I have lost my way

[dsm8]

I have lost my way and would appreciate any and all opinions.
I started my RV-12 project five years ago and have enjoyed most of it, wiring excluded. Due to a change in my financial situation, I may be able to complete my project, but despite my “windfall” I have done some soul searching and financial analysis, along with a review of certified aircraft currently for sale, finishing my RV-12-ULS will give me a more capable and valuable aircraft, with respect to my mission needs. Solo x-cross country and 100 dollar hamburgers with friends (friend).
I want to get back on track and my thoughts were to:
1. Invite tech counselors from my EAA chapter to give my work to date a thorough evaluation
a. No one wants to hear criticisms of the quality of your work, but safety first, last and always.
2. Sell the project as is and pay off the loan
3. Buy a certified aircraft with less capability and dealing with the burden of a 40 plus year old aircraft that may have an unknown history and cannot predict future costs.
I guess what I am asking for is the motivation I need to, continue with my project. If anyone has had a similar experience and what they did to overcome the challenges would be greatly appreciated. If you are not comfortable with posting, by all means send me an email.

Respectfully submitted

[Mike S]

Originally Posted by dsm8

I guess what I am asking for is the motivation I need to, continue with my project.

Respectfully submitted

Sounds like you are most of the way there just by acknowledging the issue, and asking for help.

GO FOR IT

[wirejock]

I've been through that several times. I usually take on a smaller project and finish it. Gives me the motivation to go back to the airplane. Tech Counselor is a good idea either way. Nothing kills motivatiin worse then finishing a component and finding out it has to be redone. I got four visits so far fom three different TCs. So far, so good. I'm back in the shop working FWF and excited to finish.

[DeltaRomeo]

Common feeling, Don. I had similar thoughts at times.

My advice is to 1) get a ride every so often in an RV-12 in your area and 2) look at this bookmark every so often https://flightaware.com/live/aircrafttype/RV12 (it shows some of the RV-12s currently in the air). Then say to yourself, "That's gonna be me someday."

And it is.

(if it was easy everyone would do it) If you're ever near Dallas, TX look me up. We're going for a flight.

v/r,dr

[bernsbm]

If you have access to an RV12 through a friend or rental, it might help to go flying. Sometimes the building timeline is so long we lose sight of how much fun (and motivating) the RV12 is to fly.

[DaleB]

Re-reading your original post, I see you've already figured out that the correct answer is to finish the RV-12. You're going to enjoy owning and flying it much more than an older, well-used factory built airplane.

Of course there are often slightly used RV-12s for sale at prices that seem to be pretty attractive.

[climberrn]

Another thing to think about is that potential 40 year old aircraft you mention will probably be significantly higher hourly costs to operate. The Rotax is easy on fuel, and a new airplane will need minimal money to keep airworthy.

I find when I have little motivation to work on the project, just go out and sweep the floor, organize your tools, etc. Once you are there hold up some parts to see how they fit. You will feel motivation in no time.

[larrynew]

Originally Posted by climberrn

I find when I have little motivation to work on the project, just go out and sweep the floor, organize your tools, etc. Once you are there hold up some parts to see how they fit. You will feel motivation in no time.

Some of the best advice I got from this website was to do something everyday. Even if it was just to put one tool away. Doing that kept the building embers warm. Soon enough, you’ll be back to full blaze.

[mike newall]

Absolutely correct.

Go into the shop. Play some good music.....

Clear the shelves, sweep up, put everything in it's place, back to building and get focussed on the prize.... We built two !!! They are fabulous aeroplanes.

[David Paule]

The RV-12 is a very sweet-flying airplane with startlingly good visibility. You'll love it. Hurry up and get it done!

Dave
RV-3B, working on the canopy now