Question: Researching Project

[Tilt]

Hi,

I'm looking to get into a homebuilt project within a few years from now.
I've been doing some early research to see what's out there and look at
options.

I haven't come close to picking a final subject as my project yet, but I
have some pretty good ideas of what I want. So far the aircraft that
interests me the most is a Jabiru J450. I'm sort of looking for a high-wing
4 place type plane. I want something with a bit of performance (able to
reach around 150 knots or higher), and some VERY light aerobatics. Now I
already understand that the Jabiru doesn't quite go fast enough for my
needs, but it gives you an idea of what I'm looking for.

As far as money goes, I don't want to break the bank, but I don't want to
cheap it out. I may have others go in on this project with me. I know I
don't really want to spend much more than around $75,000 (Canadian). It's
hard to think of cost figures this early.

So can anyone point me in the direction of some good quality (proven)
aircraft projects that I can research further? As long as they (somewhat)
follow the above criteria.

Thanks,
Lyle
(Alberta, Canada)

[Bryan]

Hi Lyle,

" I'm sort of looking for a high-wing 4 place type plane. I want something
with a bit of performance (able to reach around 150 knots or higher), and
some VERY light aerobatics."

A very good match for your criteria is the BD-4 designed by Jim Bede back in
the 60's. While not a true 4 place by original design, a proven
modification to extend the fuselage does make it a true 4 place. The BD-4
meets and exceeds the performance you are looking for. Mind you, it is not
a beautiful plane with sleek rounded lines, rather it has a boxy fuselage.
This plane can give about the best bang for the buck and has a proven record
with hundreds built and flying.

Check it out at http://bd-4.org/

Bryan


"Tilt" > wrote in message
news:Of2Cb.663673$pl3.69462@pd7tw3no...
> Hi,
>
> I'm looking to get into a homebuilt project within a few years from now.
> I've been doing some early research to see what's out there and look at
> options.
>
> I haven't come close to picking a final subject as my project yet, but I
> have some pretty good ideas of what I want. So far the aircraft that
> interests me the most is a Jabiru J450. I'm sort of looking for a
high-wing
> 4 place type plane. I want something with a bit of performance (able to
> reach around 150 knots or higher), and some VERY light aerobatics. Now I
> already understand that the Jabiru doesn't quite go fast enough for my
> needs, but it gives you an idea of what I'm looking for.

[James R. Freeman]

Bearhawk best bang per buck

"Tilt" > wrote in message
news:Of2Cb.663673$pl3.69462@pd7tw3no...
> Hi,
>
> I'm looking to get into a homebuilt project within a few years from now.
> I've been doing some early research to see what's out there and look at
> options.
>
> I haven't come close to picking a final subject as my project yet, but I
> have some pretty good ideas of what I want. So far the aircraft that
> interests me the most is a Jabiru J450. I'm sort of looking for a
high-wing
> 4 place type plane. I want something with a bit of performance (able to
> reach around 150 knots or higher), and some VERY light aerobatics. Now I
> already understand that the Jabiru doesn't quite go fast enough for my
> needs, but it gives you an idea of what I'm looking for.
>
> As far as money goes, I don't want to break the bank, but I don't want to
> cheap it out. I may have others go in on this project with me. I know I
> don't really want to spend much more than around $75,000 (Canadian). It's
> hard to think of cost figures this early.
>
> So can anyone point me in the direction of some good quality (proven)
> aircraft projects that I can research further? As long as they (somewhat)
> follow the above criteria.
>
> Thanks,
> Lyle
> (Alberta, Canada)
>
>

[Tilt]

Well, you're right about the beauty factor!!

The four seater even looks...um...less...beautiful!!

Couldn't really find anywhere on the site that talks about costs. And I
think I'd rather build from a specific kit. However, I will keep it on the
list (for research sake). It does fit the other requirements I was looking
for.

