rv9aviator
Well Known Member
Started at 53, will be 55 in Sept. and am about half way through. I'm shooting for 57 to finish.
Van's Air Force
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Builders Age
- Thread starter 6.6flylow
- Start date
I'm 40. The reason I pose this question is I wondered if most builders were in a life position with the kids grown and or out of college. I've been looking at the RV-7 for a couple years. I have been fortuate though, I did get my PPL several years ago. Everybody's got to have a dream though. 
Mine is to build an RV7.
Mine is to build an RV7.
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houndsfour
Active Member
older
Sorry but I just read my first post. I did start in 1988 at age 44 BUT I finished the 6 in 2001. Thats why I said what I said about taking so long. Man it's hell to get old. You forget stuff
Rich
N721ET
Sorry but I just read my first post. I did start in 1988 at age 44 BUT I finished the 6 in 2001. Thats why I said what I said about taking so long. Man it's hell to get old. You forget stuff
Rich
N721ET
robertahegy
Moderator/Tech Counselor
Mark (RV8BLDR) You are too kind!!!!
Roberta
Roberta
robjohnson
Well Known Member
I started last fall at 26. I am 27 now and nearly finished with the tail kit. I hope I don't age 1 year during the construction of each subkit!!! Just might happen that way, though.
Broken-wrench
Member
jbDC9 said:
93 till the end. E/O Maint. I was double dipping. I worked a side jobs Zantop maintenance and at United maintence and any other flea bag airline that flew thru town that got a hole in it. I was a pro pilot major in college but I was making more as a maintainer than flying. I had to fly though so I took a Leave of absence from United and E/O maint and went to F/E school. but as they were losing the Postal contract I went back to UA AND e/o MAINTENANCE BEFORE IT CLOSED DOWN. aRE YOU GOING TO fUN & sUN A BUNCH OF US MEET THERE. dO YOU KNOW SHAUN REYNOLDS? SORRY ABOUT THE CAPITALS INSPECTOR 12 " cat" DANCED ON THE KEYBOARD AND I'M TO TIRED TO TYPE IT AGAIN.
Started in Aug 2004 at 55, wings should be complete in Feb, fuselage arrives in April, hope to complete by end 2007 at the tender age of 58. Thats what happens when you wait 20 years to start.
Still have kid at home and kid in college and a job with travel so carving out the time is the biggest challenge but the satisfaction when another piece of the project is completed is a great boost. It is also a project that is a great conversation piece "you are building a REAL airplane in your garage!!!!!!, are you going to fly it???"
Still have kid at home and kid in college and a job with travel so carving out the time is the biggest challenge but the satisfaction when another piece of the project is completed is a great boost. It is also a project that is a great conversation piece "you are building a REAL airplane in your garage!!!!!!, are you going to fly it???"
Started at 56, wanted to fly it before I died, so I got the QB. Now in the finish stage, the project is in storage pending a move (after 35 years in the same location). Birthday is April 15 -(that's a helluva B'Day). You guys complaining about hair turning gray- mine turned loose.
Derrell
7A Finish
Derrell
7A Finish
Bill Britton
Well Known Member
Age vs Model
Hey Cobra, I kinda take offense to your remark that older folks are probably the -10 builders. I'm 32 with a wife and 2 kids. My first choice was the -7 having ridden in several -6's. However, I needed the 4 seats so I bought the -10 kit and then finally got a ride in it last summer at OSH. If you've not ridden in a -10 yet then you need to. It's not quite the plane (performance and aerobatic) that the 7 is but it's not very far behind it. Besides, I can take 3 of my buddies with me to help split up the expenses.
All in good fun, of course.
Bill
Hey Cobra, I kinda take offense to your remark that older folks are probably the -10 builders. I'm 32 with a wife and 2 kids. My first choice was the -7 having ridden in several -6's. However, I needed the 4 seats so I bought the -10 kit and then finally got a ride in it last summer at OSH. If you've not ridden in a -10 yet then you need to. It's not quite the plane (performance and aerobatic) that the 7 is but it's not very far behind it. Besides, I can take 3 of my buddies with me to help split up the expenses.
All in good fun, of course.
Bill
Hawkeye7A
Well Known Member
Started at 48
Had my first flying lesson at the tender age of 46, got my license at 47(2002) and started my -7A 8 months later. Own and fly a very nice '59 C172 I bought as a 13 hour student pilot who hadn't even soloed yet. Finished my training and checkride in that plane and now have over 700 hours in it. I tell people that if it wasn't for that nasty four-letter word(work) I'd have the -7A (not QB) flying this year, but it'll probably be next('07). This has been the most enjoyable thread I've read since "You know you're an RV builder when....."
