Keeping the Mental in Experimental Aircraft - Must Watch BEFORE Buying a Kit or Flying Aircraft

[@ibgarrett]

This really should be a “must watch” episode for anyone wanting to build. I watched it while working on my build in the garage and couldn’t agree more on the topics brought up here.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Thanks @Brian Garret for your feedback. And good to read that you are "Working on my Build" in the garage! Awesome!

[@ibgarrett]

@@ExperimentalAircraftChannel if you’re ever in Colorado…. :)

[@squirrel_82]

100%

[@russellesimonetta9071]

Uhh, I went to Oshkosh in 1980 and the grand champion was a scratch built Mustang ll! I. Think it was Larry Kinder! It still flying and beautiful. My dream plane! Design in the early sixties and out runs any RV!

[@gtr1952]

Very good info!! My fav analogy is a car.. You can't pull your airplane off to the side of the road and fix something! It needs to be perfect the first, and every time you fly it! You can/and will 'bet your life' on that!! 8) Fly safe, peace... --gary

[@barrywinslow9798]

Excellent info vid Sir...I'm a retired A&P and really appreciate you helping folks out. Flying has always been a "first time up thrill" to me, and I hope more people will safely experience that.......thanks a million.

[@jeremywilson4326]

I just came up with some ideas while watching this . Imagine someone has an idea on something new and your business is making that idea possible. Bringing it to life safely and efficiently. Thanks man.

[@jerbear7952]

That is how most businesses work...

[@clarencehopkins7832]

Excellent stuff bro

[@DougBinderCozy4]

A serious consideration that was not mentioned is the registration and airworthiness certificate with a completed kit. If the seller can not provide them, there is an excellent chance that it will never be legal.

[@timduncan8450]

I have heard the term “yard ornament” for these cases.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Agreed. Yes.... should have included that as well. Can be resolved but... more of a head ache surely. Thanks for chiming in here today!

[@dannyboyyy5985]

You smelling the tires… That was a good one. I like what you emphasize in this video, I am experiencing some interesting things taking up a sonex build part way thru, but we are getting there!

[@kbentch]

Excellent video! Thanks so much. I am saving money to build my own plane. Thanks again!

[@patrickk1966]

Love your show!!!

[@TheWilco00]

Thanks for your thoughts and comments. Excellent video.

[@patriotkieler9750]

This was excellent thank you for sharing this.

[@sirnewton6874]

Scratch built model B BearHawk wings. Including fuel tanks/ controls / flaps & ailerons = 2100hrs

[@gloomiswd]

Great video and informative. I'm wanting to change gears from tournament bass fishing to flying. Lol just a bucket list many of us have.

[@dirtcop11]

If you plan to kit build or scratch build, I think it would be wise to join the EAA or a local group of aircraft builders. It isn't something that you can do it without some kind of help. If you are an A&P, you might be able to build it without extra help, but even then you might want to talk to someone who has experience with that particular airplane.

[@richh650]

Thank you for making this VERY important video. Much appreciated.

[@Russellsperry]

I want to get one, and I really appreciate this advice 👍

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

What are YOU waiting for then? Start small... but START! C'mon Russell! I keep seeing you here! :-)

Great advice, thanks! The kits that I really like are Velocity, BD-4C, RV-10 and plans build Cozy Mk IV, but Velocity and RV-10 are probably going to be too much. So I'm torn between the plans-build Cozy, which is very sexy, but might be difficult for entry and exit; and the BD-4, because I like high-wings. The BD-4 would end up being about $25k more than a Cozy, but much shorter build time. If it's raining when I'm getting in or out of a Cozy, then I'm getting wet and rain will come inside as soon as I raise the canopy, but with a BD-4 I'd be under the wing and have time to put up and umbrella without rain getting inside the plane.

[@Reloader449]

We have flown our VariEze to Oshkosh many times. It was 2009, IIRC, that I decided to add "In Rain" to my preparations to go, including approaches in rain in the X-Plane sim. And, sure enough, that year we landed in rain, taxiied in rain, found our campsite and set up camp in the rain. Of course, the VariEze has a canopy similar to a Cozy. It's really no big deal. And, it rarely happens. Also, we didn't build our VariEze ... but we did refurbish it and it is better than new, now in its Forty-First year of flying. I am also refurbishing a Cozy MkVI that we didn't build. BTW ... our VariEze is For Sale. :)

[@spikekavalench]

In Canada, it is somewhat misunderstood that an owner can do any repairs on their “amateur built” aircraft. That applies unless it is a structural repair, in which case a Transport Canada representative must inspect and approve those repairs. The other thing that is not well known is that Canadian Advanced Ultralights must have a maintenance log and any mods must be approved by the manufacturer. If the manufacturer is no longer in business… you do the math.

[@lalehbryanskrenes5692]

Great video, Bryan! Thanks for the effort and the thought that went into making this and sharing with us all!

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

You are welcome. Thanks for dropping a comment here. Good to see you here!

[@scottjennifer7778]

You may want to look at the manufacturer site to see if there is any upgrade or advisories of change apart

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Perfect! Also a great idea. Very true. Thank You for sharing Scott Jennifer!

