A last, I've had a phone call from the LTL carrier saying that my kit is at their warehouse. Since each crate is fairly light despite their size, I'm sure I can easily manipulate and offload them once I’m back at the workshop.
Once at the carrier’s warehouse, I immediately notice that the short crate (containing the wing skins) has a missing cleat. This box may have had a rough time getting here perhaps... However, no other apparent damage so far so now it’s time for crate #2.
AARRGGnnn. There’s a big crack at one end of the box. In addition, it looks like a forklift blade « slipped » between the crate bottom and the back side. Not good. I might add that I have an impression of "déjà vue" here. I recall having seen a -14 builder's log showing the almost exact same damage to the spar crate. As if all the forklift operators had a special training on "Busting Aircraft Crates 101" course... No, I was kidding. For the course I mean...
I’ve shown that to the carrier’s representative and we agreed that they will acknowledge « their responsibility” if damages are found after I leave with the crates. Let’s hope I won’t need to test is good will okay?
Crate #1 - Missing cleat
Crate #1 - Showing a big crack on one side
Back of crate #2 showing signs of forklift damages
