I got an email from Vans yesterday morning that the RV-14A empennage kit that I ordered in March was ready for pick up. The crating window didn't start for a couple more weeks so I was surprised it was ready early. So, my wife and I jumped in the truck and drove to the factory in Aurora, OR. After loading the kit into the truck, we took the factory tour.
Oh, we also got to sit in the factory RV-14A. Sounds kind of crazy but that was the first time I've actually seen an RV-14A in person. I'm 6' 4" and after siting in it, I think I'm going to get the console mounted throttle quadrant like the one Flight Chops used. My knee was resting too close to the panel mounted throttle for my liking.
Here are some highlights from the tour (from memory so may not be 100% accurate):
The automated CNC machines were fascinating. The operator loads a large flat sheet of aluminum into the press and the machine takes over. To minimize waste, they cut parts from multiple models in each sheet- arranging parts like a jigsaw puzzle in the most efficient arrangement possible. The press punches the rivet holes, lightening holes, etc then cuts the perimeter of the parts. It's unbelievably fast. The table, aluminum sheet and punch head all move independently of each other at times.
My wife was a materials manager for a company that built hardware for the high tech industry and she had a number of questions about inventory tracking and materials planning. From the outside looking in, this seems to be the biggest challenge for Vans. Their changing shipping estimates and the fact that they ship most kits with backordered parts made my wife think they need some help in this area. I thought she would be totally bored with the tour but she found it interesting because of her background.
Thought I'd share some pictures in case any of you are waiting for your kit to arrive (look closely at the name tags on some kits):
Oh, we also got to sit in the factory RV-14A. Sounds kind of crazy but that was the first time I've actually seen an RV-14A in person. I'm 6' 4" and after siting in it, I think I'm going to get the console mounted throttle quadrant like the one Flight Chops used. My knee was resting too close to the panel mounted throttle for my liking.
Here are some highlights from the tour (from memory so may not be 100% accurate):
- Orders increased 250% during COVID
- They have three CNC punch presses in house
- Three people work full time now just building crates for shipping
- They went from a single CNC punch shift to 3 shifts 7 days a week. Punch presses are running 24/7
- They used to ship 20-22 kits per week. Now they ship around 80
- They keep some Lycoming engines in stock for international orders
- They have expanded their footprint at the airport to several adjacent buildings
- They are trying REALLY hard to keep up with orders!
The automated CNC machines were fascinating. The operator loads a large flat sheet of aluminum into the press and the machine takes over. To minimize waste, they cut parts from multiple models in each sheet- arranging parts like a jigsaw puzzle in the most efficient arrangement possible. The press punches the rivet holes, lightening holes, etc then cuts the perimeter of the parts. It's unbelievably fast. The table, aluminum sheet and punch head all move independently of each other at times.
My wife was a materials manager for a company that built hardware for the high tech industry and she had a number of questions about inventory tracking and materials planning. From the outside looking in, this seems to be the biggest challenge for Vans. Their changing shipping estimates and the fact that they ship most kits with backordered parts made my wife think they need some help in this area. I thought she would be totally bored with the tour but she found it interesting because of her background.
Thought I'd share some pictures in case any of you are waiting for your kit to arrive (look closely at the name tags on some kits):
