First Timer' Annoying Questions

[aviator79]

Which of those would you say may be the biggest time savor? Quick wing build+panel, or Quick wing build + Oratex?

I don't have enough information to answer that with any kind of accuracy. If you were going to pick one or the other Quick Panel or Oratex, I'd say pick the one that involves doing work you would enjoy the least. What turns you off more, lots of fumes, ironing, and spraying, or trying to sort out electrical gremlins?

I will say Oratex comes with more downsides than the Quick Panel. The Quick Panel's only real down side is that it costs more. While aesthetics are subjective, I don't think many people would claim that the finished Oratex product is more attractive than Poly-Fiber. It's slightly translucent. darker colors appear two-tone at the finish tapes where the material doubles up. There is a very limited color selection. The tape edges are "raw" instead of blending in. It hasn't really been around long enough to establish that it will last as long as Poly Fiber. To be fair, there are other upsides than labor as well. It is stronger and lighter. It won't lose it's strength if you get it too hot, you won't stink up your garage with MEK fumes, etc.

I guess what I'm saying is: The Quick Panel is substantively similar to what you'll end up with if you don't get it whereas Oratex and Poly Fiber have a lot of differences beyond just cost and time required.

[Dave S]

Adam,

Each one of us who has built a kitfox has their own story; and, the stories are many and varied. I think it is clear to you from what you have written, that you have a grip on the decision process and will figure out what works for you

In my case, I had flown way too many beat to crap rental planes, because they were the only ones I could afford, with my last four rental experiences before deciding to build all ending with a mechanical. Seen way too many junky electrical systems failing at inopportune times, corrosion donuts pressing up around rivets and on and on - all you have to do is be aware of the ADs for old aluminum airplanes to know you could get into an expensive proposition with those. On the other extreme - half million dollar 4 place new airplanes - what planet does that come from! Not the one I live on.

I believe you are correct that a experimental; home built is the most economical way to get a decent airplane that is affordable.

To build, a person has to decide if they the commodities that it takes.

1) It takes some time

You are 30 years old, you have a lot of time both to build and to fly. I started building 4 years before retirement and had both a family and job to take care of - with that, it took me 3 years and 1,200 hours time on task to get it done; and, the EAA tech counselors as well as the DAR (a very picky one at that) were very happy with the results.

2) It takes some money

But a whole heckuva lot less than the alternatives especially considering a person will end up with a new plane.

3) It takes some abilities

You are already an accomplished pilot so know what you are getting into. If you have done Ag applicator work - pretty sure you know all about tools and using them. I see you are a quality control person, which sounds like a technical deal. If you have mechanical abilities - that's a good builder start point.

4) Motivation

I am convinced that the difference between getting it done and not is most often a function of a person's motivation and priorities. I have a pal who has been "building" a kitplane for 22 years. My call is his priorities and motivation are not in line with the project - other things are more important for him. Certainly people have other issues in their lives that make it impossible to get it done; but, IMHO the biggest factor is motivation and priorities, hands down.

There are things a person can do to keep it frugal. I did not get any of the quick build items; but, from what I have seen with other Kitfox builders - the wing quickbuild option saves a tremendous amount of time if a person has the cash to go for it. Choice of engine, systems panel, accessories do affect the final cost a lot.

OK - on annual condition inspection - this is a big saving you get if you are the builder. Other than the fact that the Kitfox has been a very trouble free machine, I have never spent as much as $100 on a condition inspection and my condition inspections tend to very thorough. Oil and filter take half of a $100 bill; and, I have to admit, sheepishly, that replacing a nav light lens for $28 had to do with me, not the aorplane. Best of all, when doing your own condition inspection, you know the condition of the plane; and, you can do it to the highest standards.

Good luck in your endeavors

Oh - and there is nothing annoying about your questions - well thought out!

[Esser]

Adam, welcome!

You’ve had some good information so far so I’ll just add a couple of my thoughts:

I received me kit just before my 25th birthday. Luckily I had a great job right out of high school that allowed me to do that. I was planning on having a flying plane in two years. The only reason I really mention that is because I’m at year 6 right now and I could be flying in a few weeks if I put my nose to it but I’m waiting for warm weather.

Should you expect your plane to take 6 years like me? No. I had three major job changes in a three year period, I moved across the country, and my last job required me to basically go back to school making no money for the last 20 months. I’m just finishing up that training and am finally going to get a real paycheque again this month. There were whole periods of a year where I didn’t touch the plane.

Why am I telling you all this? Basically I’m trying to let you know that good intentions can fall to the way side but if everything in your life can stay stable and you can get a good ten hours a week on the plane, you’ll have a great sense of accomplishment in 2 years with your flying plane. I also recommend trying to do something small on it every day.

Quick build wing is a no brainer. It saves over 400 hours of build time and last time I checked costs $4k. I’m assuming you make more than $10 an hour so right there, that is money well spent. Oratex will save you a big head ache in time and equipment when it comes time to paint but it does have extra cost. Covering was the part of the project I hated the most so I would opted to save as much time as I could in that area. That’s just my personal thoughts on that though.

Although it was super daunting, the electrical was one of my favourite parts in the end. I really don’t feel an expensive pre fab panel will save you that much time compared to the cost. I don’t know that for sure but that’s my gut feeling.


Good luck!