Any kit aircraft home builders here?

[sassthathoopie]

I had never considered aircraft ownership before reading this thread. In reality it is still very unlikely but thank you for allowing me an evening looking at this advertised for £80k and dreaming. Cheers

Vans RV-7

[kurt535]

sassthathoopie said:

I had never considered aircraft ownership before reading this thread. In reality it is still very unlikely but thank you for allowing me an evening looking at this advertised for £80k and dreaming. Cheers

Vans RV-7

She look gorgeous but a/c ownership starts less than a new Yam R1 so it is within everyone's grasp but you're better off being in a group or simply renting to walk away when something goes 'bang' .....

[kurt535]

eccles said:

kurt535 said:

eccles said:

kurt535 said:

eccles said:

I've helped a friend build several Vans kit aircraft. They are getting quite popular these days due to the performance and maintenance costs.
It's quite satisfying sitting there looking out at a shiny wing full of rivets that you put together a few months ago!

How many years did they take? Im looking at getting away from continentals and lycomings due to the costs but was taken by the Sauer simplicity, etc

My mate is quite motivated so they were built relatively quickly, usually 18 months to 2 years. That's evenings and weekends.

Wow. that's hammering it - literally. Which model was it? the 9 or 8?

Meant to add what size workshop too?

Built in a double garage. I've helped him on a couple of 8's and a couple of 7's. The wings/empennage were flat pack, and the fuselage was quick build (arrives half built). We're both lucky in that we do aircraft stuff for a living so have experience and tools, but the vans forums are very good for help and tools.

helped him on a couple!!!!!!!! now clearly i need a renta friend like you up in Norwich!!

[eccles]

kurt535 said:

eccles said:

kurt535 said:

eccles said:

kurt535 said:

eccles said:

I've helped a friend build several Vans kit aircraft. They are getting quite popular these days due to the performance and maintenance costs.
It's quite satisfying sitting there looking out at a shiny wing full of rivets that you put together a few months ago!

How many years did they take? Im looking at getting away from continentals and lycomings due to the costs but was taken by the Sauer simplicity, etc

My mate is quite motivated so they were built relatively quickly, usually 18 months to 2 years. That's evenings and weekends.

Wow. that's hammering it - literally. Which model was it? the 9 or 8?

Meant to add what size workshop too?

Built in a double garage. I've helped him on a couple of 8's and a couple of 7's. The wings/empennage were flat pack, and the fuselage was quick build (arrives half built). We're both lucky in that we do aircraft stuff for a living so have experience and tools, but the vans forums are very good for help and tools.

helped him on a couple!!!!!!!! now clearly i need a renta friend like you up in Norwich!!

His inspector comes from Norwich, although my mate is now an LAA inspector.

[CrutyRammers]

eccles said:

Built in a double garage. I've helped him on a couple of 8's and a couple of 7's. The wings/empennage were flat pack, and the fuselage was quick build (arrives half built). We're both lucky in that we do aircraft stuff for a living so have experience and tools, but the vans forums are very good for help and tools.

Lovely looking thing that. Since it took me 5 years to build a car, it's doubly impressive.

[AER]

I have an RV-8 on the go, but the reality is I haven't touched it for several years. I made good progress in the first couple of years, but a couple of overseas job placements and a few other distractions have made progress grind to a halt. Building an aircraft is a big undertaking and it's not really worth anything until it flies, so bear in mind you'll be storing a large, relatively fragile and awkward useless "thing" up until that point. The further you progress the bigger and more expensive and awkward it becomes to house. Keep this in mind before you launch your project!

[kurt535]

eccles said:

kurt535 said:

eccles said:

kurt535 said:

eccles said:

kurt535 said:

eccles said:

I've helped a friend build several Vans kit aircraft. They are getting quite popular these days due to the performance and maintenance costs.
It's quite satisfying sitting there looking out at a shiny wing full of rivets that you put together a few months ago!

How many years did they take? Im looking at getting away from continentals and lycomings due to the costs but was taken by the Sauer simplicity, etc

My mate is quite motivated so they were built relatively quickly, usually 18 months to 2 years. That's evenings and weekends.

Wow. that's hammering it - literally. Which model was it? the 9 or 8?

Meant to add what size workshop too?

Built in a double garage. I've helped him on a couple of 8's and a couple of 7's. The wings/empennage were flat pack, and the fuselage was quick build (arrives half built). We're both lucky in that we do aircraft stuff for a living so have experience and tools, but the vans forums are very good for help and tools.

helped him on a couple!!!!!!!! now clearly i need a renta friend like you up in Norwich!!

His inspector comes from Norwich, although my mate is now an LAA inspector.

Felthorpe by chance?

[eccles]

kurt535 said:

Felthorpe by chance?

From memory it was Fenland (a few years ago now!)

[Brother D]

Kind of related - I've following these guys as they build their RV-14

http://www.womenonthewing.com/

(Anyone else have a decent thread/blog they follow)?

[kurt535]

Key thing I am concluding is I don't fancy building on my own. Useful thread for me.