Hello Simon,
Having been through the process you describe and having gone grey in the
meantime,
herewith a few of my two Eurocents:
- 3000 hours is a minimum. I started of logging everything with the idea of
making
a complete WBS with hours attached, but gave that up very quickly. If you
could put it together like an Airfix kit 800 hrs might be OK but it doesn't work
that way. You only spend a percentage of the time actually making things. The
rest is thinking, understandig, planning, trimming, fitting and then doing
it all over again. So don't focus on the hours, it's the years that you are
willing
to take that are important. I've spent 10 so far (maybe not a record), and
unless you can put everything aside you will find life throws you curveballs
and the plane will come second for a while.
- That said I have enjoyed every minute and would do it all again. It is now
reaching
the end stage and that is a great feeling.
- I spent 1,5 years on Kit 1 which is now all quick build. I have helped a
friend
with his Kit 1 QB and that really was very quick, just a few bonding jobs.
So that is a clear win.
-Now that I mention said friend, the most important thing is lining up the home
front. He had "forgotten" to mention to his wife that he was starting the build
which led him to contract a fierce case of AIDS (Aviation Induced Divorce
Syndrome). Saved his marriage but the plane dream crashed in flames. My wife was
more understanding, but the deal was that I would do it in the off hours and
the family would not be impacted.
- The right attitude is important. If you want to fly quickly and cheaply, this
is not the way. Do it for the building and it will reward you well. Flying is
then the cherry on top. 2/3 of kits do not get finished by the original buyer.
I started off with the intent that I would finish it, whatever. Even though
it has taken much longer than I hoped and there were times I just wanted to
chuck
it, I will finish it.
- The builder support is excellent. Nice people and very helpful. I would highly
recommend you go to Yorkshire for a long weekend and go to Europa. The
countryside
is stunning and worth a visit even if you don't buy the plane.
- Only do it if you have a suitable garage at hand. Even a short distance makes
it impractical to walk in and do a few things when you have the time. Those
moments
are in practice when most gets done.
Wishing you great wisdom in your decisions!
Regards, Jeroen
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Jeroen
http://www.europaowners.org/main.php?g2_itemId=44165
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