joelk (01/18/83)
If anyone has information or opinions regarding inexpensive ($12k) airplane kits, I would like to hear about them.
wakeup (01/22/83)
There are a number of airplane kits on the market for $12K or less.
The requester did not specify the type of craft wanted. In general
price increases with complexity (1,2 or 4 people) , equipment (engine
gages, radio) and completeness.
Off the top of my head here are some:
1. All "ultralights" are form $4K to $7K. Low power, one person, sitting
out in the wind, some consider unsafe.
2. Bensen Gyrocopter depending on the amout of work and scrounging around
for parts will cost $5K to $8K. This is a local fun machine good performer
again out in the wind. I have built and fly one of these, any more info
contact me.
3. QUICKY, composite one seater costs approx. $9K. relatively fast and
efficient, major problem is if you have allergies you may not be able
to fly in it after it is completed.
4. Q2, 2 place version of a Quicky.
5. Teenie Two, all metal one place VW powered, an old standard.Plans run
about $100. Parts cost vary.
If you want more specific info contact me or go to you local library or
book store and you may find books such as 31 Airplanes you can build.
Also contact the Experimental Aircraft Association.
Martin Pike
HO 1G631
201-834-3432wakeup (01/22/83)
Forget building an Eagle and selling it for $80K. That is the price the
factory charges for a built one. A homebuilder could only get the price
the kit cost . This is the fact of homebuilts, the insecrity of the builders
skill and care of construction drives the built price down to kit level or
below. The only way to make a "profit" is to have a person who wants an
Eagle but does not want to build it pay for the kit and pay you a
modest fee for building it. Don't expect to be able to get $40K+ though
because you are competing against a factory of professional builders at
Christian.
Martycfiaime (01/22/83)
A way of getting a very good airplane at quite a bit less than $12K
is to purchase a production airplane which needs work (ie. recover,
woodwork, sheet metal work) and rebuild it. The advantages are many,
no "time" to fly off, a proven design (certificated), parts may
be available. The disadvantages include finding an "A.I." to sign
the machine off when it is done, and an "A.P." to supervise your work.
Again, the EAA is the place to contact.
The most satisfying project that I have finished is the rebuilding
of my 1940 FUNK "B" (SN #46). Right now, I am working on the fuselage
of my brothers 1946 Taylorcraft. (He is finishing the rebuild of a
Pietenpol Aircamper.)
Sources for these old/damaged airplanes are:
1. Trade-A-Plane (you can find ANYTHING in TAP!)
2. Local airport "For Sale" boards
3. Insurance companies
4. McElroy Aircraft Salvage, G. H. White Industries, Sunstream
or other salvage firms (but you pay top dollar this way)
If you have any questions about going this route, please give me some
mail...
Jeff Williams (BTL - Indian Hill)
ihuxa!cfiaime