After Finishing the Rudder I went to build the left wing. Everything started well, but quickly noticed an oddity. The Trailing Edge didn’t match the plans at all. It was quarter inch too short, and the grooves for the ribs just didn’t line up. The only thing I could 
figure was that the trailing edges were meant for another kit. The stock was shaped correctly, but was cut incorrectly. I am sure my Local Hobby shop had a piece of stock that could be fabricated to meet the specifications. However, I just didn’t want to spend that kind of time trying to make something work. Not to mention, I know my tendencies to rush things and it probably would have turned into pile of balsa scrap. Instead I took an alternative approach. I reached out to Great Planes customer service. Since I wasn’t in a hurry, and I had other things fighting for my attention, I decided to settle the matter via email. I looked up the part number on Great Planes website and sent off a very nice email explaining the issue
. I evened offered pictures detailing the defect. Now, most companies give a customer service email, but you just get a canned response to call some 1-800-number. However, to my surprise, a day and a half later I received a very nice reply, apologizing for the inconvenience and requesting that I respond with my shipping information to replace the defective parts. I was impressed. By the time I was ready to start thinking about building the wing I had pieces at my door. The whole process delayed me about a week and a half, but having the right piece was worth the wait. Needless to say, despite the mishap I am a very satisfied customer. Its not often you get that kind of customer service. I was so thankful I didn’t have to call and explain myself like a preschooler in the principals office detailing it wasn’t my fault that there was finger paint on the ceiling. The Bottle was PRESURIZED! . . . . . . . I digress. Actually, tonight, I was able to start and finish assembling the left wing. I will give the details in another post.
Until then, thanks for reading.
-Steven
ok ok…I admit was squeezing the bottle of finger paint to shoot the cap across the room, it may have explained the pressure differential. . . . .
