madpilot wrote:

svanarts wrote:I've built two experimentals now. I built them because I wanted a new plane that fit my particular flying style. You will have that too but are you willing to wait 3, 5, 7, or 10 years for it. That's how long some of my friends took to build their planes. If you enjoy building things and challenges, and you're patient, it can be a very rewarding experience. If you are not all those, it can be frustrating.

If you want to fly, buy. If you can wait, then build.

Thanks for the info svanarts. I do think building would be a good fit for me. The plane is to have a plane in five years. Which means I'm looking at buying the kit or fist part of the kit in two to three years. Not a big rush. I like building things and it is something I've wanted to do for a long time.

Then you're in for a lot of fun mingled with a lot of work, bloody fingers, swear words, and a doggone nice airplane to show for it.

One of the reasons I want my A&P

XKV8tor and others asking about homebuilts, experimental, amature built or whatever you want to call them...Why don't you join the EAA? This is the organization that was founded to help and further the world of homebuilt aircraft. For the price of membership nearly any question you may have reguarding homebuilts can be answered by someone within the organization. http://www.eaa.org
Zane, if I am out of line in posting this please let me know.
WW

And further, find and join your local EAA chapter. This saved me a lot of money by being able to borrow tools, jigs, expertise, etc. Also a lot of good camaraderie.

WWhunter wrote:XKV8tor and others asking about homebuilts, experimental, amature built or whatever you want to call them...Why don't you join the EAA? This is the organization that was founded to help and further the world of homebuilt aircraft. For the price of membership nearly any question you may have reguarding homebuilts can be answered by someone within the organization. http://www.eaa.org
Zane, if I am out of line in posting this please let me know.
WW

Can't imagine why that would be out of line. I'm a member too.

I think you've established your willingness as a participant here, enough to earn your right to plug your little website there....

svanarts wrote:And further, find and join your local EAA chapter. This saved me a lot of money by being able to borrow tools, jigs, expertise, etc. Also a lot of good camaraderie.

Are there dues foe both the national and local orgs? Any Colorado springs members here?

madpilot wrote:

svanarts wrote:And further, find and join your local EAA chapter. This saved me a lot of money by being able to borrow tools, jigs, expertise, etc. Also a lot of good camaraderie.

Are there dues foe both the national and local orgs? Any Colorado springs members here?

IMO, our local chapter sucks. I was even an officer of it, but it's dying and a bunch of us kept trying to save it, but nothing but resistance. Nothing happens very much with it.

Tadpole wrote:

madpilot wrote:

svanarts wrote:And further, find and join your local EAA chapter. This saved me a lot of money by being able to borrow tools, jigs, expertise, etc. Also a lot of good camaraderie.

Are there dues foe both the national and local orgs? Any Colorado springs members here?

IMO, our local chapter sucks. I was even an officer of it, but it's dying and a bunch of us kept trying to save it, but nothing but resistance. Nothing happens very much with it.

Well that is sad to hear.

Tadpole,
I agree, that is sad to hear. But then a club is what the members make it to be. The local chapter I belong to has some very enthusiastic guys that all have a deep desire to fly. Very few of the members have a pilots license but that sure doesn't curb their enthusiasm. It takes a good leader to keep the rest of the members motivated and active in the chapter. Since my wife as been in the Army, we have moved every few years and I always try and find the local EAA chapter. Every one I have ever been involved with seems to have a few core members that hold the club together and the rest are just "tag-a-longs". Having said that, one ting I have noticed is there always is that one or two members that are very knowledgable on the aspects of homebuilding and are more than happy to help out the new guy.
Unfortunately I am absent from the area a lot and do not contribute much but when I am around I try to make the meetings and help in anyways I am able to.
Good Luck!!!
WW

WWhunter wrote:It takes a good leader to keep the rest of the members motivated and active in the chapter.

This is a major part of our problem, the current and forever leader. Those of us that have tried to save it were roadblocked, and it'll probably come down to closing and a new one starting.

Our EAA chapter, is actually pretty good. Lots of knowledgeable people, some RV's, some. 'non kit plane homebuilts, some certified aircraft, and some dreamers.. We have one guy that is an avionics guy, one guy, that is an AME, a couple guys who worked in the murphy factory, a couple of old guys that have the stories of 'in the good ole days'. The best part about it, is that on almost any day, you can go down to the flying club, and there will be people there, or you go to the far end of the airport, and they'll be messing around with the airplanes down there. I really believe between our local flying club, and the EAA showing up at our airport, it has brought some life back into G.A. at our airport. To top it off, we still have one of the 'free' airshows' in BC. And it is ussually actually pretty good. (especially the night show, and the dance).

madpilot wrote:

svanarts wrote:And further, find and join your local EAA chapter. This saved me a lot of money by being able to borrow tools, jigs, expertise, etc. Also a lot of good camaraderie.

Are there dues foe both the national and local orgs? Any Colorado springs members here?

Yes, the local chapters usually charge their own membership dues. EAA Chapters are like any other club or organization, some are good, some not so good. Find out when your local chapter meets again and join them. They will be happy to have you.

svanarts wrote:

madpilot wrote:

svanarts wrote:And further, find and join your local EAA chapter. This saved me a lot of money by being able to borrow tools, jigs, expertise, etc. Also a lot of good camaraderie.

Are there dues foe both the national and local orgs? Any Colorado springs members here?

Yes, the local chapters usually charge their own membership dues. EAA Chapters are like any other club or organization, some are good, some not so good. Find out when your local chapter meets again and join them. They will be happy to have you.

Found someone in the local area building a bear hawk planning to go see it.

I would love to build a plane too but a Cessna 180hp/170 will match the Patrols numbers almost identically for fuel burn, gross weight and speed (almost). Plus it would be cheaper to buy the Cessna and would save years of building and not flying. Right now is the time to buy a plane. Something to think about.

I owned a Kitfox Speedster a few years ago and I can't imagine that model being improved, but by all accounts the SS is a substantial improvement. Plus, John and Deb McBean (the owners) are top-notch people. http://kitfoxaircraft.com/

crazyivan wrote:I owned a Kitfox Speedster a few years ago and I can't imagine that model being improved, but by all accounts the SS is a substantial improvement. Plus, John and Deb McBean (the owners) are top-notch people. http://kitfoxaircraft.com/

A friend of mine has a Kitfox. Great little plane just not the right thing for the applications I'm wanting to use it for.