Bryan Wood
Well Known Member
Lately the desire to build another plane is something that I think about often. What to build is the question that I just can't seem to resolve.
While I'd like to build a 10 the value of completed planes will ensure that I get to pay the state of CA about $200 per month in taxes for the priveledge of finishing one. Sadly the values are often set by somebody in the local Government looking at Trade A Plane adds and setting the values based on the asking price of professional builders. This has basically removed the 10 from my list of options.
Another 9/9A? Nah, it feels like time to try something else on the menu. I love my 9A, but doing the same thing again seems like a waste of time.
8/8A? This very much has my attention. An 8 with a 200hp, built with no sacrifices on the way it is equipped sounds pretty great. But then so does a really light plane that is nimble and fun. ??? But an 8...
7/7A? Is this enough of a change from my 9A to be worth the effort? I might need to trade a ride or two with a 7 driver that has a big engine on the nose to see if this is an avenue to pursue. My 9 climbs out solo at around 2,000 fpm so what will the extra oomph get me by building a hot rod 7? It'll take a ride to experience the difference to decide.
Ravin 500? This is a Composite knockoff of the C model Piper Comanche at about 90% scale. It is fully aerobatic and has a 2,000sm or so range. It is a 4 place that cruises fast and is pretty neat. But, it is plastic and few flying examples!
So for you repeat offenders out there, how did you decide on your next plane. How about those of you who have significant time in both tandom and side by side model RV's. Is one more fun, or comfortable, or ???
While I'd like to build a 10 the value of completed planes will ensure that I get to pay the state of CA about $200 per month in taxes for the priveledge of finishing one. Sadly the values are often set by somebody in the local Government looking at Trade A Plane adds and setting the values based on the asking price of professional builders. This has basically removed the 10 from my list of options.
Another 9/9A? Nah, it feels like time to try something else on the menu. I love my 9A, but doing the same thing again seems like a waste of time.
8/8A? This very much has my attention. An 8 with a 200hp, built with no sacrifices on the way it is equipped sounds pretty great. But then so does a really light plane that is nimble and fun. ??? But an 8...
7/7A? Is this enough of a change from my 9A to be worth the effort? I might need to trade a ride or two with a 7 driver that has a big engine on the nose to see if this is an avenue to pursue. My 9 climbs out solo at around 2,000 fpm so what will the extra oomph get me by building a hot rod 7? It'll take a ride to experience the difference to decide.
Ravin 500? This is a Composite knockoff of the C model Piper Comanche at about 90% scale. It is fully aerobatic and has a 2,000sm or so range. It is a 4 place that cruises fast and is pretty neat. But, it is plastic and few flying examples!
So for you repeat offenders out there, how did you decide on your next plane. How about those of you who have significant time in both tandom and side by side model RV's. Is one more fun, or comfortable, or ???