SHOULD YOU BUILD A BUSH PLANE? Expectations vs. Reality

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Should you build your own bush plane? In this video I share my experience building a Kitfox Model 7 STi, but it can apply to building an experimental aircraft in general. Building a plane was not a walk in the park like I expected after seeing all the videos and marketing from Kitfox, but here is my honest review on what it was like building this experimental aircraft. We cover everything from the budget you need, effort, space, and tools required and much more. Many of you probably have expectations regarding this journey, but I will share with you the reality of building a Kitfox.
Here is a link to my somewhat up to date tool list: www.7kilofox.com/tool-list
Instagram: / 7kilofox
Facebook: / 7kilofox
0:00-1:24 Intro
1:25-2:15 My Backstory
2:16-4:50 Rent, Buy, or Build?
4:51-5:58 Expectations vs. Reality
5:59-12:59 Budget
13:00-16:18 Effort
16:19-18:28 Space
18:29-22:08 Tools
22:09-25:00 Skills
25:01-27:54 Timeline
27:55-32:03 Manual
32:04-34:30 Forums
34:31- 38:16 Outro

Опубликовано:

17 май 2024

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Комментарии : 219

@Stack151 2 года назад

Probably one of the best breakdowns with honest comments on the actual process. I have watched most of your videos and really enjoyed the process. With any luck, I hope to do this as well in a few years. Thanks for taking the time to show us your process and thoughts!

@user-ep9wg9ul9r 10 месяцев назад

I want build bush plane at home. Please guide me me. Where I can get or buy blueprint or design of bush plane. Because I have not Idia how to build. This is my big wish that I build back country stole plane in my country. Please Guide me . Thank you

@thomasmurray1807 2 года назад

Great video. I wish I had watched this 8 years ago on my first Kitfox. I have built two Kitfox and one RV 14 A in 8 years. Everything you said was honest and true. Thanks

@TheKinter614 Год назад

How was the RV build comparative to the kit fox? I know kind of like comparing apples to oranges but would like your opinion. Did the RV include more with the kit that you needed vs the kit fox as he’s saying in this video that you need to purchase a lot of extras? Not talking about the electronics, tools, and paint. Thanks in advance for any information.

@gawebm 8 месяцев назад

Your experience is very similar to mine in all respects. I finished a Zenith 601 XLB. It was a never-ending grind. I probably spent 3 hours online for every hour actually building. I would never build another plane.

@kitfoxn990tt5 2 года назад

I truly do appreciate the honesty he is presenting, but I have to say I disagree with most of it. I built a Kittfox SS7 (not the STI) with a Rotax 912uls without any quick-build parts or wings, my first ever airplane build. I am not an expert in any way, just a handyman with a knowledge of basic tools. I found extremely few tasks that were not explained adequately in the manual, and when I did have questions I found the factory to be responsive and the forum to be extremely helpful. Overall it was a very successful and satisfying experience.

@TeensierPython Год назад

Can you tell me what the cost is? I’ve been squirreling money away for a while but haven’t done the cost analysis yet.

@mcorrive12 Год назад

Between his video and your comment I think the takeaway is that there will be a wide range of experiences, based on the builder's level of experience in a number of different skills. Milage may vary. All useful information. I hope to someday have a go at building. 👍

@user-ep9wg9ul9r 10 месяцев назад

@rustyclam238 Год назад

This was a great and helpful video. I was a boat builder for most of my life, and I am quite old now. I am fairly old, And one thing I have learned is that you have to know your limitations, and when to turn them over to a professional. even when your house breaks down. It’s not that you can’t do it, it’s that you can fall off the roof and put yourself out of work.

@user-ep9wg9ul9r 10 месяцев назад

@LTVoyager 2 года назад

It does sound like you are more of a flyer than a builder. Someone who is a builder at heart loves to buy tools and looks forward to it. Anyone who considers it a chore to buy tools is probably really not a builder at heart. I think that may be the most important element of your video: asking yourself do your really want to build a plane or do you just want to have a plane? That is a very fundamental decision and if you really don’t want to BUILD a plane, then don’t kid yourself and just go buy one. One of the best clues is whether you like browsing tool catalogs and deciding what to buy. If you don’t like tool shopping, there is a very good chance that you really aren’t a builder at heart.

