At long last!!

Gregg Brightwell · #1 04-04-2007, 07:26 PM

Finally, after 22 years of loving aviation, and 15 years of wanting to build an RV, this 26 year old, commercial rated A & P for Cessna has faxed in his order. Next week I should have the tail feather kit in my shop for an RV-4. I have worked extremely hard (at A & P wages) to put myself in the position to order the kit. To some of you more financially blessed, this might not seem like a big deal. To me, it is a significant event, and I am very excited to 'open my present' next week. I have worked on a hundred or more planes, including helping in the build on 3 rv's. ( a 6, a 7, and an 8A.) But this one, well, it is just for me. I am building my own airplane! I bet if you think back, most of you probably were just as excited, so hopefully I am not overdoing it.

God Bless the USA!!!

Gregg

DeltaRomeo · #2 04-04-2007, 07:29 PM

Great post, welcome, and congratulations on beginning your kit. I can feel the enthusiasm coming through the monitor <g>.

Best,
Doug

JohnR · #3 04-04-2007, 08:15 PM

I think most of us know just how you feel! Welcome to VAF and the builder side of things.

CraigC · #4 04-04-2007, 08:55 PM

Gregg,

Good on ya! Enjoy the process. When someone asks "when will it be done"? Just say Friday. Don't say which month or year, just Friday! Have fun.

Gregg Brightwell · #5 04-04-2007, 09:01 PM

Thanks guys, for the welcome. I have follwoed this site for months, and now can be part of it!

I already work on airplanes about 50 hours a week.. I wonder if I can squeeze in 25 more at home?

Estimates on avg completion time for an emp?

Thanks,

Gregg

Hawkeye7A · #6 04-05-2007, 05:56 AM

Welcome, Gregg.
On my -7A (pre-punched) the emp took about 150 hours not including the glass tips. Not sure what all is punched on the -4; wing skins only? Whatever, you will enjoy the building, especially after working on 20, 30, 40 year-old airplanes. There's something special about working with brand new parts. Enjoy the ride.

frankh · #7 04-05-2007, 09:13 AM

I remember the excitement well.

It really depends on where your starting from...If your having to cut holes in the spar (i.e really starting from scratch) then this is not a fast build. I have a friend with an absolutely gorgeous RV4...His boast is that it took him "15 years and 15 days" to build it...Mind you that was with a growing family and growing buisiness.

His Name is Jom Schrock if anyone knows him...Hes quite a guy and now owns an AG-CAT and set himself up as an independant crop sprayer...My Wife said "Forget about it" so I guss I won't be floowing him down that path..

Frank

iwannarv · #8 04-05-2007, 09:49 AM

Congrats! Its an exciting feeling when you know you will be able to start that RV! I hope to be recieving an RV3 tail kit within the next couple weeks! I see you work for Cessna in Independence? I have been wanting to fly down there and check the facility out, maybe talk to them about any possible job opportunities after college. If I get a chance, I might see you down there!

Gregg Brightwell · #9 04-05-2007, 10:31 AM

Brad,

I do work for Cessna in Independence, as a Flight Mechanic on the Citation Mustang. Come see me anytime, I will show you around the place. I was following the thread of folks who helped you get your -3 emp. I was trying to help, but coudln't figure out how to post. Best of luck to you on your -3.

All, thx for the responses on the est. build time for the tail. I am headed to the hardware on lunch to buy some better lighting for my shop. Tail kit, c'mon.

Gregg