[@cohocarl]

VERY good advice @7:38 . I made the mistake of ordering a kit from a well known company which has been established for many years and at the time felt comfortable with paying all up front. 1.5 years later, I have around 50% of the kit.

[@cebunting]

Where do you live? Let’s have a flyin and get a group of folks to fly in and get some work done!

[@cohocarl]

@@cebunting Thank you for the excellent suggestion/offer. Right at this time, I have not received enough of the kit for much to work on, and after the delays, I am most likely going to look for a used Aeronca, Taylorcraft, etc. instead. Life is short. I just wanted to agree with the comment in the video to never pay 100% up front, even how established you believe the manufacturer is. Thanks again for your reply Cameron.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Sorry to hear (read) that Michael. If it was ordered in the last 2 years then the situation is supply/demand. MOST of the manufacturers are in fact 1.0-1.5 years out on delivering a NEW order. This why I say the "Airplane Boom/Baby Boom" quote. I think the number of Aircraft kits being ordered... and then the ones that will be completed and flown over the next few years will break all time records. Can't plan for what just happened in this industry. And we ALL thought it would simply DRY UP! Boy were we wrong! :-)

[@cohocarl]

@@ExperimentalAircraftChannel Thank you for the reply. Yes, and I cannot imagine how difficult it has been for kit manufacturers to choreograph their suppliers & orders over the last couple years and need to keep this into consideration because we all want the industry to survive.

[@SonexLLC]

4:00-5:30 -- THANK YOU Bryan!!!

[@SonexLLC]

... 12:05-14:47 Thank you Again!

[@SonexLLC]

and 16:20 -- man, great video. We're going to share this to our social media channels.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

@@SonexLLC Thank You. Looking forward to seeing you all again in 2022! :-)

[@midmichiganflyingfun9323]

Your advice on "How many are flying in the field" is spot on. My friend Doc could and did fly everything. He decided to by Haul #1, that had never been flown, from a gyrocopter manufacture. On his second touch and go the craft broke apart.

[@hadleymanmusic]

Damn shoulda drop tested it at full load

[@timduncan8450]

Sure hope Doc walked out OK.

[@midmichiganflyingfun9323]

@@timduncan8450 Doc dropped several hundred feet, at the speed of gravity, without a rotor. No, Doc wasn't alright. He passed. That's the point. 😞

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Wow! That is quite scary. Sorry to hear that.

[@rudimyerson9581]

One of your best videos, thank you for caring enough to help those new to this exceptional pass-time 🙂

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Thank You. I hope we can get more people into this awesome niche of fun in the years to come! :-)

[@chuckcawthon3370]

Thoughtful Conscientious Accurate information that goes a long way in determining what’s right for you as a perspective buyer/ builder. Well Done Sir.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Thank You! Much appreciated. Hope you are Building or plan to! :-)

[@chuckcawthon3370]

@@ExperimentalAircraftChannel I have retired from flying. I built and flown a KR-2, 2 ultralights and restored and flown my Stinson Voyager 108-2 then my Aeronca 11AC Chief. I still long to build and fly but my time has past.

[@mister_aanderson]

Very helpful, thanks!

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

You are very welcome. :-)

[@keithschneider6348]

Built up spars by seller be portant. Watch out if the plans have different models it can mix you up. You want good dimensional prints. Compare Legle Eagle an RagWing to Simplex aircraft prints , huge difference like day an night.

[@jackanddebbieklein9346]

Hello Bryan! A well done and informative video! I'd like to add just a couple of items that maybe could also be covered in a separate video. As you know, I fly and do annual Condition Inspections on experimental aircraft as well as Annual Inspections, etc & fly certified aircraft. I, by no means intend to scare anyone off from buying an experimental aircraft. But you must be aware of this. Folks, for most of you that do not have experience in production aircraft, there are things that you need to know (versus experimental aircraft). Production built aircraft must follow a series of processes that are planned, written and then approved by the FAA before they receive a Production Certificate issued by the FAA. Under this umbrella, they must have the proper tooling & tools to build; they must have a supply process in place to ensure that the parts being received and used in production are inspected to ensure that they meet engineering and FAA standards. The build process is constantly monitored by a QC (quality control) department that is linked to the FAA Small Aircraft Directorate Office. When an assembler is terminating wiring for example, an FAA approved inspector must come in behind that assembler and "buy" each terminal crimp. And the list of safeguards goes on & on... This is in-part, why production aircraft is so darned expensive!!! The "Quality Control" of an experimental aircraft, is the builder - period. Yes, the FAA must sign it off before flight but it is up the builder to ensure that the terminals are correctly crimped, that the bolts & screws - although they look tight - are correctly torqued by the builder, that the materials being used are of sufficient strength in shear or tension. That FAA inspector or DAR won't (& can't) go that deep. I was flying a friend's IFR capable RV-6A who's father had built. He was a meticulous man who "did everything right", perfectly driven rivets, etc. During a VFR flight (luckily), I lost the panel, radios, etc. After some extensive troubleshooting I found a ring terminal in the electrical power circuit was incorrectly crimped. Although the wire end was inside the sleeve of the ring connector (not visible), it was not making sufficient contact. This stuff will bite you! I write this so that you don't get bitten or worse. I love flying that RV-6A but folks, I ALWAYS keep in mind that it is an EXPERIMENTAL aircraft and operate it as such.