Thanks,
Lyle


"Bryan" > wrote in message
...
> Hi Lyle,
>
> " I'm sort of looking for a high-wing 4 place type plane. I want
something
> with a bit of performance (able to reach around 150 knots or higher), and
> some VERY light aerobatics."
>
> A very good match for your criteria is the BD-4 designed by Jim Bede back
in
> the 60's. While not a true 4 place by original design, a proven
> modification to extend the fuselage does make it a true 4 place. The BD-4
> meets and exceeds the performance you are looking for. Mind you, it is
not
> a beautiful plane with sleek rounded lines, rather it has a boxy fuselage.
> This plane can give about the best bang for the buck and has a proven
record
> with hundreds built and flying.
>
> Check it out at http://bd-4.org/
>
> Bryan
>
>
> "Tilt" > wrote in message
> news:Of2Cb.663673$pl3.69462@pd7tw3no...
> > Hi,
> >
> > I'm looking to get into a homebuilt project within a few years from now.
> > I've been doing some early research to see what's out there and look at
> > options.
> >
> > I haven't come close to picking a final subject as my project yet, but I
> > have some pretty good ideas of what I want. So far the aircraft that
> > interests me the most is a Jabiru J450. I'm sort of looking for a
> high-wing
> > 4 place type plane. I want something with a bit of performance (able to
> > reach around 150 knots or higher), and some VERY light aerobatics. Now I
> > already understand that the Jabiru doesn't quite go fast enough for my
> > needs, but it gives you an idea of what I'm looking for.
>
>

[Tilt]

Thanks for the info James,

I forgot to mention one thing. I'm not really keen on a tail dragger. The
bearhawk also looks a bit compact. I'm a bigger tall sort of guy and like my
elbow room. I was hoping for some more room in the back for a 4 place craft.

Lyle



"James R. Freeman" > wrote in message
...
> Bearhawk best bang per buck
>
> "Tilt" > wrote in message
> news:Of2Cb.663673$pl3.69462@pd7tw3no...
> > Hi,
> >
> > I'm looking to get into a homebuilt project within a few years from now.
> > I've been doing some early research to see what's out there and look at
> > options.
> >
> > I haven't come close to picking a final subject as my project yet, but I
> > have some pretty good ideas of what I want. So far the aircraft that
> > interests me the most is a Jabiru J450. I'm sort of looking for a
> high-wing
> > 4 place type plane. I want something with a bit of performance (able to
> > reach around 150 knots or higher), and some VERY light aerobatics. Now I
> > already understand that the Jabiru doesn't quite go fast enough for my
> > needs, but it gives you an idea of what I'm looking for.
> >
> > As far as money goes, I don't want to break the bank, but I don't want
to
> > cheap it out. I may have others go in on this project with me. I know I
> > don't really want to spend much more than around $75,000 (Canadian).
It's
> > hard to think of cost figures this early.
> >
> > So can anyone point me in the direction of some good quality (proven)
> > aircraft projects that I can research further? As long as they
(somewhat)
> > follow the above criteria.
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Lyle
> > (Alberta, Canada)
> >
> >
>
>

[RobertR237]

In article <y2aCb.665242$6C4.242523@pd7tw1no>, "Tilt" >
writes:

>
>Thanks for the info James,
>
>I forgot to mention one thing. I'm not really keen on a tail dragger. The
>bearhawk also looks a bit compact. I'm a bigger tall sort of guy and like my
>elbow room. I was hoping for some more room in the back for a 4 place craft.
>
>Lyle
>
>

Then forget the BD-4 unless you have a good shoehorn.


Bob Reed
www.kisbuild.r-a-reed-assoc.com (KIS Builders Site)
KIS Cruiser in progress...Slow but steady progress....

"Ladies and Gentlemen, take my advice,
pull down your pants and Slide on the Ice!"
(M.A.S.H. Sidney Freedman)

[Holger Stephan]

Tilt wrote:

> Couldn't really find anywhere on the site that talks about costs. And I
> think I'd rather build from a specific kit. However, I will keep it on the
> list (for research sake). It does fit the other requirements I was looking
> for.

Currently there is no kit supplier for the BD-4. TVAP who used to sell the
kits are winding down their business and supporting only existing
customers. Their quickbuilt kits went for US$25,000. TVAP did never really
probe the market and stepped back for internal reasons. That the owners
keep a money losing business alive only to support the existing builders I
find rather remarkable.

