RivetBangers.com

AAAHHRHHHHAAAARRRRAAAHHHHAAAA!



There, I just had to get that out....

You know I have had one of them weekends. On minute I am on cloud nine with visions of punching through puffy white clouds with my shiny new high performace airplane that I built in my basement and the next minute I am in the gloom and doom of dispair because I have no idea how I will ever find the time and money to finish my plane.

One minute I am dreaming of a full IFR, redundant everything panel and the next I am looking in the FAR's for the absolute minimum required to pass inspection. One second I am looking at the new engine prices and the next I am looking at the salvage bid items on AIG-Aviation.

I know I have the ability and tools to build it, its the rest of the equation that bothers me. I do not want to turn out to be one of those guys who never finishes it.

This is the kind of stuff that leads to nightmares and laying awake all night....

All I know to do is keep pluging along and hope that God will see fit that my life works out in favor that someday hopefully I will get to realize my dream!

Welcome to the club buddy. I think we all have those fears. I know I do. But then I look at what I have already done and realized that Ive made it this far. Baby steps.

Ken at Van's sold me when I was talking to him about what I wanted to do in the futre. His response to me was "Well, ya know, there will never be the right time to build." Obviously he is a salesman, and a good one, cause I bought the PP plans that day. The thing though, was that he was correct.

Spike

Spike is right...there is NEVER a "good" time to build.

I can't "technically" afford this. I'm figuring it out as I go. I know most will say "No financing for ANY toy." Well, I am NOT one of those, and I will finance my engine. Time isn't an issue for me right now, but money ALWAYS is. I've found some here and there along the way, and taken advantage of zero percent offers. Just make sure you play it right if you go that route. I paid for my tail and wings, but I did excercise another option on my fuselage.

You're not alone buddy!

I will build this...somehow...

If the desire is really there, you will find the time, money, and patience to build. My biggest obstacle is time, I've already decided to give up lots of things in order to find the money over the next too many years. I started the emp late last summer and likely won't get the metal parts done for several more months. If it wasn't for the fun, new knowledge, and pride in my work, I wouldn't be doing this, especially knowing I am going to be at it for many many years. Small steps is the key for sure.

If time is not a factor, you will be able to afford your project over...you guessed it....TIME!

Instead of paying off a loan to finance a major component that you WANT now, but maybe don't really NEED now, you can open a mutal fund or some other savings vehicle that will make you money while you work on the parts you can afford.

In taking 10 years to build my 6A, the financial crunch was softened quite a bit. I'm not saying that everyone should take 10 years, Ya gottal be nuts to do that!!!

Just keep your eyes on the prize and take small steps. The way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time.....

I did it... on a single income... with two school-aged children... on a lower-middle-class income... in California... it can be done. You just have to buy what you can afford and not go with the latest gee-whiz gizmos. Make your plane affordable and expandable so when the income does come in, you'll be able to add things. It's been 5 years since I finished my RV-4 and I only just now able to afford to paint it. Time and patience is all it takes.