Budgeting my build - Zenith Aircraft Builders and Flyers2024-03-29T11:27:01Zhttps://zenith.aero/forum/topics/budgeting-my-build?commentId=2606393%3AComment%3A692008&feed=yes&xn_auth=noI totally agree with others t…tag:zenith.aero,2019-09-18:2606393:Comment:6926702019-09-18T12:06:03.149ZJohn Austinhttps://zenith.aero/profile/JohnLAustin
<p>I totally agree with others that if you go the kit route, 3 times the cost of the kit is a realistic overall number. Sure, it can be done for less or easily for more, but it's a realistic ballpark figure. I've beat this horse to death (sorry, PETA!), but yet another alternative is to look for a partially-completed kit that the builder is not going to complete for whatever reason. They'll typically sell for a deep discount to retail and the builder's work usually costs nothing (in the world…</p>
<p>I totally agree with others that if you go the kit route, 3 times the cost of the kit is a realistic overall number. Sure, it can be done for less or easily for more, but it's a realistic ballpark figure. I've beat this horse to death (sorry, PETA!), but yet another alternative is to look for a partially-completed kit that the builder is not going to complete for whatever reason. They'll typically sell for a deep discount to retail and the builder's work usually costs nothing (in the world of homebuilding, seems most would pay more for a pristine, untouched kit than something partially assembled by someone of unknown ability - just inspect carefully before purchase, better yet, take an experienced Zenith builder along with you to look at it!) . Plus, if you go pick it up, you avoid the crating and shipping charges the seller has already incurred. If it is a substantial portion of the kits available, it'll be a big chunk of cash up-front, but you'll then have plenty to work on while you save for the next phase. The best part is that Zenith will transfer the plans number to you and support and treat you exactly the same as the original purchaser. I think they figure each completed plane is that much more free marketing and you'll likely be purchasing additional sub-kits and accessories from them, anyway ... or perhaps it's just because they're really nice people! :>)</p>
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<p>John</p>
<p>N750A</p> Thanks Ken I appreciate it!
tag:zenith.aero,2019-09-17:2606393:Comment:6924482019-09-17T01:41:05.765ZT.J. Hallhttps://zenith.aero/profile/TJHall
<p>Thanks Ken I appreciate it!</p>
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<p>Thanks Ken I appreciate it!</p>
<p></p> WOW! So many comments... If y…tag:zenith.aero,2019-09-16:2606393:Comment:6923582019-09-16T18:29:49.091ZKenneth Stapletonhttps://zenith.aero/profile/KennethStapleton
<p>WOW! So many comments... If you are eager to fly, there are MANY ways to accomplishment. You could build the airplane from scratch...this would probably take longer but could be much cheaper. As to engine, there are many options, I found a Cessna 150 with a great engine for 10,000 dollars. I have been flying it for 3 years and plan to use the engine from it on my Cruzer. Possibly, I can part out the airframe for close to what I paid. As to instruments, go with the basics...minimum…</p>
<p>WOW! So many comments... If you are eager to fly, there are MANY ways to accomplishment. You could build the airplane from scratch...this would probably take longer but could be much cheaper. As to engine, there are many options, I found a Cessna 150 with a great engine for 10,000 dollars. I have been flying it for 3 years and plan to use the engine from it on my Cruzer. Possibly, I can part out the airframe for close to what I paid. As to instruments, go with the basics...minimum instruments will get you in the air for now...you can always upgrade later. You can fly the airplane unpainted and upholstery can be sewn on a good machine. Maybe you are a "popular mechanics" guy and have some tools already. </p>
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<p>Insurance is not too bad and maintenance and condition inspections can be done by you, the builder.</p>
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<p>In the mid 70's, I read an article in Sport Aviation (EAA) that has stuck with me all these years. A builder that had flown into the Oshkosh Fly In was asked how much his plane cost to build. His answer? "Five years of quit smoking cigarettes". I guess life is sometimes about what we are willing to sacrifice for what we want! </p>
