I see now that it has been done in three weeks.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmPZbfYWNT0

Does the 40 hours before the plane can be flown XC not apply to these kits? I thought that there was a requirement with homebuilts that they had to be flown in the local area (unpopulated area?) for 40 hours before they were free of restrictions.

Yes, The 40 hours does apply. I can only go 50 miles from the airport. And it is my understanding the plane can be built ready to fly in the 2 weeks. There will be 2 of us working on it plus the factory help. Ya'll can say what you want, but I'm pretty handy with a bucking bar If it doesn't work for the week of the 21st, than it will happen the next week and you guys can say "I told you so" I will have several guys to help me get the 40 hours on it. That Lycoming is not going to get the chance to cool down for that week!
So I'm gonna do what I can and it will all come out in the wash

Don't get me wrong - I'm not knocking the plane at all. If I had more time, I might even consider building. I just watched the video where the guy builds one and then flies it to the east coast and was wondering about that pesky 40 hours.

I spoke with Evan Farmer. He is trying to sell his Sportsman he built in the video. I guess life got in the way of the payments. He's asking 160K and I think he has at least that in it in parts.
If anything hampers my plans, I think it will be weather. I lived in Everett, Wa for 2 years. I know the weather can be really crappy. So I'm just crossing my fingers!

If it's a proven kit design, with a certified engine and prop combination the FAA normally only requires 25hrs test time. Hope that helps.

Phil

I wish 25 hours was the case, and I think it may have been at one time. Glasair themselves told me it would take 40 hours. I've been searching the FAA site trying to find something on experimental airworthyness certification but haven't come up with much.

Call FSDO, most of the guys in Fairbanks are pretty helpfull.

Phil

I double checked with Glasair and they told me the engine is considered experimental??? I thought all Lycoming engines were certified? But I will double check with the FAA guy who is going to be signing it off. That all has to be done before the testing period anyhow. So I will know positively before I start flying.
My biggest concern right now is the damn insurance company. They want me to have 10 hours dual for coverage. That's all fine and dandy. I can even get an instructor approved to fly with me for the first 10 hours. But than they throw in the fact that the instructor has to be certified in the Sportsman. Anybody know how long it takes for an instructor to be certified in a specific type???
So I can find instructors, but none that can dedicate the time I need.
So I might be loading the plane on the ferry and just riding in the cockpit to Alaska! That is my last resort!

Huh, wonder if they're using a Superior XP-320 or something like that.

Phil

Why build? Do you just have that burning desire to construct something? I was one of those at the AOPA photo shoot mentioned in one of the above posts. Nice looking plane but has less performance than a Cessna 180 or 182.

chickenair wrote:.....I thought all Lycoming engines were certified? ........

A Lycoming engine from Lycoming is certificated, & still certificated after overhaul by an approved overhauler. A Lycoming engine overhauled by someone other than an A&P,IA, or CRS is considered experimental.
A "lycoming" from an aftermarket outfit such as Superior or ECI or Aeropower might be certificated, or might not be -- depends on the paperwork. Any non-certificated engine is considered experimental, even though it may be pretty much identical to the certificated one except for paperwork. A new non-certificated engine is usually less expensive than the certificated version of that engine. But then you have the 40 hour flight test period as opposed to the 25 hour for the cert engine.

Eric

OK, that might explain the Experimental engine. I'll have to ask if they are giving me a re-worked engine. It was my thinking I was getting a new IO360. Not that it will change my plans because the downpayment is made.
Why build?? instead of buying a 180 or 182? Well.....I do like building things, and zero time 180/182's are hard to find. And if I did find a nice 180 that I can swap from tailwheel to nose gear to floats in my 12' wide shop (folding wings)in a matter of hours, it would probably cost as much as I'm paying for this plane and it would still be my age......old
I like younger women, why shouldn't I have a younger plane to fly them around in?

CA
I'm sure you're getting a new engine. Lyc makes an entire line of non-certified engines. Their website addresses them. It looks like it's around a $10,000 difference between a certified and non-certified and no choice if you want a 390.

Jack

Chickenair,
Congratulations on selecting a fine aircraft. I am not as experienced in all the different types of back country planes as others, but here is what I can tell you. I have looked and flown many planes. Of all the planes, there has been only one that made my heart stop, then jump start, then stop. There has been only one plane I have repeatedly walked away from only to turn my head around for one final look and grin. There has been only one small plane that I have sat in that made me say, "Damn now that is comfortable!" Having had THREE back surgeries with screws and rods in my back at the ripe old age of 39, I know what the hell I'm talking about when it comes to that! And there is only one small plane that I have flown that made me grin ear to ear, still does when I even think about it.

That airplane, my friend, is the Sportsman. Yes there are better back country airplanes. Yes there are other planes that will haul more people. Yes there are certainly cheaper airplanes. But when I tally all the plusses and minuses, the Sportsman is on top FOR ME. Now all you other crusty old farts just keep yer mouthes shut if yer gonna tell me why this or that is better in this plane or that plane. Choosing a planes is like choosing your truck or a woman. I'm a DODGE Man. You might think it's ugly. But maybe I like a big mouthed grill. You might like a skinny butt on your woman. Maybe I like a big ole cushion. It's about what YOU want. You are the one writing the check. So if the Sportsman makes you grin ear to ear, get the pen out and start writing! Sounds like you did. And damn I'm jealous. Tried to get going myself earlier this year but the credit union turned out to be a bunch of pricks. I'm selling another house. When it's gone, I'll see y'all in Arlinginton!
Cheers!
AWOL

AWOL.....It's good to know that someone else feels the way I do. I've been bug eyed over this plane for 2 years.
I'm trying to find a video cam and what I want to do is a short clip each day, morning and evening and post on this thread so everyone can monitor the progress with me.

Best of luck to you Chicken Air. I find it hard to believe 10 guys working day and night could get a plane from pieces to flying in 2 weeks, but I sure hope it works out for you. They are a very nice looking machine, and it sounds like you've done your homework and know what you want, so go for it and enjoy!

Good luck with the Sportsman Chickenair! I have admired the lines of that plane once or twice myself and I have read nothing but good reviews about them. I took a close look at one down at Sun 'N Fun when they had all the gear that they could carry set up next to one. It was fairly impressive! The build sounds like fun. Look forward to reading your first pilot's report!

Come on in!!! I start work at 0700 on the 1st of June!

OK all the naysayers on here were getting me a little worried so I asked the Factory Rep the Question. "When I roll this plane out the door and fire it up after 14 days, how much work is left to do before I can fly it." Here is his answer. "It won't be painted and after a test run and taxi it has to be brought back in the shop and all access panels removed for the FAA inspector. After the inspection it will take 4 or 5 hours to button it all back up and it is ready to fly. The only additional thing that has to be done is the compass and transponder need certified before a xcountry can be flown."
So will it be a complete airplane??? Maybe not exactally like I want it, but it will be flyable, and since I'm a bare bones kind a guy, it probably won't get much else but paint.
So I feel a little better now. At least about the build. Nothing will make me feel better about the insurance bill except maybe winning the lotto