Re: Time and Cost to Build
I brought my kit home on the 7th of June. I started on the horizontal stab and elevator first (installing ribs...).
Fuselage started about three weeks later.
As of today, both wings are covered and I am rib lacing the second wing this evening.
My build log shows just over 230 hours, but does not include any research or reading time. If I wasn’t applying adhesive, installing hardware, or trimming, grinding.... I didn’t count it.
Knowing what I know now, I think I could get to where I am now in 2 to 3 months. There were days I could have been working but was waiting for a reply from Kitfox or here on this forum. I wish I knew someone close by who was building a plane because I know I could help get it done much faster.
My work isn’t Oshkosh, but it isn’t sloppy either. I had another builder come up and look at my work to get another set of eyes on my kit to QC it.
Re: Time and Cost to Build
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jrevens
I can understand that feeling, but you are still a pretty young guy... I was quite a bit older than you when I started my Kitfox, and I test flew it this year at the age of 69. :)
That's fantastic! I like the idea of being able to get On The Air with my ham radio, and get In The Air, with my own plane. Life is Short, want to get some living in, soon, in the air.
Re: Time and Cost to Build
You guys talking about building/flying and your age are making me wonder about my sanity! I'll be 71 when I take delivery of my kit next summer. Guess I better hustle when I get it!
Re: Time and Cost to Build
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Fdxflier
You guys talking about building/flying and your age are making me wonder about my sanity! I'll be 71 when I take delivery of my kit next summer. Guess I better hustle when I get it!
I can still do the Hustle.... on the dance floor. it's a bit tougher with a Kitfox, some sort of sardine can factor getting in and out, me being a slightly larger guy. I'm no NBA star, but I'm not short or little, either. i guess it all just depends... liking good microbrew IPA's and not mountain biking as much isn't helping...
Re: Time and Cost to Build
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Fdxflier
You guys talking about building/flying and your age are making me wonder about my sanity! I'll be 71 when I take delivery of my kit next summer. Guess I better hustle when I get it!
Bill,
I’ll bet you’ll do just fine. When you get it done, I’ll come down and meet you, we’ll go find a senior center and play a little bingo together, then we’ll go fly our Kitfoxes. :rolleyes:
Re: Time and Cost to Build
John,
Sounds like a plan.
Re: Time and Cost to Build
Bill
I understand your appreciation about starting a build at this point in your life, but you won’t be one of those people saying “I wish I had done that “. You will be out having fun flying and fun is what keeps you young.
Re: Time and Cost to Build
I started my kit at 67, finished it at 69, and have now been flying it for 5+ years. Best thing I ever did, and I truly believe it has not only enhanced my life but has kept me younger and healthier. The mental exercise in flying keeps the senility at bay. I believe there is nothing you can do that is better for your health, other than maybe some physical exercise, although you get some of that in building these kits.
Re: Time and Cost to Build
I started mine at the age of 72 and did it's first flight when I was 78. It is an enjoyable experience.
Re: Time and Cost to Build
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Fdxflier
You guys talking about building/flying and your age are making me wonder about my sanity! I'll be 71 when I take delivery of my kit next summer. Guess I better hustle when I get it!
Bill, I was 69 when I started my build - I'd been thinking of building an airplane for 25+ years. I know if I'd built something earlier it probably would have been an RV of some description. I'm glad I waited the extra years and chose the KF. I'll be finished - hopefully - in about 4 months, so I'll be test flying just before I'm 72. Make dreams happen and you won't be wondering "what if ...". Also, as an added incentive, I know of guys flying well into their 80's. That's in my plan to .... :D