Big deal to me... small deal to you...

java · #1 01-21-2007, 08:22 PM

Started building my 7 today (yes... absolute start). Finished the stiffeners for the rudder. I am sure you are all astounded ;-)

A few more firsts this weekend. I'm also working on picking up tailwheel time. Yesterday I flew the local SuperCub. First tailwheel hour, first stick (as opposed to yoke) time, first heel brakes, first tandem time... Overall, not as foreign as I thought. I really like it. I may have to build a cub type once I'm done my 7. OK... I'm getting ahead of myself...

gvgoff99 · #2 01-21-2007, 08:49 PM

Jase, Way to go! It is a BIG DEAL to start. It is also a large job that you have undertaken but it is possible to complete. Get a couple of friends that will come by to help and who will keep you motivated. It seems as if you will never finish but one day the unbelievable number of tasks do get finished and you have an airplane. Set up time for your family and time to work on the plane. Don't neglect either and both will do well. Good luck!

Ironflight · #3 01-21-2007, 08:50 PM

Congratulations on the starts....there are many important occasions between starting the project and first flight....but if you don't make that "first" part....none of the rest will follow. I think that makes it essential!

Paul

osxuser · #4 01-21-2007, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by java

Started building my 7 today (yes... absolute start). Finished the stiffeners for the rudder. I am sure you are all astounded ;-)

A few more firsts this weekend. I'm also working on picking up tailwheel time. Yesterday I flew the local SuperCub. First tailwheel hour, first stick (as opposed to yoke) time, first heel brakes, first tandem time... Overall, not as foreign as I thought. I really like it. I may have to build a cub type once I'm done my 7. OK... I'm getting ahead of myself...

Did you go in the recommended assembly order? I know someone had to ask, 'cause the HS and VS took me 40+hrs

java · #5 01-21-2007, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by osxuser

Did you go in the recommended assembly order? I know someone had to ask, 'cause the HS and VS took me 40+hrs

I'm doing my empennage with a builder assist co. Not supposed to start until tomorrow... BUT I COULDN"T HELP IT!!! I came by today (I live close by) and got put to work on the stiffeners (easy, high time, low skill activity).

This is my training activity. I have no sheetmetal skills... yet, so I figured I'd pick them up on the emp and go on to build the fuse and wings (granted... QB) myself.

I'll report back at the end of this week. I'm hoping to be 95% done my emp in a week.

IowaRV9Dreamer · #6 01-22-2007, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by java

...and go on to build the fuse and wings (granted... QB) myself.

Congrats on starting - it is the most important step of the entire process.

I had no sheetmetal experience either, so I took an EAA workshop. I always planned to go quickbuild but after the tail, I have found that I really enjoy the building process. Slow build for me! Maybe the same thing will happen for you.

Good luck!

MrNomad · #7 01-22-2007, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by java

I'm hoping to be 95% done my emp in a week.

Yeah, and my hair is growing back in, and those 20 pounds I don't need are leaving. Give yourself a break. Don't set goals that may be difficult or impossible to attain.

The dude is gonna take time, like it or not, and other stuff is going to get in the way like the pipe that just burst in my ceiling requiring 2 weeks worth of repairs. There goes my Feb completion target.

Those who have gone before us say: "Enjoy the ride". I suspect they're right.

TerryWighs · #8 01-22-2007, 11:06 AM

All great things start from "the first step"....Congradulations on your beginning...and remember it all happens from one step at a time....one moment at a time....

Tom McCutcheon · #9 01-22-2007, 07:07 PM

Excellent that you have taken the first step. It may seem like a monumental task to you and it certainly will to others. Many get bogged down thinking it's just too much. However, I like to think of these projects as a series of small tasks. As someone else suggested, make small goals and set aside a certain amount of time each day or week that you are going to work on your project. The more time you set aside the sooner it is complete. You'll be surprised at how much you get done and eventually it will be a thing of beauty and something you can be proud of completing.

osxuser · #10 01-22-2007, 10:14 PM

My tail may be taking a while, but the plus side is... it's a LOT nicer than other first builders tails. I've made my share of mistakes, but... it's nicer than most.