[@boldbaldpilot2029]

Great guidance! I’ve developed a relationship with an EAA technical counselor in my area. I’m on the empennage kit and he’s visited twice already and I expect him to do two more visits before riveting skins. I would not embark on this adventure without such in-person expert support. He’s taught me a ton about tolerances and what constitutes an acceptable repair and so much more. Btw: Each visit is documented and signed off by him. I believe that if I ever decide to sell this aircraft this documentation will help prospective buyers to have a favorable perception of the build quality. Anyways, all of this just to say that you’re absolutely right! Don’t leave anything to chance - trust yourself, but still verify!

[@ar15gator]

Yes, it helped, Thx for sharing !

[@darrylday30]

Excellent point regarding the build instructions! This becomes a maintenance manual of sorts during the life of the aircraft. The drawings become a repair guide (be sure to check that every page is there). Manufactures of kits are not interested in replacing your lost paper work, nor should they be.

[@FourthWayRanch]

they are also withholding drawings and plans for major components of the aircraft, there's no reason for it, a kit should come with a complete set of drawings and plans for every part, they have the plans to make the parts, why won't they give them to you?

[@darrylday30]

@@FourthWayRanch I didn’t realize that kit manufacturers don’t provide complete drawings.

[@FourthWayRanch]

@@darrylday30 neither did I, I'm sitting on a kit I paid over 11K for that I haven't touched cause I'm waiting for the rest of the plans.

[@FourthWayRanch]

@@darrylday30 they won't give the drawings for the main frame. They said "it's beyond the scope of the home builder"...what a crock. It's an experimental aircraft, by it's very definition, it's supposed to be within the scope of the home builder.

[@darrylday30]

@@FourthWayRanch The question I have is, do have what you need to assemble what you’ve got? If not, ask for what you need instead of what you want. Chip away at it bit by bit. Be polite. Say thank you. Make sure you know their names. Make sure they know you as the awesome friendly guy on the phone just having the time of his life building his first airplane. Focus on building what you’ve got and build a healthy positive relationship with the people who can help you. How do I know this, I spent 17 years building water bombers at Bombardier. It was the ultimate team sport. BTW, what are you building?

[@wilhelmpeters7042]

Thank you for making content like this I am currently looking to buy an experimental Airplane kit information like this is priceless

[@ianmyles9025]

super insightful - many many thanks - a must watch !

[@sshort21]

Another excellent video. Thanks for putting this together!!

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

You are very welcome. Thank You for watching.

[@matthewperlman3356]

Very useful advice, thank you!

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Thanks for stopping by to say hello and for watching!

[@ackack612]

Brian, where do I begin....I've followed you long enough to see this video as something of a culmination of your years of being more than a casual experimental aviation enthusiast observer and reporter. Your thoughts, concerns and the issues you raise are beyond pertinent, important and certainly merit the serious consideration of a prospective experimental builder....a worthy deep dive, if you will. Your presentation was great. Well conceived, thought out and verbally spot on. No small achievement. Hey Brian, out of the park homerun! Well done.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Wow! Thank You. You never really know what people are going to find valuable so the time invested is always a bit of a gamble. So thank you for the confirmation. And... thanks for following along on our journey in Aviation. It has truly been a blessing and a WHOLE LOT of FUN! :-)

[@j.d.ensminger1710]

Cooling yes yes yes, including how that particualr aircraft will be flown. At what altitudes? and what inviroments?

[@wingnut3998]

This is why a build center would be so helpful. Great video and advice.

[@muhammadsteinberg]

Great video! You are far too kind. Most of my 38-39yrs of aviation has been as a renter. I recently sold my certified aircraft and entered the world of EA (RV-10 slow building). It's been my experience that the aviation community is a snapshot of society. Whatever type of scum is in society will be in aviation. Buyer beware on buying a kit from someone. I'm so anal about my build that each rivet almost gets a name...lol... Like you said me and my family will be in it when completed. I personally would never buy a worked on unfinished kit. A built is also iffy. Of course this is just my opinion. Lots of people have had no issues with the purchases.

[@BigDickMark]

I'm also a renter. You know what they say about the 3 F's and renting...

[@andriusrudprojects5153]

Hi, can you tell me where to find used aircraft kits or projects. Also may you know something about damaged aircrafts websites. Thanks Compliments from UK.

[@Jason-Black]

Great video with excellent points. My dad and I bought a used kit and are in the covering stage, so a lot of what you mentioned we're experiencing right now. I would say that a used kit doesn't necessarily depreciate these days (depending on demand for that brand/model). With two year wait lists at most factories and prices on aircraft going through the roof, in many ways it's a seller's market.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Good point Jason (in the NOW market of inflation and Supply/Demand). Good to hear that you found yourself a kit and a good project for you and Dad! Happy to hear that. Now... let the games begin! :-)

[@joelmoore9697]

Great video, very informative.👍👍

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Thank You Joel. :-)

[@rayfletcher3683]

Excellent , honest advise. Do keep up the good work👍

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Thank You RAY! Will keep working away at it.