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<p>Keep your dream and build the plane!!!</p>
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<p>Ken</p>
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<p></p> Thanks Carltag:zenith.aero,2019-09-16:2606393:Comment:6921182019-09-16T15:41:25.762ZT.J. Hallhttps://zenith.aero/profile/TJHall
<p>Thanks Carl</p>
<p>Thanks Carl</p> Thanks Jim, great points and…tag:zenith.aero,2019-09-16:2606393:Comment:6922142019-09-16T15:41:03.466ZT.J. Hallhttps://zenith.aero/profile/TJHall
<p>Thanks Jim, great points and helps to reaffirm the 750 for my mission. </p>
<p>Thanks Jim, great points and helps to reaffirm the 750 for my mission. </p> Oh and if you decide on a 701…tag:zenith.aero,2019-09-16:2606393:Comment:6922662019-09-16T13:56:15.120ZJim and Amelia Isaacshttps://zenith.aero/profile/JimIsaacs
Oh and if you decide on a 701 vs a 750 and you want to carry two people, full, or as much fuel as possible. and a small overnight bag for both of you and never takeoff over max gross weight, your engine choices become limited to the Rotax. If good, but not extreme, STOL is all that’s required, and you would like to go cross country from time to time, I would choose the 750. If you are going to operate only from airports, want a high wing, and no STOL is required, look at a 750 cruiser
Oh and if you decide on a 701 vs a 750 and you want to carry two people, full, or as much fuel as possible. and a small overnight bag for both of you and never takeoff over max gross weight, your engine choices become limited to the Rotax. If good, but not extreme, STOL is all that’s required, and you would like to go cross country from time to time, I would choose the 750. If you are going to operate only from airports, want a high wing, and no STOL is required, look at a 750 cruiser As Jim said, the Zenith kit i…tag:zenith.aero,2019-09-16:2606393:Comment:6921142019-09-16T13:01:52.544ZCarl Ortonhttps://zenith.aero/profile/CarlOrton
<p>As Jim said, the Zenith kit is about 1/3 of the total. I’m building a Cruzer. I found an O-200 on eBay that I’m overhauling. I figure the engine will be about $13-14k when complete with 4 new cylinders. Figure another $4-6k for firewall forward - cowl, mount, exhaust, plus a boatload of other small parts you won’t think about until you need them. Things like carb heat muffs, cabin heat, throttle n mixture cables, air filter etc. I’m going very simple on the panel. GRT Sport SE efis, their…</p>
<p>As Jim said, the Zenith kit is about 1/3 of the total. I’m building a Cruzer. I found an O-200 on eBay that I’m overhauling. I figure the engine will be about $13-14k when complete with 4 new cylinders. Figure another $4-6k for firewall forward - cowl, mount, exhaust, plus a boatload of other small parts you won’t think about until you need them. Things like carb heat muffs, cabin heat, throttle n mixture cables, air filter etc. I’m going very simple on the panel. GRT Sport SE efis, their ads-b, a used comm from a chapter member, and a Garmin 327 from eBay. I’ll have about $5k in it. Don’t forget an ELT, about $500, plus a fire extinguisher. Upholstery will run about $1000 depending if u go Zenith, Lemke, or someplace else. </p> I actually looked them up yes…tag:zenith.aero,2019-09-15:2606393:Comment:6922072019-09-15T23:05:11.204ZT.J. Hallhttps://zenith.aero/profile/TJHall
<p>I actually looked them up yesterday. Looking forward to joining and meeting them.</p>
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<p>I actually looked them up yesterday. Looking forward to joining and meeting them.</p>
<p></p> Thanks everyone. It's all rea…tag:zenith.aero,2019-09-15:2606393:Comment:6922062019-09-15T22:57:07.441ZT.J. Hallhttps://zenith.aero/profile/TJHall
<p>Thanks everyone. It's all really great advice and I do appreciate it!</p>
<p>Thanks everyone. It's all really great advice and I do appreciate it!</p> Patrick is so right. Be sure…tag:zenith.aero,2019-09-15:2606393:Comment:6922042019-09-15T22:56:28.210ZLoren Warnerhttps://zenith.aero/profile/LorenWarner
<p>Patrick is so right. Be sure to meet your local EAA chapter as well.</p>
<p>Patrick is so right. Be sure to meet your local EAA chapter as well.</p>