Prior to doing any maintenance, contact someone locally who can show you how to whatever task you are about to undertake.
Even doing something as simple as changing the oil is different than doing it in your car. For example, warm the oil (one trip around the patch will be good), drain the oil into a clean bucket, stir with a magnet on a stick to check for metal partials, replace filter (or clean the screen, depends on which engine you have), inspect the filter, oil the filter seal and torque it, if you have an oil plug, replace the gasket and re-torque, fill with oil, test run & inspect for leaks, cowl up and go fly. That is the short version - it should give you an idea.
The more maintenance you do, the more $$$ you will save for fuel and $100 BBQ lunches.
When looking for a plane, ask to see all the logs and get a copy of the electrical system?s schematic. Without that, I wouldn?t even think about it.
The engine size & prop are open for discussion. I know of one guy who bought a 150 hp RV-8 and loves the feel of it. Said it flies almost like an RV-4 because it is so light. Others argue that the only way to go is the biggest engine with a three bladed constant speed prop. It all comes down to personal preference.
Some people will pay high dollar for an engine built one of the big name engine shops. The question that no one has been able to answer for me is, after 100, 200, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000 hours does this really matter? Obviously, you will more for the large engine, even though the acquisition costs are almost the same (when buying new) but if it is a high time engine, the price comes back down. High time is defined as both Total Time (TT) and Time Since Major Overhaul. (TSMO).
Take a look at the empty weight vs. stated gross weight. Van?s lists the GW for a -7 as 1800 lbs, some people inflate that number. You have to decide what is acceptable; none, 1850, 1900, etc.
Figure out what your mission is. If you are just looking for some local flights or long distance flights with no schedule; do you really need an IFR ship? You can save yourself some money by buying the right ship for you. You can always upgrade later on. (I have some friends who sold their Glasair and bought a Starduster only to replace that with and even slower Cabin WACO. They are retired and are not in any hurry, so going VFR and getting stuck at some out of the way airport in the WACO is part of the adventure.)
__________________
Bill R.
RV-9 (Yes, it's a dragon tail)
O-360 w/ dual P-mags
Build the plane you want, not the plane others want you to build!
SC86 - Easley, SC
www.repucci.com/bill/baf.html
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