While they are phasing out a new supplier is phasing in. At first parts like
the wing spars are going to be offered (starting February '04). Gradually
complete kits will be made available again. There is also another startup
targeting a BD-4 like kit. I can't tell more about the latter but take it
as sign for enough activities around the BD-4 to keep it very alive even
after a 35 year history. No wonder, as there is still no alternative for an
easy to build, inexpensive metal semi-4-seat high wing that gives you about
a MHP for each HP up front.

- Holger (don't every design need its lobbyist?)

webmaster [at] bd-4 [dot] org.

[AlwaysLearning]

> >I forgot to mention one thing. I'm not really keen on a tail dragger. The
> >bearhawk also looks a bit compact. I'm a bigger tall sort of guy and like my
> >elbow room. I was hoping for some more room in the back for a 4 place craft.
> >
> >Lyle

I don't think you're going to find a larger project than the Bearhawk.
It is relatively HUGE, especially in back, compared to just about
everything else.

As far as not liking a taildragger, any reason why you couldn't put
nosegear on it? Find a nosegear off a Cessna 182 and figure a way to
get it to fit, or maybe the nosegear off a Tri-Pacer, though engine
interference will be "interesting", unless you go with an O-320.

Drew

[Del Rawlins]

On 12 Dec 2003 05:07 AM, AlwaysLearning posted the following:
>> >I forgot to mention one thing. I'm not really keen on a tail dragger.
>> >The bearhawk also looks a bit compact. I'm a bigger tall sort of guy
>> >and like my elbow room. I was hoping for some more room in the back
>> >for a 4 place craft. Lyle
>
> I don't think you're going to find a larger project than the Bearhawk.
> It is relatively HUGE, especially in back, compared to just about
> everything else.
>
> As far as not liking a taildragger, any reason why you couldn't put
> nosegear on it? Find a nosegear off a Cessna 182 and figure a way to
> get it to fit, or maybe the nosegear off a Tri-Pacer, though engine
> interference will be "interesting", unless you go with an O-320.

People who have flown them say that as far as taildraggers go, the
Bearhawk's handling is pretty tame. As far as the cargo space goes, try
to find somebody who is building one that will let you look at their
project. The pictures just don't do it justice. Reserve your opinion
until you see the actual fuselage. I'd had my plans for 3-4 years and
it was still a real awakening when I got to see a fellow builder's
fuselage for the first time.

----------------------------------------------------
Del Rawlins-
Remove _kills_spammers_ to reply via email.
Unofficial Bearhawk FAQ website:
http://www.rawlinsbrothers.org/bhfaq/

[Tilt]

I'm going to add a bit of info to add to the equation...

I really would prefer a composite style 'kit' along the lines of the Jabiru.
I like the trike style setup for landing gear, I've never been a fan of
tail-draggers.

I understand that most home-builts (or at least the one's I'm looking at)
are not very big. I'm 6 feet tall and weigh around 225 lbs. I like the 4
seater idea because I can see myself taking my family or friends on trips
(not sure how far I'd go...too early in my thinking). I'd like the ability
to take passengers that are around 200 lbs each. Not that it'll be that way
everytime, but I'd like to have that ability. Realistically the passenger
weight loads would probably vary a lot. So I do understand that space will
be limited, but I just don't want to be stuffed in like a sardine!!

I was checking out the New Glastar 4 seater last night (on their website),
and I was thinking it may be the one. However, I came across the height
limit for backseaters. 5 feet tall!!!! How usefull is that??!!!

Anyways, this is what I'm looking at. Maybe I'm putting too much emphysis on
the 4 seater thing. One could say that you'd probably mostly only ever fly
with one other person. And for the occational longer trips with the family
you could rent a Cessna or something. But then again, that defeats the whole
purpose of building my own aircraft.

Oh, and one other thing...I hate to say it but, easthetics does play a
little role in my choice. For my eyes, I can't see myself owning a BD-4 or a
Bearhawk. I understand everyone has a different eye for beauty. I'm partial
to something a bit more newer looking and sleek.

