Tracy O’Brien out of business?

[Sonex888]

I’ve heard rumors that Tracy O’Brien is out of business.
Is this true and if so seems like a big blow to the second hand Sonex market?

[jaflint]

The last several years he has spent winter (or mid-fall to mid-spring) in the US southwest, and he limits business to only a handful of brake parts during those periods Checking his website, it looks like that may be the case again this year.

[XenosN42]

Is this true and if so seems like a big blow to the second hand Sonex market?

Why?

[Sonex888]

Is this true and if so seems like a big blow to the second hand Sonex market?

Why?

The Sonex Inc. requires that you sign over your life and financial responsibility ( they require you sign docs stating that you are responsible for previous owner(s) abuse of Sonex agreements) just to purchase a simple part.
If there are no alternatives, other than manufacturing parts yourself, then it reduces the value of new kits as well as second hand kits and completed aircraft.

[NWade]

Is this true and if so seems like a big blow to the second hand Sonex market?

Why?

The Sonex Inc. requires that you sign over your life and financial responsibility ( they require you sign docs stating that you are responsible for previous owner(s) abuse of Sonex agreements) just to purchase a simple part.

All of the major kit aircraft companies do something similar; Sonex is not special in this regard.

—Noel
Sonex #1339

[Sonex888]

The Sonex Inc. requires that you sign over your life and financial responsibility ( they require you sign docs stating that you are responsible for previous owner(s) abuse of Sonex agreements) just to purchase a simple part.[/quote]

All of the major kit aircraft companies do something similar; Sonex is not special in this regard.

—Noel
Sonex #1339[/quote]

There’s not very many MFG of decent kit built aircraft that force you to sign this kind of ridiculous agreement to purchase parts that wear out, parts that get bent like titanium gear struts, etc.
It makes no sense and reduces the future value of all your hard work.

Of course it just creates a big hole for external companies to take up the slack of a lack of Sonex business sense that can provide better designed, higher quality parts to fill the gap…

[jaflint]

Upset because you want to retain the right to sue? Sounds more broker than builder to me.

[Sonex888]

Upset because you want to retain the right to sue? Sounds more broker than builder to me.

Not at all. We enjoy building, but as a third, forth owner of an excellent Sonex Legacy, sure would be nice to have a great source for updated parts without signing up to be responsible for all previous owners possible misgivings. Just doesn’t make sense. There is absolutely no reason for it.

[Scott Todd]

How are you signing up for previous owners misgivings? I just re-read the release and it seem pretty straight forward. The buyer (us) is agreeing to release Sonex from any liability if we harm or damage someone. Sonex provided a set of plans and a bunch of parts to build a piece of artwork. The FAA recognizes us as the official Builder/Manufacturer of the airplane. It makes sense that we, as the Builder/Manufacturer of the airplane, accept responsibility for its operation. If you buy a used airplane, you should do your due diligence to make sure it is built properly to the plans and then accept responsibility for its operation. If you don't want to accept the responsibility, then Sonex simple doesn't want to deal with you in any manner. This all seems perfectly reasonable.

Small companies like Tracy O'Brien come and go as there is just not much money to be made in this business and they are afraid they will get sued when some stupid pilot hurts someone. I signed the agreement several years ago when I bought a used Sonex. I also signed it a few years back when I bought a partially completed Onex kit. I was more than happy to sign the agreement and pay the transfer fee. I would sign a similar agreement if Tracy wanted one and I was interested in their airplane parts.

[daleandee]

Although my Cleanex has a Corvair conversion that is verboten per the manufacturer, I still signed and happily paid for a transfer agreement. They will still cover my aircraft from the firewall back for any parts that I would need to order.

I also like the idea of supporting the people that continue to update the design and are quick to point out anything that I might need to be aware of. It is good for us all when the manufacturer of our beloved aircraft is wildly successful and continues to have a booming business.

FWIW the Corvair engine conversion I have also came with the requirement to sign a release of liability agreement. I don't see a problem with this.