A slightly humorous story about “Acceptable methods of payment” for Corvair parts we offer; At Corvair College #34 in Mexico Missouri, at Zenith aircraft, 601HDS-TD builder Larry Nelson paid part of his parts bill with the 1,000 rounds of .22LR pictured below. While most experimental aircraft companies accept cash, checks, Cards and pay-pal, we may be the only one that also accepts ammunition. All part of a general policy of accommodating the builders who choose the Corvair….who are often highly individual characters.
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Benjamins, plastic or lead? All are fine, as they all have understood value. Above, Larry Nelson’s engine on the bench at Corvair College #34. The engine is a 2700 with a Dan Weseman bearing, outfitted with all our Gold System parts from our catalog.
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The photo isn’t meant to offend anyone, I am just using it to illustrate the connection we have with our builders is different than most companies. I had been communicating with Larry for many years, but CC#34 was the first time we met in person. While stories I share under ‘Thought for the Day” and philosophy are not part of normal business communications, they do serve to make connections with builders that go beyond typical customer-salesman contacts. Without ever have met me in person, Larry knew that we are both involved in shooting sports, and also I would not be offended if he offered to cover part of his tab with a commodity that is understood to be a form of ‘legal tender’ in his home state of Arizona.
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The concept of building your own aircraft engine isn’t for everyone. The majority of people in experimental aviation opt to know next to nothing about what is inside the engine they fly behind. Conversely, Corvairs appeal to those who have a life-long desire to understand how the mechanical devices in their world work. This type of person also tends to be a bit further form ‘average’ on many fronts in their life, not just aircraft engines. Experimental aviation was developed and advanced by such people, and today we offer them an engine option, and a home among other individuals.
