Unfortunately, so many of our experiences these days with with products, companies, and the general public give us all sorts of reason for complaint. For this reason, I have been trying to appreciate the positives and do what I can when I have a great experience.

Many of you know Will and have had a positive experience with Stene Aviation, but I just wanted to take a quick second and share my experience today.

I have been hemming an hawing on where to draw the line with the Skywagon project as I am damn near out of my mind with not having a flying airplane. The debate on where to quit monkeying and start flying has been raging for the better part of a year. I finally decided that I will hold off another month or so and go ahead and install the Sportsman and WIngX. In preparation for this, I got a hold of Will today to order some of his strut cuffs and quickly go over the installation.

During the conversation, the removal of the old Owl cuff came up. Unsolicited, Will remembered that the cuff I had was originally purchased for my C170 which had an unadulterated wing. Without missing a beat, and with no additional cost, Will informed me that he was going to make me a new set of outer skins to trade for the ones I had purchased over 18 months ago so that there would be ample material to get away from the old rivet holes in the Owl.

He certainly didn't have to go out of his way to do that, and it really put a smile on my face.

So thanks Will for the great customer service. Its rare in this world, and its appreciated. Hope to meet you this summer in person up in the western backcountry!

No kidding! Thanks for the report.

We are dealing with a very highly regarded kit plane company right now over a gear issue that is sure taking their sweet - assed time...I am sure it will work out but the lack of communication and "penny pinching" is frustrating. Maybe Stene will start making kits.

Great post! I cannot say enough good things about Will and all the folks at Stene Aviation. When we were in that area last fall, Will went WAYYYYY out of his way to welcome us (my family), and treated us like family.

He also gave us a tour of the shop, a top notch outfit. You can tell he puts a lot of pride in his work and nothing goes out the door that isn't 100%. My wife doesn't know squat about planes, but even she was impressed. So much so she was wondering when we were going to get that "STOL kit thing" on our plane.

Like I said, I cannot say enough good things, and I'm sure there are MANY more like me. What he does for Montana and aviation in general is outstanding.

Willie Is one dam fine Gentleman!!!
I came thru there a few years ago , stopped on the way by with the 195, as had met him from on here and had an invite.
Showed me with pride his outfit and his town, Had a great lunch, and some good airplane talk!!
Never tried to sell me a thing!!
But if I ever need something he has, I will sure get it from him!!
Have spoke a few times since then and every time helpful if he could be!
Class Act for Sure!

Doesn't surprise me, Willie is fantastic! Great to hear your story!

Doesn't willie go by "doth" here on BCP? He also donates gift certificates for the Johnson creek raffle. Good dude.

Glad to see this thread pop up- I was just fixin' to give him some of my money!

Zzz wrote:Doesn't willie go by "doth" here on BCP? He also donates gift certificates for the Johnson creek raffle. Good dude.

It sure is good to here about his business. We need more of them. Which reminds me I think I have that gift certificate. I had better order some filters or something.

Cheers

denalipilot wrote:Glad to see this thread pop up- I was just fixin' to give him some of my money!

He told me he gives group discounts....
A BCP Sportsman STOL purchase????
Anyone else interested?

AKClimber wrote:He told me he gives group discounts....
A BCP Sportsman STOL purchase????
Anyone else interested?

I am!

AKclimber wrote:

denalipilot wrote:Glad to see this thread pop up- I was just fixin' to give him some of my money!

He told me he gives group discounts....
A BCP Sportsman STOL purchase????
Anyone else interested?

I would be, but mine is already in the works

I also passed through Polson, MT this fall and had the great pleasure of meeting Willie Stene. As others have mentioned, Willie went out of his way to make my stay enjoyable and made a lasting impression on my trip. Even though I passed through on a weekend, he opened up the shop when it was closed and gave me the full tour explaining each step in the manufacturing process.

Thanks again Willie! Look forward to seeing you and the family again soon.


Alec

Willie did the * "full meal deal"on my 182P.
Very likable guy.
No regrets.
Whole different airplane after mods.




*Sportsmans leading edge/cuff
Wing-X wing extensions
Wing tips with recognition strobes/landing lights (R.M.D.)
Inertia reel shoulder harnesses front seats (B.A.S.)
Auto fuel STC