Zenith Aircraft Builders and Flyers
Online Community of Zenith Builders and Flyers
4 Years In
This week marked the 4th anniversary of that first snip into the metal of the rudder kit. I now have 340 hours into the project, only managed 53 last year thanks to 10 weeks of airport resurfacing that robbed me of hangar access during the best months of the year. But what I lacked in hours I made up for in dollars, lol - the purchase of the Rotax 912ULS added quite a bit to the rolling total. I think it will be worth it though.
It really is starting to look like I am near the finish (though much like Vegas, the next milestone is always further away than it looks), and have promised myself we shall be done before Dec 2015 when I turn 50. Would be great to be done before the start of the summer heat next year but I think that will be pushing it.
A couple of weekends ago I braved the heat to unload the FWF kit so I could take an inventory (and pique my curiosity as to what was inside) so this is pretty much where the project stands right now.
As always, I appreciate the help and insight from you all on this site, I doubt I would have a rudder without your help, let alone something look like it might possibly actually fly some day.
Paul
Comment
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Comment by Jerry Latimer on August 6, 2014 at 12:08pm
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Looks great. Don't get discouraged. It took me 9 years 6 months to complete my HDS. Like others have said balancing family, work, and hobbies is difficult. Just keep making progress and soon you will run out of parts to install.
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Comment by Paul Sanders on July 22, 2014 at 5:27pm
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Thanks guys, yeah the frustrating thing is having to stop for the summer heat. Last year I found it very hard to get started again though with so many neat things to do I think it will be easier this year.
It is definitely a one step at a time project and if it isn't finished next year, there's still the year after.
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Comment by Daniel Niendorff on July 22, 2014 at 5:21pm
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I think you earn some respect for sticking with it and keeping if going. Balancing working, building, and family time is no easy task at all. When I first started working on my 801 project (which was partially completed when I got it), I wished I had hangar space for it. Now I'm happy that it is at home - where I can work for 30 minutes if that is all I've got. It keeps the momentum going. It goes to a hangar when it has to….. Keep up the good work! It will get done, and will be worth all the time and effort.
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Comment by Jerold Ebke on July 21, 2014 at 4:09pm
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Most of us who have built along with working and family activities have walked in the same shoes.
I have the 6 year anniversary of rudder class in September.
I hope to have my Airworthiness inspection for my 650 in October and am also taking flight instruction at the present time.
Keep working one small step or portion of the plane at a time and as others told me, One day you will look up and have an airplane. Jerry
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