aggieaviator
I'm New Here
In the continued evolution of one day possibly becoming an airplane builder I have achieved a huge milestone. My wife gave me her blessing. Up until now she affectionately referred to them as snap togethers. I wish.
Before she changes her mind I’m trying to decide on a kit.
After reviewing the mission, my experience and budget, I think I have it narrowed down but any assistance is greatly appreciated.
Simple Mission
80% - Me farting around the pattern or quick trip less than 1-2 hrs away.
20% - Wife and I flying together to airports 1-3hrs away. Occasionally venturing out on longer x-countries. She actually likes to fly with me. No kids. IFR
Experience - 1st time builder, love to learn new things and appreciates the challenge (famous last words). Never even helped to build an airplane.
Budget- After everything including paint would like to be somewhere in the $115- $125k ballpark. I’m leaning QB as mostly an assist as a 1st time builder. I’m not in a huge rush. Want a great safe plane. I’m shooting for 5 years, sooner is gravy. I currently work full time and god willing will be during the build.
I like the 14A due to it being the latest and I’ve heard good thinks about the kit.
However, budget wise, I think all said and done it would be outside of our range and we don’t necessarily require the extra room provided by the 14A.
I like the 7A, but I’m not really expecting to get into aerobatics. Could, but it’s not on the agenda. I like the idea of having the option and an airplane that can handle the extra Gs, the extra speed, however...
9A looks to provide a little bit less expensive option (cost per flight hour) with the thinner longer wing design and will go plenty fast economically. Much faster than I’m used to. Any other major considerations to be made between the 7A and 9A models? The build, costs?
What did you decide on and why? Is there anything else I should consider? What plane would you build if you were in my position?
Before she changes her mind I’m trying to decide on a kit.
After reviewing the mission, my experience and budget, I think I have it narrowed down but any assistance is greatly appreciated.
Simple Mission
80% - Me farting around the pattern or quick trip less than 1-2 hrs away.
20% - Wife and I flying together to airports 1-3hrs away. Occasionally venturing out on longer x-countries. She actually likes to fly with me. No kids. IFR
Experience - 1st time builder, love to learn new things and appreciates the challenge (famous last words). Never even helped to build an airplane.
Budget- After everything including paint would like to be somewhere in the $115- $125k ballpark. I’m leaning QB as mostly an assist as a 1st time builder. I’m not in a huge rush. Want a great safe plane. I’m shooting for 5 years, sooner is gravy. I currently work full time and god willing will be during the build.
I like the 14A due to it being the latest and I’ve heard good thinks about the kit.
However, budget wise, I think all said and done it would be outside of our range and we don’t necessarily require the extra room provided by the 14A.
I like the 7A, but I’m not really expecting to get into aerobatics. Could, but it’s not on the agenda. I like the idea of having the option and an airplane that can handle the extra Gs, the extra speed, however...
9A looks to provide a little bit less expensive option (cost per flight hour) with the thinner longer wing design and will go plenty fast economically. Much faster than I’m used to. Any other major considerations to be made between the 7A and 9A models? The build, costs?
What did you decide on and why? Is there anything else I should consider? What plane would you build if you were in my position?