So the process has begun. There is no way to embark on this type of long term project without involving the boss, AKA my lovely wife. My wife has always supported my ideas including running two businesses, taking lots of trips, and doing things at home. However, building an airplane is a bit of a different project. The first time I brought it up, I got the deer in headlights look. Then I got the, “What the hell do you know about building airplanes?”. So it was a tough start for sure.
I let the idea sit in the back of her kind and would sporadically bring it up. She had started to show interest and had a few questions, I mean who wouldn’t? She asked about how to do it, what’s involved, and even if there’s help for it. She queried about the required inspections and we discussed the EAA technical advisor and DAA responsibilities. She was happy these things are available and required to check the work.
The one item we still disagree on, which I can live with, is she prefers I hire someone experienced to do the maiden flight hours. If this was the stipulation to allow be to build, I think I can handle it. I mean let’s be honest, this is a long term project, she might have a new viewpoint by then.
So what did she bargain for you ask? My wife is now guaranteed the convertible she always wanted once we retire. I guess that’s a fair trade. 😎
So what now?
So my next plan of attack is to start collecting the tools and setup workshop. My workshop for this will be our two car garage. Right now we have a lot of stuff there so I need to get creative to make space. My goal is to reorganize this space in the spring once it’s a tad bit warmer outside. Then in the summer I hope to tackle the electric extension, air hoses, and workbenches. This should set me up for my birthday in June and Christmas to start collecting tools.
My goal is to buy a tool kit from Isham or Cleaveland Tool. They both seem to have good reviews and I’ll compare the items a bit more soon. I have to upgrade to a real tool cheat to make space as well for all of the tools. It should be an interesting year trying to setup and prepped.
After I have everything in place, I plan to take part in Synergy Air’s fundamentals at minimum. A few people have done the empennage build with them as well, but I’m not 100% sold yet. If I can save 6k and do that slowly myself, that’s money for all the other expensive stuff I’ll need later.
So for now I will continue to plan and research various elements, then I’ll prep the workshop once the winter ends.
