The question i hate the most is "How much did it cost?"

There are so many other cool questions one could ask, and all you can wonder is how much it cost?

Even if i give a number like $X, all a non-builder can do is compare it to the cost of a car let's say. However, how does one cost 6 years of blood sweat and tears and the risk of life and limb in that first flight? What a stupid question!

I am enjoying reading all of these questions and answers.

That said, when I get these questions I guess I don't see them as quite so strange. Most people out there have never considered building anything for themselves, sadly. They would have a hard time imagining building their own piece of furniture, much less house, car, or plane. Heck, some people these days can't even make their own dinner. Many that can think the origination point was the grocery store. I just anwer their questions, watch the bewildered, confused, concerned, sometimes excited looks, and move on appropriately.

For those that say they would never ride in it, I just explain that it will have a big placard on it that says "Experimental" and anyone who is nervous about that won't be allowed in it.

Tim

Them: "oh, it's one of those kits that you put together."
Me: "yep, just like Home Depot is a house kit. You just have to put it together."

From one neighbour. "You're building an airplane? Don't think I'll fly in it!"

The opposite neighbours kid "You're building an airplane? That's really coooooooool!"

My dad "If it costs that must you had better make sure it flies" My dad and I have a very dry sense of humour.

Dad again "It really flies that high and fast?" He was surprised how good these RV's are.

Dad "How long will it take to build?"

A colleague at work " You're building a plane? Wow!"

"Who the heck builds an airplane for f**ks sake?"

"Me?"

My neighbor came over and thought I was building a canoe. He was wondering how I am going to seal the area where the paddle sticks out (wing attachment points) I honestly didn?t know how to tell them as not to embarrass him.

Ive heard this one a couple of times:

Is that thing remote control?

I had a lot of fun when I pulled the RV-6A out to fit the wings in my driveway. It was still upside-down in the cradle and I was jigging the gear legs as I was fitting the wings. Many neighbors from all over the subdivision stopped to ask questions. My favorite: 'Where are you going to sit?' Well, it WAS upside down but still, the gear legs should have been a clue.:rolleyes:

Our women friends always wanted to know what we named the plane. I have never felt the need to name planes, cars, etc. so I always drew a blank. One day my wife and I were watching dog agility on TV and there was a guy working with his dog, Loretta. We thought that was a pretty funny name for a dog, so the plane became Loretta.

When I was at the building-in-the-garage phase all the school kids would look as they walked by. The boys were too cool to come in, but the little girls would walk right in and start asking questions. The reverse of what I expected.

Jim Berry
RV-10

my favorite question
 

One of the physicians I work with, an infectious disease specialist, knew that a few years ago I got bored and started making ukuleles. He was impressed. Then I did a few guitars, and ultimately made a left handed Lloyd Loar inspired F style mandolin for a neurologist friend. ID guy now very impressed. When I recently showed him some photos of the AIRPLANE I was building, there were a few moments of silence. He looked me directly in the eyes, and with utter seriousness asked, "Can you build me a submarine?"