@majorchungus Год назад

I bought a plane to fly today while I build on the side. I like both but flying slightly more.

@user-ep9wg9ul9r 10 месяцев назад

@RatFabTacoma 7 месяцев назад

lol i read the tool list and realized wow i can build an airplane (i’m a fabricator by trade) and really want to do it someday i just need to build a shop big enough to fit it when done😂

@At-fb5kg 7 месяцев назад

That’s not at all what he’s saying? He’s saying that the kit is advertised that you can build a kitfox with tools in your kitch drawer. Did you not hear him say “I just bought my favorite tool” or “it’s a super rewarding feeling building a plane” how can you say he’s not a builder as heart lol so stupid and ignorant

@SnoopDougieDoug 6 месяцев назад

There is an in-between. I grew up restoring Champs instead of wrenching on cars like a normal 80s teenager, and the love of the shop never left me. I ended up an MC-130P Flught Engineer (the very last one in the system, actually … retired the final / final girl - 66-0212 - on my own Fini-Flight just before retiring). If you know the job of an FE, and especially one in a Hercules of any flavor, you know the love of the shop and tool roll side of the soul is muy importante. But, I was a wrench before an FE and I couldn’t have done a full 20 without getting winged. I had to operate / do / experience. HAD to. Equally so, I couldn’t hit the car with the pinky-out-drinking club (you know…Officers) knowing that inject an X in the book and I wasn’t involved in fixing what was broke. I honestly felt happier wrenching on that Flightline post-sortie than hitting the town. (I wondered if I was in need of some electrical shock therapy quite often) I say all this because I have no current point of reference to back up my statement that there is a middle option. I just know that I feel snack dab in-between FlyBoy and Builder at heart. I don’t want to hire out unless I can be the assistant and learn how to use the tooling and gain the skill set as I do … and I will probably buy those tools myself right afterward (definitely a tool hoarder and I dig fabricating things that make the other things do … the things) Sound like a builder, right? I’ve got a hangar now around my ‘46 7AC Champ and it’s tooled out to wrench, but I’ve got a ton of to-do things collecting dust waiting on my wrenching addiction to re-manifest. I think someone in the middle needs to own one while building one. Flying will renew the drive needed to get back into flow state in the shop. Easy to get frustrated and stop having fun getting MEK soaked fingernails that a weekend of slips to the numbers will refresh/renew the batteries of. Voice to text means it probably took you longer to read that than it took me to say it. Sorry if I made you pray for a TL/DR button. (My call sign was “FARVA” from the movie SuperTroopers. Annoying sumbitch, that old Farva. But he means well, and absolutely LOVES being accepted as part of the club, in spite of himself). That checks. My target first build is gonna be a Bearhawk 5, and I’ll pull that trigger within the next year or less. We shall see if I take back all the words above once I jump in the overalls and find out if I was taking out of my ass or not (and I’ll tell the truth if I find out I was)

@kennethrobinson7647 Год назад

After 5 decades on this planet I find expectations utterly useless. Actually, most of the time, they are a hindrance.

@OleTrapper69 Год назад

The parallels from off road fabrication are extremely similar. I can only imagine the fear associated with building an aircraft where the consequences are much more severe…..Much respect! I am becoming more and more interested in the world of ultra light/experimental specifically the STOL stuff. Thanks for the video. Look forward to seeing the rest of the channel.

@scotth985 2 года назад

That was the best coverage of the subject Ive seen. I thought there is no way I'm watching 38 minutes but it seemed short in the end. Well done.

@chefwarthog 2 года назад

Thx for cheering your experience….. not many builder do this kind of coming out….. very appreciated Cheers!

@ashsmitty2244 2 года назад

Very true, the time it takes to figure it out is so much longer. Building two at the same time could almost take as long as doing one.

