Am I the only one...

Murdoughnut

Murdoughnut

Well sized member
... who won't step foot in an experimental or kit-built aircraft? Sun N' Fun has gotten to be like bike week in the sense that it seems to kill couple of people each year. Not sure what this year's causes will turn out to be, but God I cringe every time I hear about some guy's kit build plane bucking in flight.

I won't fly in any aircraft that wasn't built in either a factory, or by an A&P. Am I being irrational? Seriously, it's an honest question. I think of the shoddy models I built as a kid and couldn't imagine actually flying something I built.
 
Murdoughnut said:
... who won't step foot in an experimental or kit-built aircraft? Sun N' Fun has gotten to be like bike week in the sense that it seems to kill couple of people each year. Not sure what this year's causes will turn out to be, but God I cringe every time I hear about some guy's kit build plane bucking in flight.

I won't fly in any aircraft that wasn't built in either a factory, or by an A&P. Am I being irrational? Seriously, it's an honest question. I think of the shoddy models I built as a kid and couldn't imagine actually flying something I built.
Click to expand...

I've never had the opportunity to ride in a kit plane, so I can't say for sure whether or not I would. I know there are some kits out there where you actually do the building at the factory and have some supervision and help from their people. There is a guy at TKI who has either a Lancair or Glasair (can't remember which it is) that he built that way. Nice airplane.

-b
 
Nothing wrong with that. If I build it then maybe, but other then that I wont trust it. When I was at riddle we stress tested the wings of a LongEZE, no joke the wing was made of foam, fiber glass, and a cardboard tube.
 
Murdoughnut said:
... who won't step foot in an experimental or kit-built aircraft? Sun N' Fun has gotten to be like bike week in the sense that it seems to kill couple of people each year. Not sure what this year's causes will turn out to be, but God I cringe every time I hear about some guy's kit build plane bucking in flight.

I won't fly in any aircraft that wasn't built in either a factory, or by an A&P. Am I being irrational? Seriously, it's an honest question. I think of the shoddy models I built as a kid and couldn't imagine actually flying something I built.
Click to expand...
You are not the only one.

Put me in that category with you.
 
Murdoughnut said:
... who won't step foot in an experimental or kit-built aircraft? Sun N' Fun has gotten to be like bike week in the sense that it seems to kill couple of people each year. Not sure what this year's causes will turn out to be, but God I cringe every time I hear about some guy's kit build plane bucking in flight.

I won't fly in any aircraft that wasn't built in either a factory, or by an A&P. Am I being irrational? Seriously, it's an honest question. I think of the shoddy models I built as a kid and couldn't imagine actually flying something I built.
Click to expand...

It depends on who built it and what it was made of. Most likely not though, unless I myself did the build under the eye of an A&P. My instructor told me about a guy he knew who built an ultra light. One flight the wing just folded.:panic: Luckily he had just installed a parachute a few weeks prior and it saved his life.
 
I absolutely understand your apprehension. I grew up around Antiques and Homebuilts so have a little experience with your mindset.

There is no easy way to answer your question: My opinion is that you must know the person that built the machine. If someone that you do not know well offers you a ride in a machine that you do not know well...don't take it.

That said, there are many examples of outstanding work and attention to detail amongst Homebuilts and Antiques. Many people are fully qualified mechanics to even attempt a project like this. If a person I know offers me a ride in an airplane they built...and I know the persons qualifications, quality of work, and overall attitude with regards to safety, etc I would happily go fly with them.
 
I've ridden in a couple of the Vans RV's, a Progressive Aerodyne SeaRey, and a Breeezy. The owners of these airplanes seemed to know the condition of just about every single nut on their aircraft.

The guys that build their own aircraft have a passion for it and are usually working on and maintaining them on a regular basis. I almost like that more than the guy who owns a certified plane and just sends it to his mechanic once a year for an annual.
 
BenWlson said:
I've ridden in a couple of the Vans RV's, a Progressive Aerodyne SeaRey, and a Breeezy. The owners of these airplanes seemed to know the condition of just about every single nut on their aircraft.

The guys that build their own aircraft have a passion for it and are usually working on and maintaining them on a regular basis. I almost like that more than the guy who owns a certified plane and just sends it to his mechanic once a year for an annual.
Click to expand...

This is an excellent point - these airplanes are generally the prized possesion of whoever owns them. The planes are many times better cared for than members of the guys family. That said, in this area I think that knowledge of a person and his attitudes and behaviours are important. In a regularly certified plane, you generally know a wing isn't going to fall off and if something happens, the airplane most likely won't have any "weird" flying qualities. I would say use your judgement about the pilot/builder and let that be your guide.
 
I'll fly in one gladly. I'd turn it down if I heard things about the plane or builder. I'd do that for any plane though, I turned down free time in a 150 while I was time building just because of what I heard about it. It was tough to do.
 
I'd only jump in one if I knew the person who built it and trusted that person.

I've done it once with a friend who built a Comp 6,(I think it was), with a Walter turbine. Was loads of fun, shame he sold it :(
 
<----- I own an experimental, and give instruction in some others, and have even test flown a few experimentals for people.

It all depends on the quality of work. Any experimental I fly in, I make sure I know the condition and usually make the owner show me everything in the plane. In planes I've test flown, I've gone over every nut, bolt, item, and paperwork that's in the plane, myself, and will not fly if one thing is out of order.

You just have to know the plane you're flying in!
 
I would think it would be a good learning experience to build my own plane. I would think it would be kind of wise for other flight schools to make a program where they build some kit planes with the students and then resell them. I wouldn't charge much if anything for the class as after building the aircraft it could be sold for a profit anyway.

Pretty much all big fly-ins have accidents unfortunately. Has there been a year where Oshkosh hasn't had an accident?
 
You guys are missing out on some seriously fun airplanes. I am a member of the EAA and involved in our local chapter. To watch some of these guys scratch build some of these planes, and then fly for the first time is an amazing thing. I have taken many a ride in them. Once you are flying it you forget that it did not come out of a factory. They must all pass a fly off time to make sure things are good. Accidents do happen in them, just like in certified planes. A very common case is the pilot has more plane than skill. Just like in certified planes. If anyone ever offers a ride in an RV, take them up on it. My personal favorite is the Super Cub made by Turbine Cubs Of Wyoming. There is more to flying than being on the radio with ATC at 30,000 ft. Try low and slow in a cub. It's like flying a Harley. Live a little.:)
 
To build my own plane, and maintain it!! Love too...Unfortunately, I'm poor (both money and time right now:() Something with a tailwheel, and goes low and slow.

If an builder/owner of an experimental plane wanted to take me for a ride, I'd say sure.

I'm no A&P, so I wouldn't buy one someone else built....
 
ready2fly said:
You are not the only one.

Put me in that category with you.
Click to expand...


There are some really really nice experimentals that are built and operated aer there by you out of T67.

I'd say that 60% of the aircraft flown out of there is either some type of RV, Lancaire, or Columbia. I've observed them building some and can tell you that they put a lot of time and care into those things.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top