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Thread: Which homebuilt do I want??

  1. #1

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    Nov 2011
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    Which homebuilt do I want??

    I recently retired and have wanted to build an aircraft since I was in college. Can anybody suggest a quickbuild kit that is something like a decathalon/citabria?? I've flown the kitfox, but it doesn't seem just right. I'd appreciate any suggestions/comments.

  2. #2
    Neil's Avatar
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    Aug 2011
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    Perhaps a Clip Wing version of one of the Cub Replicas?

  3. #3
    Eric Witherspoon's Avatar
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    How "quick" is "quickbuild"?
    What's the mission? Aerobatic? 2-seat, tandem, tail-dragger? Low-and-slow? X-C capability? Unimproved / rough fields?
    The more definition you have for the mission, the more specifically various designs can be ruled in or out.

    Other considerations:
    Do you care about resale value (or is this the pass-it-on / hand-it-down airplane).
    Do you care about build support (build something MANY other people are building, or have built).
    Do you have a particular reason to prefer or avoid fabric covering, riveted metal, welded steel, paint/coating processes, or composite construction?
    What's the budget?
    What kind of engine(s) would you prefer or avoid?

    May or may not play into considerations:
    Are you a pilot now?
    What kind of experience do you have, or if you are bored with what is typically available for rental, what kind of experience are you thinking you might have?
    Do you have any tools? Experience working with particular materials?

    You might look at the Just Aircraft Highlander:
    http://justaircraft.com/news.php
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSEpHZp-Ra8
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHXnQ...eature=related
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeQP-H_31JQ
    Murphy's 13th: Every solution breeds new problems...

    http://www.spoonworld.com

  4. #4

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    I really like the Bearhawk. It's 4 seats (basically a cross between an oversize Maule & an oversize Cessna 180), but they also sell the Patrol, a 2 seat tandem model. Tube & fabric fuselage; aluminum wing. Neither will scratch an acro itch, but I like low wings for acro, anyway. Any of the Van's RV-x 2 seaters (except the -9) would be great if you need acro & reasonable short field performance. (Full disclosure: I'm flying a -4 & building a -7.)

    Charlie

  5. #5

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    Jul 2011
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    Tustin, CA
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    Kit Airplanes like Citabria

    A few more items of information would help. Do you want a high wing 2-place utility airplane, maybe something more like a Super Cub, or do you want aerobatic capabilities too. I know of no aerobatic high wing kits, but there are a number of good utility-type airplane kits with high wings and 2-place tandem seating. A RANS S-7S is worth a look at the lower end of the price range, and a Carbon Cub EX is pretty nice at the upper end. There are also many Super Cub-like kits from companies such as Backcountry Cubs, Dakota Cubs, North Star, Javron, and the previously mentioned Bearhawk Patrol. All good planes but not aerobatic.

    If aerobatics are more important than high wings you might look at an RV-8. Pretty good aerobatics and quick build kits available, plus there is a lot of support available for a first-time builder. For serious aerobatics you need to look at a more specialized airplane, but this might be a pretty good all around choice for fun and travel. The only drawback is they put the wings on the bottom instead of the top where they belong.

    Dave Prizio

  6. #6
    Richard Warner's Avatar
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    How about the Bearhawk Patrol? I'm getting interested in building one myself, but I'll need to buy the Quickbuild Kit because at my age, I may not live long enough to finish it if I plans build it. Looks like a mighty good airplane to me.

  7. #7
    Max Torque's Avatar
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    Oct 2011
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    Bearhawk Patrol! You can get a "quick" build kit for right at $38K (with shipping). http://www.bearhawkaircraft.com/
    "You have to be alive to spend it..."

  8. #8

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    Jul 2011
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    Fayetteville nc
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    Harleykitplane.com.......... Read all headers, it's a one seat!

  9. #9

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    Nov 2011
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    Thanks to everyone who offered me such great advice! I really loved the Bearhawk for all its short field performance; however, I have decided to go with the RV-7 due to its great builder support nationwide. Thanks again!

  10. #10

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    Jul 2011
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    Tustin, CA
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    Rv-7

    I think the RV-7 is a fine choice, but it is sure a long way from the high wing tube and fabric-type plane where you started.

    Good luck with your new project.

    Dave Prizio

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