Cheers,
Lyle


"Tilt" > wrote in message
news:Of2Cb.663673$pl3.69462@pd7tw3no...
> Hi,
>
> I'm looking to get into a homebuilt project within a few years from now.
> I've been doing some early research to see what's out there and look at
> options.
>
> I haven't come close to picking a final subject as my project yet, but I
> have some pretty good ideas of what I want. So far the aircraft that
> interests me the most is a Jabiru J450. I'm sort of looking for a
high-wing
> 4 place type plane. I want something with a bit of performance (able to
> reach around 150 knots or higher), and some VERY light aerobatics. Now I
> already understand that the Jabiru doesn't quite go fast enough for my
> needs, but it gives you an idea of what I'm looking for.
>
> As far as money goes, I don't want to break the bank, but I don't want to
> cheap it out. I may have others go in on this project with me. I know I
> don't really want to spend much more than around $75,000 (Canadian). It's
> hard to think of cost figures this early.
>
> So can anyone point me in the direction of some good quality (proven)
> aircraft projects that I can research further? As long as they (somewhat)
> follow the above criteria.
>
> Thanks,
> Lyle
> (Alberta, Canada)
>
>

[Holger Stephan]

Tilt wrote:

> I forgot to mention one thing. I'm not really keen on a tail dragger. The
> bearhawk also looks a bit compact. I'm a bigger tall sort of guy and like
> my elbow room. I was hoping for some more room in the back for a 4 place
> craft.

Please let us know when you found this plane: bigger than a Bearhawk, faster
than 150kt for less than CA$75k. Oh, and with affordable operating costs I
should add. Maintaining and feeding an engine to haul around something
bigger than the Bearhawk at 150kt costs more than most of us would like.

- Holger

[Del Rawlins]

On 12 Dec 2003 09:08 AM, Tilt posted the following:

> I understand that most home-builts (or at least the one's I'm looking
> at) are not very big. I'm 6 feet tall and weigh around 225 lbs. I like
> the 4 seater idea because I can see myself taking my family or friends
> on trips (not sure how far I'd go...too early in my thinking). I'd
> like the ability to take passengers that are around 200 lbs each. Not
> that it'll be that way everytime, but I'd like to have that ability.
> Realistically the passenger weight loads would probably vary a lot. So
> I do understand that space will be limited, but I just don't want to
> be stuffed in like a sardine!!

You wouldn't be stuffed like a sardine into a Bearhawk. If you want a
similar sized plane that will accept tricycle gear, look into the Murphy
Super Rebel kit but good luck building one for less than your stated
budget. Other options might be one of the Aerocomp kits or an RV-10,
but again, I don't know anything about the price. Part of the
Bearhawk's huge appeal is that you have the choice of building from
either a kit or from scratch.

> Oh, and one other thing...I hate to say it but, easthetics does play a
> little role in my choice. For my eyes, I can't see myself owning a BD-
> 4 or a Bearhawk. I understand everyone has a different eye for beauty.
> I'm partial to something a bit more newer looking and sleek.

There is something wrong with your eyes if you can lump the Bearhawk
together with the BD-4 looks wise. Do you have a current medical
certificate? Seriously.

----------------------------------------------------
Del Rawlins-
Remove _kills_spammers_ to reply via email.
Unofficial Bearhawk FAQ website:
http://www.rawlinsbrothers.org/bhfaq/

[Rich S.]

"Tilt" > wrote in message
news:Of2Cb.663673$pl3.69462@pd7tw3no...
>
> So can anyone point me in the direction of some good quality (proven)
> aircraft projects that I can research further? As long as they (somewhat)
> follow the above criteria.

You'll probably need a partner to go in with you on this one. . .

http://www.aircraftdesigns.com/

Rich S.

[Tilt]

> You wouldn't be stuffed like a sardine into a Bearhawk. If you want a
> similar sized plane that will accept tricycle gear, look into the Murphy
> Super Rebel kit but good luck building one for less than your stated
> budget. Other options might be one of the Aerocomp kits or an RV-10,
> but again, I don't know anything about the price. Part of the
> Bearhawk's huge appeal is that you have the choice of building from
> either a kit or from scratch.


I've looked at the RV-10 a bit. It looks nice. The craft seems to have the
majority of the things I'm looking for. It's a low wing setup but I don't
think that's a huge deal.

I'll check out the Aerocomp.


> > Oh, and one other thing...I hate to say it but, easthetics does play a
> > little role in my choice. For my eyes, I can't see myself owning a BD-
> > 4 or a Bearhawk. I understand everyone has a different eye for beauty.
> > I'm partial to something a bit more newer looking and sleek.
>
> There is something wrong with your eyes if you can lump the Bearhawk
> together with the BD-4 looks wise. Do you have a current medical
> certificate? Seriously.