--hawk
RV-7A (finishing)
N728E (reserved)
Had my first flying lesson at the tender age of 46, got my license at 47(2002) and started my -7A 8 months later. Own and fly a very nice '59 C172 I bought as a 13 hour student pilot who hadn't even soloed yet. Finished my training and checkride in that plane and now have over 700 hours in it. I tell people that if it wasn't for that nasty four-letter word(work) I'd have the -7A (not QB) flying this year, but it'll probably be next('07). This has been the most enjoyable thread I've read since "You know you're an RV builder when....."
--hawk
RV-7A (finishing)
N728E (reserved)
jimrobinette
Member
Chad,
I've been married 15 years and the wife and I are in the same boat, by choice! We enjoy the travel and goodies. So far the only continent we haven't been to is Antarctica, and I hope to knock that out in a couple of years.
BTW, started at 35, now 36.
I've been married 15 years and the wife and I are in the same boat, by choice! We enjoy the travel and goodies. So far the only continent we haven't been to is Antarctica, and I hope to knock that out in a couple of years.
BTW, started at 35, now 36.
cjensen said:i'm in the same boat!! so far...
cjensen
Well Known Member
jimrobinette said:
that's really great jim that you have been able to travel that much! i totally envy you!
we are by choice as well. our dog is our kid. of course, that means we have to do something with him when he can't go with us...
married 4 years, and kids aren't even on our radar.
osxuser
Well Known Member
Frankly, I don't have time to build, I'm MAKING time. 15 Units at school, 16-20hrs a week at my A&P job, and I'm starting my CFI certificate this fall (in ground school now). Time and money are both in short supply, but i'm gonna will this airplane togetherjbDC9 said:
.And no, I don't plan to pay for it by instructing! A&P pays MUCH better.
Started too old
I wish I had learned to fly at an earler age. This hobby has given me more than it has given me.
I started my first RV 6, July 15, 1995, and the first flight was Oct 18, 1996. Put 500 hours on it.
It was not my first airplane. I had built and flown three powered hangliders before. Many RC and U control models too.
I got my licence in 1985 @ 34 years of age in a 1959 C 172. I bought it at about 20 hours [like another poster] with no solo time. I got my private, inst, and comerecal in it. Later had a Bonanza for 5 yrs and 800+ hours, then a Cheorkee Six 400 + hours
In 10 years of RV building I have built 5 RVs solo, and am working on my 6th a RV 8.
In have test flown 20 or so RVs on first flights. Have had so much fun I think I will keep going. I'm 59 now.
I wish I had learned to fly at an earler age. This hobby has given me more than it has given me.
I started my first RV 6, July 15, 1995, and the first flight was Oct 18, 1996. Put 500 hours on it.
It was not my first airplane. I had built and flown three powered hangliders before. Many RC and U control models too.
I got my licence in 1985 @ 34 years of age in a 1959 C 172. I bought it at about 20 hours [like another poster] with no solo time. I got my private, inst, and comerecal in it. Later had a Bonanza for 5 yrs and 800+ hours, then a Cheorkee Six 400 + hours
In 10 years of RV building I have built 5 RVs solo, and am working on my 6th a RV 8.
In have test flown 20 or so RVs on first flights. Have had so much fun I think I will keep going. I'm 59 now.
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tomcostanza
Well Known Member
You kids kill me
I'm 49 and 46 months
(I think I was 27 when I started...but I can't remember)
Tom Costanza
Wings (fuel tank hell)
I'm 49 and 46 months
(I think I was 27 when I started...but I can't remember)
Tom Costanza
Wings (fuel tank hell)
cfi
Here in Northern California our flight instructors get $50+ an hour. I'm guessing thats a little better than a fairly new A&P.
Tom
RV3
northern california
osxuser said:Frankly, I don't have time to build, I'm MAKING time. 15 Units at school, 16-20hrs a week at my A&P job, and I'm starting my CFI certificate this fall (in ground school now). Time and money are both in short supply, but i'm gonna will this airplane together
And no, I don't plan to pay for it by instructing! A&P pays MUCH better.
Here in Northern California our flight instructors get $50+ an hour. I'm guessing thats a little better than a fairly new A&P.
Tom
RV3
northern california
Scott Will
Well Known Member
What'd be interesting is to do a poll showing what age you finished / first flew your RV! I'm hoping 31 is the lucky year for me, which just happens to be this year.
ScottSchmidt
Well Known Member
I would guess that this poll is not very representative of the actual number. It is probably safe to assume that a larger number of young builders use the internet more often and than the older builders. It isn't because they can't use the internet or a site like this, they just don't care as much, they have more experience, and are most likely much busier in thier lives.
There should be a large spike around 45 to 55 and their isn't. You can see this spike in any other poll where dicretionary income is anayzed. Just look at the number of Harley owners on their website or motorcycles in general. Also, attend your local EAA chapter meeting a do a poll there. It will definately weigh towards the 55+ category.
