The directions in the first plane I received were TERRIBLE, basically a photocopy of some pictures that were nearly impossible to make out. The directions did not even match the product configuration and had to be interpreted as I went along. Parts did not fit as they were supposed to (especially the wings). The product quality was also disappointing – the pedal crank rubbed against the bottom of the wing support. taking the paint off the crank when installed per direction, there were deep gouges in the metal by the propeller, the decals on the wings were peeling and the propeller was not securely attached (the blade moved 1/4 – 1/2 inch between the locking nut making a VERY loud squeaking noise when pedaled).

I called Airflow and they told me that it “just needed a little ‘finagling’ and to bend the wings a little bit to get them to fit”. (I followed their direction and, believe me, the amount of pressure required to make them fit and to be bolted down correctly was more than “a little bit”, and I’m a pretty strong guy). In reality, it’s a two (2) person job to install the wings; one (1) person needed to bend and hold the wings to align the bolt holes and the other to bolt them down to the plane body.

The biggest concern I had was a sharp piece of metal on the wheel, which I didn’t see initially, but wound up cutting my finger on when I turned the wheel on the assembled plane. Fortunately, I discovered this before my toddler did and he was not hurt.

To their credit, Airflow did send me a replacement plane and told me these were isolated quality issues. When I received the replacement plan (a 1940 Silver Persuit), and while the directions were better, but the product quality WAS NOT! The wings still needed a good deal of force to be attached, and I had two new issues to deal with:

1. After assembling according to the directions, the propeller would not spin when pedals were engaged, as it was supposed to (and was one of the big reasons we bought the plane).

2. The steering wheel locked when turned, the result of the steering rod becoming entrapped on the rear support bar. I tried replacing the bar with a new one (from my previous plane) per Airflow’s direction and the issue continued. I never was able to solve the non-working propeller. Airflow told me “there’s nothing more they can do for me” and that I should contact the initial seller. At this point, I now have a brand new, $250 plane that does not work with no resolution.

One quality issue may be an “isolated issue”, but having two planes both with quality issues is a problem in my mind! Call me crazy, but when I spend $250 on a product, I expect it to assemble correctly (without having to bend or “finagle” it as Airflow directs) and I expect it to work properly.

I was disappointed with the quality of both Airflow planes, and really disappointed that they did not stand behind their products, ultimately “pawning” me off to the retailer for a solution. I’m thinking the retailer is going to tell me to “pound sand”, and rightfully so as it’s not really their issue.

Summary – Resist the temptation to buy cute and avoid AIRFLOW pedal plane products all together. If you’re going to spend top dollar, buy from a top manufacturer like Kettler who does stand behind their products. I hope this information helps you avoid a very frustrating situation like I experienced.

Rating: 1 / 5

EDIT: Just wanted to follow up on my review.

I called Airflow and they said the spring is supposed to rub on the brace to create a buzzing sound to simulate the engine noise. The lady said they were originally designed that way and they kept the design the same.

I supposed I’d buy that but they should have changed the design in my opinion. I’m going to leave it at 3 stars because I have a feeling that this spring is going to wear a groove in the support and start rusting over time.
Rating: 3 / 5