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So I'm trying to make my mind up as to how to proceed. Realistically, I'm will be at least a partial plans builder. I believe that investigating the build process via these resources will give me a good indication as to what I can fabricate on my own and what I need to purchase from Mark. I know this will greatly increase my build time and I'm hoping to save 1/3 of the quick build kit costs on either a LSA or a Patrol. Some feedback on cost savings would be appreciated by those who have chosen this route.
Initially, my thoughts are to buy the quick build wings and scratch build the fuselage. I have a couple of aces in the hole though. First, I have a good friend who is a very accomplished TiG welder. He can do it all but specialized in Aluminum, primarily fuel tanks. Jigging up a fuselage, tacking and welding it up will not be an issue. Second, the local high school auto body paint and repair shop would be willing to paint the plane as long as I bought the materials.
I've never built a plane before but have the mechanical aptitude to figure things out and I'm willing to ask questions and seek out advice/help.
First up are Eric Newton's Builder's Manuals. All three are $100. Here are the bullet points:
These manuals have been reviewed, audited and approved by designer Bob Barrows!
The Bearhawk Builder Manuals contain:
Next is Russ Erb's reference CD. $30. 3500 construction photos of how he built his bearhawk. All of this is really making me feel better about the project!!
Jared Yates has the Kit Builder Manual for $50 and the Bear Tracks Newsletter for $99 plus current subscription.
Looks like Wicks supplies a good hardware kit.
AC 43.13 1B/2B Copyright 2009. $27.50. Would need this no matter what. https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catal.../ac4313act.php
I guess the last thing I have to say is that so far, I've yet to find a more complete, cross supporting building community. There are kits out there with no plans options and vice versa. And there are some kits with components available. But nothing what is available here. A plans builder can get all the support he needs and help with anything that he doesn't want to build, including sourcing parts from Mark. Maybe Zenith rivals this type of support, I can't think of anyone else. But the Zenith planes just don't perform like the Bearhawks.
Finally, I realize that everyone says buy the quick build but I don't think it's going to be an option for me. I'm going to have to spread part of the cost out over time. I haven't even spoke about engines but there's another place where I'll have to rebuild under the watchful eye of the A&P's of my EAA group.
$180 for Builder's Manuals, Russ Erb's reference CD and the Kit Builder Manual. That's be a lot of material to peruse and help me make some decisions. I think it's a small investment to count the cost and see if I think I can manage the build. Lot's cheaper than buying some parts or components and then deciding building is not for me.
If I've left anything out or haven't considered something (which I'm sure is true), please feel free to comment. Thanks to all in advance.
Paul
Initially, my thoughts are to buy the quick build wings and scratch build the fuselage. I have a couple of aces in the hole though. First, I have a good friend who is a very accomplished TiG welder. He can do it all but specialized in Aluminum, primarily fuel tanks. Jigging up a fuselage, tacking and welding it up will not be an issue. Second, the local high school auto body paint and repair shop would be willing to paint the plane as long as I bought the materials.
I've never built a plane before but have the mechanical aptitude to figure things out and I'm willing to ask questions and seek out advice/help.
First up are Eric Newton's Builder's Manuals. All three are $100. Here are the bullet points:
These manuals have been reviewed, audited and approved by designer Bob Barrows!
The Bearhawk Builder Manuals contain:
- Detailed, numbered instructions on building every part of your Bearhawk.
- These manuals are laid out in a logical step-by-step fashion, that guides you through every step with simple, easy to understand instructions.
- Hundreds of full color photos, showing every step of the construction process in vivid detail.
- Complete tool lists of the tools needed to build the Bearhawk.
- Reference articles on riveting, welding, metal handling, and other "must-know" skills.
- Take the CD to any Office Supply store and have it printed and bound or do it yourself at home.
- Take it to the shop with you so you can reference the manual while building.
- Sign and Date the bottom of each section as you complete it and the manual becomes your builder's log.
Next is Russ Erb's reference CD. $30. 3500 construction photos of how he built his bearhawk. All of this is really making me feel better about the project!!
Jared Yates has the Kit Builder Manual for $50 and the Bear Tracks Newsletter for $99 plus current subscription.
Looks like Wicks supplies a good hardware kit.
AC 43.13 1B/2B Copyright 2009. $27.50. Would need this no matter what. https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catal.../ac4313act.php
I guess the last thing I have to say is that so far, I've yet to find a more complete, cross supporting building community. There are kits out there with no plans options and vice versa. And there are some kits with components available. But nothing what is available here. A plans builder can get all the support he needs and help with anything that he doesn't want to build, including sourcing parts from Mark. Maybe Zenith rivals this type of support, I can't think of anyone else. But the Zenith planes just don't perform like the Bearhawks.
Finally, I realize that everyone says buy the quick build but I don't think it's going to be an option for me. I'm going to have to spread part of the cost out over time. I haven't even spoke about engines but there's another place where I'll have to rebuild under the watchful eye of the A&P's of my EAA group.
$180 for Builder's Manuals, Russ Erb's reference CD and the Kit Builder Manual. That's be a lot of material to peruse and help me make some decisions. I think it's a small investment to count the cost and see if I think I can manage the build. Lot's cheaper than buying some parts or components and then deciding building is not for me.
If I've left anything out or haven't considered something (which I'm sure is true), please feel free to comment. Thanks to all in advance.
Paul
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