So, homebuilders...who are we and where do we stand?

[Stewartb]

There’s nothing like a first flight in a newly built airplane, and in a plane you built yourself? It’s more intensified. Excitement and anxiety at the same time. Fun stuff.

 

[Raymo]

Am I reading that right? You're planning to go from 155 kts to 190 kts with your HP and aerodynamic work? That's some improvement! What are your plans?

Not quite. My goal is 170 KTAS cruise at around 8 GPH at 8500-11500. Current cruise is 155 KTAS at 9500 / 7-7.5 GPH. Realistically, I'll likely only get to 165 KTAS and it will take a lot of aerodynamic work, along with a Superior cold air sump, which is said to add 7 HP to my current 180 HP. A second P-Mag should help incrementally with more efficient fuel burn.

 

[Sam D]

I started this thread a couple of years ago, and I can finally participate in it! Just put in my order for an experimental Super Cub kit from Javron.

 

[Stewartb]

Congrats! Builing a Cub is great fun. Expensive fun!

 

[Matt]

I started this thread a couple of years ago, and I can finally participate in it! Just put in my order for an experimental Super Cub kit from Javron.

Congrats! I just ordered the introductory rudder kit for a Zenair CH 801-SD on Monday. Excited to get started after daydreaming about building a plane for years!

 

[Sam D]

Congrats! Builing a Cub is great fun. Expensive fun!

Thanks. I’ve enjoyed watching the progress on your latest project.

 

[wilkersk]

Going to Aurora, OR on 5 Nov to pick up fuselage kit. Here's a few pics of progress on my multi-decade RV-8 project:

 

[Sam D]

I spent a week at the factory working on the Super Cub and then had it shipped out. It arrived yesterday...a day after my birthday!

 

[Stevea621j]

Finished my Zodiac ch640 in 2005. Flying it has been a lot more enjoyable than building it, but it was a good experience. Just finished doing my 14th condition inspection which is hard to believe.

 

[tsts4]

View attachment 75516 Finished my Zodiac ch640 in 2005. Flying it has been a lot more enjoyable than building it, but it was a good experience. Just finished doing my 14th condition inspection which is hard to believe.

I just finished my 5th condition inspection a few hours ago and agree 100%.

 

[kyleb]

I spent the last week making baffle repairs on my RV-6. I finished up about 1:00 this afternoon. And then, the weather frowned on me and didn't let me have a test flight...

 

[Sam D]

Baggage floorboard and rear seat progress:

 

[Datadriver]

thanks for posting, always an inspiration for those of us also building

 

[Datadriver]

mounted the engine in my Velocity today

 

[RogerT]

 

[RogerT]

We got the engines on the Twin V … but took them back off to do the
nacelles and cowls.

 

[Mike Smith]

Some of you know that I am just starting my RV-9A and that I can’t rivet. So I went to a building fundamentals class yesterday. Learned a few things, I’m going to practice a little more Ford I start to rivet my plane parts. In the meantime I am priming in preparation to assemble.

 

[wilkersk]

Here's the latest shop photos on my RV-8 build.

 

[Mike Smith]

Kenny, that looks great!

 

[Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe]

Note to self: Buy stock in company that makes Clecos.

 

[wilkersk]

Note to self: Buy stock in company that makes Clecos.

What really disturbs me about those pics is knowing that I'm going to pull it all apart (all the shiny parts anyway) and deburr and dimple every rivet hole, prime everything, then cleco it all back together again. Hours and hours of tedium that will take me weeks to complete.

 

[jbrinker]

Well, I post over on biplaneforums.net - but now that they went "paid subscription only" (A decision I was strongly against) I don't mind sharing here too.

Some of you may recall my prior posts about my grandfather's biplane (Background in my profile pic). I have had possession of that plane for almost exactly 2 years now, and it's in a whole lot of pieces. Doing a full teardown, many modifications, and rebuild.

Here without further a due are links to my google photo albums:

The original build by my grandfather, brother, myself and dad back in the 80-90's:
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1...?key=blpSZVV0dllhTWgxSktXeXQxN1B0WGczbEt3Y2Vn

2014 when my brother and I located the then-current owner and went for a ride:
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1...?key=UmZPR3g4bFRHWVI5dEQ0VV9fRFBhWG1KNDZrYm1R

Delivered to my hangar:
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1...?key=VmdVTlllck1HbVltVUYyUEJjcF9GUmMycUpBNzRn

Transported to Skyhaven and tearin' her down:
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1...?key=cms1d29aR0RyRnU5dUdoMi1FSmowS19mSEdhLXBn

Starting the repairs and build:
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1...?key=VHVVUElDeDg1WEg1bml3QmxzVnlTUUN2c3Y0dlpn

Stripping the wings and surprises:
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1...?key=OWY5TkdKelUwSV9CRFJHSUVLbnRjZHd1NjNHdWxB

Hoping to have it done my end of next summer.
Fuselage frame and gear should be going into paint next week or so.
Wings, I'm pulling the AL leading edges and doing plywood.

