Any kit aircraft home builders here?

[kurt535]

As in the title...

Love to know if you find it rewarding/want to kill it/do it again/fed up???

[kurt535]

Cool..built at home or hiring a space?

[kurt535]

Im looking at the Groppo Trail MK2 but enthusiasm has definitely tempered after working out how much the kit has gone up due to £ collapse..

[kurt535]

lee_fr200 said:

Not impossible st all you just need to get it test flown and signed off the kit builds are getting even more popular due to their cheap operating costs

especially when you stick a Sauer VW engine upfront that takes Halfords oil

[kurt535]

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

[kurt535]

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?

[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!!

[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?

[kurt535]

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