Did he eventually get things done? What kind of quality did he get and what did it take? I'm thinking of 2 options right now... Lawyer (costly) and shotgun (timely).Originally Posted by Brian Hartwick
problems
Did he eventually get things done? What kind of quality did he get and what did it take? I'm thinking of 2 options right now... Lawyer (costly) and shotgun (timely).
I'll send you a PM with his number, he will be glad to speak with you
D W, as of this morning Tue, there is a Cessna 210 parked outside the hangar without an engine on it. It has Canadian registration, CFI etc. and has been there for awhile. There are some men working in the hangar.
Thanks a million Bill! That is more than likely my bird and knowing that they are there working really settles my nerves. I did finally get a cal back from the shop manager...he has been in court with his now ex-wife. Which explains a lot. Last week when I called the phone company had a 3 day failure (i'm told) and FWF had calling out but not in. e-mail was down too... Made me panick after being told they were having financial difficult!While I'm comfortable for now i'm booking a ticket for the first work day in the newyear that I was promised was the finish up week. Any other info is welcome. I'll keep this post updated.'
D W. , unless you want to come to Colo for something else, I think you would be smart to wait until they say the engine is actually finished before you come to FNL. Even many of the best shops take longer than the estimate.
I don't have any idea if they are working on your engine, just that some work is going on there.
As a vendor of Firewall Forward we have been trying to get paid for services rendored for almost one year ago. They string us along and string us along and have yet to get any payment. I believe they are on the edge of going under. If it was me, I would proceed with caution. Very disappointing situation and they have always had cash flow issues, and the worst now.
Update: After getting a couple calls to calm me down and reassure that everything was still in the works - FWF is still very difficult to get a hold of and not at all definitive in describing where the build is at or any definite timeline. After getting a call back on Tuesday Jan 3 the shop manager whom had given me same ol' song and dance that work is happening but still could not reasure me of a date to book my airfare later that week... or even the next week!
Contacted the FAA FSDO hoping for some info.... didn't like the response and can't discuss it publicly for legal reasons they say.
Don't give my chances at getting warranty work done much over .01%... assuming that i'd even try.
Last edited by D Weatherald; 01-05-2012 at 04:30 PM.
Perhaps it is time to pay them a visit and see for your self where things stand. It is entirely possible that you are dealing with a good company that is just having a bit of a struggle in this lousy economy. While there have been a number of posts of a negative tone it just may be that they are in fact building you a fantastic engine. I hate to do buiness over the phone and the internet. Go see them and look them in the eye when you ask about your engine. Their eyes will tell you a lot and you may find that your concerns while understandable just may be put to rest. Your peace of mind may just be worth the cost of a ticket to fly there. Just a thought. Best of luck and hope all ends very well.
Mr Weatherald, That is your 210 sitting outside of the Firewall Hanger.I own Front Range Fuel Systems and I work in that hanger also, I don't know what the timeline for you engine to be completed is but I will be the pilot doing the test flying of it when it is done. I don't know how serious you were about your shotgun method for getting your engine completed but I can tell you that would be a very bad idea on your part. If you give me an email address I will be happy to keep you informed as to any progress made on your engine.
Fuelman, what do you mean by "your shotgun method"?
I don't know Mr. Weatherwald, and I am not directly involved other than as a former customer of Firewall Forward; but I sure don't see what the owner of the 210 has to be faulted on. He won a drawing at EAA for an overhaul at cost?, same one lot's of us entered,and he delivered his plane to Firewall. What's wrong with that? He also says he fronted them $10,000 and while I may be wrong I don't think most overhaul shops ask for payment in advance. After all they have his engine and his plane as security, if they need cash in advance it seems to indicte that they may not have good credit and only be on a cash basis with suppliers.
The burden seems to be on Firewall to do what they said they will. I hope they do, and maybe they will. It is not uncommon to have repairs take longer than estimated on most anything, airplane, car, house, etc., but it has been almost 2 months since he started this thread, so it has been awhile. I wonder what progress, if any has been made other than to cash his check.
As for you test flying his airplane, why would that happen? Do you have the owners permission to do that, and will you be covered by his insurance? Is there any reason the owner cannot fly his own plane?
I know when I had my plane at a shop, I wouldn't want someone else flying it unless I agreed to it in advance,and my insurance would not cover someone else unless they had 25 hours in same make and model. Maybe you own or have lot's of 210 time, I know I don't have that.
Last edited by Bill Greenwood; 02-09-2012 at 01:52 PM.
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