Re Evaluate

MikeyDale · #1 02-22-2013, 06:08 PM

I had originally projected my 7 to be finished in two years. (I bought a project with quickbuild wings and fuse and 80% finished empennage). After working all week on the elevator trim tab, I am going to need to move the projected finish to 4 years! My shop looks like a tornado has hit, I'm knee deep in aluminum scrap from building riblets, my wife has threatened to leave me twice!...I have farmed for 25 years, I can build hay baler parts in the middle of the night with scrap iron, a torch, welder and grinder by flashlight but this aluminum is kickin my butt!...I've got a new found respect for you airplane builders out there!...It's a good thing I'm so stubborn!

tkatc · #2 02-22-2013, 06:32 PM

I think you'll find with a bit more practice/exposure you'll start to acquire a feel for it. The trim tab is a challenging piece for many builders. My first attempt was acceptable and my bends worked out without making riblets. I will say that it is not flawless though and after letting it bug me for a few nights, I ordered a new trim tab. That was 3 or 4 months ago and I have not started on the second tab yet but I am confident my second attempt will be more acceptable to me.

DanBaier · #3 02-22-2013, 06:48 PM

I eventually gave up on estimating a finish. I even gave up on estimating just some of the individual tasks.

I finally settled in on the notion that a good day was when things moved forward (at all) - even if just a little. And a funny thing happened. One day there was this guy in my hangar handing me an airworthiness certificate. I remember thinking that was nice, but what was I going to do now?

Enjoy the building time.

Dan

videobobk · #4 02-22-2013, 07:19 PM

Working with aluminum is a learning curve like any other. I would expect there to be some"Ah ha!" moments in the next few weeks or months. It will get easier. The key is doing some work, no matter how little, every day.

As to completion, I predict you will be done on a Saturday...

Bob

N941WR · #5 02-22-2013, 07:27 PM

I?ve been flying since 2007 and I?m still not ?finished?.

6 Gun · #6 02-22-2013, 07:48 PM

Inch by inch lifes a cinch!

tkatc · #7 02-22-2013, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6 Gun

Inch by inch lifes a cinch!

I like that one!

Here's another:
Left, right, breathe.

Captain_John · #8 02-23-2013, 05:41 AM

Well Mikey, lemme tells ya...

I thought my slow build was going to take 4-5 years. I am on my 9th year now!

In that time I got a divorce, took a 3 year hiatus from the build, met a wonderful girl who loves flying and has been pushing me to get it done!

Lately things are really coming together!

I say that it is like eating an elephant, one bite at a time!

Btw, you need to make a decision. Are you a PILOT OR A BUILDER?

I savvy myself a builder but this project has tested those abilities!

If you want a plane, buy one. If you want to build a plane, build one. Either way RV's are great!

CJ

DaleB · #9 02-23-2013, 07:01 AM

Mike, I know where you're coming from. A coupe of months ago I felt the same way. You'll learn quickly, just keep at it and here's a link you will need from time to time...

http://www.vansaircraft.com/public/parts.txt

I'm a pilot, not a builder. I'm not building to fulfill a life long dream to build an airplane -- I'm building because it's a way I can fly MY airplane, built and equipped and maintained the way I want it, and be able to afford to do it. If I thought for a minute it would take me 8-10 years to finish, I'd never have started. Mine wasn't as far along as yours when you started, and you'll probably be done before I am. Hang in there, it gets a lot better.

You're in TX, I'm in NE. In two years, let's fly to some good BBQ place in the middle and have dinner.

Lemmingman · #10 02-23-2013, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanBaier

I eventually gave up on estimating a finish. I even gave up on estimating just some of the individual tasks.

I finally settled in on the notion that a good day was when things moved forward (at all) - even if just a little.

I think Dan best described where I am today.

When I started my daughter was just starting high school and my target was to fly her on her first trip to college (Shes hoping to be an Aggie) and now I think a more realistic target is flying my wife and I down there to attend graduation.