Want to connect with other builders in the area. Have previous experience with Velocity and planning on building another?

Hi, everyone - long time lurker first time caller.

I have explored some options for purchasing a plane, and the more I think about it, the more I feel like building myself would be a more economical and fulfilling way to own my own plane.

I've done some research and personally think that something like a Dakota Hawk seems the best, but I'd like to ask people more knowledgeable. For reference, if I were to buy a certified aircraft, it would be a C140A.

Mission: Local VFR puttering about close to Mode C Veil, so radios and ADSB-Out 95% of XCs less than 2 hours single way Pilot is 200 pounds

Preferences: Not wooden Tailwheel Under $40k

Please let me know your thoughts, and I appreciate the help!

I'd also appreciate any books or basic information you can recommend. I tried looking for an FAQ and through some other threads and found some books, but I'll take all the help I can get. I am also planning on visiting my local EAA chapter this weekend.

I'm looking for advice on how to find a design that maximizes glide with a 16# payload and 15' span. The entire aircraft could weigh 60#, including payload and will be hand launched...

If this isn't the proper forum, could someone please advise where to ask?

Thanks in advance-

Would you buy a second hand very old Collibri Mk2?

I can’t seem to find an experimental that has fixed gear, is efficient (specifically fuel burn), seats 2 adults, is reliable, has good range, and isn’t on the slower side all while having a relatively reasonable acquisition/ kit/build cost.

All input is appreciated, thanks

EDIT: The lack of definition for the metrics efficient, good range, not slow, and reasonable acquisition cost is my error, however I don't have concrete numbers. Would prefer something that burns around 5ish US GAL/hr, id like the (range) to be somewhere around 5-7 hours, speed wise id say faster the better but this is the quality I am willing to forget the most. Acquisition cost/ total build cost would hopefully be under or around $100K

Im not currently IR so that is of no concern however, for the future mission of this aircraft id like something that could do IMC eventually

Currently PPL, & working on my A&P at a 147 if that helps

My goal is to start the build of an experimental high useful load backcountry aircraft that will allow me the freedom to explore my backyard in Alaska but also stretch out and see much of Canada and the LOWER 48. I've searched far and wide and was able to discuss what opinions are regarding factory support and build of the Murphy Moose.

With the moose, I have a factory tour planned for November. Feedback thus far has been that factory support is lacking and that even the improved manuals that released in 2024 are lacking. Unfortunately, the factory does not have any moose to demo or simply sit in. Would be great to find a moose pilot in the PNW or AK so that I can see one in person.

On the same note, are there any bear hawk 5s in the PNW or AK? Any one that has successfully built a bear hawk 5? Would love feedback on the build process and overall completed aircraft.

Hey guys! So to start off with I’m in the process of getting my private pilots license at a local hanger near me, and while I’m learning the basics of flying I was hoping to start building my first plane. What are some factors, designs, and power plants that are both safe and affordable. I do recognize that no matter what I do while building the aircraft I’ll still be in the $100,000 range but any information helps! The biggest intimidating factor is how much an aviation engine costs! WOW! Anyhow I’ve been looking into the older Volkswagen engines as a power plant and a stol style aircraft.

The beauty of experimental aviation is you can do virtually anything, so long as it makes sense and passes inspection.

On my quest to add more power to everything and trickle down airliner level technology, I thought to myself," why isn't air to water charged air Intercooler on planes a thing?"

So now I pose that question to the collective. My first thought was weight, but you dint really add that much or carry that much water onboard. Plus, with the +-450 horsepower the other mods are adding, it seems like power and fun can offset the weight.

My second thought was icing. Up high and in weather, air can get pretty cold and the air to water charge cooler is making it even colder. What are the chances I fly though fog, a cloud, some light drizzle or just flat out rain and the cold moist air causes ice inside the Intercooler? Is that possible? Because if it is, why doesn't it happen to air to air Intercoolers? Because if it does have a snowflakes chance of happening, I'd have to scrap the whole idea because if it can ice over, it can block the engine and starve it if air. Injected engines don't have carb heat so that option is out unless implement one.

