Merlin PSA and Factory quick-build

[zaitcev]

Here's an interesting little airplane: Merlin PSA. It is a single-seater, like SD-1 MiniSport, but while SkyCraft tried to pass ASTM and FAA gauntlet and deliver an S-LSA, this one is delivered as EX-A/B. However, the company claims a robust quick-build program with 2 weeks to first flight.

See:
http://generalaviationnews.com/2015/12/ ... -us-debut/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzFeVUuM3dI
http://aeromarine-lsa.com/merlin-psa/eg ... der-forms/

So, I'm wondering... How realistic are promises of a factory support program? What if 2 weeks are up and I have to evacuate the hangar space while airplane hasn't even got engine installed? The Aeromarine company can easily wash their hands off me by saying, hey, we've sold you a kit and an access to workshop for 2 weeks. If you fail to complete the build, it's your own fault. So, is this real or not? We're only looking at something like 80 to 90 work hours. Sounds too good to be true to me. Anyone has ran through one of those quick-build programs?

[MrMorden]

Most companies will work with you and happily take your money for more time if it runs long. Many of the "builder assist" programs are a choreographed series of steps where the factory guys tell you exactly what to do. They are supervising and you are just the monkey working the rivet gun. They probably have the time required down to a known quantity.

A friend of mine had a Highlander in the Just factory on intermittent build assist for well over a year.