Uncertainties/fear of building...

eh009us · #1 11-22-2011, 02:46 PM

Just thinking out loud. Anyone else get this as well? Had several false starts on at least two -7 kits and a set of Bearhawk wings. I'll get into it, then start thinking ahead to what will happen with avgas (prices, availability), user fees, is this the plane I REALLY want, How many more years will I get to fly this after all the work (I'm only in my early 40's, so probably irrational), etc. Then sell the project at a marginal loss. Wife getting mildly frustrated, but still supportive of a build (she's the bomb) and LOVES TO FLY ! Made the mistake of showing her an RV-10 at the 2010 SnF. She knows only a -7 would be in the budget. I Have all of the tools and a detatched 3-car shop some would kill for. Oversized workbenches, air, sound system, the whole shebang. EAA metalwork course four years ago. PPI. Live near several builders in SE PA. Live two miles off the west end of KOQN, so of course I see a budies RV-7a flyover on occasion. So I ask myself...self, wtf ? you could have had the plane about done by now ! Lately, I often find myself thinking about certain videos a certain builder posted on his extensive build site before he flaked and pulled it down a while ago. Especially the "Big Bear" landing video and flying over the snow capped mountains with the music. Beautiful stuff. Great pilot. Miss the inpirational site.

Anyway, the point is, anyone else feel this anxiety about getting into a big project like this ? I suppose it's normal. This isn't nearly the biggest thing I've ever attempted for sure. I guess constant motivation would be the key for me. And to stop thinking so dam much. -E

David Paule · #2 11-22-2011, 02:51 PM

If you can swing it, why not buy a -6 or -7?

Instant gratification....

Dave

airguy · #3 11-22-2011, 02:53 PM

Same question - different angle - how long have you been married? What made you think you could commit to her? How is that different than the airplane?

Less worry - more do. Get busy.

DanH · #4 11-22-2011, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Paule

If you can swing it, why not buy a -6 or -7?

Instant gratification....Dave

Perfect answer!

RV7Ron · #5 11-22-2011, 02:56 PM

Rest assured, anxiety before and during are completely normal for 99% of us...or at least first time builders. If you're not anxious, you probably have no idea what you're getting into.

My advice is, you should be "all in" or you'll probably end up folding the tent at some point during the build. You have to be of the mindset, nothing is going to stop me from getting this thing flying...its that attitude that will see you through the trying times...its not all rosie. It takes a lot of dedication and I gotta say its the biggest commitment I've made outside of getting married. Its not a trivial thing.

But with all that being said...my only regret is I didnt start sooner, I spent about three years just 'thinking' about it, much like you are now. Good luck!

Caummisar · #6 11-22-2011, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eh009us

Anyway, the point is, anyone else feel this anxiety about getting into a big project like this ? I suppose it's normal. This isn't nearly the biggest thing I've ever attempted for sure. I guess constant motivation would be the key for me. And to stop thinking so dam much. -E

Worry is interest paid on trouble before it comes due.

Lemmingman · #7 11-22-2011, 03:16 PM

It doesn't happen often, but I have definitely have those moments. When it happens I find something else to occupy my brain.

You might look around and schedule some transition training in a 6/7/9. See if the plane is something you *want* to own. Then, like Dave suggested, buy one that has already been well loved by another owner.

If you finish the transition training and decide its not for you, then you can happily move on to a Bearhawk or Kitfox or Cessna or whatever knowing that you did your due diligence.

Building isn't for everyone, don't waste another minute doing what you don't want to do.

APACHE 56 · #8 11-22-2011, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eh009us

Anyway, the point is, anyone else feel this anxiety about getting into a big project like this ?

Yes, and for all the reasons you stated and more. My main concern was "is this something I really want to do over the next several years?" As a test I bought a Steen Skybolt and disassembled it down to the frame. It took a couple of years to rebuild it (the typical 6 month project) to include recovering, paint etc. I did the standard dollar per airspeed calculations and determined the RV line was best. Another factor favoring the RV was that I didn't want to do another fabric stitch/knot and sure didn't want to do any fiberglass work (the RV builders are chuckling at that insider joke). Only you can tell if you possess the mechanical skills and they are not that onerous -and there is the option of help-for-hire.
Come on in, the waters fine.
Don

aarvig · #9 11-22-2011, 03:34 PM

Nothing ever worth having has ever come easy. Quit thinking and start doing. Commit to it or move on to something else and quit wasting your time and money. Only you can commit to it, only you can justify it, only you can want it. So, DO YOU?
Maybe a better way to look at it is this. When you are old and gray and lying on your deathbed are you going to be happy that you chose NOT to build and fly your own plane, or are you going to wish that you would have?
As for the anxiety, there is anxiety in any massive undertaking (and building is). But heck man, if you can fly a plane, you have already proven to yourself that you can manage anxiety. What are you afraid of:

1.) Not finishing? If you don't start you can't finish. Life may throw you curve balls you are not expecting. You can't help those. Manage them as they come and be aware they may take you out of the build. BUT you can't let that stop you because they MAY NOT happen.

2.) Not being able to afford it? If you have a job you can afford it. It may just take longer to build.

3.) Wanting another plane after you get started? Accept the fact that the grass is almost always greener on the other side. That doesn't mean its better for you. Pick the plane that suits the mission you intend to use it for. Don't pick a wild dream and try to build that.

4.) Its to much work? Then you may as well quit thinking about it because it is to much work. Buy a finished plane then.

Yoda...there is no try...do or do not.

Have fun building!

(Not trying to be harsh...just getting to the meat and potatoes).

eh009us · #10 11-22-2011, 03:49 PM

I guess regarding buying a used -7 it defeats the purpose of homebuilt ownership for me. Can't inspect/maintain anything major on it. Might as well buy a Cherokee. Money isn't the issue, unless you're talking about a -10. Been doing the "what-if" dance in my head for a while, regarding which plane, etc. Being able to buy the kit in part is very appealing. Just need to git 'r done and set a schedule for myself. When I get to certain milestones in the build the motivation will come.