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Mr. Nail, ...... meet Mr. Hammer! :D
You only left out "Pride of Ownership". Some folks just gotta own their airplane, even if they only fly 60 hour per year. Renting just ain't the same! But you are "Spot On" when you say cheaper to buy than build. That's what I did. Happy Camper. Quote:
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It's only Money
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I met you at SNF a few years ago when you were flying your rocket. I was with my friend Dale and we did a little formation flying from your base to SNF. I was in my RV7. You are using way too much common sense here. You are leaving all the emotions out of it, which is why all of the avionics people are making money. Do we need dual screens when a six pack will do, no. But we want it. Do I need an expensive car, when a cheap one will do? Does everyone buy a car with the best gas mileage, no, it's a personal thing. When I bought my 7, I ended up replacing so much of the stuff in it, because it wasn't what I wanted. I didn't build the 7 so I couldn't technically do anything to it. Kids are out of the house and I wanted a hobby. What better to do than to build an airplane, just the way I want it. Now, I have never attempted anything like this, so I had to find something in Van's offerings that was easier. Even though I am only 5'8", the shoulder room in the 7 was tight. I wanted a little more room in the baggage area for my hunting gear. The -14 seems like a good fit. Financially, is it the smartest decision in the world, frankly, I don't know. However, that's why I work, to pay for my hobbies. I can't take it with me. And, I'm really enjoying the process of building my own plane and the pride of ownership. So when someone asks me on the ramp, if I built it, I can say yes! And tell them where every little flaw is and why I did this or that. I put some numbers down, just guessing on the finishing kit, instruments, (G3X Dual Screens), nice paint and I think I will be somewhere around $120K. Crazy, right? But that's O.K., if that's my budget, my dream and my hobby. It keeps me off the streets. Hope to see you again, we had a blast. |
Building versus buying
The statements that buying is cheaper and faster are true. However, one of the purposes of E-AB is education. I chose to build for the education. Even though I have had an Airframe certificate for thirty years I have learned a tremendous amount during my build. I have spent countless hours in my hangar enjoying the build process and increasing my confidence. My youngest son has learned a tremendous amount. He is now better at fabrication and riveting than I could have ever imagined. There is no way such an advanced knowledge of the aircraft mechanicals cannot increase his flying confidence. My wife comes out to the hangar in the evenings to see the days progress and hold a bucking bar or pound a few rivets. Does she desire to build the entire aircraft, no way! However, she does enjoy being part of the adventure and she does understand the aircraft better than the one we have owned for 17 years.
So.... Was a -14 the best financial decision? No. Have I owned aircraft since I was 23 because it was a sound financial choice? No. Building and owning an aircraft is a choice we have made because aviation is our hobby. We just don't buy new cars.;) Addendum: which is better a -9 or -14? Dude, your wife is letting you build/get an airplane... Be happy!:) |
1200 hrs to build. Sure.
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Yes, and all those "extra" hours are very much worth it... Just don't buy into the 1200/40=30 weeks myth. Fire away, I'm ready. |
Someone who wants to build an aircraft to own forever should just build their heart's delight and forget what it costs. If you have to pencil it out carefully, you really can't afford and or justify it.
However, those who are concerned about what the craft will be worth after it is built should strongly consider the RV-10. A quality 10 that is built "economically smart" can easily return 50-60% more than the cost of production in resale. It still might be minimum wage for your time, but it is a positive number. The reason is simple. The 10 appeals to sport plane enthusiasts, but it also has cracked the barrier into a whole different market of consumers who want what the legacy builders used to provide them before prices got out of hand, or perhaps said differently, a poor man's Cirrus. For decades, four place legacy GA airplanes outsold two seat models by several factors, even taking into account the trainer market which is different entirely. I sat with my 10 at OSH and spoke with numerous individuals who would admire a pretty 7 or 8, but would never consider that aircraft for themselves but could see themselves climbing out of spamcans and into a 10. Several had come to the show only to look and consider a 10, not to build, but to buy. The sportplane market and the traditional four seat, non trainer, general aviation serious cross country machine market are quite different and the 10 crosses over into both sides and with time is making more and more inroads into the traditional side which should only mean good things for rv10 values in the future. |
Swayed by "buy"
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Sorta like asking which sister do I want to date vs. marry. The one with the "Born to Ride" tattoo or the one baking cookies?
Choose wisely. |
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Besides, the lower end of the market is getting filled by other companies. They may not have the Van's name attached and the kits might not be as complete as we've become accustomed to with the newer Van's models, but affordable single- and two-seat sportplanes are out there. Quote:
For me, things weren't equal pocketbook-wise. I don't have a big lump sum of money ready to spend, and I refuse to go into debt to get an airplane. That leaves either saving up for several years, or building and paying as I go. Having built before, I know what's involved and I know I like doing it. Plus, by building I get to set the airplane up exactly the way I want it. The only thing that's giving me any anxiety is the future problem of finding an engine--I have notoriously bad luck with buying used things (cars, tools, guns, appliances, electronics... you name it) and lack that talent of finding good deals and haggling, so I'm likely going to have to go new--to the tune of $30k+ with prop. That hurts. |
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