Hello, Jerry, good to hear from you again.

As one of the Webmasters for this page, I would like to say that Aviation Enterprises' absence from our list of web sites has less to do with the quality of their work and more to do with the fact that AE's owner, Owen Bell, did not emphasize their web site. Although it's better now, AE's website of years past was below average -- often just pages with pictures and bullets, with negligible design. Had Owen asked for us to include AE in our list of websites, we would have done it.

The question of quality is, of course, on everyone's mind. But, as a mechanical engineer like you, I think it's more about pushing the envelope. You push here, and something gives elsewhere. It's often hard to anticipate all the areas that need to be examined when you are modifying a complex item like an aircraft. Or maybe some corners were cut, like a test that wasn't performed or one where the test conditions didn't fully simulate reality. Hopefully, time will tell where the mistakes were made.

Ernie

Correction
 

Without going into details, AE's website was removed after some issues were raised.

ae
 

Thank you Ernie, nice to her from you again. And, thank you Larry for your wise response.

Larry, you are correct not to get into details nor will I. However Ernie, Just to set the record straight, you reasoning why AE is not listed on the web site listing page is in error. It predates many of the people that now enjoy this site today and even predates Larry as the webmaster. But enough of that.

For the sake of all you good readers on this web site, when it comes to after market changes to our aircraft, soundly check the vendor out completely. BBB, FAA record etc. Don't jist take other peoples opinion of the vendor. They may not have all the facts. Remember, when you and your loved ones are flying in the plane, the vendor is not with you. There are some very good after market vendors out there and likewise some not so good!

Jerry

"Wink wink, nudge nudge, say no more"
 

Thank you guys for putting up this website. I appreciate the posting of information about the old aircraft we fly and maintain. With all due respect though: This information is absolutely useless.

My 337C is currently in Owen Bell's hangar getting air conditioning, a rear engine cooling mod, and a cargo pod installed. Should I abort the project or not? Is there another source for Skymaster A/C or rear engine cooling mod?

Is there a way to search the FAA record for actions against companies or individuals? Are there any against Aviation Enterprises or Owen? What exactly is the concern with AE? Fill us in. Is it bad tip tanks? Aren't the Flint tanks subject to similar speed limitations? What about the O-2 at Avon Park? Maybe Cessna made a mistake.

Did you pay too much for something? Did you buy a used engine part and then he didn't warranty the entire engine when the used part damaged it? Would you pay for all the repairs to an airplane's wings when you had no way of knowing if the Va limitations were followed?

Until I have more information I will continue to use my own observations to formulate how I regard Owen: A guy who loves Skymasters and is willing to put a large amount of his energy and resources into making them better and keeping them flying.

Randy Hurt

it's your money
 

Randy, like all of us, you make your decisions based on your observations. If it is working for you, that's great.

I think I will let the AD that specifically mentions AE speak for itself. "unsafe condition" . It is located at the very top of this post by Larry. It's from the FAA. As well as comments made by the structural engineers who had to undue the damage caused by shoddy installation work which included drilling through spar caps and bending/cutting ribs. They had never seen such poor workmanship. This isn't about a badly designed mod. It's about all the poor installation jobs that were done in installing the mod. The damage was done at installation.
For my part I have given AE the opportunity to pay for the damage and only the damage that they caused. Nothing more. No fuel, no loss of enjoyment etc. They have blown me off so now it's in the hands of my lawyers.
I would get your work done quickly if I were you. The facts are there. It's all in the AD.

ae
 

Randy, it is your choice who you get your work done by. I truly wish you good luck and pray that you have thousands of hours of safe flying.

Jerry