Experimental Aircraft Plans
So you're considering
building an aircraft from plans...Experimental aircraft plans vary
widely from manufacturer to manufacturer. This quick article
will help you clarify two important questions to building an aircraft.
"What" and "Why".
It's easy to be cynical in aviation, as many are. I'm not trying to be cynical. I am however begging the question, and maybe throwing it in your face a bit, "are you the type of person that has the dedication, commitment, and passion to build an airplane from plans?" If the answer is YES! then great...buy those plans and get building. Remember, building an airplane, especially from plans, is like eating an elephant...it happens one bite at a time. If your answer to that question has some hesitation...then now is a time to step back and do a little more research into the "why" instead of the "what".
"What" is simply what we want. We "want" an airplane. We "want" to build an airplane. We "want" to live out our dreams and take to the skies...The "what" part is easy. Mostly the "what" comes down to the fact that you do in fact have a passion and love for aviation and flying. The "why" of building an experimental aircraft from plans is the part that needs more inner-reflection.
Why do you want to build an airplane, and specifically one from experimental aircraft plans? Why do you want to order experimental aircraft plans? Is it to reduce the cost? Is it to attain the satisfaction of building our own airplane? These are really important questions to answer and you should answer them for yourself with honesty.
The truth is, most people want to save some money and take on a project that will give them great satisfaction. I'm all for that! However, I've seen so many unfinished projects that I began to wonder...Did these unfinished projects slowly tarnish, rust, and dissolve one's spirit and passion for aviation over the years? Most homebuilt aircraft literally take years to build, especially when coming from experimental aircraft plans. We're talking in the area of 7-15 years. That's a commitment!
Not only is it a commitment...but most people never finish the project. So if you have hesitations...ask yourself "why"? If the answer is to save a few bucks, I have a solution. I'd much rather see someone actually flying than to see so many unfinished projects. Instead of spending 10+ years of your valued time...why not save $400 a month for 10 years. Ok, I know this sounds crazy and seems off-topic...but here's my logic. Save $400 a month and invest it for 10 years. Invest all of this money and receive a typical return of 10%. At the end of 10 years you have around $85,000. What to do with this money...I wonder...How about buying an airplane (preferably an experimental aircraft for sale, they're easy to find in trade-a-plane or other magazines). Or if you still want to build...build an experimental kit aircraft and cut your build time in half.
Where will you get $400 a month...well, where would you find the time to build an airplane? Take that time and get a side-job, cut your current budget, or start a small side-business. If right now you're saying to yourself "I can't make another $400 a month, are you crazy? How would I do that? That sounds way to hard" Well my only answer is...try it. Try it for three months and make it a goal every month to make and save an additional $400. I agree it's not easy. But, if you can't do it or don't like doing it...then what makes you think building an aircraft, especially from experimental aircraft plans, would be any easier or any different? In my opinion, it seems it would be easier for most to save money, have some patience, and then after 10 years you can just buy a finished airplane or a 90% finished experimental aircraft kit. I know experimental aircraft plans are tempting, and I admit, fun to look at...but buying a set of homebuilt aircraft plans does not mean you will have an aircraft, or what you "want" in the end.
My point is not to deter anyone from aviation, especially if you are truly passionate and dead-set on building your own plane. In fact I'm hoping this article inspires you to make the wise choice. Be a good pilot and make the go-no go decision. You must know what you are capable of and comfortable with as a pilot, so why should it be any different as a builder? I'd rather not see people wasting their time and money and still ending up without a finished aircraft. This is sadly the case a majority of the time. I welcome ideas and comments and alternative solutions. I realize my solution would lead to fewer sales...but I believe in the long-run we would have more actual aircraft, of higher quality, flying. You can email me anytime or comment below. I want to see more aircraft flying, and I want you to fly as well, but for the majority of us, experimental aircraft plans are not the answer to the the all important "what".
by Parker Woodward
Author Bio: Parker Woodward is a third generation pilot and co-founder of the aviation companies Woodward Aerospace LLC and Ravin Aircraft LLC. To contact him please email parker@woodward-aerospace.com
It's easy to be cynical in aviation, as many are. I'm not trying to be cynical. I am however begging the question, and maybe throwing it in your face a bit, "are you the type of person that has the dedication, commitment, and passion to build an airplane from plans?" If the answer is YES! then great...buy those plans and get building. Remember, building an airplane, especially from plans, is like eating an elephant...it happens one bite at a time. If your answer to that question has some hesitation...then now is a time to step back and do a little more research into the "why" instead of the "what".