@erl2nd Год назад

Awesome video, I truly appreciate your genuinely honest and fair assessment of the build process. Thank you, Earl

@georgeglass1748 2 года назад

I loved this. Absolutely loved the honesty of someone who’s been there.

@vr6chrisvw 2 года назад

This is a really great honest comprehensive review of the challenges of building an airplane. It is a problem solving challenge throughout. In the end, you walk away with new skills and the feeling of accomplishment of making your own flying machine. You really have to love making things to make it worth it for you.

@svenlemming5383 Год назад

outstanding video, thank you. I appreciate your perspective, honesty and quality in delivering this content.

@TheJasonmurphy2005 2 года назад

I found your build series very beneficial in the work that I have completed so far. Thank you!

@douglasmcclain142 Месяц назад

Love your honesty. People do not understand the work that goes in to building plans, cars, trucks.

@douglasmcclain142 Месяц назад

Planes

@cfanyu6422 Год назад

Pure honesty. If this was any other industry, he would fear for his life.

@davidrobins4025 2 года назад

Thanks for your candour. Very helpful perspective for a first-time builder.

@bradysiebenaler6804 Год назад

Great video, great info... I'm an ex machinist who has wanted to build an airplane since he could hold a hammer. I'm waiting for the extra money and extra time graphs in my life to converge just right.

@franciscojones6226 2 года назад

Very nice breakdown of what it takes. Good to watch this before going into such a project. Some day I hope I will take the leap!

@BillDuffell Год назад

Very helpful honest review. Thank you !

@michaelguy7168 2 месяца назад

Looking awesome, keep up the hard work. Thank you for the update.

@sganzerlag Год назад

Pure gold! Thanks for sharing your views and opinions. Best regards from Brasilia, Brazil.

@tannerwills7286 2 года назад

Really appreciate the insight. Thanks for makng this video.

@billbennie5417 Год назад

Great video. Really good context. Thank you.

@TheRealOzWookiee 2 года назад

Great video and breakdown of your experience mate. All good points to consider :D

@jeremy3811 2 года назад

SPOT ON! Congratulations on your build.

@timking2822 Год назад

Thank you. Excellent overview of the build process by a representative builder. Very helpful.

@TheWickedirish 7 дней назад

"Can you build a kitchen table?" Had me laughing. I designed and built my kitchen table. I mean, I also used to build airplanes for a living, but...

@BrownBear618 Год назад

Great video bud, very informative and enjoyed watching.

@WoutervanTiel Год назад

Thanks for the candid talk about this process. I am a home builder and i can get things done, but i work with wood not metal, so this seems daunting. The worst part is the frustration of not having clear instructions and the enormous waste of time and brain power that this entails. That's not cool.

@daveg8143 2 года назад

Great Job, I have binge watched your build , Harlen Paynes , and Project Kitfox's . I have a deposit down and a 2024 delivery (yes 2 years) . I will say you have nailed it. congrats on the completion . Oratex for me no paint.

@danniendorff4815 2 года назад

Your video is great! Very well said, and on the mark. When beginning my first experimental, I believed the final product to be an airplane….. but by the end I knew the thing actually accomplished was the making of a builder. The airplane is a nice consolation (and fun too!). But the real achievement gained is the newfound knowledge, experience, skills, and tenacity gained in pursuit of the aircraft. Those things can’t be dispersed for a price by a kit maker. They are earned by each individual. And in the end are more valuable than the airplane. Just my 2 cents 😊.

@user-ep9wg9ul9r 10 месяцев назад

@SulemaTrollope 5 месяцев назад

If we only focus on the final product and ignore the knowledge, experience and skills gained in the pursuit of it, can this product really have real meaning?

@grandsea2 2 года назад

I have very little probability of ever being able to afford to build...but watched this entire video, I must say great delivery of an inconvenient but honest and fair review of your experience. I'm sure this video helped manage expectations of those looking to build and possibly restoked the attention to details/updates into any kit mfg's who see it.

