Save Time, Save Money, and FINISH the Airplane! 

Great tips! I would add, not owning another airplane will go a long ways in motivating you to finish. Cool Zenith!

I’m building a Highlander and the folks at Just Aircraft gave me some good advice. The larger blocks of time you work, the faster it will get done. That’s been my experience too. So the first 4 hours I work I’m plodding along. By 6 hours I’m really making progress. By 8 hours I’m really cruising. By 12 hours I’m still cruising.

Your comment about avoiding Netflix etc. was spot on! I get a huge amount done and am clueless when it comes to the latest video series fad.

So true on all of that. Everyone should watch this before buying a kit. Or especially an abandoned project. Nice job!

Excellent summary and very practical advice. I did a Sonex from plans and worked with basically all the concepts you presented here. Especially like the part about how you did the electrical and keeping the project nearby until there's absolutely nothing else you can do at home. Upholstery - be careful with fabric store materials. We had a guy bring in a burned seat to our EAA chapter meeting showing that FAA-approved material that doesn't support flame can save lives. It was from an in-cockpit fire / fuel leak situation.

This is simply one of the best videos I've ever seen that summarizes the reality of building a Zenith Aircraft kit! However, you omitted a major cost saving/time saving option: purchase a partially-completed kit! Partially-completed or abandoned kits typically sell for less than the original cost of the parts (typically the seller is giving away their labor for free) and if the kit's plans' number is properly transferred through Zenith, Zenith Aircraft supplies technical support (which is excellent!) same as if the buyer was the original builder. Of course, there is some risk in that a second-hand kit has missing parts or poor quality construction, so inspecting the kit with a knowledgeable Zenith builder is a must. I purchased a partially completed kit and it saved me thousands of dollars and probably 200+ hours of construction and allowed me to finish the kit in 12 months and approximately 1000 hrs of build time - that was over 12 years ago and absolutely no regrets! Again, this was an excellent video and I look forward to seeing more!

Man, that was all good, very motivating!

One of the best videos on this subject! 🎉

You built a beautiful aircraft, with quality throughout! I would like to see videos on how you designed your fuel and electrical systems. I’m sure other builders would benefit from this content. 😉

Finally. Been waiting for a detailed plane video to show Alex.

I totally agree with your comment about building at home, rather than at a hangar, I build in a big shed and it allows me to go out most evenings and at the weekend (if the weather is not good enough to fly). My Fisher Youngster build is progressing and I am at about the 14 month point at the moment and still as chunk off being flight ready but it is a wood biplane and I have not been in a rush and as such have carried out a lot of mods (as well has having a few issues with the kit methods). The main thing that slows me down is producing video to share with other on RU-vid, so they can see the methods I use to help them with Fisher style kits. (I have a full time job building aircraft as well!) Good video, well done.

Well done , good breakdown of process ,you missed the help on four paws , put a lot of time in ...and wife , a legend [blessed to have one share projects /time ,good time to talk to ,with hands busy and no pressure ].

Seeing your secret of a speedy build! Your highly talented and committed!! Great job!!

Impressive, thanks

Awesome!

Excellent video, thank you.

Cool stuff rules!

This video is wicked bro! Thank you. I started building my 701 kit for fun and didn't have a license. I then started flying to get my wings and since then have lost the space and income I use to have so it's been discouraging seeing it sitting in a storage locker. I really don't want to be a statistic but seems like I jumped in and bit off more then I could chew.

This is a great video

Fabulous video, very well thought out. Love from a pilot in Iceland.

Great video! I think you covered it very well, and hit the spots that most people get hung up on. May I add one small thing (which you did already mention, - but I think deserves more emphasis)? That is CONSISTENCY. And by that I mean to work on the project every day even if for just a short time. This keeps your brain active in knowing where you are in the plans, so you don’t have to “catch up” when you come back to it. That makes a huge difference. Yours is one of the best and most clear videos that I have seen on this topic. Well done.

Very inspiring! I love the Cruzer with mid size tires! Such a nice look! Please post performance and tech details when you can get around to it. Have fun!

Dang! I need to turn in my Ozarks man card. That comment on spending time hit hard.

Those were some pretty sweet seats.

Buddy of mine built an RV 10 in 14 months. :)

Very interesting! Would love to see a video that is a tour of the panel, including the fusebox. How did you make the 3 busses, is it ring terminals or spade terminals? I am doing a Cruzer with a WW 2850 and going to use fuses as well.

Having WBI (Wife Buy In) is critical to being able to get it done.

100% truth on all points! Great video!

Nice video. While I have no proof that wig wags scare off birds, the simple ($45/pair) Amazon motorcycle LED's and basic Wig Wag controller (about $40) that I installed with them does/has made me more visible to other aircraft (they have been called out on radio calls). Bottom line is I think it was money well spent. FYI, my LED's are mounted on the included brackets that are attached to the top center bolt on the wing strut (no cutting or mods required)...

Nice build! How are you liking your Corvair? Building a 2850 for my project as well, that’s why I’m asking

Hey there This is John your DAR. How is it going?

I know you did most of this build by yourself…..but it seems like your wife is in a whole bunch of the clips in this video……nice plane btw

Do you really need wings? Flying without wings is much cheaper and lighter than flying with them 😂

No Game of Thrones..? You missed nothing.