Building Your Own Airplane - MISTAKES!!!

It's just part of homebuilding-you're going to screw up parts. Me on the other hand? I seem to screw up every part I touch. Watch this video and see all the mistakes I've made on my airplane kit!
Am I the only one who screws up parts? Leave a comment below if you've had to replace parts!
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[@ItsAllAboutGuitar]

Thanks for being open and honest! That's gotta be tough to put yourself out there. I'm sure I'll do it too when I start building mine.

[@largesleepermadness6648]

You sir are an awesome builder. I hope when I get my aircraft kit, I can be as honest and straightforward as you are. Love the video.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

Charles Metzer Thank you Charles! What kit are you planning on building?

[@nottelling1382]

It’s so refreshing to see other builders admit mistakes I make plenty and every one I look at n think dumb ass why did you do that and so the self beat up starts🤬 Thanks for sharing keep up the channel you can’t believe how much many folk appreciate it

[@JamesSmith-op7yc]

I think you're doing great on your aircraft build. You're thinking about the program, very important while assembling an airplane! Close enough doesn't cut it. As my Father would say, "Stay with it Son, you've got this" Good work man.

[@JDK73772]

Mistakes only prove your human. Glad to see you just dip your head and keep pushing forward. Your channel is one of the few that I subscribe to that I actually get excited to watch when a new video comes out. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@markoda8455]

Thanks for your honesty. Makes me wonder if I should build someday how many parts I’ll screw up compared to you with all your experience.

[@googacct]

Thanks for sharing this. I have learned the hard way as well the consequences of trying to work on my plane when my brain was not fully engaged.

[@billsmith5166]

You're doing a great job. It's going to be beautiful. Thanks for the vids.

[@dougmalloy8869]

Thanks Mark, great comments. You are definitely building a great machine. I have made many mistakes and have had to make the dreaded call to Zenith for a replacement. Usually, that happens when I'm tired and am taking a short cut like you said. Wish I was more of a perfectionist but I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel and want to finish this build. Cheers and thanks for the great videos.

[@kneedeepsnow16]

Thanks for the video, as others have said this is what I need. Seeing how things are done correctly is all well and good but learning how to deal with the Devil on the left shoulder and the angel on the right is a whole Nother ball game. I have a rule and sometimes I don’t realize when this rule is in play, which seems weird, but it happens. My rule is: if I’m arguing with myself (and I recognize it) I stop arguing and do it the way that I should. Your channel is in the top few of aircraft channels that I get the most out of, thank you very much. Watching your videos, almost convinces me to go to the factory and just finished my plane there. I don’t think that’s feasible in my life but sure wants to make me try. I also realize how much more I would learn at the factory rubbing elbows with all of the veterans and experts.

[@saeedag4468]

Thank you for sharing your experience man, you went hardcore with aluminum, I salute you

[@samualwhittemore228]

Thanks for the tips!! Much appreciated!

[@muhammadsteinberg]

Your honesty is valuable education for us that will be taking the plunge into kit building. Thanks...

[@wavewaker2]

thanks for sharing...as what the song said,,,,"Human born to make MISTAKES".

[@MasboyRC]

Thanks for explaining and presentation sir, i appreciate it 👍

[@txdave2]

Excellent video and sound advice. I scratch-built my Sonex from a set of plans. I joked that I probably threw away enough imperfect parts to build a 2nd airplane. In the end, I wound up with a really nice little airplane. I'm looking at building a CH750 as my next project. Your channel will be a great resource.

[@Michael-xo8lw]

Excellent stuff!

[@adamcaswell1924]

You’re doing better than I would. Nice vid sir.

[@billrandell4641]

Loving that Zenith man..

[@miltonmiller]

This is a very useful video! Thank you!

[@ikay2102]

Respect Mark. Info is priceless.

[@joshmccarthy7943]

Love it bro. This is what we need I always think what if u make mistakes and u are the best because u learnt and no what happens

[@ResearchGunMonkey]

Thanks for sharing. I really appreciate it.

[@darrenweston6056]

Another great video you have had a big influence in me choosing what to build for my first aircraft, looks like I will be the first Cruzer in the UK only 2 weeks until I see a kit for real looking forward to the experience that will follow. I hope Zenith give you some extra discount 😀

[@GregsZenithSTOLCH750]

If I had a nickel for every part I have remade, I could probably finance another airframe! I try to encourage people to be prepared for mistakes, but they sure are frustrating nonetheless. Your build quality is phenomenal...keep up the excellent work an thanks for sharing the process with us!