I know, I know!!! I'm not saying the Bearhawk looks like the BD-4. ;^) I'm
mostly getting at the fact that the newer looking machines like the
composite Jabiru or Van's RV's are what suit me. The Bearhawk is not an ugly
aircraft (by any stretch), but it's a bit plain jane to me. If the Jabiru
was a bit bigger and could handle a slightly larger load, I'd certainly have
my kit.

No, I don't have my medical. I'm not a pilot (yet). This project is a very
long term item with me. If I actually get started with a couple years from
now, I'll be happy. I currently have no place to build. I'll be getting my
license sometime with a couple years from now. I'm only 33 years old yet,
and have young kids, so I have plenty of time on my side.

I have had aeromedicals done a couple of times for flights in military
aircraft. Passed them without a problem.

Cheers,
Lyle

[Tilt]

You're right I'd need a partner (or 2) on this one. However, that actually
may happen. I do have 2 other parties interested along with me.

The Stallion is very nice. It certainly exceeds the items I was looking for.
I wonder if you could build this aircraft with fixed gear? It'd bring the
speed down a bit, but it would save a few bucks I'm sure.

Thanks Rich...I really like it.

Lyle



"Rich S." > wrote in message
...
> "Tilt" > wrote in message
> news:Of2Cb.663673$pl3.69462@pd7tw3no...
> >
> > So can anyone point me in the direction of some good quality (proven)
> > aircraft projects that I can research further? As long as they
(somewhat)
> > follow the above criteria.
>
> You'll probably need a partner to go in with you on this one. . .
>
> http://www.aircraftdesigns.com/
>
> Rich S.
>
>

[Bryan]

If total cost is a real concern along with getting just what you want, then
the real answer is to build from plans and modify as needed. Many design
modifications have been tried and tested for a number of different aircraft.

One plans built design that has a growing number of builders is the VISION
from American Affordable Aircraft (http://www.visionaircraft.com). While
the supplier does not currently have plans for a four place, there are
builders that are doing the ground work on this now and after the mods are
proven, the designer may offer this in the future. Since you say it may be
a couple of years before you begin building, this may be the thing to wait
for.

The cost of construction for the VISION is very reasonable. The company is
also working on components to help with reducing construction times. Check
out the web site above, you may like it.

Bryan


"Tilt" > wrote in message
news:hunCb.674520$6C4.525759@pd7tw1no...
> I'm going to add a bit of info to add to the equation...
>
> I really would prefer a composite style 'kit' along the lines of the
Jabiru.
> I like the trike style setup for landing gear, I've never been a fan of
> tail-draggers.
>
> I understand that most home-builts (or at least the one's I'm looking at)
> are not very big. I'm 6 feet tall and weigh around 225 lbs. I like the 4
> seater idea because I can see myself taking my family or friends on trips
> (not sure how far I'd go...too early in my thinking). I'd like the ability
> to take passengers that are around 200 lbs each. Not that it'll be that
way
> everytime, but I'd like to have that ability. Realistically the passenger
> weight loads would probably vary a lot. So I do understand that space will
> be limited, but I just don't want to be stuffed in like a sardine!!
>
> I was checking out the New Glastar 4 seater last night (on their website),
> and I was thinking it may be the one. However, I came across the height
> limit for backseaters. 5 feet tall!!!! How usefull is that??!!!
>
> Anyways, this is what I'm looking at. Maybe I'm putting too much emphysis
on
> the 4 seater thing. One could say that you'd probably mostly only ever fly
> with one other person. And for the occational longer trips with the family
> you could rent a Cessna or something. But then again, that defeats the
whole
> purpose of building my own aircraft.
>
> Oh, and one other thing...I hate to say it but, easthetics does play a
> little role in my choice. For my eyes, I can't see myself owning a BD-4 or
a
> Bearhawk. I understand everyone has a different eye for beauty. I'm
partial
> to something a bit more newer looking and sleek.
>
> Cheers,
> Lyle
>
>
> "Tilt" > wrote in message
> news:Of2Cb.663673$pl3.69462@pd7tw3no...
> > Hi,
> >
> > I'm looking to get into a homebuilt project within a few years from now.
> > I've been doing some early research to see what's out there and look at
> > options.
> >
> > I haven't come close to picking a final subject as my project yet, but I
> > have some pretty good ideas of what I want. So far the aircraft that
> > interests me the most is a Jabiru J450. I'm sort of looking for a
> high-wing
> > 4 place type plane. I want something with a bit of performance (able to
> > reach around 150 knots or higher), and some VERY light aerobatics. Now I
> > already understand that the Jabiru doesn't quite go fast enough for my
> > needs, but it gives you an idea of what I'm looking for.
> >
> > As far as money goes, I don't want to break the bank, but I don't want
to
> > cheap it out. I may have others go in on this project with me. I know I
> > don't really want to spend much more than around $75,000 (Canadian).
It's
> > hard to think of cost figures this early.
> >
> > So can anyone point me in the direction of some good quality (proven)
> > aircraft projects that I can research further? As long as they
(somewhat)
> > follow the above criteria.
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Lyle
> > (Alberta, Canada)
> >
> >
>
>

