5 years from tail kit receipt to first flight
5 years to the month. I did not track hours.
I spent 6-8 months putting in a workshop with HVAC, lighting, etc - not included in 5 years.
Quick build kit, did my own IFR panel, did my own paint, stock engine/prop
Working for $$ full time but work was at home with lots of flexibility
Shop was at home - more flexibility.
Worked as much as I wanted but certainly did not want to as much as I could
I had an airplane to fly
I savored the head scratching
No right way to ask or answer that question so you asked it the right way.
Many decisions impact the time but not necessarily in the way you would think.
- A 1 week assisted build class on the tail probably saved 6 months in learning curve time.
- Slow build versus quick build may not be as big a difference as it seems - though I'm sure it doesn't feel that way when working on the slow build parts
- Customization of airframe or powerplant seems to take a lot of time. Building kit as designed saves time.
- I didn't plan to paint - added 6 months but given paint shop schedules, perhaps much less.
- HVAC here in NC significantly boosted productivity
-Worked too many hours in last 6 months - badly damaged knees. Not worth it.
Welcome aboard!
http://www.mykitlog.com/MauleDriver/