[@FloridaLightSport]

Well said! So much great information for safety in our community.

[@scottmiller4711]

I think many of us go to the Forums to ask questions for opinions on how to do something different. Many of these questions the Kit manufacturer won't answer do to liability issues. Great example is removing the Slats on a STOL, Zenith's response is "don't do it as that is how Chris Heintz designed the aircraft" but we all know many have and with success...

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Fair assessment. The comment "in video" was more directed as a "Warning" to not always trust all information from... you know... "The Internet." Some people are GREAT at giving advise (even if they have never done something). It happens.

[@troypoff7974]

Thank you so much for the insight as to what I need to do as a first time flyer. I have found the type as well as the upgrades I'm looking for in an Hilo that will suit my needs. But yet to purchase one face to face. The info you have shared will go a long way when I take the plunge. Great channel. Do keep it up. Troy

[@pepelepew4117]

Excellent episode, great info! Thanks!

[@DougBradley-o8h]

I feel that I’m pretty handy and I don’t have much money but a strong desire to get into the air. I just want to know what to would cost me to build a strong agile plane? Or buy used? And where should I start looking?

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Best places to look for Flying AND/OR Project Aircraft are in the Buy/Sell Facebook GROUPS or online on the website "Barnstormers."

[@leonard.l2671]

Great advice!

[@jonfilipa2478]

Bryan - great content between your KZbin channel and your podcasts. Informative and good to hear some different perspectives. Keep up the great work!

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Thank You. Will do! You just keep coming back and leaving awesome comments like this... OK? :-)

[@darrylday30]

A friend purchased a “almost complete” experimental while attending school to become an aircraft mechanic. He eventually realized that the aircraft was not only poorly built, it was scrap.

[@johnelliott4521]

Came up with a combination of wing design that is stol and fast cruise. Works in model.

[@johnelliott4521]

@S M will be happy to do so very simple took mechanism for leading edge extension used on airliners redesigned it to operate with hand crank. Ribbed carbon fiber wing, rubbing surfaces on wing are high density polyethylene or delrin sheet. Semifowel flaps. Can almost double wing area.

[@johnelliott4521]

@S M i based it on engineering designs al ready done resized for smaller wing. Rotating gear on shaft engaging liner curved gear. Simple ratching gear to turn shaft.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Nice! Send a message over here once you are further along... would be a great conversation! :-)

[@jasonnemjo5981]

Love your videos. Thank you for all the great information and coverage. Keep up the good work.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Will do. You just keep coming back too! :-)

[@The-virg]

Great video. The experimental used market is the Wild Wild West. I have looked at many airplanes being sold as kits that the builder turned into scrap metal because of lack of workmanship. On the same note I have seen many flying experimental’s that are death traps. Experimental gives you freedom to do things as you see fit. (Good or bad) Trust but verify is the name of the game.

[@HECTORFARRA]

Some folks took the "Experimental" to the extreme. And I totally agree. Some are flying Frankenstein's out there

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

OK Mr. Bearhawk Builder! True true. You know. :-)

[@HECTORFARRA]

@@ExperimentalAircraftChannel I mean, just type this on KZbin: 400 HP Corvette V8 Engine in a Cessna 172

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

@@HECTORFARRA THAT is very interesting for sure. But I am always disappointed to go to a BUSINESS website and now where to be found is there ADDRESS or CONTACT info???

[@johngood3163]

Hi, Bryan. We definitely like this material, since we are still waiting to learn where we're moving to which impacts our purchase decision. We're also appreciative that you posted this on KZbin, since the Facebook links keep forcing us to sign in again to KZbin which also makes us have to remember our password. Remembering passwords is not easy for us. Still, we love your programs!

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Thank You for the insight. Most of the full episodes are posted to KZbin. Links are posted on Social or "Teasers" etc. FB likes to keep you "On Platform" so they created some sort of wall that doesn't keep you logged into your normal browser I guess when you click away. It's a tough world to operate in sometimes. Thanks for still trying to figure it out to get back here! :-)

[@johngood3163]

@@ExperimentalAircraftChannel certainly. It's the content that matters. Fortunately, it's not impossible to work around.

[@HoundDogMech]

Being around Aviation Since only 1970, I've met many diffrent People and many of these Aviation Enthusiast Really lack many of the SKILLS needed to AVIATE Much less BUILD Anything but still attempt it. Then again there are Those much more Qualified too. Those I don't Worry abouut.

[@19Borneo67]

I stop everyone who drives by my house and ask them about their driving training, and won't let them continue until they've at least checked the air in their tires. Safety first!

[@patrickk1966]

U don’t really prefer the kit fox? Or do you?:-) as buildable kits ??

[@tomcoryell]

Good one BrYan!

