Basic Builders Class

Stalldog · #1 10-19-2011, 05:02 PM

Well, I'm sure the info is here, but I can't seem to find it in one concise location. I'm trying to find some good classes for basic building. I've seen some very good recommendations for Grov-Air and the EAA classes. Are there any others you would suggest for me and the wife? I want to get started soon on the emp kit, but I don't want to throw away $$$ during my learning process either. All I care about (I think) is the two day type of class. What did everyone else do when you started your first build?

BTW, we're located in the KC area, but I'm not opposed to traveling to attend a good class. Wife always wants an excuse for a long weekend anyway!

DanWright · #2 10-19-2011, 05:10 PM

Check online

douglassmt · #3 10-19-2011, 05:11 PM

I went to three classes with Wally at Synergy in Eugene, OR. Probably the single best thing I did that contributed to the success of my build. Highly recommend it.

bruceh · #4 10-19-2011, 05:29 PM

I did the SportAir RV assembly workshop. Highly recommend it for anyone like me who had never smashed a rivet or worked with aluminum. You build the practice kit that Van's sells. You will make some mistakes on it and that will hopefully prevent you from doing the same on your tail kit. I learned to slow down, read and understand the plans, then assemble/drill/deburr/etc.

dmaib · #5 10-19-2011, 05:58 PM

My wife and I went out to Oregon to attend Wally Anderson's Fundamentals of Building course and his Quick Start Empennage class at SynergyAir. No doubt in our minds that this was the most crucial step we took towards a successful build. We left with the basic skills and, more importantly, confidence in our ability to really do this.

Vlad · #6 10-19-2011, 06:03 PM

EAA sheet metal workshop at Osh 2005 was enough for me to understand that I could do it. I remember the volunteer who taught the class. In 2009 I was a volunteer with S-n-F workshop myself, my RV was waiting for the engine. Whatever course you choose Jim all are good.

N546RV · #7 10-19-2011, 07:00 PM

I'm doing the EAA metal building workshop in a couple weeks here in ATL. Looking forward to getting my hands dirty...

Scream · #8 10-19-2011, 07:48 PM

I did the both the Van's RV assembly and the Sheet Metal basics class. Of the two, I recommend the Sheet Metal. It is a more complicated build and the skill set are the same. The only complaint might be that you share the construction with another person. My partner was good, so I have no complaints.

Although you have to wait until January, Oshkosh is only a 10 hour drive and you can visit the museum.

Food for thought.

Scream

http://www.sportair.com/schedule.html

stevemcgirr · #9 10-19-2011, 10:02 PM

I just wanted to agree with two previous poster's recommendation for the Synergy Air classes. I did the intro course, the intro to empennage and the quick building the quickbuild class. I personally found them invaluable.

Stalldog · #10 10-20-2011, 04:59 AM

Thanks everyone for all the good input. Looks like I can't go wrong with EAA and Synergy workshops. I'll check with wifey and see what I can get set up.