Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 20

Thread: first build suggestions

  1. #1

    first build suggestions

    My middle kid is turning 8 next month and when we ask her what she wanted for her birthday. She said an airplane she could fly in. So, we told her that we get her a set of plans and build one as a family. So now I need help finding one we can afford.

    It needs to have 2 or more seats.
    BE easy to fly so she can learn to fly in it.
    Price will be a big factor.

    So far I have been looking at the Pietenpol air camper, Wittman tailwind, and the buttercup.

    Thank you for any suggestion or advice would be helpful.

    P. S. Sorry if this is a double post.

  2. #2

    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Alabama
    Posts
    2,236
    Oooh, I like the look of the Buttercup!

    I'd rule out the Pietenpol because it's tandem seating and you won't be able to see your daughter's big grins.

    The Wittman looks like it would fit the bill as well, but I like the sexiness of the Buttercup. The Buttercup looks more new pilot friendly as well.

    Proviso: I am totally unqualified to speak the merits of the Wittman versus the Buttercup. I'm just going off of stats and looks.
    The opinions and statements of this poster are largely based on facts and portray a possible version of the actual events.

  3. #3
    FlyingRon's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    NC26 (Catawba, NC)
    Posts
    2,627
    Why don't you build me up, Buttercup baby.

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Clarklake, MI
    Posts
    2,461
    Quote Originally Posted by smilemikey View Post
    My middle kid is turning 8 next month and when we ask her what she wanted for her birthday. She said an airplane she could fly in. So, we told her that we get her a set of plans and build one as a family. So now I need help finding one we can afford.

    It needs to have 2 or more seats.
    BE easy to fly so she can learn to fly in it.
    Price will be a big factor.

    Buy a C-150.

  5. #5

    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Posts
    384
    Quote Originally Posted by martymayes View Post
    Buy a C-150.
    +1

  6. #6
    DaleB's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2015
    Location
    KMLE
    Posts
    654
    If you want to build rather than buy, Fisher has some pretty nice wood 2-seaters. Airdrome has a couple as well, if open cockpit works for you.

    It might be just me, but I can see building something out of wood as more of a "family project" than welded tubing and aluminum. Maybe not. Depends on what you're after, I guess.
    Measure twice, cut once...
    scratch head, shrug, shim to fit.

    Flying an RV-12. I am building a Fisher Celebrity, slowly.

  7. #7
    gbrasch's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Location
    Arizona
    Posts
    530
    Sounds like your looking for a plans built, but if not, RV-12.
    Glenn Brasch
    KRYN Tucson, Arizona
    2013 RV-9A
    Medevac helicopter pilot (Ret)
    EAA member since 1980
    Owner, "Airport Courtesy Cars" website.
    www.airportcourtesycars.com
    Volunteer Mentor www.SoAZTeenAviation.org

  8. #8

    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Posts
    1,609
    Zenith would be my choice. These are really easy builds with holes drilled in the parts and all. You just assemble the kit. They build one a year at Osh in seven days. I have a friend who built a Zenith 750 in a 20 foot camper turned into a shop. It took him about one year. He did this in his spare time after work. He used an 0-200 for the power plant.

    Tony

  9. #9
    DaleB's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2015
    Location
    KMLE
    Posts
    654
    Quote Originally Posted by gbrasch View Post
    Sounds like your looking for a plans built, but if not, RV-12.
    I highly recommend the RV-12 in every respect except one... the cost. It's a super nice airplane, and I love mine, but he did say price was a factor and it's not a cheap build.
    Measure twice, cut once...
    scratch head, shrug, shim to fit.

    Flying an RV-12. I am building a Fisher Celebrity, slowly.

  10. #10

    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Posts
    1,609
    Nothing about aviation is cheap. Some are just not as expensive as the other. I know my buddy has over 20 grand in his Zenith and this is just the kit. Extra's like engine and such are not included in this cost.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •