Am I Crazy?

RyanM · #1 08-07-2006, 12:13 PM

So, I've been pondering building an RV7a. I was wondering how long people out there had toyed with the idea, before taking the plunge on tools and the tail kit?

I've signed up for an RV building class in Oshkosh come the end of the month and was wondering if people had any thoughts on the class? Did they find it worthwhile?

The other thing I'm slightly worried about is the actual cost of building a plane. I've looked at Van's estimator, but like any estimate, it almost always seems like it is on the low side. How accurate do the builders out there feel that estimator is? If anyone out there wouldn't mind disclosing their costs (public or privately), I'd really appreciate it.

Am I crazy to do this? I'm single, no kids, 25, good job, unfinished basement (most of the work will be done there) I mean, I would be foolish to wait to start on this type of project, right?

Also, anyone in the Oshkosh area on Aug 25-28th willing to give me an RV Grin, I'd gladly top of the tanks! -- I've yet to fly in an RV. Or anyone in the Fargo, ND area anytime as well.

I'm basically at the point of doing this, but I just want to make sure I'm covering all of my bases. I'd be curious to hear how your thought process was going into this project.

Thanks in advance,
--Ryan

tysonb · #2 08-07-2006, 12:28 PM

Go for it - no better time than the present as its only going to get more expensive the longer you wait. I have the preview plans (7) and I've started buying tools. The GF and I are moving to a place w/a 2 car garage at the end of september so I can get started. I'm 26, no kids, little time, but its gonna get harder to do as life progresses.

The one thing that sticks out of ALL the "what do you regret about building" threads here is "I wish I had started sooner".

I've been reading everything I can on RVs for about 3 months now and I'm ready to build a 7 and I've never even been in one. I'm 22hrs into my PPL, and I've only seen RVs from a distance - anyone near LZU wanna give me a ride in a 7?

I've been trying to make the EAA 690 meetings for 2 months now, but things just haven't worked out yet...

Its going to be a long project, but I've "refurbished" a couple old trucks and done a complete frame up on a '62 F100 (that took years) so I know I can commit to doing it. The end is worth the means.

Paul Tuttle · #3 08-07-2006, 12:29 PM

Ryan
Why haven't you ordered the kit already? Sounds to me like the timeing will never be better. I always say to people the last thing I want to say if I reach old age is "I wish I had done that when I was young"

RV 8 fuselage

Jamie · #4 08-07-2006, 12:34 PM

I agree. Go for it.

There's little financial risk as you can almost always get back your investment (or close to it) by selling off parts if you decide it's not for you.

I'm 29 and a DINK'er (dual income, no kids). I'm more than 2.5 years into the project. All it takes is time and money.

cjensen · #5 08-07-2006, 12:58 PM

I think the estimator is pretty accurate as long as you aren't keeping track and billing your own time. I'm a little over a year into it, and my plans for a light simple vfr night airplane haven't changed. I'm 29 in a couple of weeks, and I have to say that I'm really happy I started on this now. I'm also a DINKer, and as long as we stay that way for a while longer, I should be able to finish this thing in a reasonable amount of time. Like everyone else, time and money (wherever I can find it!).

Go for it!

painless · #6 08-07-2006, 01:18 PM

I refer you to one of my favorite sales pitches that Lancair used a while back.....

"Sometimes in life you just have to say, 'screw it.....I'm doing this!'"

Enjoy the journey

Regards,

jsherblon · #7 08-07-2006, 01:19 PM

Yes, you are crazy. Build the airplane... it's will restore your sanity.

pierre smith · #8 08-07-2006, 01:34 PM

Tyson, Tyson,
I was at LZU on Saturday with my 6A and gave 2 hours of transition training....one hour before the meeting and one after. I'm 100 miles or so (35 minutes) from you in Louisville, Ga. You have a free ride if you come down here. If I come up there, you buy me gas and it's a done deal,
Regards,

DeltaRomeo · #9 08-07-2006, 02:16 PM

Ryan,

Rest easy. You are in fact crazy but among crazy friends <g>. I was 31, married and had one child when I started my RV-6. Knowing what I know now I would have started when I was 18.

IMHO, you'll find a way to pay for it.

Welcome aboard!

D

rickmellor · #10 08-07-2006, 02:40 PM

I dreamed about my 7A for five years before I was able to get started on it (space in the Bay Area is tight). I would have started it the day I first learned about the RV7 if things had been different. I'm a year into it now and am already planning my second.

Btw, what's with all of us 29 year old DINK's? Kinda weird...