Tariffs and airplane kits

[laserranger]

I have a far flung dream to build a Rans S-21.
These new tariff plans have me worried.

At current kit prices I could afford to start building in a couple of years, if all goes well.

If metal tariffs explode the cost of aluminum again, my dream goes up in smoke.

Is there sense in taking out a loan to get ahead of it? I had told myself I'd never go into debt for this hobby. Maybe it's time to re-evaluate that position.

 

[Doc Holliday]

I really don’t think you have anything to worry about.

 

[geezer]

When you are ready to build, and have the money, there will be a new president, and the tariffs may be gone. Do not borrow for a future dream, it seldom matches what the future brings.

 

[TCABM]

I have a far flung dream to build a Rans S-21.
These new tariff plans have me worried.

Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.

…At current kit prices I could afford to start building in a couple of years, if all goes well.

Good; keep saving, attend build workshops, join an EAA chapter, find a local builder and see if you can observe or help along the way.

…If metal tariffs explode the cost of aluminum again, my dream goes up in smoke...

Lots of things could cause your dream to go up in smoke.

…Is there sense in taking out a loan to get ahead of it? I had told myself I'd never go into debt for this hobby.

You have answered your own question, but let’s peel that onion a bit. Will the loan include the cost of tools, engine, avionics, and all the miscellaneous stuff that isn’t included in the kit?

How long will it take to pay off that loan? Will you have to work a second job to make the loan payment and prevent you from having time to do the build?

How will you feel about breaking a promise to yourself?

 

[moparrob66]

Ive learned to ask myself, "which choice will I regret more?"

 

[Chip Sylverne]

This thread reminds me of the Russian optimist when asked how he is doing:

" Well, this year is worse than last year, but not as bad as next year."

 

[Half Fast]

I have a far flung dream to build a Rans S-21.
These new tariff plans have me worried.

Isn't your worry a bit premature?

"Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil."​

Borrowing money today and stockpiling aluminum because some undefined future event might have some as yet unknown impact on your "far flung dream" seems a bit overreactive, doesn't it?

If metal tariffs explode the cost of aluminum again, my dream goes up in smoke.

Considering how many things are manufactured from aluminum, I suspect that market forces far greater than a homebuilt airplane will resolve this issue (if it even comes up) and keep things in check.

Is there sense in taking out a loan to get ahead of it?

No.

I had told myself I'd never go into debt for this hobby. Maybe it's time to re-evaluate that position.

If the mere possibility, no matter how unlikely, of some future event causes you to abandon a wise conviction, maybe it's time to re-evaluate building your own plane. Many MANY things will crop up along that journey, and if you're blown about like a butterfly in a leaf blower each time you'll never complete your build.

Chill.

 

[laserranger]

There's a good bit of wisdom in this thread. I'm likely being over-dramatic.
Like many a pilot, I just have a great distaste for uncertainty.

 

[will44s]

The cynic would mention that the aluminum parts are a tiny part of the build cost, most goes to an engine and avionics.

 

[moparrob66]

I love the extruded leading edge spar of the S21. Great design, and I look forward to the next Rans model.

 

[RyanShort1]

Figure out where the tariffs will help you, and invest or get involved wisely. Keep the glass half full and look for opportunity, instead of the negative.

 

[Half Fast]

Keep the glass half full

Pro tip: use a square glass and rootbeer. That way you'll get beer.

 

[RyanB]

At current kit prices I could afford to start building in a couple of years, if all goes well.

If metal tariffs explode the cost of aluminum again, my dream goes up in smoke.

Without getting down the road of political views, I think there’s a lot of hyperbole and assumptions going around right now. For some, the end of the world is occurring. Nobody knows how the future will unfold and whether or not said things or events will transpire. If you feel the need to hedge against an unforeseen future event, by all means, but I wouldn’t get too caught up in the euphoria going on right now.