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  #21  
Old 01-30-2008, 07:21 PM
cytoxin's Avatar
cytoxin cytoxin is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: south carolina
Posts: 1,111
Default

started at 36, would have finished at 38. things changed. should finish at 40. im 40 now. if it aint done by september .....its for sale.
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William Weesner/ still kicking.
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  #22  
Old 01-30-2008, 07:31 PM
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zspivey zspivey is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Ruston, LA
Posts: 123
Default Not a youngster

I started building my RV-8A at age 60. If things go as planned it will fly in May. I will be 2 months past my 63rd birthday
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Zack Spivey
VAF #459
Ruston, Louisiana
RV-8A Built, Flown, Sold
RV-6A Purchased flying, Flown, Sold, Now Planeless
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  #23  
Old 01-30-2008, 08:19 PM
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N908RV N908RV is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Warrenton, VA
Posts: 273
Default hmmmm...

started a Sonerai partially built project at age 29, finished the Sonerai and test flew when I was 31. Bought a Skybolt at age 32; restored it age 33. Started my -8 at age 35 and finished at age 38. I need another project to celebrate my big 4-0 this year!

Somewhere in between I managed to own a J-3 and an Acrosport and grab lots of free PIC time ferrying friends' planes around...
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Rob Brooks
EAA Tech Counselor
Warrenton, VA

RV-8, QB completed, flown 750hrs and sold
http://www.taildraggersinc.com/pages...RV_flying.html

RV-7, SB completed and flying Phase 2
http://www.mykitlog.com/N908rv/
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  #24  
Old 01-31-2008, 10:57 AM
Frank Smidler Frank Smidler is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Stoughton, WI
Posts: 473
Default Not all completed

I started my first homebuilt when I was 14 (1972). My father used to bring home magazines about homebuilt airplanes, some of which I still have, that inspired me. I bought the plans and some spruce for a KR-1. I did not have enough knowledge (plans were skimpy) or resorces to complete. Still have wood pcs stored in the basement.

The second attempt was started at 16 with my dad, a Pober Pixie. We go a little further along on this one. The fuselage was welded up and the ribs were started. I even entered it in the 4H fair as a project. Girls, flying and an education got in the way. Status today, the fuselage has been scrapped due to corrosion, the ribs and spruce spars are in the basement.

The thrid attempt was started after I finished collage. A crop duster friend and I bought a partially completed Monneri saileplane kit. I ended up with it and completed 60% of it. It hung from my garage ceiling for years. After I started my RV-6 I sold it to a soaring buddy who already had one Monneri and wanted another.

The fourth attempt is my RV-6, started in 1994 when I was 36. I am now 50 and the plane will fly this spring. The FWF has been completed, the wings are at the airport, I expect to start final assembly at the airport in April. I never gave up in 36 years that I would one day build an airplane.

If at first you do not succeed try, try, try and try again.

PS: This will not be my only one.
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Frank Smidler
N96FS, RV-6
Flying 1/11/09
1085 hr
2WI6 Stoughton, WI
Formally of Lafayette, IN
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  #25  
Old 01-31-2008, 11:13 AM
Parman Parman is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Granbury, texas
Posts: 16
Default

I started my RV7A last December at the age of 47. I have been trying to get started for over 25 years now, but with unsupportive wife, kids and the like, well you know. Now with new wonderful wife, kids grown, it is great to work on that dream. We will be going down to Van?s to pick up the wing kit next week.
My father is working with me on the plane and it one of the greatest experiences I have ever had. Woo Hoo
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Bob Fisher
RV-7A Empennage finished,
Working on the Wings
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  #26  
Old 01-31-2008, 01:31 PM
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Jerry Cochran Jerry Cochran is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Sherwood, Oregon
Posts: 981
Default Memory Enhancement

I started my RV-6a when I had just turned 64. She sure does fly nice and one of the best decisions I ever made.

BTW, for you older guys contemplating a build, this thing definitely helps your brain and memory, it did mine. Or something made an improvement... It def does one thing and teaches you to think outside the box... waaaaaaaayyyy outside!

GO for it!!!

Jerry
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  #27  
Old 01-31-2008, 03:13 PM
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Jaypratt Jaypratt is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Hicks Airfield, Fort Worth,Texas
Posts: 1,728
Default Do ultralghts count?

I built and flew three ultralights when I was 34 years old.
My first RV6 I started at 48. My first flight in it was when I turned 50. Since then I have built 3 more and one Kit Super Cub.
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Jay Pratt VAF #2
RV Central - Builder Assistance
Paul Revere, Borrowed Horse, & Shooter
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  #28  
Old 03-05-2008, 09:49 PM
longez360 longez360 is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 23
Default

Started my Long EZ at 15 years of age. Finished at 32...
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  #29  
Old 03-06-2008, 05:57 AM
Frank Russell Frank Russell is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 12
Default Still Flying

I started my RV 6A kit in 1990 when I retired at age 60. Wonderful retirement project. I disappeared down the basement steps to work on the kit and wasn't available to coach my wife on how she should reorganize her kitchen for about three years. Still flying with about 1260 hours on the hobbs.

Frank Russell
N18FR

Last edited by Frank Russell : 03-06-2008 at 05:59 AM. Reason: added start date
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  #30  
Old 03-06-2008, 07:27 AM
Dayton Murdock's Avatar
Dayton Murdock Dayton Murdock is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Carson City NV
Posts: 550
Default

I restored my Stinson 108-1 @ age 30-32
I restored my Belanca 7ACA @ age 35-36
I built my RV4 @ age 40-47 and it is the best yet!
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Dayton Murdock
VAF#408 RV4 N359DM Flying 1046 hrs 7/16/19
Builder Log
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