---------------------------------------------------------- Homebuilt-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Tue 08/12/03: 6 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 05:54 AM - EAA Technical Counselor?? (Tom Grant) 2. 06:34 AM - Re: EAA Technical Counselor?? (Ed Kramer) 3. 07:58 AM - Re: EAA Technical Counselor?? (Ken) 4. 08:55 PM - To build or not to build... (drew.schumann@us.army.mil) 5. 10:13 PM - Re: To build or not to build... (George Bass) 6. 10:41 PM - Re: To build or not to build... (Nielsenbe@aol.com) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 05:54:46 AM PST US From: "Tom Grant" Subject: Homebuilt-List: EAA Technical Counselor?? --> Homebuilt-List message posted by: "Tom Grant" Hi all! I've just purchased a plans built BD-4 (non-flying) and am looking for an EAA Tech Counselor that I could visit with. We're located in NW Louisiana about 30 miles from Shreveport. I'm willing to travel some if necessary. Thanks! Tom Grant Louisiana CodeWORKS, Inc. 104 Marshall St. Minden, LA 71055 318-377-1149 / 800-489-1149 Voice/Fax 318-773-9718 / 877-489-1149 Cell ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 06:34:07 AM PST US From: "Ed Kramer" Subject: Re: Homebuilt-List: EAA Technical Counselor?? --> Homebuilt-List message posted by: "Ed Kramer" > --> Homebuilt-List message posted by: "Tom Grant" > > Hi all! > > I've just purchased a plans built BD-4 (non-flying) and am looking for an > EAA Tech Counselor that I could visit with. We're located in NW Louisiana > about 30 miles from Shreveport. I'm willing to travel some if necessary. Tom, Here is the results of a search of Tech. Counselors from LA. from the EAA website, http://www.eaa.org Hope this helps! Technical Counselor Search Results Ronald H. Elliott-Alexandria, LA Home - (318) 487-0324 Les Fisher-Harahan, LA Home - (504) 737-7814 Agile F. Genre-Zachary, LA Home - (225) 658-8363 Ed Kramer West Seneca, NY CH 701 edair701@adelphia.net Build Status: Rudder completed Left wing complete Right wing 98% ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 07:58:27 AM PST US From: "Ken" Subject: RE: Homebuilt-List: EAA Technical Counselor?? --> Homebuilt-List message posted by: "Ken" Tom, have you gone to the EAA site to see if they have a list of counselors. Ken av8or@infionline.net kring@mountainviewdogs.com kring@irisweb.net www.irisweb.net www.mountainviewdogs.com -----Original Message----- From: owner-homebuilt-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-homebuilt-list-server@matronics.com]On Behalf Of Tom Grant Subject: Homebuilt-List: EAA Technical Counselor?? --> Homebuilt-List message posted by: "Tom Grant" Hi all! I've just purchased a plans built BD-4 (non-flying) and am looking for an EAA Tech Counselor that I could visit with. We're located in NW Louisiana about 30 miles from Shreveport. I'm willing to travel some if necessary. Thanks! Tom Grant Louisiana CodeWORKS, Inc. 104 Marshall St. Minden, LA 71055 318-377-1149 / 800-489-1149 Voice/Fax 318-773-9718 / 877-489-1149 Cell ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 08:55:26 PM PST US From: drew.schumann@us.army.mil Subject: Homebuilt-List: To build or not to build... --> Homebuilt-List message posted by: drew.schumann@us.army.mil THAT is the question. I am currently at the cusp of a decision, regarding going forward on my homebuilt project. I have completed the leading edge ribs on a Barrows BearHawk, and am torn between continuing building the BearHawk and just purchasing a Tri-Pacer in flying condition. The decision touches on some philosophical questions. Over the course of a five year period, the cost will be equivalent. You can buy a Tri-Pacer for $15,000, fly it for a couple years, and then restore it. It is important to note that I am an A&P mechanic and work at a local regional airport and can probably work a deal on most certified parts. I estimate the finished cost as $25,000-$30,000, after recovering, etc.. The BearHawk will cost about the same to build, using the same sources of material. The big down-side is the time necessary to build. I could actually afford to take time off from work to get it completed more quickly. In the meantime, my wife could rent, but rental aircraft have such limited utility for the "go places and do things" lifestyle we want to pursue. Here are some of the pluses and minuses I've come up with. My reason for posting is to have people "sharpshoot" my thinking, so please feel free to criticize, help, etc.. BearHawk - Pluses- Doesn't "tie up" large amounts of capital until engine is purchased Much more capable Better platform for experimentation/skill-building (KEY POINT) More aircraft than we could normally afford Gives me an excuse to work at home (Also key point) Minuses- Long time horizon Requires taiwheel training resale value? Normal downside of being experimental a/c Tri-Pacer - Pluses- Inexpensive to purchase Get flying right away respectable image Gives me time to work on other things/spend time with family Minuses- Large outlay upfront Stuck with certified parts/methods Much less capable, even marginally capable My wife and I also run into the crux of a problem, here. We have two growing children, ages 10 and 13, and the Tri-Pacer is marginal for cross-country, especially if we bring baggage?. Of course, we can adapt to that by adapting our clothing/stopping a lot for gas, etc.. By the time the BearHawk is completed, we probably won't have much need for the back two seats, except as a place to put our baggage. Though if I reduce my hours at work, maybe I can get 2 or 3 big trips in using the BearHawk. Thanks to identity fraud, we cannot borrow money, so any solution that involves borrowing money will pick an old wound and aren't particularly welcome. Thank you for your input. Drew ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 10:13:32 PM PST US From: "George Bass" Subject: Re: Homebuilt-List: To build or not to build... --> Homebuilt-List message posted by: "George Bass" Drew; I hope I'm not being too simplistic about all this, but, my curiousity has been 'perked' with your question(s). Many times in the past, I've though along similar lines as those you spoke of ("to build or not to build..."). However, I think you are in a far better position than I, to make a decsion in your favor regarding aircraft, and the availability of same. My one real question to you is this: Have you considered the possibility of entering into a partnership with someone on 'your' field, so that you and the Mrs can fly, and at the same time continue the construction of the BearHawk for your later enjoyment? Altho you may have to hunt a bit, I would not be the least surprised if you could find a "sweet" deal that fits your budget, and assists the primary owner of a 'local' aircraft, too. (Especially since you may be able to help in the normal maintenance of the aircraft.) I hope this thought isn't too far afield, and may give you an option you may not have considered. George Bass --- ________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 10:41:20 PM PST US From: Nielsenbe@aol.com Subject: Re: Homebuilt-List: To build or not to build... --> Homebuilt-List message posted by: Nielsenbe@aol.com I had all the same questions, the decision for me was my real goal in flying was extended trips to the back country. That left me with getting something along the C-185 line......... LOTS OF CASH. I found the murphy moose kit that boast real good numbers for my "mission" and while it's expensive at 90K flying or so it will be a brand new plane that can burn autogas and get replacement parts at NAPA. I guess cheap maintenance and fuel were big issues for me but won't affect you as much. I didn't like the idea of paying almost 100K for a old cessna with 50's technology and someone elses problems installed. I will be renting for 5 years but that doesn't bother me much since I am just getting my license now and won't be dissapointed taking short trips around colorado until my plane is done. The bottom line for me was I couldn't afford a certified plane with the capabilities that I want. Brad Murphy Moose Tail kit in the works