[@SafariHelicopter1]

Awesome video!

[@BirdyinBOI]

Very nice video. Most builders won’t talk about their mistakes to the world and it took some humility to do that. When I was building an RV-4 back in the mid 80’s, I think I had a scrap pile about 1/2 the size of the fuselage. I learned very quickly that I was an “Impatient perfectionist”. A terrible combination. It just doesn’t work. Go slow and enjoy the journey but mistakes are certainly part of the journey. Fortunately I was only about an hour drive from Van’s so I could go pick up more parts when I needed them. You’ll be happy in the end that you fixed those things you’re not completely happy with.

[@pzakkly3976]

Being a wing structures mechanic I’ve drilled a lot of holes and made few mistakes over the years. And sitting here watching your video I have to Say you are doing a great job building an airplane out of aluminum, everything has to be perfect and done the right ,can’t pull over when you’re 10,000 ft up in the air take you time think things threw before you drill that hole , no short cuts , never rush don’t use dull drill bitts. Good job so far ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@ibgarrett]

The only reason you’re the best of the best on screwing up parts is because I haven’t started my build yet. Here... hold my beer. ;)

[@OneKoolDude]

Excellent video, s**t happens, looking over your shoulder looks like your a perfectionist, I like that. You do nice wrk. I retire in 18 months and am planning on a Just Aircraft Super STOL kit. Cant wait.

[@ktmzzzz]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@jooe2259]

Hi Marc, don't say " mistakes", you are only making happy little accidents! (Bob Ross) Greetings

[@gl7080]

It Takes Guts And Humility To Admit That You Are Wrong Everybody makes mistakes but not everyone is willing to admit their mistake or even say that they were wrong. It really takes guts and humility to admit that you are wrong and to say sorry, but admitting your mistake and taking responsibility for it is more important than anything else. You are a great men that have my respect. Also prevent this other builders to make maybe the same mistakes. As said before a perfect plane will be born into the next future. Is it so easy to order all the needed parts separately? Greetings from the Netherlands. :)

[@atmm89]

Zenith loves you

[@PilotSavvy]

To bad Zenithair does not have a 2 for 1 deal on parts. Thanks for humbling yourself and sharing with those of us thinking of building a flying machine. Should I decide to start building I will keep your story in mind on those long tired days when a short cut might seem convenient.

[@Imapenguin]

Love it. I’ll be challenging your “best in the world” status. We should come up with a build mistake hashtag.

[@Imapenguin]

What's the make/model of your right angle drill attachment?

[@williamgreen4757]

There are no mistakes only learning experiences.

[@leadpan]

Glad you put this video; to see potential mistakes to avoid. Would you recommend Zenith's "CH 750 "Quick Build Kit" Fuselage Assembly" for 1st time builders?

[@leadpan]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast Thanks! I suppose the fuselage is most difficult parts to assemble? Or is it the engine? Or electrical and avionics? I was looking at Kitfox before settling on CH750. Is it your options CH750 is easier to build?

[@scoobydog411]

Honesty is not the best policy, But it makes great videos. (Smiles)

[@scoobydog411]

Please don't ever forget. Most people in the USA don't have TIME to build anything let alone the cash.......

[@BladePressure]

any fitness or workout recommendations?

[@aqeelalmnsory]

Goooooood

[@bibrakc]

if you reside outside of the US and have one of those little parts broken do you think It will be easy to get them custom made locally or should one really get them from Zenith (or any manufacturer)?

[@houstonsheltonbees814]

Cool 👍 new subscriber liked 👍

[@jhagz5786]

Will you be at the Zenith open hangar days?

[@svein-helgesmenes9188]

TTT Things Takes Time.... Patience is difficult :(

[@jms241965]

It's tough to rise above some of the mistakes...gets frustrating...but we return.

[@Mytyweav]

Hey Mark.... Just stumbled onto your channel... Why in the world aren't you building a Nice S7 or S7S???? You're a RANS Guy! Still excited that you got turned onto a Kitfox project too. They are good airplanes also. But a Zenith????? What were you thinking??? Maybe too many miles at too much altitude??? I enjoyed this video... You hit the nail on the head. If you're not in the mood, go wash your car or vacuum the house. Leave the project alone. Have fun! Fred Weaver, 2001 S7 with tons of hours and loving it......

