Builder's Log

BATTERIES NOT INCLUDED,
SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED

Bret Parker

SO…..you’re building an airplane? Yes… (DON’T DO IT) is what every one said to me when I started this adventure, after all, I do hold a Private Pilots License. No one believed me, but when my girl friend noticed that I started buying lights, tools, and built a work bench, she is like, are you REALLY going to build an airplane? Yip!  My 190 MPH motorcycle days are gone, my car building days are over and boring, my offshore twin big block fuel injected boat is now not as exciting. So what is in store for this decade and  how else can I legally go over 200 MPH? Buy an airplane? Well I am a blue collar worker so that is out of the question, then I discovered kit aircraft. I looked for 6 months before deciding on a Vans RV7a. http://www.vansaircraft.com/public/rv-7per.htm  

One thing I have always liked to do is build things. A long time ago I built and flew R/C aircraft from scratch and have a good idea of basic airframe design. (this one is just a little bigger and faster) Also with the current FAA regulations, if the kit is approved, meets other criteria, and I build over 51% of it, I can get a repairman’s certificate and do all my own inspections and not have to hire a certified A&P mechanic. I have given myself a window of 3 to 5 years to build this, we shall see.