@warrenlovell3919 2 года назад

Such great information! And it is at this date a 2 year wait for an STi kit in experimental format. Sept we start construction of the build building! 60’x40’x16’ wall height steel building! Thanks for your videos. Warren

@johneufrazio8349 Год назад

THANK YOU ! I enjoy your talk ! GREAT JOB !

@treetopflight7624 2 года назад

Great video. I'm 250 hours into my first build (aluminum bush plane), and all of your points are right on. I can't believe how much time I spend researching EVERYTHING... But, I'm already thinking about my second build..... Congratulations on your completion.

@TheSemiArtisticPuma Год назад

What airplane are you working on? If you dont mind me asking

@treetopflight7624 Год назад

@@TheSemiArtisticPuma RANS S21 Outbound.

@user-ep9wg9ul9r 10 месяцев назад

@@TheSemiArtisticPumaI want build bush plane at home. Please guide me me. Where I can get or buy blueprint or design of bush plane. Because I have not Idia how to build. This is my big wish that I build back country stole plane in my country. Please Guide me . Thank you

@kennsnthumbi6947 Год назад

Building an aircraft is so easy in theory until things get to the ground. Many people have all theories inside their mind on why their ideas will work, but they don't have the possible reasons on why things may not work. While I'm also a researcher in physics, in my own opinion I think that building an aircraft requires more skills on the mind than on the actual ground. Infact you need a lot of research on the physics behind working of the common physical phenomenons. For all who are like this guy, may all of your dreams come true one day.

2 года назад

Thanks man! Awesome video, one can tell right away how you are telling the truth

@VasaMusic438 5 месяцев назад

Fantastic Video !!!! Please more !!!! Please make video of all passages and details !!

@jakeadams1423 Год назад

Just found/looked over your channel. I'm shocked at the subscriber count. Hope RU-vid algorithms help you out. The quality and content you've created deserves many many more subs

@clintonlloyd2337 4 месяца назад

I appreciate you very much and thank you for sharing your experience . Congratulations on your awesome project I am proud of you 😁🙏🏻

@hammitr 2 года назад

Totally agree with your synopsis . Painting is a huge pain in the butt and so is all the time fitting the parts from Kitfox. I would really like to build an S 21 or a Zenith just so I would know if the fitment issue is as big a deal with those.

@tossedsaladandscrambledegg8576 Год назад

Sobering input. Thanks for posting this!

@erik6690 2 года назад

I really appreciate this vid! I’m about to start my build in the next few months.

@premcyjohn Год назад

R u started the work, did u attend any class in any institution for build this ?

@LTVoyager 2 года назад

Most people suggest you figure the total cost to be 3X the kit cost. Since the Kitfox is $40K that gives $120K as a reasonable total cost estimate. Obviously, you can do better than that with used engine and simple panel or more with all new and a full IFR panel.

@user-ep9wg9ul9r 10 месяцев назад

@juscallmeric Год назад

Nicely done. Thanks.

@FierceProtocol 2 месяца назад

Amazing video man. I was thinking about doing this . VERY enlightening. Thank you very much for this.

@LaHayeSaint Год назад

Really frank. I appreciate this. Thank you Sir.

@JohnSmith-jq9xx 10 месяцев назад

I love the HONESTY !!!

@roberthenderson6394 2 года назад

I AM building a Kitfox but much slower at it than Roger. I’m going on two years……too many other things going on. This retirement is hard work….never ending time. Roger is EXACTLY correct on most everything he said. Over half of my build time (way more than half, actually) is trying to figure out how to do what manual wants me to do. I could have saved a lot of time having a nicely completed Kitfox nearby to compare with see how things are supposed end up looking when completed. Great presentation. I look forward to getting mine flying by year’s end

@user-ep9wg9ul9r 10 месяцев назад

@benthecaptain7419 2 года назад

Thanks for this video.

