build time for a SS7

[big jim]

Hi guys, I have seen some info on here about guys going over 2000 hours to build there planes and I was just wondering is the factory being deceptive in there 1000 hours to build or can a well versed fabricator with a well equipped shop do it in a 1000 hours. I am very interested in building a 7 but if it takes over 2000 it might force me to reconsider. Thanks for your help. Big Jim

[jiott]

My SS7 took about 2300 hours, but I am a first time builder with a shop kind of crowded and not super well equipped; also by nature I am slow and careful. I did NOT get the quick build wings or the prefab kit. I estimate the QB wings would save about 500 hours.

[Paul Z]

Go Read the Build Post from Oz build SS7, Ross is an Australian Builder. His post will give you a very good idea of what is involved.

http://www.teamkitfox.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=5029

[DesertFox4]

Jim, I haven't finished my 7SS yet but my model 4 took around 1,200 hours to complete but I had many mods from stock that added time to the build. I did it in 14 months of pretty steady effort. I don't think the model 7 SS would be much more if you kept your Kitfox simple. Lots of high timers are building the fanciest versions with all glass panels, auto pilots and the like.
Advertising a universal build time for all situations is tricky. Just know that it varies for all kit manufacturers as they control nothing about your shop, it's equipment set up and your skill level. I think a needle, ball and airspeed model 7SS with a know engine like the Rotax is doable.

Now with that said, if you're going to invest your valuable time and financial resources in a kit built aircraft, don't you want the best one available? And where else are you going to get all this free support from all these good folks to help keep you on your time table and budget? Order your Kitfox 7 SS and never look back. You'll never regret it when you see the quality of the kit and the build manual.

[jiott]

Yes mine was not a "simple" build. I put in a glass panel and nearly all the optional items except QB wings and auto-pilot. I counted all my time in the shop even if it was cleanup or just thinking thru a project. Now that I have built one, I think I could do the same kit again in 1200-1500 hours, using the QB items and my naturally plodding pace. I totally agree that the choice of a fine aircraft, excellent kit and support far outweighs build time differences of a couple hundred hours or so. When you are done and enjoying it you don't even think of the time spent working on it. It all becomes a proud memory of an enjoyable time.

[jiott]

I have two friends, Airfox and Floog, who built SS7's similarly equipped to mine in well under 2000 hours. Both of them first time builders using the QB options. Maybe they will chime in.