Just starting the journey

Skyhawk148 · #1 07-09-2009, 08:42 AM

I am new to this so please bare with me.

I am in the planning stages of building, partial building or buying a Vans Plane.
To be honest with you I have been studying the idea for about a month and am in awe of the plane and group each day. I still cannot sleep at night and wonder when I will return to normal? This has been a 30 day high. Kids are gone, wife works Saturdays and I am tired of golf.

Can any one summarize the pros and cons of building or buying someone elses partially completed project? On a partial completed project, can you still get qualified as repairman as original builder? Are there any milestones that eliminates the finish builder?

Thank, there will a lot of questions coming

pierre smith · #2 07-09-2009, 09:08 AM

....to this great site.

Pro's are that you can usually buy a partially built RV for a good percentage less than new and usually the labor is free. That said, nowadays you can buy a completed RV with greater savings. Black Magic on here is a real bargain and I'd jump on it in a skinny minute if I didn't already have one. That airplane is way under the parts cost and it won't last long.

Yes, you can get a repairman's certificate if you complete it.

Regards,

trib · #3 07-09-2009, 09:35 AM

Mark,

If you decide to build, get ready for a lot more sleepless nights. The project can consume a lot of your thoughts- but that's a good thing! Think of it as the ultimate puzzle. You'll always be solving things as you progress. It's part of the huge sense of accomplishment.

Building or buying is the decision you need to make. I think Pierre's statement is accurate. It is a bit cheaper to buy a project or completed plane. But I wouldn't do it myself. I'm just finishing my project. Moved it to the airport last weekend. Everything is painted and all I have is final assembly. The complete plane has been assembled already, before disassembly to paint. I did everything from panel design and wiring to painting. The amount of knowledge you gain is incredible. I'm already going through withdrawel in advance of completion, but look forward to the flying again.

Either way- good luck. If you go with an RV, you won't really regret either decision!

RV7Ron · #4 07-09-2009, 09:36 AM

and another beauty out there for a steal...

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...ad.php?t=45060

Building is a lot of fun though, frustrating at times, but gives ya a lot of satisfaction too. I am also just getting started but my only compaint so far, is why I waited so long! Enjoy whichever path you take.

JonJay · #5 07-09-2009, 10:00 AM

Investing in an empennage kit is not a huge $ hit and you will find out quickly if you enjoy the process or if it is not for you. If you decide from there to build, be prepared for a long, challenging, but satisfying, journey. If you are able to complete the daunting task, flying the machine you built is a feeling second to none. You will also know every in and out of the airplane and can maintain it yourself. The pride of flying and showing off your own built airplane can not be matched.

Partial kits are better left for experienced builders in my opinion. Unless you have a very good tech counselor and other experienced people to help, picking up where someone left off is tough. The build process is designed to educate you as you go, so by the time you are messing with more advanced airframe stuff you have a built in base of experience. It is difficult to evaluate a partial project even with experience.

As others have said, basement level bargains are out there on very nice airplanes. You can buy for much less than you can build. There are some very nice airplanes for sale right now that you could step right into to and be proud to own.

Mike S · #6 07-09-2009, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonJay

Investing in an empennage kit is not a huge $ hit and you will find out quickly if you enjoy the process or if it is not for you. If you decide from there to build, be prepared for a long, challenging, but satisfying, journey. If you are able to complete the daunting task, flying the machine you built is a feeling second to none. You will also know every in and out of the airplane and can maintain it yourself. The pride of flying and showing off your own built airplane can not be matched.

Very good points here.

If you havent already done so, seek out and join a local chapter of the EAA, find local builders and go look at a project or two. See if you can spend a day working/helping someone on their kit----early stage kit would be good.

Try to get a ride in an RV, both of you need to do this.

Welcome aboard, and enjoy the ride

The more information you can gather the better.

P.S., keep counting them beans