I'll second Andrew's comments. I was starting to get overwhelmed by the
construction, until I started taking flight lessons. That got the flying part
out
of my system, gave me motivation to concentrate on the building, and take it one
step at a time. We've been at it for about 1-1/2 years of active construction.
Some months we do relatively little, some a lot. I figure 4 years is about
right
for us. It's a relaxation, not another full time job.
Besides that, if we built the plane any quicker, we would outpace our bank
account. We sort of schedule our completions of each stage by our cash flow.
Stages 1 to 3 are here, but we still have the engine/prop package, paint,
upholstery, avionics, etc. That will be as much again as we've spent already.
Not that I'm complaining, but it's a lot of dough. Still, I look at these
people
who go and buy a $50,000 Ford Expedition or Lincoln Navigator that deprecitates
to
nothing in 5 years - and even moreso now with the price of gas here (don't say
it,
you Brits :-))) ). The Europa is a long term deal, and will most likely
increase
in value, so it's money well invested.
Still, I long for the day we can cruise at 130 kts. 90 kts. in a 152 sure is
slow.
Chris and Susan Beck
A159 XS mono.
Andrew Sarangan wrote:
> I am just starting the build, but here is what I found out so far:
>
> How long - 1000 to 2000 hours. If you work about 10 hours a week, that is
> about 4 years. Some do it faster, while some take longer. The best advice I
> can give is, don't set a target date. Just keep working one step at a time,
> and some day you will see a finished airplane.
>
> Epoxy - Aeroepoxy is pretty good as far as epoxies go. It gels relatively
> slowly and it doesn't smell too much. It is also thinner than other epoxies so
> it is easier to wet out.
>
> Why people stop - Probably because they were too anxious to fly the airplane.
> If you are fixated on flying the airplane, you will easily get overwhelmed by
> the tasks in front of you. Work on one task at a time. Research as much as you
> can about that task, and do your best job at it. Take pride in each and every
> piece you make, and admire your workmanship.
>
> In order to stay motivated, you should go out and fly as frequently as you
> can. That way you get the flying bug out of your system and won't get
> frustrated with the slow build process.
>
> Builder support - the builder support is great. There are a variety of
> sources. This forum is one. Or, you can call the office in Lakeland or in the
> U.K (no offense to the Lakeland folks, but I have found the U.K office to be
> much more helpful). Russ Lepre and Bob Berube run a service where you can get
> help over email for a small annual fee. There are several builder websites
> with all kinds of useful information. In short, there is no shortage of
> information and help.
>
> Cost - The plain vanilla xs (with a 912 engine) might cost about $50k. About
> $70k if you want to be fancier.
>
> "Kevin Flynn" <cannylordelm@hotmail.com> wrote:
> Hi I was thinking about the europa xs kit. Can anyone answer a few
> questions. 1.How long will it really take.2. How many have many have had
> problems with epoxy. 3.How many stop there projects and why. 4. How much to
> operate after complete , insurance, maintenance,etc. 5. How is Europa,s
> builder support. 6. How much will a plain vanilla xs cost to get into the
> air. 7 how simple/hard is the europa to rig and transport.
>
>
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