Post-build blues

[Webb]

I’ll buy you a ticket to Mississippi to help me finish and I’ll feed you like a king with plenty to drink at the end of the day.

Seriously, find a local that needs the help or talk one of your hangar mates to start building.

The offer still stands. Good scotch and cigars have been known to be found.

[mikeholl]

It took me a couple of years to sort out the (mostly minor) problems of my last build, and a couple more learning to fly it, which was very satisfying.
So we've now started in with a part built RV-6, for the "repeat offender" bit!
Cheers
Mike

[MacCool]

Originally Posted by cgeyman

It will be an adjustment. Mainly my wife doesn’t want me hanging around the house. 🛫.

this really resonates with me. As my retirement looms, within the next few months, I face this exact issue at home. "I married you for life, but not for lunch", she lovingly told me.

[cgeyman]

Retirement is a great time to start/finish a build. But I may have to go back to work if I don’t get a new plan now.

[Dan 57]

never had so little time available since I retired from the airlines, almost 5 years ago that is
Good thing is I finally got clever on my 2nd wife since she’s much younger than myself and still has a few working years ahead

Notwithstanding what others on this very forum state, building an aircraft is a royal PIA .
Sure, for most the end product makes it worth, but still… building made me realized what I already new, being born a pilot, not a builder.

Now don’t get me wrong here, I also get some satisfaction in starting and finishing some projects, but on a smaller scale. Such as home maintenance, building and fixing (though not sure I really like this part of the hobby…) my RC planes, etc.
Trying to stay fit is another occupation, as is music (blues harp), and finally having time to read… real books
Working for our national EAA equivalent also consumes some of my time.

And the flying! Having an aircraft which is mine, which I can/could ride everyday, what a luxury
And the more one flies, the more maintenance one has to perform

Hope I could share some “time filling” ideas here, and lest we forget, we are highly privileged, and life is short…

[claycookiemonster]

Does an RV Pedal Plane count towards Repeat Offender status?

[MED]

Originally Posted by claycookiemonster

Does an RV Pedal Plane count towards Repeat Offender status?

I am hoping so. I have the plans, but still waiting for a pilot.

[plehrke]

Now that you are done building you can start the UPGRADES. They are done at your own pace with no one continuously asking “when are you going to be done”

[abuura]

Originally Posted by cgeyman

After two intense years of building my RV-9a, things are winding down. If I get my A/W certificate in three weeks it will be back to flying as usual. What advice do former builders give?

You will find out shortly that you're just getting started. Phase I will reveal the need for various adjustments, disassembly of certain components, and other unforeseen challenges. Keep good notes, take lots of pictures, looks for leaks/chafing/looseness, etc... You'll be plenty busy.
Then the carefree flying part will set in. Time to work on accomplishing the maneuvers relevant to your certificate within standards, lots of simulated engine-outs, determining best glide and min sink.
With the passage of time, the bill for vibration will start to come due and you'll be fixing things more often. Again, keep good notes and take lots of pictures. Keep a close eye on these forums for newfound issues and solutions.

[rockwoodrv9]

I am finding out after 10 years building and now about 6 months flying, I am having so much fun flying I dont want to take the plane out of flight status to work on the wheel pants and fairings. I plan to re-do the panel to move things around a bit but it works fine as is, so that may never happen!

I think the flying part will take care of your time. Have fun and congratulations getting to where you are now.