Considering a Kitplane - Recommendations?
 

Early days yet but I'm thinking about building an aircraft in accordance with PFA procedures. I understand most of the rules and regulations but I would like some comments on types/designs. The Europa looks good at first glance but I don't want to jump-in with both feet. Ultimately I would like something with about 120kts and 4-5 hrs endurance; my aim is touring/sports rather than one hour hops within 30nm of the airfield. Any comments would be most appreciated.

EAA publishes a great book called Aerocrafter that lists about 700 kitplane designs, many of which are PFA approved. <a href="http://www.aerocrafter.org" target="_blank">www.aerocrafter.org</a>

If I built a kitplane it would be one of the RV series, probably the RV-4. <a href="http://www.vansaircraft.com" target="_blank">www.vansaircraft.com</a>

Obvious questions...

(1) How much money do you have to spend. .(2) How many man-hours are you hoping to spend.. .(3) Where will you keep it.

I'd recommend that whilst mulling the above, you look on the PFA website at their approved list, and spend £6 on the World Directory of Leisure Aviation.

G

If you're interested in building a Europa then you want to get the Discovery Home and Leisure channel's video 'A Plane is Born'. This double video follows a complete build from start to flying.

Airfix do some nice ones.......

DOC

My father-in-law is building a <a href="http://www.fly-kr.com/" target="_blank">Rand KR-2</a>. Looks like it will turn out well, although he's become a bit distracted by the Bonanza he's just got...

If the Europa is top of your list then contact the manufacturer and get a test flight, that will certainly confirm if the aircraft is right for you. I was in your position this time last year. I eventually chose the Jabiru SP after a flight in their demonstrator. Like you I was looking for a good touring aircraft, the Jabiru SP is 105kts cruse for 4.5hrs.

Your other big question lies in your ability to build the thing. I can only say that I have had no problems so far with my Jabiru and I am 320 hours into an estimated 600 hour job.

Good Luck <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

I have built from plans and all I will say is, be very sure that you will want to beaver away in a workshop for a very long time!

Building begins to take over one's life - allegedly it all I could speak about for a 2 year period as it was all consuming.

Speak to Penny at PFA HQ and get a list of builders in yr area, go visit a few and see firsthand if it is what you really want to do.

The upside is that you will finish up with an aeroplane that embodies your spirit, is built as well you could make it and will be a real source of pride.

Everytime someone comments on my aeroplane, I immodestly let it be known that I actually built it myself.

I often catch myself as I descend after some aeros thinking how fortunate I am to have the freedom to fly an aeroplane that I built with my own two hands.

Long live the PFA!

Stik

As a PFA inspector i get to look as a few of these aircraft and the one that stands out as the best practical aircraft with the best average standard of finnish is the vans RV series.

the europa is a good all round aircraft if you are happy to work in GRP.

The Falco is also an superb aircraft but requies a lot of work.

At the end of the day the Falco is the best aircraft but if you buy a Vans it will be flying a year or two befor the falco.