One more story for you:
Back in 2011, after a year spent researching the various planes and kits available and deciding on a Vans kit, I knew I wanted a 7A. I simply loved it, and thought it was the perfect airplane. When I talked with my wife, who was already on board with starting an aircraft build, she reminded me that we were having kids (planned for 2).
I said, "Honey, most of the time, it'll be just me, or me and you, and if we want to take kids or other people, we'll just rent something. No sense building such a large, expensive plane with 4 seats, only to fly around with them empty. Besides, it's probably twice the cost! I think the 7A is what we should build."
Her simple reply was, "Well, are you building a plane for you, or for us?"
You can guess how I responded...
I don't regret choosing the 10, but it has been and continues to be a sizeable elephant to consume.
Fast forward...Now I have been at this build for 8 years and counting. The expensive parts (engine, prop and avionics) are coming and they are substantial; at least for us.
This is
The Hard Part of the build that not many people talk about. My kids are now 5 and 7 and I'm looking at another few years before the plane will fly, simply due to finances and not wanting to borrow money. My flying has taken a back seat to the build and my skills have gotten more than a little rusty, so I'll need training too, before she flies. My kids have enjoyed the project part of things, but haven't gotten to experience a lot of flying, since I've been choosing not to rent, in order to save up for plane parts. My certified buddies tell me to sell and rent, so I can fly with my kids now. My wife tells me not to sell, keep building and take my kids up with my buddies (not really the same, but better than nothing I guess). I continue to soldier on, working when I can and saving what I can.
It's a really tough situation, because I see the clock turning ever faster; kids growing and the time for working on the project is in short supply. Also, I've seen several people I know finish their 10's and then sell them within 1-2 years of first flight, because of various reasons: they can't find the time to take the family up, can't justify the cost of upkeep, can't lock up that much into one asset, etc..
Again, I view this part of the build, any build, to be
The Hard Part. People don't talk about it, because the ones that make it through don't want to discourage others and the ones that don't make it through don't want to admit that it got the best of them. In the end, in my opinion, it comes down to a personal choice based how badly you want the dream to become reality. It's doable, no matter what your particular struggles are. However, it comes at a cost. Don't pretend it doesn't, or it will smack you in the face when you get to The Hard Part.
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