Got My Grin Yesterday

Wes R · #1 06-30-2013, 02:09 PM

First I would like to say hello to all, and tell a little story that I'm certain we all share. I have been lurking around this forum awhile now. Seems like a great group here, very knowledgeable and diverse. Until yesterday I haven't really had a need to "chime" in on anything.
Nice morning yesterday so the lady and I rolled out of bed early and to airfield we went. Pulled the 172 from its resting place and headed over to T82 for breakfast at the airport diner. Straight over and back since she had to report to work around 10. Landed back at the home and sent her on her way. While coming in to land I notice a fellow aviator washing his RV-6 by his hangar so I walked over to take a look. I have met the gentleman before but I'm terrible with name so I introduced myself again. One thing lead to another and we decided that the plane need to be dried off. Boy was I excited, my first ride in an RV. We took off and head towards GYB to see a mutual friend who runs the FBO there. As soon as we were safely off the ground to my surprise I hear "your airplane". I have never flown anything like it, it's fast, it's responsive, it seems to read your mind through the stick, I was blown away to say the least. Made our stop and shot the bull for a few minutes. All I could think about was the ride back home. We did some sight seeing on the way back and to soon the fun was over, but the the grin, well now I can relate. My lady returned home shortly after me and she immediately ask what's with the smirk on you face? Fortunately she love to fly to so maybe I won't need to twist her arm to much.

Now the question is build or buy?

WR

ArVeeNiner · #2 06-30-2013, 02:18 PM

Now you've done it. You just took your $50K "free" ride! You won't regret it.

Bob Axsom · #3 06-30-2013, 02:24 PM

I vote for the build to get the full depth of the experience. It is worth having. For a "6" you will have buy a kit somewhere in the builder "didn't work out" world but I see your signature statement says you are a RV-8 dreamer anyway so there is no problem there. I rode in an RV-8 recently and one tiny little comment I will make about the beautiful slimline RV-8 - no i'll just let it slide. It must be a great personal airplane. Come up to Taylor just north of Austin in November and there will be quite a few RV's of all kinds there for the Rocket 100 race.

Bob Axsom

erikpmort · #4 06-30-2013, 02:31 PM

You buy, then build another. That is my plan. How could I wait ?!

Mike S · #5 06-30-2013, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wes R

First I would like to say hello to all,

WR

Wes, welcome aboard the good ship VAF

GLPalinkas · #6 06-30-2013, 03:20 PM

Hi Wes and welcome. You are in correct place to decide on build/buy. Lots of helpful and knowledgeable friends here who can answer those questions for you.

olyolson · #7 06-30-2013, 03:36 PM

Wes,

Buy one now and start flying. You can always buy a kit or a project later but get one now to satisfy the RV grin every day. If you're like me with a full time job it will take a lot of years to get one in the air.

Welcome to the club!
Oly

Don · #8 06-30-2013, 04:10 PM

I'm in the buy and build boat myself and highly recommend it. About the only drawback is building slows down noticeably. On the bright side though, there's nothing like having a completed plane to look at while you're building. It helps to see where you're going. You'll also learn how you want to place the instruments and controls like flaps and trim.

Don't think of buying/building as an "either/or" choice - its really a "both/and" choice.

wirejock · #9 06-30-2013, 04:16 PM

Welcome.
If time is an issue...buy a QB kit or surf the classifieds section. I've seen components for sale already built. Some of were for sale in Austin.
I'm from Austin too and bought my empennage that way. It was not started though.
One word of advise though. Have your spouse sit in and possibly fly as passenger in the various models you like. Spousal support is key to success.
My Sweetie loved the 7a slider and insisted we build one. Of course I said, "well I guess so".

She really enjoys helping.

Wes R · #10 06-30-2013, 04:20 PM

I appreciate the warm welcome.

Two things that concern me about buying instead of building..
1) hangar space in the Austin area is almost nonexistent
2) I'm a low time pilot (100 hours) with no tail dragger time. Not sure if I'm ready for such a nimble airplane. The curb appeal of an -8 with its nose high sitting on the ramp is just to cool, so it has to be a tail dragger.

If I build...
- it gives me more log time during the build and some tail wheel time
- I'm on the hangar waiting list at GTU so maybe that would solve the hangar availability problem
- the cost would be spread out of time

Lots of great deals out there on finished RV's to be had. Decisions, decisions.
WR