Where to start?

[Bearhawk down under]

G'day all,

So to trim this story down, I'm 6'8" tall I don't fit in many things so was thinking companion but now thinking patrol.

Basically being in Australia, exchange rate, taxes, shipping etc...it's a killer nearly making anything even a highlander which is the cheapest aircraft I fit just fine into completely unrealistic to purchase.

If I bought the patrol wing kit, got it over and parted with close to $15k AUD I reckon, built it and either got part way through or finished the wings then went no....what do you think the ability to move it on would be?

Also is this a good way to start?

Is there a way to have the spars cut and drilled but not assembled to fit them into a smaller container and save on shipping?

Any materials or stock list for the wings or fuse to order in Australia. Still expensive but at least no shipping.

Again speaking of Australia.

Thanks all,
Cody

[zkelley2]

I moved my wings 40mi on a flatbead trailer with foam under and over each one. No damage.

[James]

Welcome to the crew Cody - at least there's another Australian on the forums here complaining about the cost of shipping stuff from the US, not just me! :-)

1) I'd buy a full QB kit straight up. Better resale value, and you get Mark Goldberg's helpful assistance throughout the build process. My second build might be a scratch build / semi scratch, but only once i already have a plane to fly for the 10+ years it'll take me to make the next one from scratch.

2) Yeah, I started with the wings, it's fun working with aluminium, and it means you don't have to make any big design decisions until down the track. But most people start with the fuselage, because you get "visual progress" from day one. With the QB wings, they look pretty much the same before and after - it's what's inside that counts :-)

3) If you get a kit shipped, buy EVERYTHING extra you can afford except maybe the engine and prop, and somehow get it into that one container with your kit. Especially the bigger items like fuselage stringers. You don't know what you'll need until you sort of get to the point where you need it, but definitely ask for the complete list of items up front, windscreen, flying wires, engine mount, hardware packs, wheel kits, stringers.

4) Check out Dealz Down Under on this forum to get free stuff!

James

[Bearhawk down under]

Hey James,

Thanks yeah between the dollar and tax and blah blah blah, ugh.

I would like to do that however I don't think I have the funds to get it all over here like that. Would do the QB fuse and want to do the full QB wing + fuse but I don't quite see the value in AUD for that particular item. (Being the wings)

I might start with the plans and just oogle over them for a while and see what happens with the dollar.

I think Spruce had a bearhawk hardware kit for $3.5 US.
Anyway worked out I would need $70k AUD to get the entire kit packaged and to get it over here.

It's looking more and more like a scratch build or close too it every day.

Free stuff? Will trade for beer.

[James]

Yeah mate, well obviously everyone has different resources, but I don't think I'd ever make it to the end unless I got a kit. At least the fuselage kit + wing spars sent pre-formed - I feel I could make the rest of the wings on my own no probs.

Let me know what stuff you need - where are you based Cody?

[spinningwrench]

The Patrol would probably be the better kit for a tall guy. I’m 6’4” and will have decent visibility with headroom to spare. I am planning on building a custom carbon fiber pilot seat which will have a bit lower seating position.

[Peter Bishton]

Welcome Cody
as James asked where are you at?
I am near Mailtand NSW and am currently working on my tailwheel assembly - borrowing some ideas from the Wittman Tailwind. Similar to the W8/W10 - I am using a tapered rod spring - scaled up from the W10 1425lbs to 2500lbs strength wise and Berringer tailwheel - Plans Built 4 place. The Berringer tailwheel is a bit over 3lbs.

My advice would be buy as much as you can from Mark G. The product is well made to a high standard.

Share a container with somone, just be prepared to wait (talk to Mark he will let you know of any opportunities). Alan Arthur imported a kit for Patrol in W.A and I got Mark to send the fuel tanks, O360 engine mount, rear seat, rudder pedals (could have been few other items too), in Alan's container. I contirbuted what Alan thought was appropriate. I then had the materials freighted to sydney via road from Perth. It all fitted on a pallet and that portion ie the 3000km journey only cost $125Aus. Alan has since got his Patrol flying and did a wondnerful job.
On the flipside i have also imported stuff (lift struts, horizontal stabiliser other flying feathers, landing gear, front seats etc) directly from Mark and used DB Shenker at Port Botany. it was not as easy.
Peter
4 Place Plans #1186

[Bearhawk down under]

Thanks to all for the replies.
the companion just wins out that bit more for overall of what I want to do with the airplane.

I've decided that by mid year I would like to start building even if it's just a couple of small parts here and there.
Basically it's going to be...
1. Get Companion plans
2. Get tooling and some material
3. Start building sub assemblies
4. When available using mutual crate ferry, get components like landing gear strut, wing spar kit, fuel tanks etc etc. Get those over here.
5. keep progressing in stages.

Even though it's worth the time getting a QB kit its not worth the money for me in my position and im done stalling on this.

Cheers

[Mark Goldberg]

The exchange rate is working in your favor for sure. The trend seems to be favorable for the Aussie dollar. Mark