RV-10 Builder Assist?

[mciaglia]

If you are at the stage you describe you are far from 98% complete, more along with the lines of 50%. The stage of the build laying before you is time consuming for a quality product. Fiberglass (I loved it) is tedious process especially the poor quality of the Vans parts included (cabin top, doors, etc.)

My advice is to be diligent in your search for finishing this or just bite a little off at a time and get it done on your own.

The always say you can only pick 2 of the three

1. Real Quick
2. Real Cheap
3. Good Quality

[MJarreau]

More text here.

[Mike Meehan]

Jay Pratt?

[BobTurner]

Before going much further I'd suggest talking with someone you really trust, and find out how much additional work you can pay for and still fall under the 51% rule. If you're a slow build, obviously an amount equivalent to the QB is okay. If it's a QB, not sure anyone really knows the answer except the DAR you're likely to use.

[N427EF]

Fiberglass (I loved it) is tedious process especially the poor quality of the Vans parts included (cabin top, doors, etc.)

I can agree with the "tedious process" part but all fiberglass work can be made to look and fit like a show plane.

Having raised two kids and built 2 airplanes and contemplated at one time to enlist some help, I found that a "little break" in the building process was like a vacation from work. After stepping back a few weeks and catching up with family odds and ends, you'll be invigorated to attack the last 50% of your build.
If I was you, I would just keep at it without outside help.

[1001001]

Thanks for all the thoughtful and helpful responses. I'm encouraged enough that I'm going to try rearranging my time in ways that will let me work on the plane after the kids go to bed. I'll have to forgo a few hours of sleep but I think I can handle it with a "recharge" day once or twice a week.

We'll see how that works. Just got a crating date for my finish kit, which is a bit later than I imagined it would be, so we'll see where we are in the June-July time frame and I'll reconsider then.

[Kyle Boatright]

Originally Posted by 1001001

Thanks for all the thoughtful and helpful responses. I'm encouraged enough that I'm going to try rearranging my time in ways that will let me work on the plane after the kids go to bed.

That's largely how I built my -10. From 9 PM till midnight, with a few other hours tucked in where there was an opportunity.

The key is working on it an hour or three almost every night.

[ppilotmike]

I too am working on a looooong slow build 10. I'm at the point where my airframe is pretty much complete, along with top, doors, overhead console, etc. My engine and prop are sitting next to my project, ready to mount, and I'm in the queue at Stein Air to get my panel built this year. The problems I have are the same as you. I have 2 kids (8 and 11 now) and my build started 11 1/2 years ago (perfect timing!). However, I made my family the top priority, so it's taking a long time. My difficulty now is that my project is at the hangar which is a 40 to 60 min drive each way, so it's tough to get time in. However, I'm not throwing in the towel and neither should you! Schedule some work time and be happy with that time whatever it is. Plan ahead, so you're ready with activities the minute you hit the shop. I agree with what some have said about the fiberglass work. It's daunting, messy and time-consuming, but it can/will be done. After some experience, you'll see it's not so bad. Keep trudging and you'll get to the finish line. If you hire it out, it will go faster, but at a cost. You'll still have to devote time to make sure it's done to your liking and that you understand what's being done, so you don't end up with a "foreign airplane," same as if you'd bought it. Plus, I'm not sure what it would cost, money-wise (maybe someone could chime in with a ROM budget??). I bet it's pretty significant, but maybe I'm wrong about that.. Either way, make the decision that's best for you and your family. Maybe that decision is to keep on keeping on.

[jamcgee1978]

Saw this post and great too see all the pics of getting the kids involved.

Same here in Scotland my son was 3 / daughter 7mths when i started the 10 build and tbh it was a great time i would mostly work at night when they were in bed from 7 ish and it worked out really well as a mancave to relax for me. As others have said the harder time was actually as they got to 5+ when after school clubs took priority. My advice is do what you can do , little but often and the progress comes. My son is now 9 this year and is pretty handy as building things at school, i wonder were that came from