I can't believe how many young builders there are out there. I personally think it is great. Maybe this is the result of the Young Eagles program or just the EAA and Oshkosh.
There should be a large spike around 45 to 55 and their isn't. You can see this spike in any other poll where dicretionary income is anayzed. Just look at the number of Harley owners on their website or motorcycles in general. Also, attend your local EAA chapter meeting a do a poll there. It will definately weigh towards the 55+ category.
I can't believe how many young builders there are out there. I personally think it is great. Maybe this is the result of the Young Eagles program or just the EAA and Oshkosh.
Highflight
Well Known Member
ScottSchmidt said:
Could be. A friend of mine is 76 and working on his (Sport) Pilot's License because of previous heart surgery but still in good health. I think I have him thinking seriously about an RV12.
Harvey L. Sorensen
Well Known Member
Age don't (shouldn't) count
Started flying when I was 30. That was in 1966. A buddy of mine and I started a flying school when neather of us knew how to fly. We bought a 150 and hired an instructor that was fresh out of school. We blocked time our students at $8.00 per hour or $10.00 if not blocked. This was for a wet plane with instructor. Gas cost us less than .30. We added a 172 and later a Piper 250.
Now this many years later I believe the RV-9A will be my plane number 14. I started it in Jan of 05 and it will fly before summer is over when I am 70.
Wish me luck.
51HS res.
Started flying when I was 30. That was in 1966. A buddy of mine and I started a flying school when neather of us knew how to fly. We bought a 150 and hired an instructor that was fresh out of school. We blocked time our students at $8.00 per hour or $10.00 if not blocked. This was for a wet plane with instructor. Gas cost us less than .30. We added a 172 and later a Piper 250.
Now this many years later I believe the RV-9A will be my plane number 14. I started it in Jan of 05 and it will fly before summer is over when I am 70.
Wish me luck.
51HS res.
older fart
I'm gonna be 52 in 27 days, and I'm just in the process of ordering the tail kit for an 8. Started skydiving in 1974, flying in 84. I remember when the Dead Sea was just SICK..... Anyway, I guess its never too late to start.....and REMEMBER...the only truly bad publicity you can get is your obituary! Gentlemen....BUILD ON!!!
Alan
I'm gonna be 52 in 27 days, and I'm just in the process of ordering the tail kit for an 8. Started skydiving in 1974, flying in 84. I remember when the Dead Sea was just SICK.....
Anyway, I guess its never too late to start.....and REMEMBER...the only truly bad publicity you can get is your obituary! Gentlemen....BUILD ON!!!Alan
Highflight
Well Known Member
dmaib said:
You know, you and I (also 57) are exactly why the QB kits were made.
Highflight
Well Known Member
dennis said:
I'm 56; I look like 50, act like 26, feel like 80. Hence, the confusion.
Dan_E_Root
Active Member
multiple builders
Here at KSCK we have four RV projects underway that I know of. Two of us babies are 54. One big brother is 71 and the old man is 86. That's right; at 86 he's building his second RV, and still flying the first one that was finished last year. He's my hero.
Here at KSCK we have four RV projects underway that I know of. Two of us babies are 54. One big brother is 71 and the old man is 86. That's right; at 86 he's building his second RV, and still flying the first one that was finished last year. He's my hero.
A new twist on the polls?
How about a poll for age when you finished? Or how many years/months? Instead of when you started. I know some guys who bought an empennage kit and couldn't afford to go any farther for awhile. You know-kids, houses, college, work etc. My buddy took nine years to build a quickbuild RV-6! A house and replacing two cars killed my progress for awhile. And those two cars are seven and eight years old even now
Oh wait. Maybe I just depressed myself. I've been at it for eleven years.
I do agree that a lot of the earlier builders don't use the internet forums. I'm 42 myself.
How about a poll for age when you finished? Or how many years/months? Instead of when you started. I know some guys who bought an empennage kit and couldn't afford to go any farther for awhile. You know-kids, houses, college, work etc. My buddy took nine years to build a quickbuild RV-6! A house and replacing two cars killed my progress for awhile. And those two cars are seven and eight years old even now
Oh wait. Maybe I just depressed myself. I've been at it for eleven years.
I do agree that a lot of the earlier builders don't use the internet forums. I'm 42 myself.
bumblebee
Active Member
The calendar says 44 but the brain stopped at 30. I'm pleasantly shocked at the high number of builders under 40!
IT's never too late....I had a grandfather who flew airplanes into his 80's and was regularly pulled over for speeding on his motorcycle well into his 90's ... hopefully my medical (and genes) will hold out until then.
IT's never too late....I had a grandfather who flew airplanes into his 80's and was regularly pulled over for speeding on his motorcycle well into his 90's
... hopefully my medical (and genes) will hold out until then.
