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.
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.
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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😂
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
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)
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.
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
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.
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 😂
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.
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. 👍
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
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
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.
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!
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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.
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 😂
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.
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.
Great video. Your price example is right in line with what the factory says. A factory built Kitfox is $180K. $198K with the upgraded turbo engine. It's a pretty good deal for what you get. Brand new. Nothing sketchy.
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.
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2 ปีที่แล้ว +1
Thanks man! Awesome video, one can tell right away how you are telling the truth
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 😊.
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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?
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.
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
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.
tools cost are not part of teh airplane cost. you don't get tools when you buy airplanes from the factory, used, or build from a kit. Lacking tools is a personal issue. or not knowing how to do things without needing specialty tools can be a personal problem as well. Knowledge can negate the need for specialty tools.
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
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
I had zero desire to build an airplane and wanted something brand new that wouldn’t require repairs so I bought a brand-new factory built bush plane. Already have a dozen squawks and repairs needed….. There’s my reality🤷🏻♂️
How many seats are there, now how is experience with bush plane. Looking new one ?. How much you paid for that time, and if you buy today how much it cost, which institution you use for fly and get license
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.
you could build the frame and everything else easily and cheaper with better quality yourself for so much less than what they sell for you might at most spend 10k on material for the frame but that is mainly for the frame and you doing it all yourself if you wanted to build it all you could easily do it for 50 if you did it all yourself minus the engine prop and electronics which those 3 will be the biggest parts of your budget right there but thats also a time sink you could do it in 6 to 9 months easy but thats you putting your nose to the grindstone and every chance you get of free time going to the plane so its all about what you want to spend, money or time?
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.
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
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
@@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
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!
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
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 :-)
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
Kits shouldn't be a thing because of the bizarre effort it takes. Imagine buying a car from Volkswagen as a kit and have to spend 1500 hours putting it together only to cost about as much as a factory finished one. Unthinkable. Mike Ojo the youtuber built a Sling 4 for over 300k$ while a superior factory built plane from Gogetair costs the same. Kits is a symptom of an ailing industry rather than an advantage. It's nice that it's allowed but the reliance on it is very unhealthy. Also a composite construction can be much simpler and faster to make from factory than the many parts of a truss plane. It's an illusion of simplicity.
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.
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"
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.
Thanks for the video, you make great points I’d add, if you can buy a certified plane today that meets 90% of your missions for 150k, then do that and treat it as an asset, much easier to resell. But not sure what you get anymore for 150k even for 200k adjusted for friggin 3 year crazy inflation. Scrappy is more like a 1M$ project…
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.
Rans manual was terrible to correct their mistakes in the manual I found so many mistakes that the plane I built would never be capable of actual flight. I called my airplane the S-10 Lemon.....
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
If your experienced in building things you should have easily understood that their marketing of "anyone can do this" is far from true. This is far from basic garage building
Just found/looked over your channel. I'm shocked at the subscriber count. Hope TH-cam algorithms help you out. The quality and content you've created deserves many many more subs
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.
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.
Fabric coverings and finishings for aircraft is a black art in itself, all the lotions and potions, all the layers of products and preparation, its ridiculous. There is alot to be said for an all metal or composite aircraft. Its the kind of thing that you only work out how to do it by the end of the job and all the learning mistakes are in your aircraft once you're done
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.
All the more reason to make metal working and fabrication your hobby. If you can fabricate your own plane, you can make some great money from the hobby that will pay off the equipment. And, if you can build a plane, you can build a car too. The practical applications are pretty much endless, and there's a large market for prefabricated RC model planes. Fabricating things like that is a hobby that can easily pay for itself.
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
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.
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
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.
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
@@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.
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.
I think your video is very good. But, you are talking to a very small audience of like minded people. I have not built a Kitfox, but I did build a Challenger from Quad City many years ago. You obviously went into your build without fully researching exactly what you were getting into. Before I started my build I knew exactly what it entailed, and I felt comfortable doing it all. You can't rely on the words of someone trying to sell you something in an advertisement. You have to do your own research. I enjoyed building my plane, and let me tell you the manual provided by Quad City was worthless. It was like 500 pages that had been xeroxed so many times parts of it were not legible at all. There were photographs in there that resembled an ink blot test. The reality is that building a kit plane is not all that much less than buying a used certified one. The major benefit building a kit is it falls into the Experimental class, enabling you to do most maintenance yourself, you can even do minor modifications to your own plane, which save you a ton of money in operations costs.