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Thank You Tom! :-)

[@vaughnbay]

Bryan, you should have warned the uninitiated about the Jim Bedes, Peter Mullers, and Jeff Kerlos of the industry.

[@stubby4317]

Very interesting and informative. Thanks for sharing. I was very interested in an experimental and had researched multiple kits. Unfortunately part of that research involved insurance and that took the wind out of my sails! Building hours in a certified aircraft now and haven't given up the dream so I appreciate the information you put together.

[@timduncan8450]

What/where did you learn about insurance that was discouraging?

[@stubby4317]

@@timduncan8450 Depending on the aircraft, the insurance can be 5 to 6 times more expensive than a certified. Some returns to consider are the possibility of doing your own maintenance but as a low time, older pilot (age and insurance = $ also) I elected to go the certified route. One of the cheapest experimentals to insure was an RV (w/nosewheel) due to the number of them flying currently. That also plays into the certified as the C172 is one of the most economical to insure (prolific model). They aren't fond of tail wheels either!

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

If you are comparing to maybe a Cessna 150 or 152 possibly. But if you compare aircraft of similar "value" it should be not THAT much more. I think the "average" for a Experimental can land around $1,500-$2,000 for your initial "years." And as you (and your Airplane/Airplane configuration) your rate will drop. New Pilot. New Airplane. Low hours in all categories don't give insurance companies the "warm and fuzzy feelings" of other high time (experience) Airframes or Pilots. So YES... don't give up the dream. It just might take a little longer to get there. I am in that boat as well. But... it is FINALLY about to all come together. Hopefully... YOU and I can go fly one day! :-)

[@andrewkovach9330]

Thank you Mr Walstorm I like your advice. Hope you share more about your aircraft build.

[@foxyskitfox5668]

Another great video. I live at FL10 in N Florida and many builder neighbors. One is a retired Air Force aircraft mechanic who recently scratch built his bear hawk. We would love to show you around.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

I believe I have stopped in there before. (We are in the panhandle. Base Airport is F95 Calhoun County Airport). About 2hrs west. Would love to stop in sometime!

[@BraapZ]

🔥❤️😎EXCELLENT video. My wife even was pausing the vid to discuss various points. Thank you. ❤️👍😎

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Really????? Like... in a "positive" manner?? Really? Wow! Awesome. Is SHE trying to talk YOU into Airplanes? Or... are YOU trying to talk HER into Airplanes. Explain the situation here. We need a deep dive on this one! :-)

[@BraapZ]

@@ExperimentalAircraftChannel all positive. 👍😎Private Pilot since 05, last flew in 09, wife of 33 years is helping me get back up in the air, did a pre-flight review flight in July to see just how Rusty I am. 😉 In January this year purchased an early CH701 kit (‘87) with fuselage and wings approx 75% complete for a song, came with LOTS of documentation, original plans, recent set of plans, some instruments, etc. Your video covered many aspects we hadn’t thought about when we bought this used kit, thankfully the important aspects were there like the serial number. Wings are rough and will most likely replace which helped in the price.👍 We’re also planning to acquire a 4 seat back country capable plane in the next 12 months, again your video gives us a great start in our leg work in applying our due diligence. Thank you. 👍😎

[@dc8man2]

Gret advise and information. Thanks for this one

[@aliahmadi9589]

There were many handy comments in your video. I have a question if I may ask, as an industrial designer, I automatically think about over-desogn issues. Building the airplane of my own? I will definitely go for using 5mm rivets instead of recommended 4mm rivets or say the 6mm nut and bolt instead of the 5mm nut and bolts mentioned on the assembly plans. Well in trade of loosing several loading pounds. Will this be a problem, generally?

[@NEW_N18155]

Im building 3 Smyth Sidewinders..

[@av8rk9]

Brian ... I do really love what you do ... can I suggest a segment (1) what it takes as a commitment to build (2) what you will have to learn to build your own plane {beyond the skills of changing your oil on your car} (3) where you can learn what you need to know ... I'm building a bearhawk ... wouldn't change it for the world (4) but there are many things I've had to learn after my "youthful exuberance" had warn off ... and I had to get "real" and (5) what kind of support may be available and where to look ... ... I think your in-put would be valuable to many ... thanks

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Thank You Bill! I will put that on the Grand White-Board of ideas. :-) Thank you for your support here.

[@Mike-01234]

I would like to know what kits of metal constructed kits only need to be riveted and bolted together. Drilling, deburring, bending, and then riveting takes longer. To me a kit means go right to Riveting.

