Thanks for the replies folks....
In that case, I suggest that you buy one that somebody else has completed.
Embarking on an aeroplane build is not something that should be approached half-heartedly; I suggest that with that mindset it is unlikely ever to fly.
No criticism implied - building is a huge commitment, even renovation/rebuilding is a far larger job than many folk perceive and the harsh reality of the amount of physical work can be very daunting!
Sorry I was not making myself crystal clear here. When I said half-heartedly I was referring to the initial will I/wont I of buying a kit in the first place. As for the motivation to build and subsequently complete, it is there 110%. Having been a motor mechanic many moons ago I have no doubts about my ability and im not lacking in the confidence department either. Having briefly read both the Vans and RVUK websites I gather the technical complexity is not, say, in the realms of building a 'plan only' aircraft. I have a reasonable amount of space in my workshop and have a vast amount of tools gathered from my years as a mechanic so these boxes are ticked also.
Having looked further on Vans website I feel that an RV-7A may better suit my needs as opposed to the RV-9A (sorry folks, tricycle all the way for me
).
However, I am still trying to assess my long-term needs from an aircraft...I intend to get an IR within the next 5 years and looking at the broader picture would like to fly around the UK and possibly do some continental trips too. However if I cannot expect to use my Vans and IR together legally then perhaps I should look at something else??? I just dont know at the moment and this is the frustrating part. The sensible me says buy an RV-7A which will still allow me to bumble up and down the country easily but theres another part that says I should buy something capable of IMC flight.
The other problem is that an RV-7A with the 200hp option will cruise just shy of 200knots at reasonable economy while an IFR certified A/C, say a Cessna 152 will cruise at less than half that and gulp fuel at an alarming rate.
Anyone with words of advice who have perhaps been in the same position??
Spamcan