"What" is simply what we want. We "want" an airplane. We "want" to build an airplane. We "want" to live out our dreams and take to the skies...The "what" part is easy. Mostly the "what" comes down to the fact that you do in fact have a passion and love for aviation and flying. The "why" of building an experimental aircraft from plans is the part that needs more inner-reflection.
Why do you want to build an airplane, and specifically one from experimental aircraft plans? Why do you want to order experimental aircraft plans? Is it to reduce the cost? Is it to attain the satisfaction of building our own airplane? These are really important questions to answer and you should answer them for yourself with honesty.
The truth is, most people want to save some money and take on a project that will give them great satisfaction. I'm all for that! However, I've seen so many unfinished projects that I began to wonder...Did these unfinished projects slowly tarnish, rust, and dissolve one's spirit and passion for aviation over the years? Most homebuilt aircraft literally take years to build, especially when coming from experimental aircraft plans. We're talking in the area of 7-15 years. That's a commitment!
Not only is it a commitment...but most people never finish the project. So if you have hesitations...ask yourself "why"? If the answer is to save a few bucks, I have a solution. I'd much rather see someone actually flying than to see so many unfinished projects. Instead of spending 10+ years of your valued time...why not save $400 a month for 10 years. Ok, I know this sounds crazy and seems off-topic...but here's my logic. Save $400 a month and invest it for 10 years. Invest all of this money and receive a typical return of 10%. At the end of 10 years you have around $85,000. What to do with this money...I wonder...How about buying an airplane (preferably an experimental aircraft for sale, they're easy to find in trade-a-plane or other magazines). Or if you still want to build...build an experimental kit aircraft and cut your build time in half.
Where will you get $400 a month...well, where would you find the time to build an airplane? Take that time and get a side-job, cut your current budget, or start a small side-business. If right now you're saying to yourself "I can't make another $400 a month, are you crazy? How would I do that? That sounds way to hard" Well my only answer is...try it. Try it for three months and make it a goal every month to make and save an additional $400. I agree it's not easy. But, if you can't do it or don't like doing it...then what makes you think building an aircraft, especially from experimental aircraft plans, would be any easier or any different? In my opinion, it seems it would be easier for most to save money, have some patience, and then after 10 years you can just buy a finished airplane or a 90% finished experimental aircraft kit. I know experimental aircraft plans are tempting, and I admit, fun to look at...but buying a set of homebuilt aircraft plans does not mean you will have an aircraft, or what you "want" in the end.
My point is not to deter anyone from aviation, especially if you are truly passionate and dead-set on building your own plane. In fact I'm hoping this article inspires you to make the wise choice. Be a good pilot and make the go-no go decision. You must know what you are capable of and comfortable with as a pilot, so why should it be any different as a builder? I'd rather not see people wasting their time and money and still ending up without a finished aircraft. This is sadly the case a majority of the time. I welcome ideas and comments and alternative solutions. I realize my solution would lead to fewer sales...but I believe in the long-run we would have more actual aircraft, of higher quality, flying. You can email me anytime or comment below. I want to see more aircraft flying, and I want you to fly as well, but for the majority of us, experimental aircraft plans are not the answer to the the all important "what".
by Parker Woodward
Author Bio: Parker Woodward is a third generation pilot and co-founder of the aviation companies Woodward Aerospace LLC and Ravin Aircraft LLC. To contact him please email parker@woodward-aerospace.com
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Biplane project and manufacturing
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TKS and compliments for your very interesting photos of the LP1 building.
In attachment the snapshot of my Biplane project that I'm building.
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