VAF Forums

VAF Forums (https://vansairforce.net/community/index.php)
-   RV General Discussion/News (https://vansairforce.net/community/forumdisplay.php?f=2)
-   -   Asking for advice: Build or upgrade? (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=120755)

1001001 12-19-2014 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobTurner (Post 942867)
1. Build vs buy used: Build only because you think you will enjoy the build process. Otherwise, it will become drudgery and painful. Do not underestimate the time required. Get any spouse on-board with the time commitment. (personally I thought the build experience was great).

2. Current plane: Buy a really old TSO 129 GPS, something like the King KLN89B. It is painful to use, but you will set it up to do just one thing: identify the OM on your localizer approach. Then you're all set, except that when you take the instrument check ride the examiner will expect you to be able to use the 89B for a LNAV approach. If you do not want to learn how to use the 89B rent another plane for the check ride, one with just VORs!

I expect that I would enjoy the building process quite a bit, but I sincerely don't want it to become a 7- to 10-year project. If I can't complete it in less than 5 years, I would probably have an issue. Should I consider perhaps building another RV that would take less time to complete, or would that not really help me learn how to build a -10 in less time?

I do already have a KLN 89B installed in the Warrior, but the installation is placarded against IFR operation. I talked to one shop about modifying the installation but they said it would cost almost as much as installing a whole new 430W or 650.

bill@fusion4.net 12-19-2014 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1001001 (Post 943041)
I expect that I would enjoy the building process quite a bit, but I sincerely don't want it to become a 7- to 10-year project. If I can't complete it in less than 5 years, I would probably have an issue. Should I consider perhaps building another RV that would take less time to complete, or would that not really help me learn how to build a -10 in less time?

As a first time builder (built a 10), I had originally planed on building a plane in retirement. Had my mid-life crisis (43), and decided why not start building now, and plan on a slow 7-10 year build, probably using quick build wings/fuselage. As I got into the build, I found I could spend a lot more time building then I had imagined. (Have 2 kids 7-9 when started). I stopped watching TV, and never sat on the couch for 3 years unless it was a family time movie or something. Wife never complained until about the last 6 months when I got really obsessed with finishing it up. Ended up finishing it, with all slow build in 3 years. That also included me doing the paint which took 6 months, and all the wiring. 2200 hr for plane and 500 for paint.

Now I have been flying for a year, and love the plane, and am also ready to build again I enjoyed it so much.

1001001 12-19-2014 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bill@fusion4.net (Post 943043)
As a first time builder (built a 10), I had originally planed on building a plane in retirement. Had my mid-life crisis (43), and decided why not start building now, and plan on a slow 7-10 year build, probably using quick build wings/fuselage. As I got into the build, I found I could spend a lot more time building then I had imagined. (Have 2 kids 7-9 when started). I stopped watching TV, and never sat on the couch for 3 years unless it was a family time movie or something. Wife never complained until about the last 6 months when I got really obsessed with finishing it up. Ended up finishing it, with all slow build in 3 years. That also included me doing the paint which took 6 months, and all the wiring. 2200 hr for plane and 500 for paint.

Now I have been flying for a year, and love the plane, and am also ready to build again I enjoyed it so much.

This sounds like how I see things happening. At the moment I have the luxury of not having children to take up a lot of time, but that may change in the next few years. I really want to do this, and I have no problem spending less time in front of the TV. I have a couple of other hobbies that don't take up more than an evening a week, and I could back off of them as needed.

As someone mentioned above, I could just sell the Warrior and focus on the build, but that would require not flying nearly as much as I'm capable of now. I'm doing this because I'm really enjoying flying and I want to have a more capable plane. I don't see staying on the ground for the duration of the build as a real option.

Andrew M 12-19-2014 08:32 PM

Goals
 
Not being IFR qualified, or flying your mission, I can't really speak to how the get "there" from "here"
My question is where can you be in 5 years, and where do you really want to be in 5 years? You already don't seem to be where you want, and the time is going to go by regardless of what you decide to do. Aim for the prize, whatever the prize may be. Whatever is sacrificed will be justified by getting what you really want. Define the end goal first, and not get caught up in the "what if's" or "I could"s"


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 05:11 AM.