@MrShowdog7 2 года назад

You are right. Lots of figuring and some head scratching. Always worth it to push yourself though. This is an arts and crafts project compared to some other projects I have done. Good job on the review.

@Cbow406 Год назад

I haven't started, and won't for a while but when I first learned about the kit fox I thought it would be a bunch of boxes of parts I bolt together. As a mechanic that sounded awesome! Lol. I definitely won't be doing the painting myself. And it sounds like you built your kit exceptionally fast besides the painting. Definitely seems worth it to have that done by a professional

@gotskills9109 2 года назад

Love your videos. You have a tool list but what about things such as the devices you use to hold the wings and any other special jigs and such? What kind of cost would you add for all of these other tools-jigs etc?

@David-pk9be 2 года назад

Well presented!

@fatgeisha4685 Год назад

the honesty, I love it.

@MarkAlanHoran 2 года назад

Thanks for the video. I enjoyed your video build series for many reasons, but this theme of expectations on the build process and the expectations from the kit provider appeared to be pointed out more from you compared to other builders. I think you showed your irritation appropriately on past videos which I found helpful.

@GlennSisson 2 года назад

Thanks Roger, this is your best video so far. Everything you said made sense (except the thought that a kit should perhaps include the paint). I also found the kitfox forum unusable, so when my kit arrives (still a year out) I think I'll be relying on 1) the build manual, 2) your and others' valuable build video channels, and 3) calls to Brandon at the factory. Like you, I also love that Brandon and Heather are doing a build series. Although, I thought they might be posting more often. (hope they didn't get disillusioned by the kit inventory step and give up already :-)

@johnluckie5048 11 месяцев назад

Like the honesty sir, well done!

@dogfoodking 2 года назад

This is a fantastic video. You are talking way beyond building an airplane. Great mindset. 👍

@bnagnew34 10 месяцев назад

If you were going to build the exact same aircraft again, knowing what you know now, what do you think your build timeline would be now. It seems like every time I do something that is outside of my norm it takes longer than expected, but once I've done it and struggled through all the issues and problem solving and gathering tools and figuring out where to start I could do the next in half the time.

@markmuir7338 4 месяца назад

Yeah - that’s why I was surprised he didn’t want to do painting again. Surely now that he made all the mistakes and learned from them, the next should be a breeze. But maybe he realized the mistake was to do it in the first place 😂

@ffstructures 2 месяца назад

thanks Man .. & best regards from Greece

@droneexplorer9229 Год назад

I like this video because you do a good job of just talking. Felt like you were in the room with me just having a conversation, not like you were talking to a camera. Well done and great amount of info.

@markstoll9636 2 года назад

also...can you spend some time on your thoughts on the folding wings. pros cons

@ronstiles2681 Год назад

Congratulations on your build nice job, and welcome to a techs world we have issues to

@JS-ep3sv 2 года назад

Good video. However a 80K project leaves the blue collar kit built enthusiast out. I’d like to give some budding builders hope. Those of you who are "jacks of all trades” will have the skills to tackle any Kit build project. Heres how you do it for 30k. First find the kit you want thats partially built, the more popular the kit the better, of course popular kits like an RV or Lancair is going to be more expensive. Some kits sit for decades partly finished, early Kit Foxes, Lancairs and Glasairs are out there. Any kit can be questionable, but most are absolutely worthy of finishing. Not only that, but since there is only a small market of people who would buy these the prices are low. ie: I bought two partily built Pulsars 15 years apart the latest is a Pulsar lll fast build kit that was over half done, but sat in a hanger for 15 years collecting dust, cost 10K, that was a 25K kit, plus a years worth of work for two people was free for me. Spent over a year finishing it. Did everything including rebuilding and modifing a Rotax 914 (used predator drone engine) to a 912 ULS engine. Both Pulsars were finished for 30-35k (the first one had a new 912 engine, $8499 in 1997). Most 912 Pulsars back then finished for 40 to 50K, the turbo versions could be 65K. It's a great plane, but it's a small 2 seater mostly for people in the average height and weight range. Cruise is 150-155 mph on auto premium gas or AV gas. I’m sure if you pick a design and are ready to buy, watch Barnstormers and other sales sites. Learn all you can about your chosen design, pick two designs if you want. Avoid engine experiments. Experimenting with other engines is a time, fun and money waster, stay with the design recommendations unless you are an engine guy who would rather develop systems than have fun flying. Do not decieve yourselves about the commitment needed to finish a kit. Do something every day. Building most of it in a two car garage at your house has a far better completion outcome than doing it in a hanger even 10 minutes away.

