Here are the forum members listed in Corona CA.  Maybe it's one of them or one of them will know who it is.

Location: Corona, CA

Hi Scott,

I got delayed by life events and moving last year and I am finally getting going again this month.  Wrapped up the tail skinning, just some riveting left.  Ordering my wings in April.  I mulled over going for the 650B for too long and decided to stay with the 601HD.  I like the beefiness and useful load and honestly the cost is a plus.  I have a Corvair engine and may go that way, but I will look at the 100HP Rotax as well.  Did you go with the 601HD? Best regards, Rich

Scott, I purchased a pre-built 601 XLB from an estate sale in Placerville, and flew it solo back to East Texas in late May. I learned (again) that the "L" in LSA is really LIGHT. A few of the "bumps" between Blythe and Tucson probably hit 2-G with significant pitch and roll. Without any type of autopilot assist, i.e. wing leveler minimum, I was flying hands-on 100% of the time. A Y yoke would have made managing the nav/comm and iPad trickey if not somewhat hazardous. If you go Y yoke, and want to go significantly cross country, go with a copilot/autopilot. But, keep an eye on your aft CG if you go with a copilot.

Also... If I ever even consider flying an LSA across the SouthWest desert in the summer, I want somebody to call the guys in the white coats from the funny farm to come after me.

Enjoy the return to flying.

The average build time is 10 years. When I talked with my family about building I planed around 4 years. I started in 2005. I wound up coaching my daughters softball in league play coached 2 different age categories and then did travel ball in fast pitch softball. I wound up at the 10 year mark.
Wouldn't trade it for the world!

I built a rudder first.
Ordered the rest of the tail kit.
Finished that and ordered the wings.
Finished those as far as I could then ordered the rest.

That's what worked for me!

Rich

The build is simple. It's a learning process all the way through. I enjoyed the building process as well as I enjoy flying. Enough that a pietenpol is next.

Happy building!

Rich

Hey Scott,

One if the biggest motivators is seeing one I progress or completed.

If your near middle TN

Feel free to visit.

It's hard but easy. Just remember to eat an elephant one bite at a time.

Rich Simmons
997DC
Binary Field - SYI