building as a business - Page 3

Pat Stewart · #21 06-08-2016, 07:10 AM

I'm sure many of us have considered doing this but at least from my perspective there is no money in it at all. If you consider your time is of some value its even worse.

When an RV is sold, a good day is if you get back your investment in material/parts, the labor value is simply the love of building one of these wonderful machines.

Builder assist is an option if you have the right shop, tools and experience but the customer will expect a top notch experienced builder not to mention this market is pretty saturated.

My 2 cents

rmartingt · #22 06-08-2016, 08:13 AM

I wish I could outsource just the deburring and priming. Then I could get to the fun parts (systems and avionics) faster. I think I'm weird, though--most people seem to like the assembly/fabrication work and hate systems and avionics.

airguy · #23 06-08-2016, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmartingt

I wish I could outsource just the deburring and priming. Then I could get to the fun parts (systems and avionics) faster. I think I'm weird, though--most people seem to like the assembly/fabrication work and hate systems and avionics.

True - just look at how many kits get sold at the FWF stage. I think part of it also is that people are good at following directions, but when the directions disappear (panel and engine) and they have to figure it out themselves, the task appears overwhelming and they throw their hands up. For me, the panel and engine were the most fun, but I know I'm a bit of an odd duck.

az_gila · #24 06-08-2016, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by airguy

True - just look at how many kits get sold at the FWF stage. I think part of it also is that people are good at following directions, but when the directions disappear (panel and engine) and they have to figure it out themselves, the task appears overwhelming and they throw their hands up. ...
.

It's also the stage when many more Aviation Monetary Units (AMU = $1,000) must be added into the mix to complete the plane.

Perhaps $$$ get in the way leading to some of these sales?

rmartingt · #25 06-08-2016, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by az_gila

Quote:

Originally Posted by airguy

True - just look at how many kits get sold at the FWF stage. I think part of it also is that people are good at following directions, but when the directions disappear (panel and engine) and they have to figure it out themselves, the task appears overwhelming and they throw their hands up. For me, the panel and engine were the most fun, but I know I'm a bit of an odd duck.

It's also the stage when many more Aviation Monetary Units (AMU = $1,000) must be added into the mix to complete the plane.

Perhaps $$$ get in the way leading to some of these sales?

That could be part of it. But then too, look at how many people are willing to shell out for complete pre-wired panels, pre-made harnesses, etc.

I think the money is also why so many airplanes get sold shortly after completion--people can manage to afford to build the airplane, but they can't afford the sustaining costs (insurance, hangar, maintenance, gas).

rjhecker · #26 06-13-2016, 05:57 PM

So I talked with the Local FSDO and as predicted.... there was a lot of talking but no committing answer

Thanks for entertaining my Question everyone. Let me repeat, I have always been impressed with the support of this online community and the honest answers i have noticed.

Always looking forward to the next adventure.

-Robert

bhassel · #27 06-13-2016, 06:21 PM

Try it with a ELSA RV-12. There's no 51% rule for builders to worry about!

Bob

RVbySDI · #28 06-14-2016, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanH

Bwahahahahahaha!

Sorry, couldn't help it. Many would argue that asking five FSDO's will net five different interpretations.

You're a little early anyway. A better plan might involve developing build skills beyond finishing a prepunched cleco-together tail kit, then worry about turning pro.

ROFLAO! No TRUER words have been spoken!!