It's only Money
Hey Smokey,
I met you at SNF a few years ago when you were flying your rocket. I was with my friend Dale and we did a little formation flying from your base to SNF. I was in my RV7. You are using way too much common sense here. You are leaving all the emotions out of it, which is why all of the avionics people are making money. Do we need dual screens when a six pack will do, no. But we want it. Do I need an expensive car, when a cheap one will do? Does everyone buy a car with the best gas mileage, no, it's a personal thing. When I bought my 7, I ended up replacing so much of the stuff in it, because it wasn't what I wanted. I didn't build the 7 so I couldn't technically do anything to it. Kids are out of the house and I wanted a hobby. What better to do than to build an airplane, just the way I want it. Now, I have never attempted anything like this, so I had to find something in Van's offerings that was easier. Even though I am only 5'8", the shoulder room in the 7 was tight. I wanted a little more room in the baggage area for my hunting gear. The -14 seems like a good fit. Financially, is it the smartest decision in the world, frankly, I don't know. However, that's why I work, to pay for my hobbies. I can't take it with me. And, I'm really enjoying the process of building my own plane and the pride of ownership. So when someone asks me on the ramp, if I built it, I can say yes! And tell them where every little flaw is and why I did this or that. I put some numbers down, just guessing on the finishing kit, instruments, (G3X Dual Screens), nice paint and I think I will be somewhere around $120K. Crazy, right? But that's O.K., if that's my budget, my dream and my hobby. It keeps me off the streets. Hope to see you again, we had a blast.
Mike,
I ask my customers 5 questions when thinking of building or purchasing an RV:
1. How many hours per year do you envision flying? (If less than 100, don't buy, or build))
2. What is your "no BS" budget? (Partnership an option?)
3. If 4 place, what percentage of your flying will all 4 seats be filled? (Is it worth another 100 grand for 1or2 times a year?)
4. Can you wait 5 years to fly, if you build?
5. Will your spouse fly with you? (RV3 an option?)
Right now a good RV4 or Six can be found for under $50 grand. You can't build one for that and they are a solid value. I have fitted my 6'6" F16 bro Chuck into my RV4 with careful fitting. Any RV6 can carry big people with the right cushions and seat adjustments. If you plan weather or lots of cross countries, I say buy a ticket. RV's are sportplanes. That said, my RV4 made 12 US Trans cons in the 10 years I owned it.
I think you could be very happy in the right used RV, and at a much lower cost.
My dos centavos...
V/R
Smokey
Hey Smokey,
I met you at SNF a few years ago when you were flying your rocket. I was with my friend Dale and we did a little formation flying from your base to SNF. I was in my RV7. You are using way too much common sense here. You are leaving all the emotions out of it, which is why all of the avionics people are making money. Do we need dual screens when a six pack will do, no. But we want it. Do I need an expensive car, when a cheap one will do? Does everyone buy a car with the best gas mileage, no, it's a personal thing. When I bought my 7, I ended up replacing so much of the stuff in it, because it wasn't what I wanted. I didn't build the 7 so I couldn't technically do anything to it. Kids are out of the house and I wanted a hobby. What better to do than to build an airplane, just the way I want it. Now, I have never attempted anything like this, so I had to find something in Van's offerings that was easier. Even though I am only 5'8", the shoulder room in the 7 was tight. I wanted a little more room in the baggage area for my hunting gear. The -14 seems like a good fit. Financially, is it the smartest decision in the world, frankly, I don't know. However, that's why I work, to pay for my hobbies. I can't take it with me. And, I'm really enjoying the process of building my own plane and the pride of ownership. So when someone asks me on the ramp, if I built it, I can say yes! And tell them where every little flaw is and why I did this or that. I put some numbers down, just guessing on the finishing kit, instruments, (G3X Dual Screens), nice paint and I think I will be somewhere around $120K. Crazy, right? But that's O.K., if that's my budget, my dream and my hobby. It keeps me off the streets. Hope to see you again, we had a blast.
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