Lots to go!

 

[Sam D]

What really disturbs me about those pics is knowing that I'm going to pull it all apart (all the shiny parts anyway) and deburr and dimple every rivet hole, prime everything, then cleco it all back together again. Hours and hours of tedium that will take me weeks to complete.

Yes but taking out clecos and deburring is safe beer-drinking time. Well, pretty safe...

 

[RingLaserGyroSandwich]

I just received my RV-14A empennage kit and inventoried it. Only a couple of dollars' worth of parts missing!

Now I need to acquire a ton or two of tools.

 

[Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe]

Now I need to acquire a ton or two of tools.

Not really. My brother built a T-18 with not much more than pretty basic hand tools (plus compressor and rivet gun).
(And I helped.)

 

[tsts4]

Not really. My brother built a T-18 with not much more than pretty basic hand tools (plus compressor and rivet gun).
(And I helped.)

Sure but a quality tool kit with the right tools will make the job a lot easier and I built an RV-10 pretty much solo.

 

[Sam D]

Just about have the headliner sorted.

 

[wilkersk]

...

Stripping the wings and surprises:
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1...?key=OWY5TkdKelUwSV9CRFJHSUVLbnRjZHd1NjNHdWxB.....

Ouch! I found a dead mouse in my wings. They'd been stored in a barn for a couple of years. Luckily, I only had a couple spots of minor surface corrosion.

 

[motoputz]

View attachment 50039

In the midst of building a Hatz Classic. Wings are done, at this point with the fuselage. Lotsa welding!

Previously built and still fly an RV 6A. In comparing the two projects, I like to say that I assembled the RV, but I'm *building* the Hatz.

that's beautiful work!

 

[Craig]

Stripping the wings and surprises:
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1...?key=OWY5TkdKelUwSV9CRFJHSUVLbnRjZHd1NjNHdWxB

Might want to reconsider that prop....blades look to be a little short....

 

[Stewartb]

Re-power time after the Superior IO-400 recall.
A new Lycomong YIO-390exp with 10-1 awaits. Zoom zoom.

 

[painless]

that's beautiful work!

Thanks. Updated shot

 

[Stewartb]

Just about have the headliner sorted.
View attachment 78399

Bet your next one uses L-21 glass. No headliner!

 

[Sam D]

Bet your next one uses L-21 glass. No headliner!

you may be right about that!

congrats on getting your engine.

 

[motoputz]

View attachment 81310


Thanks. Updated shot

very nice

 

[Stewartb]

Fortunately the baffles from the IO-400 are almost a perfect fit on the IO-390. A few small snips at the front are the only adjustments necessary. So far!

 

[Stewartb]

Just about have the headliner sorted.
View attachment 78399

Status report???

 

[Sam D]

Status report???

Thanks for asking. Let's see...most of the interior is done. Pedals are in. Getting brake master cylinders tomorrow to fit those. ELT is installed.

Boot cowl and false boot have been fit. My next big task is fitting the windshield and hanging the wings (and fitting the wing root pieces). After some wiring in the wing (magnetometer and lights), I think I'm just about ready to cover (Stewarts). I've also ordered the engine (O-360). I think that's it. I will post some pictures here as well.

 

[jbarrass]

I like this thread.

I guess it's time for me to join in, I have a STOL CH750 kit from Zenith being delivered tomorrow.

I sold the Comanche. It was a perfect traveling plane, but since I sold the place at Spruce Creek I just wasn't traveling much. I bought a Grumman AA-1A to piddle around with as I build. As of now, my son is all in for the build, hope that lasts, fingers crossed.

 

[Stewartb]

I like this thread.

I guess it's time for me to join in, I have a STOL CH750 kit from Zenith being delivered tomorrow.

I sold the Comanche. It was a perfect traveling plane, but since I sold the place at Spruce Creek I just wasn't traveling much. I bought a Grumman AA-1A to piddle around with as I build. As of now, my son is all in for the build, hope that lasts, fingers crossed.

Very cool. I like builder posts. Please keep them coming! Pictures????