Anti-aviation use email from vendor

[Mike Switzer]

I just received this email from a vendor I recently purchased some parts from:

"AVIATION??? Michael, I am sorry, but our products do not go through the rigorous testing, inspection, design rigor and quality control etc necessary for aviation. We cannot honor any warranty or accept any liability in such an application whatsoever. If this is an issue, let me know and I will pay for return shipping and refund your money. Can you also send us a waiver that you accept all design responsibility for application & use of our product as a Professional Engineer?"

Honestly, I'm not real sure how to react. This appears to be a small company, they use the word "racing" in their business name and advertise their products to the auto racing community.

The items I purchased from them are aluminum crankshaft, water pump, & alternator pulleys. I would just send them back, but I am using the short aluminum water pump Ford used on the early 260 & 289, & there aren't exactly a lot of places making aluminum pulleys for that application.

Maybe from now on I should just lie & tell everyone the engine is for a Cobra or GT40 replica?

[Matt Gonitzke]

First rule of procuring items for aircraft from vendors selling non-aircraft parts: Don't tell them it's for an airplane.

[Joe LaMantia]

I'd just send them a note indicating that you are building an experimental aircraft and quote the FAR 's covering the type and liability. Keep the parts and use them, and follow Matt's advise in the future.

Joe
;)

[martymayes]

Maybe from now on I should just lie & tell everyone the engine is for a Cobra or GT40 replica?

Nah, I'd tell them not only am I installing the parts on an aircraft, I'm installing decals that prominiently display their name on the side of the fuselage. Call it "free" advertising.

[rwanttaja]

Maybe from now on I should just lie & tell everyone the engine is for a Cobra or GT40 replica?

No, just tell them it's for an "off-road vehicle."

Ron Wanttaja

[Mike Switzer]

No, just tell them it's for an "off-road vehicle."

Ron Wanttaja

I suppose that might be the best option.

[Mike Switzer]

Nah, I'd tell them not only am I installing the parts on an aircraft, I'm installing decals that prominiently display their name on the side of the fuselage. Call it "free" advertising.

Most of these places send lots of decals with the order, I guess that is what they are for. :) This vendor is one of the few that didn't.

By the time I'm done with this I will probably have enough Summit stickers to paper the walls of the shop.

[Sirota]

You can't really blame them though. I bet their insurance specifically excludes aviation use even though it covers racing. They're risking their company and personal assets if they get sued. Even if they win the case, the legal fees would probably crush them. If they don't know the part will be used on a plane their insurance would at lease pay for the defense. Once they have knowledge the part was used on a plane, that goes out the window.

[Mike Switzer]

I sent them an email stating that if this proceeds beyond the design study / mockup stage that I would be responsible for the design and would comply with all testing & certification requirements as set forth by the Federal Aviation Regulations.

They probably won't know what that means...

[Kyle Boatright]

You can't really blame them though. I bet their insurance specifically excludes aviation use even though it covers racing. They're risking their company and personal assets if they get sued. Even if they win the case, the legal fees would probably crush them. If they don't know the part will be used on a plane their insurance would at lease pay for the defense. Once they have knowledge the part was used on a plane, that goes out the window.

One of the local bearing supply houses refuses to sell parts for aviation applications. I learned this when I was in there looking for a specific bearing or a direct replacement. The guy asked "Ooh, is it for an airplane? The computer says it probably is. We don't sell bearings for aircraft."

[Sam Buchanan]

Why do you have to tell them anything??

Of course my out was that the parts are for an RV.........

[rwanttaja]

Why do you have to tell them anything??

Sometimes they ask...and will get suspicious if you hem and haw. Many places won't care, as long as you don't outright SAY that it's for an aircraft. One place even let me change my story:

"What's this from?" the guy behind the counter asked

I said, "A Goodyear aircraft wheel."

"We're not allowed to sell parts for airplanes...."

"Then it's for an 'Off-Road Vehicle'."

"That's fine, then...."

http://www.bowersflybaby.com/stories/brake.HTM

Ron Wanttaja

[Mike Switzer]

I understand why they ask, some of them just want to make sure you are getting the correct part, others are using the info in their database to decide what inventory to carry.

From now on I'm just telling anyone that asks that it is a replacement for a Sunbeam Tiger engine in a 1964 MG. That may actually end up being true if I cant pass the 3rd class medical or if the airplane project doesn't work out.

(I do have 3 MGs here & another in the shed at Dad's)

[prasmussen]

Before I learned to dissemble, I was refused an amazing range of products. Belts, bolts and bearings are top of the list. Don't have to make something up, just smile and chuckle. They'll take your money and everyone walks away happy.

[Clark Savage Jr]

When I tried to buy a spring leaf for the tailwheel, the guy said, "This looks like it's for an airplane. We don't sell parts for airplanes!" I replied, "It is for an invention for disabled old men." He was okay with that.