p.mulwitz(at)worldnet.att
Guest
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 Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2007 4:50 pm Post subject: Building as a way for a non-pilot to get into aviation? |
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I am sort of in the same boat.
I am very close to soloing in a Warrior and have started construction on my
XLVair.
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| Quote: | I was just wondering if it's realistic for a non-pilot to build a CH-701.
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Someone needs to rain on this parade a little, so I guess I will volunteer.
Building a plane and flying are almost completely unrelated. The
skill set needed for building is completely different from the skills
needed for flying. On that level there is no reason a builder needs
to be a pilot.
The problem comes in when a non-pilot decides to own an
airplane. This applies just as much to building as it does to buying
one off the airplane sales lot.
I think it is important for an airplane owner to be really familiar
with airplanes before deciding to buy one. Being a pilot is the
normal way to do this. After flying an assortment of different
planes a pilot will develop a taste for one kind or another. After
this kind of experience he is in an informed position to pick an
airplane to own.
Each airplane design is significantly different from every other
plane out there. Some planes are fast cross country machines while
others are slow and easy to fly planes suitable for local joy riding
and the occasional short cross country for a $100 hamburger. These
are completely different beasts. Without any flying experience it is
hard for me to imagine how a person can choose which kind he prefers.
The exception to this rule is when a potential airplane owner needs
practical air transportation for either business or possibly personal
use. In this case, a commercially built certified plane will be a
much better choice than any home built design. Also a commercial
pilot license with instrument rating is appropriate for this kind of
flying. While this kind of pilot can be hired for the purpose, it is
also quite practical for most people to get this level of training in
a few years.
For those people considering building a plane without any flying
experience, all I can say is I think this is ill advised. It would
make a lot more sense to me for these folks to go get some
instruction and possibly a license before jumping into ownership
and/or building.
Paul
XL fuselage
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