[@ulbuilder]

Look at Rans, Vans and Zenith. Not 100% sure they all have kits that meet your criteria but they might. Many kits today are coming with pre-drilled parts, might still need to debur and sometimes dimple tho. Might need to pay extra or purchase the quick build kit to get what you're looking for but I suspect any kit you get us going to require drilling some holes. Wood aircraft are quite simple to build and only require simple wood working tools. Take a look at TEAM MiniMax and Fisher Flying Products if you might be interested in that.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

@@ulbuilder Home run! Thanks for helping out a fellow Builder. Good stuff! :-)

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

What ulbuilder says below is quite accurate. I am sure there are others (and more coming as the years progress). CNC and new manufacturing processes (or old ones becoming more affordable or obtainable) will make it more available to more companies in the future. But... I think most of them will still have a little of what you are trying to avoid just in the nature of the "medium" we work with. Metal is AWESOME to work with (my "medium of choice" as well), but it seems there may be always a little bit of work to do even if it seems perfect at the start. It only makes YOU more of a craftsman. :-)

[@wongsamenterprises2448]

Wow great video very informative 👍👍👍

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Thank you. Good to see you here in the comments!

[@creightonking8436]

Great advice

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Thank You GripLockTies guy! :-)

[@jamesharris4744]

Hey Bryan,I liked that look Roger gave you there lol. Great video bud.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

That... was actually a "Rewind" and then a still to capture that expression "In Roger's defense." haha! Thank You.

[@Raypatrick66]

Thx for your channel its awesome and loads of info sorry I didn’t give you kudos for your super videos! With so much info 🙏 thanks with out people like you we would be finding out the hard way. !!!👍👍👍👍👍😎😎😎✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️

[@doylefrost4314]

Question - I've heard there might be a problem buying a "used" experimental aircraft, outside of not being the builder of that aircraft. What is the FAA's take on this?

[@wesvasher]

My understanding is as long as only 49% was done by the factory, you and any other person can do the 51%. So buying a used kit where someone else has done 50% and you do 1% you’re good.

[@RickM1953]

I’m thinking of buying a Rans S12 from the second owner. I asked him if he had the maintenance logs for this plane. he does not have the logs from the previous owner. Nor does he have a copy of the airworthiness certificate. I’m thinking that this is a major issue and should walk away. What would you do?

[@FourthWayRanch]

educate yourself on how to inspect the thing and go look at it, don't worry about previous logs, or just pay a mechanic to do an inspection on it for you

[@ptyeueiiwjd]

Anyone built a Zenith in the Indiana area?

[@richarddavenport9708]

Is there some sort of “ blue book” value for experimental type aircraft that accounts for age, times etc?

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

"Something is only worth what someone is willing to pay." right? No.. not that I am away of and it would be difficult to follow. Quite fluid. There may be one for FLYING and Certified.

[@timothymichaelgoff2715]

Thank you for good advice 😂

[@jetblastjim]

Getting ready to put down for a kit. Leaving out the avionics and will be putting in later. Will need more than basic avionics (Mosquito XE w/ ads-b out ; Alt encoding Transponder and radio minimum), so how do I pair the avionics I'm going to get with the equipment that the kit comes with so my panel isn't cluttered? If you got any insight.

[@aeroengguy448]

Go to the Mosquito Forum and ask this question

[@ulbuilder]

Don't buy any avionics until you are at the end of your build. Get them too early they will sit around for years, new models with better features at lower prices will come out and you will wish you had waited.

[@aeroengguy448]

Also, you don't have to take the avionics that come with the kit, you can change those out or get different for credit.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

As suggested below (Thanks guys for chiming in to help a fellow Builder), not a big deal to wait to the end an newer or better may be released then too. The "Airframe" connections are what they are. The only thing that might/should be different it what attaches to the engine for Engine Monitoring. Best to ask the Avionics manufacture about the connections (sensors) you will need for a specific engine. Clutter? That is the beauty of Building. You can "map" that out as you see fit.

[@tedstriker754]

I'd never buy a kit without first visiting the kit companies' factory. With a larger sized company like Van's, there's no real reason to have to visit it to get confidence in the company. But for the smaller companies, I'd want to know how much of the kit they had ready to ship, and the only way to know that is with a visit. If they want the full purchase price and don't have the parts in stock, be leery of that.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

YES! Totally agree. Sometime you might be surprised about the operation as well. :-)

[@Estebanserrano96]

Thank you Bryan for all the information. I'm 62 and just took a discovery flight on a Cessna 172. Looking for most economical but most important, safe route to learning how to fly, but not sure if I should get a Sport Pilot License or the standard PPL? I can't find any SPL training facilities in South Florida, but there are plenty for the PPL. I'm not interested in building it myself because I don't have the knowledge or time to do so, but trying to get real dollar estimates to compare between purchasing a Cessna 150 or an experimental aircraft for training to get the SPL or PPL. Your suggestions or comments are appreciated.

[@haydenmeyer9760]

As a CFI, I would recommend getting your PPL it allows you to fly into any towered airport without having to go up with a CFI and get signed off to fly into different airspaces. The PPL also allows you to fly at night which at least when you fly over cities is some pretty cool flying. Let me know if you have any questions

[@Estebanserrano96]

@@haydenmeyer9760 I appreciate your input. Thank you.

[@bryanphelps7371]

I want to build a power lift aircraft... But I want to modify a velocity to create it.. Any advice?

