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  #1  
Old 01-09-2009, 11:59 AM
ebusto ebusto is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Santa Clara, CA
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Default Where to build for an apartment dweller?

I live in an apartment, so I'm lacking a garage. All of the local airports have pretty gnarly waiting lists for hangars. If I wanted to build an RV, does anyone have any recommendations? Has anyone gone through the process of locating and renting warehouse space for the purpose of aircraft building? Any problems encountered? Experiences?
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  #2  
Old 01-09-2009, 12:08 PM
David-aviator David-aviator is offline
 
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Location: Chesterfield, Missouri
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ebusto View Post
I live in an apartment, so I'm lacking a garage. All of the local airports have pretty gnarly waiting lists for hangars. If I wanted to build an RV, does anyone have any recommendations? Has anyone gone through the process of locating and renting warehouse space for the purpose of aircraft building? Any problems encountered? Experiences?
Eric,

First off there is no such thing as a "lowly student pilot" as per your public ID. We all started as student pilots at one time.

My youngest son lives in an apartment is Vista, CA and has rented warehouse space for doing his wood working stuff. The place is quite large and could easily accommodate an RV project.

Check it out in your area and get started!
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  #3  
Old 01-09-2009, 12:10 PM
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Vlad Vlad is offline
 
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Location: Utah
Posts: 8,151
Smile Do you have a kitchen?

Quote:
Originally Posted by ebusto View Post
I live in an apartment, so I'm lacking a garage. All of the local airports have pretty gnarly waiting lists for hangars. If I wanted to build an RV, does anyone have any recommendations? Has anyone gone through the process of locating and renting warehouse space for the purpose of aircraft building? Any problems encountered? Experiences?
Hi from densely populated East Coast. Build your tail surfaces in the apartment you live. Top your compressor tank when neibours are at work,run your rivet gun on weekends. Advantages: 1.You will certainly determine if you like it and/or able to continue/finish, 2. Expenses will be minimal if project suddenly stopped or you decide to withdraw and sell. 3. By the time you are done with empennage, there will be several other options where and how to proceed further. Been there.
Just do it.
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Old 01-09-2009, 12:18 PM
waynestir1 waynestir1 is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 23
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I'm in that same state right now. I'm building my Tail feathers in my apartment without a garage. Get a good shop vac if you're going to do so, the aluminum shavings do tend to get everywhere. I'm not really sure how to proceed with the rest after i'm done so i'm kind of in the same boat. I've started looking at Hangars, warehouses, and the like. Most storage places don't want you building in them though, so just keep that in mind. It is definitely doable though! I will get this thing build eventually!
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  #5  
Old 01-09-2009, 12:23 PM
RyanM RyanM is offline
 
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One things that could also work is just renting a storage unit somewhere and work there. There is the issue of power & utilities. But for the most part its no different than a un-insulated hanger. It may be cheaper than a wharehouse/workshop rental, and you can move up into a larger spot as the project gets bigger. Also, the lease at the storage unit may prohibit certain activies other than storing stuff as well.
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  #6  
Old 01-09-2009, 12:37 PM
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Jamie Jamie is offline
 
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Location: Atlanta, GA
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I met another RV guy at an airport one day when getting gas. Unfortunately I do not remember his name but he had a nice looking -8A and it was very well built.

We of course started talking RVs and he mentioned that he too was in an apartment. He found an ad for shop space for rent in the local classifieds. He was thinking it would be out of his price range, but he decided to call anyway. The shop belonged to a widow who's late husband fooled around a lot with cars. The -8A builder rented the shop from her and built his entire plane there.

So maybe you could check the classifieds?

Just a thought.
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  #7  
Old 01-09-2009, 12:56 PM
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rph142 rph142 is offline
 
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Location: Walnut Creek CA
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What kind of apartment do you live in? I lived in a townhouse and didnt have any problem building 80% of the airframe in my living room. Although it might be tough if you have people above and below you.
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  #8  
Old 01-09-2009, 12:59 PM
datsclark datsclark is offline
 
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Location: Redwood City, CA
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Thats a tough one. Have you looked around for a house/shared housing with a garage? Not sure what your situation is, but I know there are places available further down in San Jose that may not be as nice but are sometimes similiar cost. I haven't seen much affordable work shop space either, but there's probably something out there.

I have seen hangar space for rent down at South County Airport, but thats probably far, and as people have said, might not be the best work space long term.

Where are you doing your flight training?
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  #9  
Old 01-09-2009, 12:59 PM
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AMURRAY AMURRAY is offline
 
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When I first started building my RV I didn't have a garage. I shared space in a T hanger with a Luscombe. The Luscombe being a high wing, there was plenty of room in the hanger. RV building really doesn't take up that much space until the wings go on the fuselage. The owner of the Luscombe was happy to offset the cost of his hanger. I know some airports require insurance for any airplane in the hanger. Usually builders insurance will suffice.
I could have had built the whole airplane in that hanger, less installing the wings.
Aaron
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  #10  
Old 01-09-2009, 01:05 PM
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flytoboat flytoboat is offline
 
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Default Try EAA

Quote:
Originally Posted by ebusto View Post
I live in an apartment, so I'm lacking a garage. All of the local airports have pretty gnarly waiting lists for hangars. If I wanted to build an RV, does anyone have any recommendations? Has anyone gone through the process of locating and renting warehouse space for the purpose of aircraft building? Any problems encountered? Experiences?
Join the EAA and your local chapter. Maybe someone there has extra room in their hangar/workshop to rent you.
good luck
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