Bill Hobbs Glastar
Homebuilt Experimental
This is the page where you get all my opinions
My Reservations I Have and other opinions About The Glastar
This page exists to capture any problems, faults, defects, failures or other deficiencies of the Glastar and any reservations I have with regard to building the Glastar.
First Problem!
I tried to make my first simple purchase from Glasair Aviation. They immediately sent me a purchase agreement. O. K., it's not really a purchase agreement, it's a release. It's a release like I have never seen before. Here's what I think I read when I got past the legalese and posturing. It sort of says that Glastar airplanes are likely to fall out of the sky and can't be relied upon. It seems to say that the person signing the document will protect Glasair at all costs and won't allow anyone to make any drawing, measurement or other likenesses of Glastar parts or anything else that could be seen by others. I presume that also means photographs that could reveal the shape of the aircraft. No wonder there aren't many websites with pictures of Glastar building and assembly. Sound ridiculous? Read their agreement! It basically says their pricing (even though higher than other sources) is based on the release and will be higher if the release is not signed provided they are willing to sell to you. It goes on and on, wow! I admit, I am not an attorney (a statement for which I have no apologies), but this reads like a trap in my opinion.
I am giving serious thought to what this agreement means. Does it mean this company is of questionable integrity? That doesn't seem to be the case for there are many satisfied Glasair, Glastar and Sportsman builders who made it through the process and presumably had to do business with this company. Still, it is hard to enter into a business relationship with a company that is, from the beginning, so very defensive. I have a great deal of experience with Van's Aircraft, a company with 5,000+ kits flying. They are much more relaxed about purchasing from them and about building their kits. Van's and other kit builders seem to have much more confidence in their product. So, why is Glastar Aviation so up tight and defensive before I can even make a simple purchase? I don't know, but I don't like it and it makes me suspicious. I am asking myself if I really want to build this airplane or if I should move on to another kit from a company that doesn't appear to be so distrustful. My pappy used to say, "Never trust a man who doesn't trust you." I always thought he was right about that and his words are coming home to roost.
Well, I have decided to build it. This is the airplane I want and I have already ordered lots of stuff. I was about to order the ECI IO360 kit when I got the email from Glasair Aviation and it all came to a stop. I have decided that I can purchase whatever else is needed from companies that build high quality parts, but who simply sell their products without asking a person to sign outrageous agreements.
The Quality Issue
So far, the review has mixed ratings. Much of the fiberglass and steel structure exhibit excellent workmanship and finish. Some of the parts, such as the cheesy plastic seat pan and some exterior tips, are awful. The fuel system has rubber hose attached with snap rings. From an overall quality standpoint, I have to say only fair, even though the major important stuff looks excellent. I wonder if the Sportsman kit exhibits overall better quality considerations in the systems area. I don't know, but I will bring this kit up to aviation standards as it is assembled. I don't think Glastar quality overall is a problem.