The very last straw!!

[Bundy]

I see and share your frustration Airhog,

It is clear that we get screwed (and not just in the aviation sector) everytime we buy something. I heard the other day that a brand new engine 912 is around R190k??? WTF? I can replace my 200i Feetside Izuzu bakkie for way less than that! And then I'd still have to pay the AP to put it in?

Who is the sole dealer of Rotax here? I hear its Mike Blyths Co? Or am I wrong?

[John Boucher]

Ouch... tis true!

Let's not even start talking about the crank story!

[Duck Rogers]

I see skydrive here in the U/K Sells them for £1.65 each.

Direct conversion, that works out to R19.28, lets add 14% VAT and we get to R21.98. Lets add another R5.00 for freight, Round figures R27.00.

Now tell me, how do you justify a price of R137.35????

R137.35 for what?
I don't think you're comparing the same article here. The rubber boot itself sells for 1.65 in the UK. According to your own conversion that's nearly the same as in SA.

[Air Hog]

OK, lets compare apples with apples. The resistor Cap, which is an off the shelf item from NGK:
The prices are as follows:
Local Rotax Agent: R137.35
USA Rotax Agent: $3.99 or R29.65
UK Rotax: Pound 1.65 (for NGK Resistor Cap and not little boot) or as I have calculated in previous post R27.00

I have asked a local NGK supplier to get me a price. They don't have in stock and are awaiting prices and stock from NGK.

[Duck Rogers]

OK, lets compare apples with apples. The resistor Cap, which is an off the shelf item from NGK:
The prices are as follows:
Local Rotax Agent: R137.35
USA Rotax Agent: $3.99 or R29.65
UK Rotax: Pound 1.65 (for NGK Resistor Cap and not little boot) or as I have calculated in previous post R27.00

I have asked a local NGK supplier to get me a price. They don't have in stock and are awaiting prices and stock from NGK.

Ok, apples with apples then............
The item at USA Rotax agent $3.99 = R28.00 + VAT = R31.92 + duty and clearing (+-) R15.00 = R46.92 + shipping $13.95 (R97.65) = R144.57
I understand what you're saying with your calculations above but the reality is we don't manufacture those items here and have to import them. Granted, they land here from overseas at a much lower rate than I calculated due to bulk import but the difference in price is nothing like you make it out to be.

[Air Hog]

I am talking about the normal selling price for the Rotax owner in the USA or the UK. These Rotax agent also have Import duties etc AND they also have to make a profit.

I don't say we must import from these countries.

All I mean is that our local agent is %$#@*& us. I am very much for using the geniune part, don't get me wrong. Safety is a very high priority with me, BUT...

The NGK people tell me we are talking about normal selling price at Midas of less than R15.00 for the proper NGK resistor. Same part number. Will have the correct price on Monday. I have ordered 12 units. I will post pictures of this part as well as a scanned copy of the invoice.

[Boet]

OK, so as jou Bee Em installasie klaar is, vlieg hom gou vir ons rondom die wereld!

[Air Hog]

OK, so as jou Bee Em installasie klaar is, vlieg hom gou vir ons rondom die wereld!

Hi Boet, dis hoekom hulle dit kan bekostig.

[JvTonder]

Ouch... tis true!

Let's not even start talking about the crank story!

Just replaced my crank (ok the planes 912) and would also rather not speak about it. Blerrie ridiculous!!

[Boet]

OK, so as jou Bee Em installasie klaar is, vlieg hom gou vir ons rondom die wereld!

Hi Boet, dis hoekom hulle dit kan bekostig.

Jaaaaa hogman, `s sad, but strue.

[John Boucher]

I'm starting to really like the Vulcan engine..... Honda based and parts galore! Really a neat setup!

[Jean Crous]

I'm starting to really like the Vulcan engine..... Honda based and parts galore! Really a neat setup!

Sir John , is it not perhaps Viking engine...... I thought i heard that name somewhere
Jean

[John Boucher]

Hi Jean... I was thinking of the Viking engine - you are correct. There is one for sale on AVCOM http://www.avcom.co.za/phpBB3/viewtopic ... ng#p960974

But somewhere in my memory banks Vulcan was prodding and recall a diesel engine project in the USA that seems to quietened down. This was indeed Vulcan and the engine they were busy with was the Raptor 105 - http://www.raptorturbodiesel.com/

[Boet]

Guys, just be very wary of some new wonderfull engine that is almost too good to be true, and do not come a'running with your chequebook all aflutter. In aviation, if it looks too good to be true, it normally is. Beware of complicatedness. Simple engines works best. If you buy some new wonderfull engine now, will you have factory back-up in case of problemo's? Ask Stefan at kitplanes......................

[John Boucher]

My dear wise old friend... this is true buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut.......

It is time for an engineering affordable revolution and some technology to find it's way into our market even though it's roots may be the motor industry - not so?