Dirty Birdy ARF Discontinuation
Duane Wilson
As many of you have just learned, the Dirty Birdy ARF has recently been discontinued by Great Planes. What if anything might be done?
In the various on-line airplane groups, has anyone learned the exact reason given for it being discontinued? I can only assume the plane was discontinued because of insufficient sales--something that is hard to believe when you see the popularity of the plane in SPA circles.
Not all decisions are irrevocable. I am interested in establishing some sort of "write-in" program among the SPA membership to Great Planes, asking them to reconsider their decision, and to continue the model. When this sort of thing happened to the Intruder from World Models a few years back, a little positive feedback from us made all the difference, and a new and improved Intruder was released --even tailored to SPA. If we had done nothing, no doubt the Intruder would have stayed DEAD.
I have looked at methods to contact Great Planes, and can't find a better way than the method used below. Below is a screen capture of Great Planes' "Aircraft Comments Form." It is normally intended to be used as feedback to GP after a model is completed and flown for the purpose of offering suggestions. The DIRTY BIRDY ARF is still selectable in the "aircraft" blank. I would suggest that those who would want Great Planes to reconsider continuing the DB, to fill out this form and in the appropriate suggestion boxes, tell them how popular the plane is, and ask them to reconsider continuing its manufacture.
Feedback from the public matters to manufacturers. If you think the Dirty Birdy ARF is worth saving, I would take a couple minutes and show them that it DOES MATTER whether or not this ARF is available. We need highly competitive ARFs available to SPA members for those who, for whatever reason, would prefer a competitive SPA-legal plane that can be built and flown quickly. Even if you haven't bought one personally, (so far), it is good for the health and convenience of SPA members to have some good ARFs available.
These forms are collected and tabulated. Enough forms with similar comments can leave a big impression!
Here is the link to the Aircraft Comments Form. I have already sent one in myself. If there is a more effective way to contact Great Planes, then let the us know, and we can try that--but this will work IMO
http://www.greatplanes.com/feedback/aircraft-comments.html
Any thoughts.
Duane Wilson
Jay Marshall
I have a DB ARF NIB at list price if anyone is interested, Contact me off list.
Jay Marshall
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