[@Mytyweav]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast hey Mark! You KNOW I was pulling your leg. Although, OMG, that Boxy Fuselage and big fat wing just doesn't do anything for me... Hahahaha... Glad you like what you chose. Looks like some good, high quality work on your part and I'm sure it will be a very nice example....of a Zenith. I'm liking your video techniques and editing.. Lot's of work I'm sure but it's very informative and Pleasant to take in. I'm tied to a recliner right now recovering from a hernia surgery so I'm doing some Binge watching on KZbin for sure. Have Fun and keep up the fine work! Weav

[@valterp528]

muito bons seus vídeos pena que não sei falar ingles

[@seanavery7265]

Hi I was at an airshow and an f 15 had a wingtip fiberglass repair.

[@fadedflage]

You were probably looking at the formation lights on the wingtips. Google some F15 pics.

[@spacebar3119]

900th subscriber

[@spacebar3119]

After I get out of high school I plan on buying one of these kits ch 601

[@joshmccarthy7943]

I’m in Australia and thinking of building my first plane and I’m scared I’m a fitter machinists so I’m ok at what I do.But I would love a mentor got to find one

[@ghulamfareed4496]

Good and good

[@jms241965]

one cleo for every hole...a lot more work...keeps holes lined up and stops oil canning.

[@faainspector9699]

This video proves you are a perfectionist and not a narcissist............a narcissist would be blaming everyone but themselves , because that's what they do.........perfectionism is a good trait and makes for quality building........they say : Think three times , measure twice , and cut once.........I cannot tell you how many times I forgot to think three times , or even at all.........I cut it twice and it's still too short..........the only thing it costs is money and hurt pride shows nowhere.........we learn everyday and some of us never learn..........it takes a brave man to show others his mistakes , but that is how we learn ...........it's good to learn from the mistakes of others , because there is not enough time to make them all ourselves..........nice build ethic you have and your workmanship shows it all..........beauty job..

[@alaskanalain]

are your markings in pencil? pencil slowly eats through aluminum. My son drew on my aluminum floats, I erased the pencil but it still ate into it, it's about 1/3 the way through (it's been a few years) , I have to cut out that piece and rivet on a plate now.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

No-never use lead on aluminum. I use fine line permanent markers. The ink is easily removed with MEK.

[@stevenfigueroa4380]

aluminum welder spool gun or a tig machine will save you in money & time in shipping.

[@chrisbraid2907]

Personally I think you could have saved yourself some parts with the use of Epoxy and strand Glass and for your ends , judicious use of a heat gun. Blow moulded parts will easily adjust using heat. The misaligned bolt holes could have been fitted with short bolts threading into the material from both sides of the strut unless they would interfere with each other. Luckily for you that you can afford to make these mistakes and only have to worry about how long parts take to arrive .... my aircraft building friend would be most envious . ( he’s continuing a microlight Aircraft build.) nice work . Another alternative to not building is to go over what you have done already in relation to the plans of your Aeroplane ....

[@thepennzone5824]

I like to hear you say "Kleeko"!!

[@kirkstinson7316]

Measure twice, cut once. And remember the 7 Ps. Proper priour planning prevents piss poor performance

[@joshmccarthy7943]

I have massive ocd what is needed triple check go to bed then go did I do that get back out of bed check it ok I did but I’ve had times where I hadn’t and was right.Sorry for punctuation but my mind goes to fast.Great Job

[@carlmccall7198]

Hey man where are you based at? Did i meet you at Prices 9G2? If so im the guy that was in the hummel h5

[@carlmccall7198]

Omg how cool.. i just found you on KZbin.. nice Mooney.. your kitfox is looking killer too... your pancake flyin is coming up soon isn't it?

[@henryetter1477]

So if I understand you right, if you decide to build a kit you should add or allow another 25-30 % to original kit cost for mistakes

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

No not that much. It is inevitable that you will need to replace a few parts due to mistakes. Hopefully you won't make the same mistakes I made.

[@mepsbaksink4046]

so question: if you build a plane from scratch (not a kitplane) can you fly it

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

Yes you can. It will still be registered with the FAA as an Experimental aircraft. There's lots and lots of scratch build airplanes out there flying around.

[@gvrose1]

Dont order a new door channel, get it welded, it will be stronger and will look great too!