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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.
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.
I bought a plane to fly today while I build on the side. I like both but flying slightly more.
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
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😂
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
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)
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.
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
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.
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 😂
Pure gold! Thanks for sharing your views and opinions. Best regards from Brasilia, Brazil.
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.
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.
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. 👍
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
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
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.
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!
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
Does this guy remind anyone else of Ben Shapiro?
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.
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 😂
Not everybody has a large hangar either. Having someplace to build is a giant advantage.
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.
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.
Great video. Your price example is right in line with what the factory says. A factory built Kitfox is $180K. $198K with the upgraded turbo engine. It's a pretty good deal for what you get. Brand new. Nothing sketchy.
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.
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
Thanks man! Awesome video, one can tell right away how you are telling the truth
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 😊.
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
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?
After 5 decades on this planet I find expectations utterly useless. Actually, most of the time, they are a hindrance.
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.
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
This is a fantastic video. You are talking way beyond building an airplane. Great mindset. 👍
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.
Awesome build my man a kitfox is my dream plane lol.
Mike wishes Scrappy was only 300000 dollars
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.
Summation
Don’t take the marketing as reality
and
Aircraft are cash holes
tools cost are not part of teh airplane cost. you don't get tools when you buy airplanes from the factory, used, or build from a kit. Lacking tools is a personal issue. or not knowing how to do things without needing specialty tools can be a personal problem as well. Knowledge can negate the need for specialty tools.
Creativity can definitely save some money on speciality tools!
also...can you spend some time on your thoughts on the folding wings. pros cons
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
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
I had zero desire to build an airplane and wanted something brand new that wouldn’t require repairs so I bought a brand-new factory built bush plane. Already have a dozen squawks and repairs needed….. There’s my reality🤷🏻♂️
What did you get?
How many seats are there, now how is experience with bush plane. Looking new one ?. How much you paid for that time, and if you buy today how much it cost, which institution you use for fly and get license
@@premcyjohn 2 seats. New today is around 250k+. Keeping mine as things are sorted out and I hate to deal with this all over again.
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.
I loved this. Absolutely loved the honesty of someone who’s been there.
What ever you think it will cost, Triple it and then multiply by 2 and that is about a dead ringer on Project cost lol
Awesome video,
I truly appreciate your genuinely honest and fair assessment of the build process.
Thank you,
Earl
What’s your day job if I may ask?
you could build the frame and everything else easily and cheaper with better quality yourself for so much less than what they sell for you might at most spend 10k on material for the frame but that is mainly for the frame and you doing it all yourself if you wanted to build it all you could easily do it for 50 if you did it all yourself minus the engine prop and electronics which those 3 will be the biggest parts of your budget right there but thats also a time sink you could do it in 6 to 9 months easy but thats you putting your nose to the grindstone and every chance you get of free time going to the plane so its all about what you want to spend, money or time?
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.
What airplane are you working on? If you dont mind me asking
@@TheSemiArtisticPuma RANS S21 Outbound.
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
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
@@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
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!
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
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 :-)
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.
outstanding video, thank you. I appreciate your perspective, honesty and quality in delivering this content.
It’s HIS expectations ….vs HIS. Reality. Learn from it.
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.
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.
Curious if you would (or did) consider using Oratex instead of having to paint.
I’d build a 6 pack panel nowadays incase something happens to the computers one day like an emp.
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.
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?
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.
Kits shouldn't be a thing because of the bizarre effort it takes. Imagine buying a car from Volkswagen as a kit and have to spend 1500 hours putting it together only to cost about as much as a factory finished one. Unthinkable. Mike Ojo the youtuber built a Sling 4 for over 300k$ while a superior factory built plane from Gogetair costs the same. Kits is a symptom of an ailing industry rather than an advantage. It's nice that it's allowed but the reliance on it is very unhealthy.
Also a composite construction can be much simpler and faster to make from factory than the many parts of a truss plane. It's an illusion of simplicity.
