component build kits

[Jwh]

Hi

 

Looking at building a first aircraft,

 

Can anyone tell me some RA aircraft that can be built in components/sections.

 

Time is not a factor, I have plenty of time and in no hurry..

 

However, I would like to spread the cost out over time, building in sections, with the engine and instruments the last purchase.

 

A very very small factor in my decision would be the ability to add floats at a later stage, possible?

 

If anyone has built or currently building, please share your experiences including how they fly.

 

 

[rgmwa]

There are lots of options depending on what your priorities are - low and slow, fast, rag and tube, all metal, high wing, low wing, etc. - and cost is a big factor. If you could define your requirements and budget a bit more, you will get plenty of good advice here.

 

rgmwa

 

 

[Jwh]

cost, maybe up to 20,000 + engine?

 

Would probably like a STOL aircraft, but something that could still has a bit of speed and range.

 

As I said above, the ability to add floats at a later stage is a factor. so I guess this would mean a HIGH wing would be more ideal for what I'm looking for?

 

How rigid and safe are ALL metal aircraft (i.e. sheet metal ribs covered in sheet metal) as opposed to metal tube frame with sheet metal skin ?

 

Oh, and I guess something that looks good too would be a bonus, but probably not a huge priority

 

 

[rgmwa]

All kinds of construction methods have been successfully used to build safe aircraft, so I wouldn't be too concerned on that score. I'm building an all metal, low wing kit aircraft, but it's not a STOL type. You would probably be looking at a high wing rag and tube. Maybe a Drifter or a Fisher?

 

http://www.drifteraircraft.com/

 

http://www.fisherflying.com/

 

I don't have first hand knowledge of these aircraft, but I'm sure others will respond.

 

rgmwa

 

 

[Jwh]

what sort of aircraft are you currently building. costs?

 

some of the zenith aircraft seem like a good kit.

 

but would like to explore every option..

 

 

[rgmwa]

I'm building a Vans RV-12, but you're looking at $90k to get off the ground. Zenith make very good aircraft, but have a look at the Savannah too. It's a very good performer, although it will be more than you were planning to spend. http://www.aerokits.net.au/ Check out Morgan and Brumby too. On the other hand, you may be better off buying a completed aircraft rather than a kit. Check this thread: http://www.recreationalflying.com/threads/need-advice-on-cheap-plane.50766/

 

rgmwa

 

 

[fly_tornado]

check this out

 

http://www.indysportaviation.com/shea/index.html

 

 

[gregrobertson]

Have a look at a Skyranger or Nynja. Quick build, proven design, STOL capability, High wing, Float friendly. Good cruise speed (90-100 kts). www.bestoffaircraft.com.au Greg.

 

 

[geoffreywh]

My suggestion would be , look at the Kitfox site. You can buy in stages, the design is very well known (3500 built) and there are a vast array of engines to fit it, with FWF kits to suit, from Radial 7 cyls plus all sorts of flat fours and sixes at prices from $13000 to $30,000. (plus freight). The kit itself can be a quickbuild version ( 400 hrs reportedly) or the standard one. I did a calculation recently for the kit. As quickbuild as possible ( I'm getting old!) All the bits I needed incl. all the sweet extra's came to approx $23,000. plus GST and freight. So for a minimum of fourty large. You have a Great New Aeroplane. Personally I'm going with the radial as I like to show off a bit! and everyone loves a radial.....Floats are available....

 

 

[corvairkr]

My suggestion would be , look at the Kitfox site. You can buy in stages, the design is very well known (3500 built) and there are a vast array of engines to fit it, with FWF kits to suit, from Radial 7 cyls plus all sorts of flat fours and sixes at prices from $13000 to $30,000. (plus freight). The kit itself can be a quickbuild version ( 400 hrs reportedly) or the standard one. I did a calculation recently for the kit. As quickbuild as possible ( I'm getting old!) All the bits I needed incl. all the sweet extra's came to approx $23,000. plus GST and freight. So for a minimum of fourty large. You have a Great New Aeroplane. Personally I'm going with the radial as I like to show off a bit! and everyone loves a radial.....Floats are available....

Ahh yes please i want one...

