Where do I begin!
Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2014 6:12 pm
Hello all,
I would introduce myself on the introduction page but by the low thread count it seems I would have better luck posting in here instead. On with the introduction! My name is Brandon, I am a 28 year old helicopter mechanic (military) and also an ALSE (aviation life support equipment) technician. I have been wanting to fly since I was a child and I am done waiting! I thought the military would be the best way to become a pilot but with the path I am on it just seems more and more distant as I get deeper and deeper into my current job. Also, I want flying to be fun and enjoyable and I am afraid that if I were to become a military pilot that flying would loose its appeal.
I originally wanted to build a Mosquito XEL helicopter because it's a helicopter! and I love helicopters! But realistically, I wouldn't be able to carry a passenger and I wouldn't be able to travel very far in it, on the plus side it would be an easier and faster build and would not require a license to fly! But the wife says I have to get something she can ride along in!
I do have a few questions for you experts before I just start ordering stuff. I plan to order the Sonex tail sub kit first so I can get some actual hands on time building before I dive head first into a $15,000+ kit that I might not like building. If all goes together well and I enjoy building the tail kit then I will dive in head first and order the complete kit minus the tail! I also plan to use the Aerovee 2.1 engine on the Sonex.
Questions
1: I have a 2 car garage but no work tables, should I build one or buy one and how big should it be?
2: The plane might cost $30K to build but that about everything else? tools, sport pilot license, registering my aircraft etc.....
3: Will I be able to do all of my own maintenance and inspections?
4: How much red tape is there flying a LSA? I want to feel a free as possible!
I found a local Sonex pilot that is willing to help out once I am back in town, can't wait to "try it on" and see how it fits!
Thanks,
Brandon
I would introduce myself on the introduction page but by the low thread count it seems I would have better luck posting in here instead. On with the introduction! My name is Brandon, I am a 28 year old helicopter mechanic (military) and also an ALSE (aviation life support equipment) technician. I have been wanting to fly since I was a child and I am done waiting! I thought the military would be the best way to become a pilot but with the path I am on it just seems more and more distant as I get deeper and deeper into my current job. Also, I want flying to be fun and enjoyable and I am afraid that if I were to become a military pilot that flying would loose its appeal.
I originally wanted to build a Mosquito XEL helicopter because it's a helicopter! and I love helicopters! But realistically, I wouldn't be able to carry a passenger and I wouldn't be able to travel very far in it, on the plus side it would be an easier and faster build and would not require a license to fly! But the wife says I have to get something she can ride along in!
I do have a few questions for you experts before I just start ordering stuff. I plan to order the Sonex tail sub kit first so I can get some actual hands on time building before I dive head first into a $15,000+ kit that I might not like building. If all goes together well and I enjoy building the tail kit then I will dive in head first and order the complete kit minus the tail! I also plan to use the Aerovee 2.1 engine on the Sonex.
Questions
1: I have a 2 car garage but no work tables, should I build one or buy one and how big should it be?
2: The plane might cost $30K to build but that about everything else? tools, sport pilot license, registering my aircraft etc.....
3: Will I be able to do all of my own maintenance and inspections?
4: How much red tape is there flying a LSA? I want to feel a free as possible!
I found a local Sonex pilot that is willing to help out once I am back in town, can't wait to "try it on" and see how it fits!
Thanks,
Brandon