Why do so many dislike Experimentals?

[lacofdfireman]

I was a little supprised the other day when talking to an Uncle of mine about me getting my PPL license and my desire to someday build an RV... He is a pilot of over 40 years and was without sugar coating it telling me that building an experimental airplane is about the dumbest, yet easiest way to get yourself killed in an aircraft. He was telling me to go out and buy a 40 year old GA plane and just have fun cruising around. I guess I am actually not really surprised because I have talked to many pilots with alot of hours that say experimental's are not safe...
Seems to me that a plane is a plane whether it is built in the cessna factory or homebuilt. It's not like you are starting with scratch and designing a plane from the ground up... I think the Van's planes have been a proven design... Also to me, at least what I have learned from this site is that the builders here take alot of pride in there work and are sure to make sure stuff is done exactly right... So why do pilots feel like they need to talk down the experimental planes? Are they really that much more dangerous?
Getting closer to being able to build. Just sold our Motorhome yesterday so that has freed up another $600 per month. Hoping to be a builder soon...

[jmbrwn]

Long story short....they are just misinformed (uneducated) in my opinion.

[L.Adamson]

Just tell him that 747, 767, F-18, F-16, Airbus 380 drivers, as well as big wigs at NASA, and a whole slew of other pilots fly Van's RV's. That should shut him up for a while!

L.Adamson --- RV6A

[PropMan]

Just remember ALL plane designs were Experimental at one time!

[hydroguy2]

Originally Posted by lacofdfireman

...... Are they really that much more dangerous?
...

Yes, statistically they are more dangerous. But lots of things come with increased risk.

[John Clark]

As a pilot "of over 40 years" myself, let me take a shot at this. Thirty to forty years ago things were very different. Homebuilts truly were homebuilt and very experimental. This hobby has matured considerably in the past 20 years, thanks to people like Van, to name one. Your uncle is not aware of the advances made from the days of seeing something interesting on the cover of Mechanics Illustrated and buying a set of plans. We are way ahead of the game with Van's engineering and the support of groups like this one.

John Clark ATP, CFI
FAA FAAST Team Member
EAA Flight Advisor
RV8 N18U "Sunshine"
KSBA

[Dmadd]

As well as a half dozen "croissant cruiser" guys (airbus A-300F) ;-)
Of course that might not help the argument from a sanity point of view...

Originally Posted by L.Adamson

Just tell him that 747, 767, F-18, F-16, Airbus 380 drivers, as well as big wigs at NASA, and a whole slew of other pilots fly Van's RV's. That should shut him up for a while!

L.Adamson --- RV6A

[lacofdfireman]

John,

I think that is a very accurate statement.. I agree that there have been some major milestones in the aircraft industry.. Just look at the kit's that Van started with... Went from drill your own holes to prepunched and now there are quickbuild kits that take alot of the guesswork out of some of the most difficult parts to build... For me personally I know that when I build it will take me along time even though I will build a Quickbuild kit... Nothing scares me about building except for all the firewall forward stuff especially the electrical... I am not an electrical guru like most of the guys here on the board and that scares me the most... That is probably one of the most important parts of the entire build also.. I don't really have an occupation to where I can take a night college class or something like that to learn either. When I get to that point hopefully I can work my way through it... Oops got OT there..
Anyways I think education is the key just like everyone is saying...

[RV8RIVETER]

Originally Posted by lacofdfireman

John,
I don't really have an occupation to where I can take a night college class or something like that to learn either. When I get to that point hopefully I can work my way through it... Oops got OT there..
Anyways I think education is the key just like everyone is saying...

That is the great thing about this "community". You can usually find a person with the knowledge you need and who is willing to help. You even have a well known EAA Chapter right in your location, attend a meeting and get to know some people.
http://www.eaa49.av.org/

As to your Uncle. I am an ex Air Force and Delta Air Line mechanic. I have seen many homebuilts that would put a Boeing to shame in detail and build quality. I have also seen a very few (2 or 3) that I would not get near. It is all about the individual builders commitment to doing a good job.

Welcome aboard and good luck.

[fstringham7a]

Hi Dave

How are you doing and it is great to see that you still have an interest.

My plane was flown last July by a retired Navy fighter pilot/retired Delta 737 driver who happens to own an RV7A. My plane is hangered in a Delta retired 767 driver (Hurricane..1L8...) that flys an F1 Rocket. These two guys have flown about every style of GA aircraft out there and still they own and fly ....EXPERIMENTAL...

Now for me. I came to aviation late in this lifes game and thus don't have the real world experience of your uncle. But, as the others have said the Experimental world is very mature. From safety/design/panel options/engine options these planes when built methodically and with craftsmen like skills they are as safe as this type of travel will allow. By the way the skill set can be easily learned even by this old retired school teacher. Just think how easy it will be for a fireman.

It took me 4 years 10 months and 10 days to get the job done. I learned a ton, enjoyed the build, and have really enjoyed flying my creation. For me it was a twofer. Build and Fly.......I am still to this day finishing cosmetic details and adding APRS....

You had a chance to see my plane during the build so I know that you have no illusions as to the level of commitment it takes in time, $$$$, effort, frustration, highs, lows, (or LOWES aero) it takes to get the job done. But what joy during the build and at the end of the build line. FLYING a fast/new/sophisticated aircraft similar to or less $$$$$$ than an old GA aircraft.

The electrical and FWF stuff in my early thinking was problematic but in the end was the most enjoyable. There is a ton of info/EAA gurus/books/VAF search/ that will be your guide.

Dave if you really want to do this and include your family for a fun journey don't let the committee of "THEY" (even the ones you love) steal your dream and wonderful family experience.

I will look forward to your post that says,"Emp ordered and on it's way".

Good luck!!!!!!!

Frank @ 1L8 ...RV7A.. Flying snd APRS Tracken!!!!!!!!!!!!