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I am in need of motivation....
I have just spent six hours bending and flaring tube for fuselage plumbing. While I got it done, I am seeing very little progress. I have been working this project for TEN YEARS now (off and on)! As I move forward with one task, I'm struck with the realization that I cannot complete it until I finish another task first. (There's ALWAYS something else.) I feel as if I'm in over my head right now and not sure if I should continue putting money into this project.
Is this really worth the hassle and expenditure? How have builders gotten over this hump? |
Sounds like you need a motivational flight:D
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Fred hang in there! Yes it is worth it. You surely have noticed that there's intense periods of frustration, and there's that overwhelming sense of joy and victory when even the smallest of tasks get completed!
My current RV-7 project is my third homebuilt and by far the most frustrating as so many parts just don't fit. But I know in the end I'm gonna have one sweet airplane! If it makes you feel better, I got so frustrated with my fuel tanks that I stepped away from the project for 10 months. Then, after attending a Young Eagle's event with a lot of RV's present, I found some motivation, went home, and got to work on the tanks. Honestly, once they were done and leak free, I thought "well that wasn't so bad" and felt total victory over the tanks. Keep at it man-it's all worth it!! |
Hey Gunny,
I am about where you are; just installed the HS. I know what you mean about spending a lot of time and seeing little progress. I have thought many times if I should stop building but I can't seem to give in. I just concentrate on the task at hand and don't look too far ahead. I am sure it will be worth it! Just $.02 from a retired MSG.:D |
Problem 153
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It took me ten years. I had developed the feeling that I would never finish - never could see the light at the end of the tunnel. But I kept going. One task at a time. I got frustrated many times and took several lengthy breaks. One so bad I got married and had a child!
There were two occasions where someone who saw I was not making progress due to inactivity told me that if I wanted to sell my project, let them know. The second time I heard this, it lit a fire under my tail. My dad always taught me to finish what you started. And this always helped me perservere. 10,000 little tasks. One day, a fellow RV'er (extraordinaire) dropped by my hangar and walked around my project and said, "You can be flying in a month." And proceeded to state his case. He wasn't far off! Every time I am airborne in my 9A, I look all around the horizon and at each wing, and the groundspeed, and grin. |
Keep at it!
It is OK to get frustrated and to spend time away from the project. One thing at a time and there are times when it seems like you need to have everything done to move on. My longest periods of not building were due to family commitments, work travel and lack of funds to continue. It is all worth it once you fire up that engine the first time, make your first flight, and post-phase 1 flying. I got to take my daughter up today for her first flight in the airplane. Two weeks ago we flew out to visit her in Colorado, now she is home for Thanksgiving and finally got airborne.
![]() Getting my family into the general aviation thing has been a large part of my motivation. |
Only 6 hours for the fuel lines!?? I think it took me 6 weeks!
I'm 12 years in to mine, and just now have power. I feel a bit more motivated when certain milestones are reached. |
Thank you all. That's just what I needed to hear. I suppose I should just keep doing those little tasks until there are no more left to do.
It's good to have this family to keep me on the right track. |
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