So…..I’m a new pilot looking at about a 6 yo experimental. Total time less than 200 and owner/builder selling based on age/medical. Tracking data shows it been flown about 3 hours in past 6 months.
Anyhow, as I dig into logs, the engine log is new. Owner says when he acquired it, was told it was rebuilt to Lycoming specs, so they are starting the time at 0. Samples have been sent for analysis at oil changes and nothing has come back negative.

Other planes I’ve looked at, ive been able to see the complete history of the motor, so I’m a curious if this might be normal in the experimental world. Builder has also built other planes in the past, I think this is 4-5.
Thanks in advance.

I have owned a long EZ in the passed. Purchased it completely built and it ended up getting destroyed in a storm. Now I am considering building one. I have seen the material that Dark Aero is using to build their DA1 and I like the Idea of using it instead of foam and glass for stuff like the bulkheads and seat backs. https://youtu.be/vPQ3sFPuB6c?si=uDl3jZAfbLGRC1JE

Is there any other reason why NOT to use Carbon other than Cost?

Hello all.

I have an old ultralight (microlight here in the UK) called a 'Thruster T600N'. The elevator and rudder control horns have some surface rust, so do the turnbuckles. I'm going to replace the turnbuckles, and remove the rust + re-paint the horns.

I'm obviously going to end up upsetting the control line tightness, how tight should I make it when I re-assemble?

Sadly the manufacturer doesn't exist anymore and I don't have any maintenance manuals etc.

Is there an easy rule of thumb?

Any free resources on making a one seater ultralight like the minimax? Also engine and props?

I'm looking for any resources I can get my hands on that revolve around aircraft design. Books, podcasts, videos, etc. What's your go to resource in this subject?

I built a kit plane a few years back and now the bug is starting to get under my skin again. I'm thinking this time I might try to scratch build something.

Hello!

My name is Christian and I am a student from The Netherlands. Currently I am researching the field of avionics for home-built aircraft, with the goal to find as many inconveniences or problems within this field.

With almost every product there is something wrong, sometimes we know exactly what, and other times we don’t realise it immediately. That is why I am trying to find out what people involved with GA aircraft think is wrong with avionics. With the goal to find problems that a lot of pilots, maintenence crews or plane owners can find themselves in.

This question can be complex and sometimes it requires to think out of the box, or maybe you already know exactly what find annoying.

So this is my question to all the people involved with aircraft:

What inconveniences or problems do you experience in regards to avionics?

I’m very curious what everyone comes up with, Thank you!

Does anybody know of anyone whos working on, has plans for or has successfully built a twin engine Subsonex Jet? It's something that's peaked my interest for some time, especially with the 2 seat variant under development. I know sonex have an unmanned one developed for the military and I have asked them for info, plans and even tried working together with them for custom work but no dice.

A small, twin engined microjet to pootle around with sounds awesome to me. The speed, the thrill, the jet noises. Bonus is you get to build complex, twin engine, turbine and jet time simultaniously. Yes it'll be even worse on range than it already is, but its VNE isnt that high anyway so most of the extra power will be in the takeotf and climb and roll those engines back for the cruise, maybe even climb a little higher with some onboard oxygen and I'm sure you can still get something passable.

I also plan to put more fuel efficient JetBeetle HGF experimental turbofans on it.

Just curious if anyone has ever made a biplane version of a pietenpol before. I think I saw a picture of one in the past. I’m a private pilot and I wanna start my first home build as a pietenpol but I was curious if it’s possible to make it a biplane. Also, other biplane cheap homebuilt recommendations are welcome!

Has anybody seen or heard anything about the Alpi Aviation Twin? Read one article about it and saw one video and then nothing since. They used to talk about it here and there and even promised to bring it out to Oshkosh and Friedrichshafen this year but no dice.

Ive been interested in an experimental light twin lately and short of giving an RV10 the TwinJag treatment, that was the only conventional layout option.

Before he passed away last year, my father was an EAA member and was working on his own homebuilt (I believe it was going to be either a Zenith 701 or a Hummelbird, he talked about both quite a bit).

He didn't get very far with it due to his failing health, and now I have inherited several rolled sheets of 6061-T6 aircraft aluminum. Currently it's in climate-controlled storage in southwestern Kansas but I can move it to central Texas. My question is, does this material have any value and if so, what is the best way to sell it? Aero Trader? Thanks in advance for any suggestions or advice.

I’m about to start getting my license and I was curious what planes that are out there. I like the look of the t6 Texan ii and similar military trainers I was curious if there are any kit planes with a similar look.