[@114mohe]

if its 2024 you can't weld it

[@sonshinelight]

Yep. As I tell my students, "Take a short cut. It's just a longer way around"!

[@chrisgourdine3823]

Be satisfied with the motto “I do it right because I do it twice!”

[@GeneralSirDouglasMcA]

If I attempted to build my own aircraft, it would completely fall apart on takeoff... before even getting off the ground lol. I’m one of those people that takes multiple attempts to screw in a screw with an electric screwdriver. Or I’ll mess up several nails each time I try to hammer in a nail (in construction work).

[@mark2727]

Your FAA Inspector may think otherwise regarding the improvisation to make some parts fit. Not only does it cost you extra money to complete your build, not following the Acceptable Methods, Techniques, & Practices as found in AC43.13-2B may cost you when it comes to your Inspection. If your not sure how to, then call your Kit Manufacturer and follow their instructions verbatim. Also, many members of your local EAA chapter are licensed A & P with Inspection Authorization. Talk with them and ask for help.

[@mark2727]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast I am a licensed A & P mechanic. So I do know what I'm talking about. Also an EAA member, and have fabrication experience with Sheetmetal forming. Good luck with your build.

[@rlondon1958]

@@mark2727 what does " clinko " it together mean?

[@mark2727]

@@rlondon1958 Clinko's are a type of clamp that is inserted into the airframe structure to hold the mating parts of the sheetmetal together. The Airframe Mechanic uses a pair of specialty pliers to put them into the drilled holes. Once the fit up is done the Mechanic can start the riveting process.

[@anthonyvega1959]

Do you work for netjets

[@anthonyvega1959]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast . Well I became a subscriber because I think you are one hell of a builder and you look like my favorite wrestler john cena

[@anthonyvega1959]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast I'll take your word for it. Lol

[@abu-ahmed129]

Your sound and face look like tom hanks , by the way nice tips

[@goldrushpro]

If you ever sell this airplane in the future, someone is going to get a damn nice one!

[@Vincent-Vega24]

There isnt anyone alive, that has actually flown an airplane and knows what they are talking about, gonna purchase this plane except for parts if they watch his "HOW TO" videos!!! Im thinking he needs to stick with his day job!!! LMAO

[@jms241965]

after some of mistakes...I wish I had a ten second Time Machine...I would go back 10 seconds and not do what I just did...in an effort to achieve perfection, I made it worse.

[@klausschwabshubris]

Have you ever considered a design flaw might be your saving grace in a holy shit moment? WW2 planes were flown by mavericks that had to figure out subpar fighters.

[@istra70]

I am sorry for your losses. One and most important thing in every home build is - you build because you like building ( creating ) ---- and not to save money...... But if you like flying ....buy second hand and spry paint it and overhaul the engine - way cheaper and faster ....

[@mqbitsko25]

Second-hand is only cheaper if you ignore maintenance and annuals, etc. As a builder you are your own mechanic. You can do everything, up to and including overhauling engines. Annuals are no problem because you know every inch of the plane inside and out. That's a HUGE savings in the long run. You can even do any modifications you please without worrying about a "type certificate".

[@bibrakc]

0:49 those forearms

[@thyyano2320]

សួរស្ដី បងជួយបង្ហាញប្រអប់ប្រាង

[@johngardiner1630]

Was building a Thorp T.18.. using a bending brake @ the airport... guy told me you CAN'T BUILD a metal airplane.....why? ......You build 3 and you throw the first two away.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

That's about true!

[@kirbylee57]

Does anyone ever sit a wrench down, and less than a minute later you have no idea where it is?

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

Yes, pretty much every time LOL!

[@Pushyhog]

Building your on kitplane. That’s way different.

[@BladePressure]

Well, I wanted to build a plane. But this gave me anxiety thinking about all the details.

[@robn2497]

When your like " Cool someone else is building a model aircraft lets take a look." only thing is "Oh I suck he building FULL SCALE aircraft" :(

[@Vincent-Vega24]

And who is doing the first flight with this thing? LMAO Its a freakin AirPlane and your taking "SHORTCUTS" On the outside im laughing my ass off, On the inside im crying cause we all know whats gonna happen here.... Im gonna SUB and stay tuned for this one!!!!

[@abu-ahmed129]

Your sound and face look like tom hanks , by the way nice tips

[@abu-ahmed129]

Your sound and face look like tom hanks , by the way nice tips