How to Build Your Own Airplane
- Thread starter steingar
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RJM62
Touchdown! Greaser!
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Geek on the Hill
Seems like sound advice to me.
flyingcheesehead
Taxi to Parking
Hey, those are some good rules! 
For those who didn't spend the full 3:33, here they are:
A few simple tips that can help you decide whether or not you should try to fly in something you built in your garage:
1. Don't.
2. Check your tools. You can't cut and drill to 0.005" with a handheld cordless drill and a hacksaw. Similarly, duct tape is a repair device, not a construction tool.
3. Check your eyesight. The fit may look good enough to you, but if you have to squint to read a billboard, there's a 50/50 chance you've put the wing on upside down.
4. Use the right materials. If the instructions call for aluminum, that's what you need to get. Don't use steel plate or plywood just to save a few bucks.
5. Use all the parts. If they say the tail needs to be attached using all ten bolts, do it. It may seem like overkill to you right now, but you don't want it to cross your mind at 5,000 feet. Chances are you'll have other things to think about.
6. Be fussy about the engine. It's very important that the engine either runs perfectly, or not at all.
7. When you get about a third of the way into the project, take a break and rethink the whole thing. Drop an egg onto a concrete floor and try to imagine what that must feel like.
8. Move the beer fridge so it's at least 500 yards from the construction zone.
9. Make sure all wing, flap, and rudder cables are tight. All work and no play makes a safer airplane.
10. Do regular visual inspections. Stand back and look at the overall project every few days. If it doesn't look like an airplane, it isn't.
11. Don't skimp on the tires. Get the largest, softest ones available. A plane crash is a disaster. A plane bounce is usually quite amusing!
12. When the airplane is complete and ready for its first flight, hire a test pilot. If he inspects the plane and turns down the job, don't second-guess him. If he inspects the plane and accepts the job, rescind the offer and go yourself. No point in wasting money.
13. Before taking off on your maiden voyage, make sure your life insurance is paid up, say goodbye to everyone, and drop photo ID into your underwear so they can identify the body.
Lots of
but some common sense too - I like it!
For those who didn't spend the full 3:33, here they are:
A few simple tips that can help you decide whether or not you should try to fly in something you built in your garage:
1. Don't.
2. Check your tools. You can't cut and drill to 0.005" with a handheld cordless drill and a hacksaw. Similarly, duct tape is a repair device, not a construction tool.
3. Check your eyesight. The fit may look good enough to you, but if you have to squint to read a billboard, there's a 50/50 chance you've put the wing on upside down.
4. Use the right materials. If the instructions call for aluminum, that's what you need to get. Don't use steel plate or plywood just to save a few bucks.
5. Use all the parts. If they say the tail needs to be attached using all ten bolts, do it. It may seem like overkill to you right now, but you don't want it to cross your mind at 5,000 feet. Chances are you'll have other things to think about.
6. Be fussy about the engine. It's very important that the engine either runs perfectly, or not at all.
7. When you get about a third of the way into the project, take a break and rethink the whole thing. Drop an egg onto a concrete floor and try to imagine what that must feel like.
8. Move the beer fridge so it's at least 500 yards from the construction zone.
9. Make sure all wing, flap, and rudder cables are tight. All work and no play makes a safer airplane.
10. Do regular visual inspections. Stand back and look at the overall project every few days. If it doesn't look like an airplane, it isn't.
11. Don't skimp on the tires. Get the largest, softest ones available. A plane crash is a disaster. A plane bounce is usually quite amusing!
12. When the airplane is complete and ready for its first flight, hire a test pilot. If he inspects the plane and turns down the job, don't second-guess him. If he inspects the plane and accepts the job, rescind the offer and go yourself. No point in wasting money.
13. Before taking off on your maiden voyage, make sure your life insurance is paid up, say goodbye to everyone, and drop photo ID into your underwear so they can identify the body.
Lots of
but some common sense too - I like it!
Telemakhos
Line Up and Wait
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Telemakhos
I recommend the Gabriel Nderitu homebuilding hotline, 1-900-WONT-FLY. Service is available 9-5 Nairobi time. A connection fee plus a per-minute surcharge may apply.