@hobblyjig 8 месяцев назад

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I have been toying with the idea of building a kitfox. But I also had in my mind that it was just a complicated erector set. All assembly. Now that I have a better idea what I’m getting into I know that it’s not for me. I’ll just have to spend more to get a plane already built and hope I can find one I like.

@av8rk9 2 года назад

I'm building a bush plane other than a kitfox ... I think he has summed this up well ... In my case I'm understanding I have to anticipate and enjoy the problem solving end and just get to work ... learning & knowledge to perfection will result in you never getting started ... In the words of Mike Patey ... -> "Back to Work"

@michaelgrier6908 2 года назад

I believe that the Wright Brothers designed, built their own kits plane(with wing warping), and taught themselves to fly by control in with the hip motion. I can only imagine their level of frustration.

@markeckert8218 8 месяцев назад

Thanks for your honesty, much appreciated. Way more expensive then I thought.

@kieyavorsky2188 Год назад

this type of video is fantastic

@volantis51 2 года назад

I’ve recently built a Jabiru kit, and to my frustration I found out of date plans, very poor Fibergass components added greatly to the building time. Think about the best way to do an actual job usually takes way more time than actually doing it The building took about 800 hours…. Some 200 of that fixing up poor Fibergass components. If you don’t like sanding then never build a composite aircraft!!! It’s endless Very accurate description of kit building well done!

@Max_Janszen Месяц назад

I hear you in composites, i work in composites and fortunately enjoy the time behind tools with the respirator on and earpro playing tunes, its soothing. However, anyone else usually loses their mind (as they should) because its so tedious

@tylerrockwell6080 2 года назад

Great content.

@flyingkub 2 года назад

Sounds like the standard rule of thumb, would have worked: Time= Multiply what the kit seller says by 2.5 Cost= (Price of kit + Engine) X 2 and when it comes to advice, the old saying "If you ask 10 engineers as question you will get 12 answers" and on a forum there are more egos than brain cells. You video matched my first experiance since then I have trained in the RAF as an aircraft engineer, helped with a few friends' projects and now find building an expedition into the semi-unknown, which to me is fun, rewarding challenge but it is not for all.

@johnd.williams3477 2 года назад

Interesting video, good reality check for a prospective kit plane builder; however, the underlying concept to take away from this presentation is that perhaps with a wee bit more research & homework prior to selecting the kit provider, this builder would have been better prepared regarding: tools, plans, space needed, etc. I was lucky to be asked to assist with a kit airplane project - an RV12. Probably one of the easiest kit plane projects that can be had. A 1 car garage was adequate, mostly household tools PLUS a few modestly priced tools pertaining to sheet metal work, great plans from the kit company, and a great support network on line. I'd love to build a Kit-Fox; I'd learn a WHOLE lot of new skills that I didn't need building the RV12 (think fabric coverings). I recently completed a Vans RV14. Compared to the RV12, the 14 demands that the builder put in a lot more effort planning what they want to put into their plane. I didn't realize how many decisions that I would eventually have to make to get the RV14 flying, so I fell into the same mental funk that this video brought forth, namely - I wish I had known that before I was confronted with numerous things such as lead time to get an engine ordered, lead times on avionics, interiors, etc. Bottom line, a very good video to watch regarding the expectation vs. the reality just as "Flying'N"Driving said.

@halhirsch3606 2 года назад

Very good advice. Nice job……..Hal.