[Tilt]

Took a look at the Murphy Super Rebel and the Aerocomp Comp Air 6. I must
say, I'm impressed. The Comp Air 6 is real nice. Both these aircraft are
getting into the 'quite expensive' category, but they're still a hell of a
lot cheaper than a new Cessna (or a used one in some cases).

Everyone that's responded so far has given me valuable information. I
certainly appreciate it!!

Thanks,
Lyle


"Del Rawlins" > wrote in message
...
> You wouldn't be stuffed like a sardine into a Bearhawk. If you want a
> similar sized plane that will accept tricycle gear, look into the Murphy
> Super Rebel kit but good luck building one for less than your stated
> budget. Other options might be one of the Aerocomp kits or an RV-10,
> but again, I don't know anything about the price. Part of the
> Bearhawk's huge appeal is that you have the choice of building from
> either a kit or from scratch.
>
> > Oh, and one other thing...I hate to say it but, easthetics does play a
> > little role in my choice. For my eyes, I can't see myself owning a BD-
> > 4 or a Bearhawk. I understand everyone has a different eye for beauty.
> > I'm partial to something a bit more newer looking and sleek.
>
> There is something wrong with your eyes if you can lump the Bearhawk
> together with the BD-4 looks wise. Do you have a current medical
> certificate? Seriously.
>
> ----------------------------------------------------
> Del Rawlins-
> Remove _kills_spammers_ to reply via email.
> Unofficial Bearhawk FAQ website:
> http://www.rawlinsbrothers.org/bhfaq/

[Model Flyer]

> aircraft (by any stretch), but it's a bit plain jane to me. If the
Jabiru
> was a bit bigger and could handle a slightly larger load, I'd
certainly have
> my kit.
>
> No, I don't have my medical. I'm not a pilot (yet). This project is
a very
> long term item with me. If I actually get started with a couple
years from
> now, I'll be happy. I currently have no place to build. I'll be
getting my
> license sometime with a couple years from now. I'm only 33 years
old yet,
> and have young kids, so I have plenty of time on my side.
>

Lyle,

only 33 with kids, while their young hurry and get your license,
don't wait, you don't have as long as you think. I started about the
same age, now I'm 54 and I still don't have my license, not because I
could not, only because I didn't get on with it.
--
---
Cheers,
Jonathan Lowe.
/
don't bother me with insignificiant nonsence such as spelling,
I don't care if it spelt properly
/
Sometimes I fly and sometimes I just dream about it.
:-)



> I have had aeromedicals done a couple of times for flights in
military
> aircraft. Passed them without a problem.
>
> Cheers,
> Lyle
>
>

[Del Rawlins]

On 15 Dec 2003 05:49 AM, Model Flyer posted the following:

>> No, I don't have my medical. I'm not a pilot (yet). This project is a
>> very
>> long term item with me. If I actually get started with a couple years
>> from
>> now, I'll be happy. I currently have no place to build. I'll be
>> getting my
>> license sometime with a couple years from now. I'm only 33 years old
>> yet,
>> and have young kids, so I have plenty of time on my side.
>>
>
> Lyle,
>
> only 33 with kids, while their young hurry and get your license,
> don't wait, you don't have as long as you think. I started about the
> same age, now I'm 54 and I still don't have my license, not because I
> could not, only because I didn't get on with it.

