IMAC pattern at the time and it was the 15th flight on the airframe. The plane was performing very well and there was no advanced warning.
I'm not sure what they will do about this problem, but I trust Rocco to come up with a good answer. The fit, quality and performance of this aircraft was otherwise flawless.
You will have to use your own judgement about flying with the balsa plug fix.
Jim Brink

[Mark Dennis]

9/9/08 Update:

In an effort to provide continuing support on this issue we would like to update all of you as to what is happening with the 150cc Yak and Extra wing tubes. On 9/4/08 one of our customers was flying his 150cc Yak with the balsa reinforcement in place and experienced a failure of the wing tube. Upon further investigation we learned that his tube was an even thinner wall thickness then we had originally thought. This customer made his own balsa insert and did not use the one we were planning to supply to all of our customers. Upon hearing of his issue we immediately tried to find a new solution for the tubes.

We have been in contact with our manufacturer and have started having new tubes made. This, however, is not an easy process and required a new mold to be produced as well as extensive testing on these new tubes. The new tubes will have a 1.5mm wall thickness which is .3mm thicker than we had originally specified. We expect these new tubes to arrive in 2-3 weeks and will be sending them to all of you who were waiting on the original balsa inserts.

Aeroworks would like to thank all of you for being patient and we hope that this will make it possible for you to enjoy your airplane for many seasons to come.

[Bruce]

Dennis - please clarify your post. Will ALL owners of these planes receive a new CF tube or only those still waiting for balsa inserts????
Thanks

[1bwana1]

It looks like AW is standing up to there responsibilities, and providing good support for there customers. This reinforces my experiences with them. You gotta respect a company like that.

[BOSSIER_ROB]

Yeah, that is the solution I would expect from someone like AW and I applaud them for doing the right thing. I'm sure next time they have a structural issue, they'll think it through a little better. I'm sure they have learned a hard lesson with tons of concerned, and I'm sure a few angry phone calls. Good job stepping up to get this fixed and making it right guys.

[luv2flyguy]

	Quote: Originally Posted by BOSSIER_ROB
	Yeah, that is the solution I would expect from someone like AW and I applaud them for doing the right thing. I'm sure next time they have a structural issue, they'll think it through a little better. I'm sure they have learned a hard lesson with tons of concerned, and I'm sure a few angry phone calls. Good job stepping up to get this fixed and making it right guys.

I second that!

[jbrink]

I just heard from Rocco at AW and I'm satisfied that they are making the problem right in my eyes. They are having a shipment of new tubes with 1.5mm walls made in China and everyone with the problem will get one. He told me it would cost the company $25 G's to do but he's all in with it.
I hope to be flying a new Yak in a month or so because I like the airframe and believe in its capability.
I'm still holding my breath about the engine that was sent off to Cactus Aviation last week. It lost the carb, but major structural damage might have been avoided. The pipes are toast but the receiver and most of the servos are probably OK.
Life goes on,
Jim Brink

[Show871]

	Quote: Originally Posted by 1bwana1
	It looks like AW is standing up to there responsibilities, and providing good support for there customers. This reinforces my experiences with them. You gotta respect a company like that.

For sure......This is one of many reasons I have a 100cc yak ordered. They really support IMAC, and flying in general here in CO. There new facility is the real deal! .......871

[ddlstang]

????? Yeeaaahh -- OK.

[bodywerks]

	Quote: Originally Posted by jbrink
	It was my AW 42% Yak that disassembled during a positive snap roll directly in front of me in level flight last Thursday, Sept. 4. The left wing came off and folded back against the fuselage when the tube exploded with a sound like a 12 gage. The wing also failed. The break was surprisingly clean and about 1/2 to 1 in. outside the fuselage right through the plug. Mark Dennis and Rocco have the wreckage and are studying the break. The balsa plug was one that I made on a friend's lathe from Rocco's description and it fit very well. I was practicing the Advanced IMAC pattern at the time and it was the 15th flight on the airframe. The plane was performing very well and there was no advanced warning. I'm not sure what they will do about this problem, but I trust Rocco to come up with a good answer. The fit, quality and performance of this aircraft was otherwise flawless. You will have to use your own judgement about flying with the balsa plug fix. Jim Brink

Damn, JIm! Two 40%ers in a year. I am sorry to know this was you that had the problem.
You're a reasonable guy, and while I understand that you are upset (maybe that's an understatement), it sounds like you have some faith in Aeroworks to do the right thing.
Even if I did experience a failure, I would be hard-pressed to find another arf of the same quality and (especially)flight characteristics as the Aeroworks QB line.

[Sukhoikid]

Currently I have the balsa insert in mine and I might be attending a IMAC meet next week. I flew mine in a IMAC meet without the insert a week after I got the plane and flew freestyle with it. Should I wait for this new tube or go ahead and fly the one i have now?

Also I have a new mailing address. It will need to be sent to my schools address.

[Mark Dennis]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Bruce
	Dennis - please clarify your post. Will ALL owners of these planes receive a new CF tube or only those still waiting for balsa inserts???? Thanks

Bruce,
If you were one of the customers who were originally contacted a few weeks back then yes, you will be recieving a new tube. If not then your tube is fine.

Kevin,
I would wait for the new tube to arrive before you fly the plane again, it is not worth the risk.

[ddlstang]

Anyone receive one of the new tubes yet?