How to Choose the Right Homebuilt Aircraft Plans

Aug 28
10:07

2009

Peter West

Peter West

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Choosing which homebuilt aircraft plans to build from is a big decision that cannot be taken lightly. This article will cover a few basic things to keep in mind to ensure a successful project.

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Building your own experimental plane can be a fun and rewarding process if you are truly dedicated to creating your plane. However,How to Choose the Right Homebuilt Aircraft Plans Articles with so many different homebuilt aircraft plans to choose from it can be a difficult choice. One of the first things you should do is compose a list of all the properties you would like your ideal plane to have. These properties are important whether you are looking for a design type or designing your own plane. Making this list ahead of time will ensure that you have the best experience possible. Such a list may include qualities such as:•    Level of difficulty•    Speeds•    Rate of climb•    Ceiling height•    Seating•    Visibility•    Noise level•    HandlingYou may also want to compose two more lists in order to target the homebuilt aircraft plans that best fit your goals and individual lifestyle. One will be similar to the first list, but it will be much more specific including such items as a 40 pound baggage capacity if you plan to do a lot of traveling or good performance at high altitudes if you live over 7,000 feet. Finally, make a list that concerns all the practical matters involved with making the plane, such as:•    Can you truly complete the project•    What the total end cost will be•    Will you be able to design the plane, or do you trust the designer of the homebuilt aircraft plans•    Will you be able to afford the costs of maintenance•    Will maintenance be reasonableOnce your three lists have been completed, give it some time to ferment. Go over them from time to time and make any necessary changes. Once these lists have been perfected, it is time to actually begin looking at some homebuilt aircraft plans. During this process you will also want to go over your lists and strike out anything that is not reasonable or possible. Because no perfect plane exists, you are going to have to settle for the design that only best matches your ideal plane. To help you focus, combine your first two lists of qualities you are looking for and put them in order of importance.