Curious if any Zenith builders or other builders might be able to provide some feedback. I am dreaming of owning a plane for some local flights and as I research the high cost of the older certified aircraft and all of the limitations that come with them I keep finding my way back to experimental kits. I love the idea of a new airframe that is corrosion free and the ability to do more of the maintenance down the road. . I am really interested in the Zenith Cruzer kit and starting to explore how feasible a build would be. The sheet metal and airframe seems within my comfort zone, I am a handy person and mechanically inclined when it comes to things like home repaire etc. I can’t recall the last time I hired someone for plumbing, electrical, framing etc but I have never been great with engines etc. I am very intimidated by the power plant, fuel system, avionics etc in a build. It also seems like from my limited research that the kits do not provide a great deal of instruction in those areas since many people really customize and or there are so many options in those areas.

My question is first, am I right in my assumption that aside from airframe you are more on your own when it comes to the build? Am I over stressing about those components of the build? And lastly would you recommend or have considered buying a kit and building and then hiring if possible someone like an A and P to help with the power plant and systems? Any feedback would be great and I apologize for the long question.

Many thanks from a nervous I will be in over my head first time builder-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0Qq3QDpsEo

I found this airplane on Youtube. Does anyone know where one can purchase build plans for this small airplane?

Does anybody here have experience with this plane? I have scoured the internet, but first hand experience is almost non existent. It looks like a great little bird, but there doesn’t seem to be that many in the air.

Has anyone ever given thought to using the propeller utself of a fixed wing aircraft as another means of directional control.

It would be able to pitch the blades as they spin to induce pitch or yaw in the same way a helicopter utilizes a swash plate to control its pitch and roll with its cyclic.

The system seems like it would be best on single engine turbine or piston aircraft with a single or contra-rotating (eliminate p-factor, prop wash, torque roll and torque steer) propeller

The idea seems like it might be beneficial because you would still have directional control from the propellers thrust, even if your controls are nolonger effective or your wings have stalled. I see this being the biggest win for aerobatics guy, STOL or the big utility aircraft.

I understand the swash plate system is complex to use, so my solution is to link and sync the input actuators with existing controls. The yoke/control stick and rudder pedals. Other aircraft link existing controls like the yoke and rudder (Beechcraft Sundowners for example).

Or, conversely, it could have its own 4 axis hat switch, trim style control on the side stick/yoke or somewhere on the panel.

What are you guys' thoughts on a system like this? Worth the hassle, cost and complexity or not? And if so, for what applications?

Edit: For clarification, the propeller hub itself does not swivel. Only the blades change their angle of attack as they rotate about the propeller hub. Depending on where that blade angle change occurs, there will be dditiona thrust on the intended side and less on the other, inducing a yawing or pitching force on the nose. So if I want it to yaw left, it will increase pitch on the blades as they pass the right side, decrease pitch as the pass the left side, Inducing left side yaw.

This is a call to all the experts, engineers and enthusiasts in GA to brainstorm a design for a small 6 seater GA aircraft that can fulfill a mission from NYC to London non stop. The configuration should comply for that mission and should burn around 30 gal/hour, speed above 450 knots, pressurized and fly above weather. Has to be affordable too.

The inputs will be consolidated and maybe can be modeled in software in the future and flown on many of the flight simulator programs to experiment digitally.

The tech is there, but the economics are not. This exercise might lead to new ways of solving for this mission. It is 2024 and nothing remotely seems possible for this mission in the affordable experimental GA world yet.

If I want to build my own homebuilt jet aircraft like the SubSonex, but I don't want to buy a kit and prefer to design everything myself(my own design), what do I need?

Do I need an engineering degree or any specific licenses?

What is the process for obtaining permission to make my plane airworthy and flyable?

Are there any limitations, such as size or weight?

(Disregard the skills involved.)

The guys at DarkAero looked like they were doing a hell of a job. But had 2 red flags.

1. The were no target dates and the first flight date seemed to get pushed back forever.

2. They needed some business skills. If you asked to make a deposit on a kit they sent you a form and never followed up.

Now their social media that was so active so reliably for so long is quiet. Anybody know anything?

Having built an early Velocity, can I now use that authority to qualify on my new Velocity build?