@danielcombs1697 Год назад

Excellent video. I built an Avid Flyer when I was in my early thirties, (I’m not in my mid sixties) in a rental house with a two car carport which in closed. I built the plane excluding instruments and engine and then sold it to a guy in Colorado. I had spent a lot of time at airports with home builders so I was ready for it. I am also very mechanical and an electric toon by trade. It was interesting to say the least and I loved every minute of it. However the time came to buy a house so the airplane went. My only regret is that I never saw it fly. If your considering building a kit airplane and have the time and money go for it. Since posting this I have gone back and watched most of your videos on building. It’s been a long time since I built my Avid Flyer but I don’t remember having any of the problems with fit. I built my own wings on two saw horses and a sheet of plywood. I also noticed that most people sew the fabric on but when the avid came out while it was standard practice to sew the fabric Dean Wilson didn’t agree. Maybe it was the slow flight or the airfoil but we didn’t sew it on and the trailing edge was a wire and not aluminum. One thing I will say is having mechanical ability is a real plus. To be able to envision the parts before they are assembled is a real plus.

@user-ep9wg9ul9r 10 месяцев назад

@cjcurryjr Год назад

Thank you for crushing my dreams, you monster. 🛫

@jaypisme2343 9 месяцев назад

Awesome build my man a kitfox is my dream plane lol.

@Fred-rv2tu Год назад

Thank you

@circusfactory Год назад

really valuable information that you are shearing. Thanks. Would you choose a Kitfox over again or would you rather try an other manufacturer? And I don’t mean that in regards of your experience with the build, rather your experience with the basic quality of the plane.

@Gfthce3426 5 месяцев назад

I'm 61 years old and not learning to fly in one of those if I had it to do over again things . U2b has sorta kinda pointed that out for me . This is the first video I've seen of yours definitely subscribed and very interested in the kits . I can see that a plane kit requires 3 or 4 types of professional tradesmen's skills Very interesting. Thanks 'all the best .

@carlbrix6398 2 месяца назад

Not everybody has a large hangar either. Having someplace to build is a giant advantage.

@robertfisher4150 Год назад

Excellent video and commentary. My logic to buy or build followed your analysis and your video affirmed my decision to purchase a factory built S7. Four words- “Time Value of Money.” Well done and thanx.

@user-ep9wg9ul9r 10 месяцев назад

@chadbobby 2 года назад

Love the video and the honesty! If you could have upgraded one thing regardless of cost what would that be?

@7KiloFox 2 года назад

Constant speed prop!

@sganzerlag Год назад

@@7KiloFox dude imo those are overrated. Weight and maintenance costs vs small increase in performance. I prefer a ground-adjustable prop. Currently own a Pitts s1c, a Wittman Tailwind, a piper j3 cub (actually a CAP4 Paulistinha replica dressed up to look like a j3) and a Christen Eagle. The only one with a CS prop is the Eagle. I love it, but the perf gain is not as much as you'd think over the fixed-pitch. I run the O320 in my s1c to 3000 rpm when diving for speed before a maneuver. Once I learned I could do that, I was happy with its FP Sensenich prop. The Tailwind I cruise at 2700 rpm (also O320). Maybe for the Rotax a CS prop would not be so heavy? Perhaps I am wrong about what a CS prop and governor weigh on a Rotax. Don't own any Rotaxes (but I think they're great). Best regards from Brasilia, Brazil.

@thatairplaneguy Год назад

Thank you. I’ve always wanted to build a plane BUT everything you said is what I was afraid of. I’ll probably just buy one lol.

@user-ep9wg9ul9r 10 месяцев назад

@xmazurx 2 года назад

About what I expected. Build on a budget if you want to be miserable along the way. Build if you are ok alienating your wife and kids, otherwise it's never getting done. Also, Mike Patey is a poor example of a builder as he never sleeps and has more money and equipment than you can dream of having. On a more serious note, I am surprised when people start these projects with no fabrication/machining experience. Maybe it's because, as you said, they don't know what they are getting themselves into. I did FSAE, which is likely harder than building an aircraft as you also need to design and engineer the damn thing before you build it, and I cannot imagine doing that project with a full time job and a family. Thank you for the vid! This will be very useful for future builders.

