Building your own plane

[evo4a]

When I was a lad one of my friends dads spent years building his own plane from a kit. As far as I know it all went to plan.
I now have a strange urge to do the same, I'm fairly practical and have access to some mega woodworking machinery.
I fancy building a replica old plane WW1-WW2 era, are there any companies that sell plans and parts etc.

[mrloudly]

http://www.grass-strip-aviation.com/prod_1.php

Nice little starter for you :-)

[Eric Mc]

evo4a said:

When I was a lad one of my friends dads spent years building his own plane from a kit. As far as I know it all went to plan.
I now have a strange urge to do the same, I'm fairly practical and have access to some mega woodworking machinery.
I fancy building a replica old plane WW1-WW2 era, are there any companies that sell plans and parts etc.

Loads.

[Simpo Two]

WW1 would be easier I think - basically just a big Keil-Kraft model

Have a trip to Shuttleworth for some inspiration.

Edited by Simpo Two on Saturday 20th November 22:32

[evo4a]

good idea, I actually went to Shuttleworth college so know the collection well. Although it was 20 yers ago.

[Eric Mc]

Simpo Two said:

WW1 would be easier I think - basically just a big Keil-Kraft model

Have a trip to Shuttleworth for some inspiration.

Edited by Simpo Two on Saturday 20th November 22:32

Odd ball handling often - esepcially by modern standards.

[mrloudly]

All modern kits have had the "Odd Ball" designed out of them Eric. Although they may outwardly look like the originals. many design factors have been subtly changed to improve the handling characteristics. To reach market, especially in the UK, they will have proven predictable handling and safe operation during their approval process.
I'd be more worried about somebody jumping in one without being thoroughly checked out on tail draggers, the same goes for both new and old types here...

I built Europa G-BVUV (G-INFO the history) These aircraft have a few quirks and can be b.st.rds on take off if the tail is lifted before sufficient rudder authority is achieved to keep it straight. It would catch out 9 out of 10 first timers, that's why good check outs are needed in both new and old :-)

Andy Marks

[TuxRacer]

I quite enjoyed this TV series, it might be worth getting hold of as an overview or just out of interest:
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Plane_Is_Born

[eccles]

First step would be to join the LAA (light aircraft association), they can give you loads of advice, they do workshops on woodworking etc. Go to one of their rallies and have a look at the aircraft and chat to the owners about what they're to build and fly.
It will be expensive, and even if you're motivated,it will take time.

[Simes205]

TuxRacer said:

I quite enjoyed this TV series, it might be worth getting hold of as an overview or just out of interest:
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Plane_Is_Born

Yep - it appears now and again on the Quest Channel (Freeview 38).
Interesting about setting up Glass fibre.