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Start small. Very small at scale. Then... scale UP. Call Velocity and maybe you could work something out with your ideas. You never know until you ask. Thanks for saying hey! :-)

[@jackanddebbieklein9346]

Hello Bryan, my name is Jack. Not knowing you makes it hard to give accurate advice. I also do not know what you have in mind but, in short, I'd say "NO". Unless you are (or have access to) an aircraft structural engineer and/or aerodynamicist and you have a huge amount of experience and time I would avoid deviating from a plans or kit. The Velocity is a well known and successful design. Small modifications are expected during a build to suit your taste but major modifications can easily compromise an otherwise safe aircraft. In addition, the majority of the Velocity is built of composite materials. They behave differently from aluminum structures. Again, I don't know what your experience or the extent of your intended modification so I'll close with telling you to BE CAREFUL which way you choose to go - we don't want to read about you in some accident reports!

[@terrymenees8109]

Who is the manufacturer of that wheel assembly with the gold hub sitting next to you and what is the size of that tire? Thanks.

[@hpijeep]

I just want to take a guess, I’ve seen very similar if not that same style on zenith airplanes

[@n206ja]

Matco

[@terrymenees8109]

@@n206ja thanks

[@n206ja]

@@terrymenees8109 ... and it's an 8.00-6 Carlisle "Turf Glide" tire.

[@terrymenees8109]

@@n206ja very good….thanks again.

[@MartinSage]

Interesting you were talking about plans. I stumbled on a website that was selling the plans for a Quickie Q2 for $99. We all know the original Quickie company has been closed for decades so how do I judge the plans +templates? Can I buy foam somewhere? Epoxy systems have improved since the 1980’s . Where does one find these products?Hardware obviously would need to be made.

[@regdor8187]

The Q2 fuselage was Preformed, there are no published plans for that process...

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Wicks Aircraft Supply. Aircraft Spruce & Specialty. And a few others. YES. Not sure on those plane. BE CAREFUL. There are a few sites out there that have swiped plans and not actually have the rights to sell them (or are the updated ones). FYI

[@19Borneo67]

Too bad this guy wasn't around to advise the Wright Brothers.

[@plantpower3048]

Help me decide between SSXL, RS21 and Companion for bushflying

[@The-virg]

Super stol is great but $$$$. Companion is fantastic and I love bearhawk, But a much more extensive build than the others. S21 is more of a hybrid but would be a great all around performer.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Define "Bush Flying." Because there is X'Treme and then there is landing on Grass at another Airport. hah! :-)

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

@@The-virg YES :-)

[@plantpower3048]

@@ExperimentalAircraftChannel The Bearhawk is my plane, you are welcome to recommend builders ))

[@plantpower3048]

@@ExperimentalAircraftChannel Bearhawk companion seems much rugged than the SSXL and better cruise while still having very good STOL capabilities. So thats my pick! also better range!

[@GrummanTiger1]

I hope that the middle plane shown starting at the 13:34 mark made it okay. Sure seemed pretty low...

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Everything is fine. All Airplanes continued to fly around the pattern. That wasn't the end of the runway... just the middle. Thanks for making it all the way to 13.34! :-)

[@jackanddebbieklein9346]

Yes, they made it just fine. That's at Byrd's Adventure Center near Ozark, Arkansas, home of ArkanSTOL's Ozark Backwoods Challenge (for 2022, it's Sep 28th - Oct 2nd).

[@GrummanTiger1]

@@ExperimentalAircraftChannel Thanks! (And I did actually watch it all the way through - very good stuff!)

[@jameswilson3889]

Where would I have to go to find light sport trainning ??

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Depends on where you are of course. Might be a challenge. Bigger cities... more flight school etc. You may have to travel to site and do some "Block Time" but could be well worth that coordinating.

[@FourthWayRanch]

What does AWS certification of applicable welding processes actually mean? It's been recognized for over 100 years that you can't judge the integrity of a weld by looking at the surface. AWS certification means the welder is subjected to a periodic practical standards test where their test piece is subjected to DESTRUCTIVE testing among others. people fuss over every rivet, but for some strange reason they don't think welding matters

[@John-nc4bl]

The word experimental scares some people and makes them reluctant to put their butt in one for a flight. There are well proven aircraft such as the Vans, Glasairs, Glastars, Lancairs, Kitfox, Rans etc that are well past the experimental stage and the word recreational would be more appropriate for such aircraft.

[@bobpenzien7962]

Can you please talk about why I see so many airplane kit builders quitting and selling their partially built, non-flying kit airplanes. I wonder why all these builders are bailing.

[@ulbuilder]

Takes more time than they expected, lack of confidence in their skills, other problems in their life get in the way and a myriad of other reasons. I suspect the time investment is the largest reason. I almost bought a partial kit from a guy who was selling it because his wife said she'd leave him if he didn't start spending more time with her. She said she was an "airplane window" He bought a completed airplane and sold his partial kit.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

YES. Time is what the biggest factor is usually. Being theses are generally long term projects... as we say "Life get's in the Way." It is an unfortunate truth. But no one will hold it against you if you stop and pick it up later in life. You should expect to enjoy the "journey" not just the destination with this type of hobby etc. Thanks for commenting!

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

@@ulbuilder You got it.