That is a good point. I turn 30 in a few months and have been working,
more or less, on the Bearhawk since I was 24. I got married about 3
years ago (no kids yet), but the one thing that I absolutely made sure
that I got done first was to get my private pilot certificate. Now, I
don't fly much and there isn't much time in my logbook, but it is a
whole lot easier to start back flying once you have your ticket, than it
is to get back to work on that ticket. Getting your license requires a
consistent, sustained effort so it will take some prior planning to make
it happen. The more often, and more consistently you can fly the faster
you will finish. No offense to Model Flyer because I don't know his
situation, but if you make a half-assed effort at it without adequate
planning you will never finish. As it was, I had enough trouble with
weather that it took longer and cost more than I had planned.

----------------------------------------------------
Del Rawlins-
Remove _kills_spammers_ to reply via email.
Unofficial Bearhawk FAQ website:
http://www.rawlinsbrothers.org/bhfaq/

[Tilt]

Yeah, that makes a lot of sense. I can see that once my kids get to that 8
or 9 age mark (and up) the cash flow will probably be minimal.

Hard to say at this point. Finances are always a tricky thing. I own a small
business and do okay. I'm neither rich or poor at this point. However, I do
have a lot of 'irons in the fire'. There could be the chance within the next
year or two that I could get my licence. A few things have to fall into
place before that'll happen.

My oldest kid is 5, so I think I have a couple years before the real big
expenses start rolling in. However, with the fact that I'm only 33, I feel
this is what's going for me. I have already agreed with myself that this
project will take many years to accomplish. I'm in no panic. I love to fly
and go whenever I get the chance, however, I'm truly looking forward to the
building portion of this project. I'm a true 'jack-of-all-trades' and come
from a long line of the same. I love to build stuff. In many ways I often
look forward to the build of any project rather than the final outcome.

Looking forward to this.

Cheers,
Lyle


"Model Flyer" > wrote in message
...
> Lyle,
>
> only 33 with kids, while their young hurry and get your license,
> don't wait, you don't have as long as you think. I started about the
> same age, now I'm 54 and I still don't have my license, not because I
> could not, only because I didn't get on with it.
> --
> ---
> Cheers,
> Jonathan Lowe.
> /
> don't bother me with insignificiant nonsence such as spelling,
> I don't care if it spelt properly
> /
> Sometimes I fly and sometimes I just dream about it.
> :-)

[Gig Giacona]

"Tilt" > wrote in message
news:uZIDb.731382$9l5.66471@pd7tw2no...
> Yeah, that makes a lot of sense. I can see that once my kids get to that 8
> or 9 age mark (and up) the cash flow will probably be minimal.
>
> Hard to say at this point. Finances are always a tricky thing. I own a
small
> business and do okay. I'm neither rich or poor at this point. However, I
do
> have a lot of 'irons in the fire'. There could be the chance within the
next
> year or two that I could get my licence. A few things have to fall into
> place before that'll happen.
>
> My oldest kid is 5, so I think I have a couple years before the real big
> expenses start rolling in. However, with the fact that I'm only 33, I feel
> this is what's going for me. I have already agreed with myself that this
> project will take many years to accomplish. I'm in no panic. I love to fly
> and go whenever I get the chance, however, I'm truly looking forward to
the
> building portion of this project. I'm a true 'jack-of-all-trades' and come
> from a long line of the same. I love to build stuff. In many ways I often
> look forward to the build of any project rather than the final outcome.
>
> Looking forward to this.
>
> Cheers,
> Lyle
>

Then you have the exact right mindset for being a homebuilder.

[BllFs6]

If you want something relatively new, pretty good 2 seater performance,
reasonable cost, good plans and company support.....

Look at the Sonnex (Sonex?) kit planes....I was researching this same topic a
year or so ago....and I pretty much decided if I went the metal and rivits
route that would be the plane I would build....

I think the RV series are probably BETTER planes.....but it looks to me like
the Sonex would be cheaper and significantly faster to build....

take care

Blll