New Member in West Tn

[Mark Dickens]

Hi All,

My name is Mark Dickens. I live in Collierville, TN and I am looking seriously at doing a Companion project. I've built an RV-8 (standard kit) so I wouldn't be starting from nothing (tools or knowledge wise). The RV-8 is as done as I can get it and I love flying it, but I also love building so now I have an itch to scratch. I've spent some time watching youtube videos and reading the builder manual. I've ordered a set of Companion plans. I know I'll have a million questions!

[rv8bldr]

Welcome Mark (just what we need, another Mark that has built an RV-8 . Mark Goldberg (Bearhawk Aircraft prez) also built one as have I). You will enjoy the Companion build. In fact, you would enjoy any of them. Are you thinking kit, scratch, or some hybrid?

Cheers

[Mark Dickens]

What a timely question. I would love to do a scratch built, but my welding is not where it needs to be for the fuselage. Of course, I feel very comfortable with the sheet metal work for the wings, so I'm kind of leaning toward the hybrid approach. QB fuse, scratch wings. Still mentally wrestling with this. Oddly enough, I'm ok with the project taking some time as the journey is as important as the flying for me...and of course, i have the -8 to fly in the meantime.

[Gerhard Rieger]

Welcome, its a lot of fun to build, scratch building is adding allot of time to it, I am in my 11th year, busy putting everything together, Now I know what it feels like to assemble a completed kit aircraft. Have fun whatever you decide. 949AAD12-5B3B-4954-99F5-B184B55559EB.jpeg

[Mark Dickens]

Well, I decided to buy a QB kit that Mark had available, so it's off to the races!

[rodsmith]

As a scratch builder I say great decision, one you won't regret.

[rv8bldr]

That is an EXCELLENT decision, Mark. I wish I had the means (at the time) to do that. Of course, 9 years later I have the means but am at the QB stage with my scratch built so there is no point :-) If I decide to do a Patrol (or Companion) later, it will be a QB