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.
Very helpful honest review. Thank you !
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"
You just saved a lot of people money and heart problems.
Cliff notes: Kit planes are expensive
Best Comment yet!
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.
Thanks for the video, you make great points
I’d add, if you can buy a certified plane today that meets 90% of your missions for 150k, then do that and treat it as an asset, much easier to resell. But not sure what you get anymore for 150k even for 200k adjusted for friggin 3 year crazy inflation.
Scrappy is more like a 1M$ project…
*It's ok, you can lose weight.* 🤣😆
Welp.. Guess I’m buying something already built
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.
I found your build series very beneficial in the work that I have completed so far. Thank you!
Rans manual was terrible to correct their mistakes in the manual I found so many mistakes that the plane I built would never be capable of actual flight. I called my airplane the S-10 Lemon.....
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
I really appreciate this vid! I’m about to start my build in the next few months.
R u started the work, did u attend any class in any institution for build this ?
If your experienced in building things you should have easily understood that their marketing of "anyone can do this" is far from true. This is far from basic garage building
Thank you. Excellent overview of the build process by a representative builder. Very helpful.
Just found/looked over your channel. I'm shocked at the subscriber count. Hope TH-cam algorithms help you out. The quality and content you've created deserves many many more subs
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.
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.
Did i catch a glimpse of Aircraft Engineering at KBOW?
Fabric coverings and finishings for aircraft is a black art in itself, all the lotions and potions, all the layers of products and preparation, its ridiculous. There is alot to be said for an all metal or composite aircraft. Its the kind of thing that you only work out how to do it by the end of the job and all the learning mistakes are in your aircraft once you're done
Pure honesty. If this was any other industry, he would fear for his life.
Great video. Really good context. Thank you.
Do u have to build the airframe from metal pipe? Can u use wood? If not whats the actual cost to have someone weld the whole thing how it should be
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.
Thanks for your candour. Very helpful perspective for a first-time builder.
All the more reason to make metal working and fabrication your hobby. If you can fabricate your own plane, you can make some great money from the hobby that will pay off the equipment. And, if you can build a plane, you can build a car too. The practical applications are pretty much endless, and there's a large market for prefabricated RC model planes. Fabricating things like that is a hobby that can easily pay for itself.
Why not the Superstol XL???
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.
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
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.
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
I would say go with an Affordaplane build for any beginner builder.
thanks Man .. & best regards from Greece
I think Mike Patey spent north of $1m on scrappy
I guess sometimes your real world situations are a little outside the manual .
I have no desire to paint an aircraft. Orates fabric is the way to go
Should have used Oratex.
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.
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
A very fine video. Thank you.
Hey bud, I live close to Bartow Airport. I'm getting my sports pilot license. Once I get it, I want a kitfox. Do you think I can check yours out?
Send me a message on Instagram @7kilofox
Love the video and the honesty! If you could have upgraded one thing regardless of cost what would that be?
Constant speed prop!
@@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.
Thx for cheering your experience….. not many builder do this kind of coming out….. very appreciated
Cheers!
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!
hi where can i get bush plane plans on sale
Sir i am Ajay M from aeronautical engineering India and i need complete build video it's possible
Hey Ajay, did you get that vid, please forward me too. Will talk later
Yikes 1k hours oof.
I'm certain Mike put more than 300k into Scrappy.
I’ll bet he’s at least $1M into that plane.
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.
I think your video is very good. But, you are talking to a very small audience of like minded people. I have not built a Kitfox, but I did build a Challenger from Quad City many years ago. You obviously went into your build without fully researching exactly what you were getting into. Before I started my build I knew exactly what it entailed, and I felt comfortable doing it all. You can't rely on the words of someone trying to sell you something in an advertisement. You have to do your own research. I enjoyed building my plane, and let me tell you the manual provided by Quad City was worthless. It was like 500 pages that had been xeroxed so many times parts of it were not legible at all. There were photographs in there that resembled an ink blot test. The reality is that building a kit plane is not all that much less than buying a used certified one. The major benefit building a kit is it falls into the Experimental class, enabling you to do most maintenance yourself, you can even do minor modifications to your own plane, which save you a ton of money in operations costs.
"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...