@Bearhawk_Life 2 года назад

Good Stuff, I am about 1/3 of the way through my Bearhawk build. I was not “handy”, and no could not have built a kitchen table 😂. I am very lucky to be building in a friends hanger who has built 2 planes, so he has all the tools and is a great mentor. Like you I am cutting some corners, Advanced Flight Systems is building my panel 💰 💰 💰 But I did not want to mess with a lot of wiring. I am using oratex, so minimal painting and a lot of time savings. I will have to paint the engine and boot cowls, but not must beyond that, I figure those two things will save me about 6 months. I am pretty much on schedule to finish in a year. But yes I do work on it everyday when I am not traveling for work. I am not gonna mention cost, as I am afraid my wife might read this 😂

@mikemills4873 5 месяцев назад

Thank you…this was so informative and honest. At the end of it all, congratulations, it’s a hell of an accomplishment that you should be so proud of. I love to think I could do something like this but the reality is that I would very likely lose interest and fail. I love the idea but I have no experience building anything and would require a lot of help. I’ve thought this would be a great retirement project when time was no issue, but I really need to be honest with myself about my skill set. This video was really great to watch, thank you and again, congratulations

@mikemills4873 5 месяцев назад

Actually I shouldn’t say I’ve never built anything but workbenches etc and a motor once doesn’t constitute a builder. lol

@mikebeuselinck6138 2 года назад

Curious if you would (or did) consider using Oratex instead of having to paint.

@ScrambyEggs123 2 года назад

This pretty much provided answers to all of my questions, insecurities, fears about building a plane.

@FlyingNDriving 2 года назад

I think this was a good video and while a little unscripted I understand the point you were trying to make with expectation vs reality

@charliebowman785 8 месяцев назад

OK but nothing can take away the satisfaction produced by making your own airplane. By the way, looks so crisp and sweet. Congrats and enjoy your bird.

@donwtsn 2 года назад

It’s good that you have made this video. There is quite a lot that goes in to building an aircraft that needs to be understood. I think the key advantage for building your own aircraft over buying one, is that you get to custom it to your own wants or desires. Your own colours, panel, engine, prop, wheels, everything is your own call. The challenge is to pick from so many available options (probably why the kit doesn’t come with absolutely everything). I think you know the aircraft way more and know it’s little idiosyncrasies better, and what/how to fix it in the bush if needed. As mentioned in another comment, visiting or helping out a little with someone else’s project might help get an insight in to what extra little things will need to be bought/made for that kit. Also, aircraft manuals, no matter what it is, my experience has been that they are all vague and easily misinterpreted in the finer details! As you mentioned, you need to use your own brain to wrap around what the intent is sometimes. You will find an aluminium aircraft kit will offer a very similar but completely different experience. At least you can polish aluminium instead of painting! And if you want the ultimate challenge, build an aircraft from plans! You’ve done a great job. Enjoy flying your plane that you built yourself, and don’t be afraid of building again sometime

@nickbayer7847 2 года назад

Appreciate the brutal honesty; I will not be going down the EAB rabbit hole 🤠🤠

@jaypisme2343 9 месяцев назад

So many people tear cars all the way down and never put them back together. I could imagine an airplane would be very overwhelming.

@rocketman2tm 2 года назад

Making it to Oshkosh this year? Ultralight section?

@LTVoyager 2 года назад

This was a very good video, but probably not for the reason intended. It really should have been titled: How to know if you are a builder? Or maybe follow the Jeff Foxworthy “You might be a redneck” series. A list of questions like: If you don’t enjoy buying new tools, then you might not be a builder. If you don’t view reviewing the manuals and planning ahead, then you might not be a builder. Etc. 😁. It really sounds like you aren’t a builder at heart. You had the perseverance to get through it, but it is pretty clear to me that you aren’t a builder. You wanted an airplane and should have bought one.