[@19Borneo67]

Why did they ever build planes when the science of aeroelasticity (flutter analysis) didn't come around until decades later. They should have waited.

[@jakedogdog]

The irony is strong!

[@FourthWayRanch]

Beware of kit mfg withholding drawings and plans for parts of the aircraft. It's an experimental aircraft, the WHOLE thing is supposed to be "within the scope of the home builder" There is no reason for them to withhold any drawings or plans for any part of the aircraft, watch out for it.

[@frankstewart2468]

What about of your own

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

For clarity Frank... what is your question specifically? "Of your own".... what?

[@frankstewart2468]

I was asking about of an experimental aircraft of your own design What would someone have to go through to make it experimental besides building it?

[@yelyab1]

There may be out there that are so naive that they need the protection you describe but it sounds like big brother and you ad the builder are just a check book and labor. I think those people are hard to find. I think 9 out out of 10 times the buyer has been schooled by flying groups, internet groups, going to shows like Oshkosh, etc. the 1 in the 9 out of 10 is impulsive and the kit never gets built. The guy that isn’t covered is the retired aeronautical engineer who retires and promised his grandson he would teach him about airplanes the way he wished he would have learned. He knows stress and strain, he knows weights and balances, he knows materials. He wants to design, develop, verify and fly the air plane of his dreams. For the 100 or so, light kits are on the market there are probably 500 failures. Where do the fresh ideas come from? I’m not one of those. I rode motorcycles and boats of my design. I am an engineer. Adding the 3rd of freedom takes the desire away. I won’t fly a plane I design.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

OK. Hah!

[@josephsener420]

Some really good advice. Go looking for trouble and you are less likely to buy a pig in a poke.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Exactly. Hope it helps you one day :-)

[@brucewright9545]

The entire video can be summed up with one statement; let the buyer beware.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

But... then... we wouldn't have anything to talk about in the comments here?! :-) YES... just trying to save you a little time and a whole lot of money if possible. Thanks for watching the "ENTIRE VIDEO." That really helps us out!

[@choppergirl]

#1 Don't, it's a time and money pit. End of list. I bought 3 airplanes and never got a single one of them flying. It will do more damage than just costing you an ocean of time and money and giving you noting in return; it will leave you resentful and bitter...

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Well well @choppergirl sorry to hear your misfortune in TIME and MONEY for you passionate hobby of yours. I think you must enjoy the "journey" with this and not just run after the destination. And enjoy the PEOPLE that you get to meet and interact with along that "journey." You most likely will form relationships and friendships that will last a life time. And that my friend... is ALWAYS a great investment. "PEOPLE."

[@choppergirl]

@@ExperimentalAircraftChannel Well no, I'm a pilot, and I want to fly. Not work perpetually wrenching on a plane or meeting people. And I met plenty of people, but most of them in General Aviation did not turn out that great. There is a lot of h8tred in General Aviation for both millenials and women. Oddly, the more success I had bringing plane projects home, and sharing the story, the more h8tred I attracted from armchair forum pilots. I could show you homebuilding forum posts that would make your neck hairs curl. The most memorable one for me being where I was excited at my good fortune of getting an expired BRS for free. Those things are expensive, and an expired one can be repacked. What I got in return were comments like "oh look at me little miss queen with a parachute!" I was like what? You're kidding, right, a parachute saved my grandfathers life when he used one to jump out of asketchy P-39. Why would you say someting like that lol. In the end, I switched to flying quadcopters, and did more flying in the simulators learning aerobatics on my own than all of them combined. The simulators are an absolute blast. I must be pushing 3,500 flight hours in the sims by now... it's truely frolicing in the sky... play play... I could never go back to endevoring to fly a plane straight and level to a GPS arrow now, where the most advanced move I did were to take off, land, and make a turn or two. Its sad to think these rivet poppers labor and dream of flying, only to end up just doing that alone, if they even ever reach a finish line mark. It's nothing like being able to climb and skate through the sky on spider webs like Richtofen in his monkey of a triplane. Planes, no, I think I'll pass. Anyone want 3 for free? All they are doing is taking up space in my shop... where I went, i don't need them... I can out fly everybody now. Everybody.... : ) World's best aerobatic pilot, b1tch35! There's been a paradgm shift and sea change. We're in 2022 now not 1972 (Cessnas) or even 1982 (Golden Age of Ultralights). You don't need to be in a cockpit anymore to enjoy flying.. in fact, it's cheaper and better and safer if you're... not...

[@simplyexisting1125]

The dollars per hour these mechanics get paid is ridiculous we can by our own plane for that, I can already hear Harrison Ford saying who's going to fly it kid you? You bet I could I'm not scared of a home depot bolt my self.

[@quidestnunc9238]

Only. One. Complaint. Why annoy viewer/listener with Intrusive, Repetitive, Repetitive, Frenetic, Repetitively Repetitive Pseudo-Music? This technique appears to be an obsession of/with Presenters on You Tube. JMJ ! [He said, Exasperated!]

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Sorry to disappoint. Come back and try another episode in the future? :-)

[@jt8d3d]

Why are you so pissed off looking.