Hi Tom,
We tend to be on the "go ahead and build it" side. We bought the Europa kit
because we wanted a fast, versatile, cool airplane that is inexpensive to
operate and a dream to fly. We have also found that it is fun to build!
While we agree that to build successfully you need to keep at it, we have
found it healthier to allow life to get in the way to some extent (Jim was
building a business and Heather traveled a lot for her work, we spent time
with family, had hobbies like sailing, etc. during the build). If you don't
take time to maintain relationships, other interests, and your career, you
will start to resent the project. It will probably take longer than your
estimate but will be worth it in the end. Ours will end up at 5 years /
2,000 hours for both sets of wings & full IFR with only fast build on
control surfaces.
It would be nice if your girlfriend was involved - when Jim first suggested
building Heather was concerned that she would never see him, then when he
said we'd do it together she was afraid it would be "hand me the
screwdriver" but the reality has been that we have both learned a lot and
have each contributed significantly.
If you plan well, building at the cottage could be good for you, since you
can have large chunks of time there. You can do research and planning at
home, but the physical distance may be what you need to keep it from being
an obsession.
The build really isn't hard, you can get help if there are questions, and
the tasks and skills are diverse enough that you won't get bored. It would
also be a good idea to connect with an EAA chapter for build support (so you
have at least a few new friends who don't think you are nuts!). They can
also help with letting you borrow books and specialized tools which will
save some money and they may put on some seminars that will help with
electrical, etc.
Jim & Heather Butcher A185
XS mono 914 Airmaster short wings (long wings this winter!)
starting paint, engine & glider lessons. finishing electrical, inst panel,
interior.
|