 

Jason

 

 

[lark]

Do they still glue the wooden ribs to the spar on the kitfox? I thought there were a few probs with this in hot weather on early examples?. The kitfox is a great looking machine though! Saw one being built on floats in Sydney in the late 90s, looked to be a lot of work involved!

 

 

[facthunter]

If you have a big heart you can build from plans only If you are a sheet metal person the RV seems to stand out has a good quality accurately preformed sheet construction, that doesn't need a jig to build it. You can build it in sections.

 

If you are in to wood there are plenty of options. Watch you All Up Weight because that will dictate what organisation you operate under.

 

Another build option is highwing steel tube fuse and wooden spar wing, fabric covered general concept.

 

Then there is fibreglass.like the jabiru. You might get a damaged one cheap. They can be successfully rebuilt.

 

Not a complete list by any means but take your time because it's a big decision

 

 

[Danger Mouse]

There was some discussion in the following thread about aircraft available in partial kits

 

http://www.recreationalflying.com/threads/aircraft-available-as-partial-kits.49144/

 

 

[Old Koreelah]

If you have plenty of time and some wood-working skills, consider a plans-built Jodel. A robust, efficient aircraft with fairly good short field performance. Thousands have been built worldwide and there is a wealth of advice available on the forum.

 

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jodel/

 

With the imminent demise of AvGas you were wise to postpone purchase of a power plant. New engine designs are emerging and other exciting designs are in test phase, so when your airframe is approaching readiness you may have a wider choice than now.

 

 

[eightyknots]

Zenith Aircraft do component kits: http://www.zenithair.com/stolch701/7-price.html#COMPONENT KITS or http://www.zenithair.com/stolch750/750-price.html#COMPONENT KITS for the CH701 or CH750 respectively. If you want a 4-seat plane, there is the CH-801: http://www.zenithair.com/stolch801/kit.html

 

I believe that the Zeniths can all be fitted with floats.

 

 

However, as rgmwa pointed out, Savannahs are worth looking at. The only problem with the Savannahs is that the kits don't come in sections but I understand from many people that the Savannah is a better aircraft. Unlike the Zenith planes, Savannah have never developed a folding wing option for ease of storage (e.g. in your own garage). I hope that helps.

 

 

[Downunder]

If you want to purchase in pieces/components, definitely go with an Australian dealer/manufacturer.

 

It would cost a lot in freight sending multiple orders from overseas.

 

Alternatively, borrow some money(or save up) and buy a complete airframe kit. My opinion is that the interest on a loan would be cheaper than constantly importing parts.

 

Many kit manufacturers offer discounts on complete kits also.

 

15 to 20 thousand should get you an airframe kit delivered from overseas..........and the FWF/engine could be organised down the track.....

 

Hope this helps....

 

 

[eightyknots]

..........and the FWF/engine could be organised down the track.....

That's the pricey bit. It's high time someone Down Under developed an effective but cheaper engine to compete with the ubiquitous and horrendously expensive Rotax donks.

 

 

[Downunder]

It might be fair to say that as a rule of thumb, the completed airframe and FWF/engine would be about equal in price?

 

 

[eightyknots]

It might be fair to say that as a rule of thumb, the completed airframe and FWF/engine would be about equal in price?

In some instances the Rotax exceeds the airframe in cost, sadly.

 

 

[Downunder]

As a 912 owner, I hear you!!!

 

 

[bexrbetter]

Stay tuned for coming anouncements on Australian airframe kit projects .....

 

I mean if one makes engines, one should have a plane to wrap around it too shouldn't one .....

 

 

[ozbear]

Ahh yes please i want one...

I want one too that engine just looks and sounds great and suits that airframe as well

 

 

[geoffreywh]

That is so gorgeous. The epitome of recreational aircraft............And not a million quid to build either

 

 

[FlyingVizsla]

If you like tail draggers a RANS Courier S7 is a kit that goes together like a mechano set & within your price range. There was one on floats in Australia. Very happy with ours.

 

 

 

[FlyingVizsla]

An amazing site for RANS aircraft - http://ohiobushplanes.com/1/ Go to Videos, Other and watch "It's A Rans Man" (now I can't get that tune out of my head) or Videos, Flying and watch the Aerocross (taking off and landing on little strips all over the place in a few minutes). The RANS is a versatile little craft. The official RANS site is www.rans.com

 

Here's one on floats.