Holding on to a dream...
For me, it's holding on to a dream. I've dreamed of building my own airplane since my eary twenties.
At my age - 52 - If I don't do this now, I probably never will.
I started my RV7 in early 2006 and have progressed now to the point that the airframe construction is pretty much done, and next installing the engine, electrical, avionics, composites and interior (all the expensive stuff
).
I have wondered all along how I would be able to accomplish building an aircraft by myself, both from an ecconomical and time commitment standpoint. Earlier on, the time commitment was the most worriesome. As most posters have said, the secret to that is to do something every day, regardless of how inconsequential it may seem. ...just do something every day, if possible. It's surprising. Once you start on a single task, you want to finish it. It works, one task at a time.
I never doubted that I would finish the project eventually, until about a year ago - my company became involved in a merger. As I became more involved with work, travel, etc to make the merger happen, and then to make it work, it soon became impossible for me to proceed with the RV7 due to time, financial uncertainty, etc. So I haven't worked much on he project for most of the past year.
Now, I have just found out that I will be laid off
Good news: I will finally have all the time in the world to work on the RV.
Bad news: I need to get it done before I run out of money
My consolation is that the airplane will be worth more done than undone, and, for now, I have the financial resources to finish it. So I plan to press on. Thank God for a wife and family that suports me on this.
For me, the priorities for success in building an RV are:
1)
Support of spouse/family - without this, it's not worth it
2)
Dedication to get it done - without this you will not finish
3)
Financial ability over time - without this it may take too long
4)
Restraint to meet 3), above - DUH!?!
5)
Technical skills to do it properly/safely
6)
Help from the community - VAF, friends, etc. - invaluable