Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

A change of pace

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • A change of pace

    I went to EAA airventure this summer, and while I was there I rediscovered how much I like aviation, and left me with the strong desire to build a plane. However, that leaves me with a dilemma. I was alos starting to shift my goal in line with running at Bonneville in 2013. Now, building the car to race at Bonneville would cost me about the same as building the type of plane I want, but I know that I cannot afford the time or the money to do both. The type of plane I want to build is called a sonerai. It was designed in the 1970's as an affordable racing aircraft, and would be capable of cruising at about 150-160 mph with a 5-6 gallon per hour fuel burn, and have a 200 mph speed capability in level flight burning 8-10 gph. It would literally be cheaper than a car for long distance commuting. But I also really want to race at Bonneville, and there is as of yet no class for planes. (Maybe I could start one....) So, what do y'all think? 150 ish mph car, or 200+ mph plane?

  • #2
    Re: A change of pace

    I want to build a plane too. I'll have to check out the Sonerai. I took two "try out" flying lessons, the standard bank turning stuff, and several touch and go's on the air strip. But decided to stop because I didn't know when I'd next be able to fly after getting my license (I'm fairly certain Ely's airport doesn't do rentals). So when my shop is paid for, I certainly would like to start building a plane, and once it's close to being done I'll start the lessons again.

    I thought the same thing on the fuel economy, as well as time. For me to make the 500 mile drive to CA would be way quicker. Not to mention leaving Ely for anywhere :P
    Escaped on a technicality.

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: A change of pace

      go airplane. ;D
      I got all intimidated by planes at first in the military.

      then I learned what pilots are, what the planes are as a mechanic.. and who gets away with what.

      all the math is written, follow strict guide lines and there ya have it.

      I spotted a young flyer on you tube, seems to be private farm and crop dusting...
      it only assured me, you either can fly or cannot.

      the bonneville thing.. it does not seem productive for a transverse unibody. they are everywhere.. nothing to prove. In fact, a an automotive realist is no doubt trying to bury that subject entirely.
      flying is a greater reward.
      Previously boxer3main
      the death rate and fairy tales cannot kill the nature left behind.

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: A change of pace

        If you go to get your pilots license, save up the money you will need, right around 6k right now. Then do it all at once. Doing a little at a time cost a lot more in the long run. We have a guy right now who has been working to get his private for around 15 years. Dad convinced him to take two weeks off work and fly every day, and he should have his private next week.

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: A change of pace

          The car. That way, when something goes wrong, you'll already be on the ground and won't have to worry about what's going to happen when you finally do touch down. :D Even though at anything over 100 MPH it isn't going to matter. ;D

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: A change of pace

            you need to look into storage costs, fuel costs, maintenace costs...you have to pay an A/P do your maintenace for you..or you can do it but they need to sign off on it, plus parts for the aircraft......I am not 100% on the ins and outs it has been a while since I looked into it...but the cost of buying the plane is probably less than the cost of ownership...this is why many civil aircraft have multiple "owners" it keeps the cost lower....
            If you can leave two black stripes from the exit of one corner to the braking zone of the next, you have enough horsepower. - Mark Donohue

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: A change of pace

              For homebuilt planes,the builder is issued a certificate that says that they are qualified to do all of the work on the plane. Since my family owns a plane and flight school, I am very familiar with ownership costs. I have been flying longer than I have been driving, and while the concept of an in-flight failure worries me, it doesn't worry me nearly as much getting in a wreck on the road.

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: A change of pace

                That's a tough one, Walt. I know flying is in your blood and both are wonderful skills. As always, follow your heart.

                Dan

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: A change of pace

                  Walt, flying gets my vote too. My dad had his when I was a kid, and I took lessons too. It's funny you bring this up, I've been pricing ultralights, you don't even need a licence for one. Just don't tell the wife. ;)
                  Living the dream!

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: A change of pace

                    I have never flown a plane myself, but of course that won't stop me from recommending the plane. I've been a captive on several 1011's and so forth .....don't like them one bit. Now those little Cessenas and my fav the Piper Aztec those are great. Went Island hopping in the West Indies (Puerto Rico to Dominica not the Dominican Republic)and just love flying. (I do what I can get away with on the ground. ) The maintenance costs would scare me to death with the annualsand I think rebuilding the motors every 1500? hrs (am I right on that) but it sounds like you know what your getting into.I would do the plane since I think you would get more use.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: A change of pace

                      You sound just like my brother at your age...jack of all trades, master of none.
                      He got his license, my Dad did too. I've flown a little myself. At your age I don't think you can commit to something right now. You need to keep your education going.
                      My brother is an engineer at ...BP...for the time being...He paid his dues, and the money is good...now he does what ever he wants.....(which is saving his money, LOL)
                      Originally posted by TC
                      also boost will make the cam act smaller

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: A change of pace

                        Originally posted by 116ciHemi
                        For homebuilt planes,the builder is issued a certificate that says that they are qualified to do all of the work on the plane. Since my family owns a plane and flight school, I am very familiar with ownership costs. I have been flying longer than I have been driving, and while the concept of an in-flight failure worries me, it doesn't worry me nearly as much getting in a wreck on the road.
                        hell, then if you dont need an A/P to maintain...I say go for the plane...
                        If you can leave two black stripes from the exit of one corner to the braking zone of the next, you have enough horsepower. - Mark Donohue

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: A change of pace

                          Originally posted by A/Fuel
                          You sound just like my brother at your age...jack of all trades, master of none.
                          He got his license, my Dad did too. I've flown a little myself. At your age I don't think you can commit to something right now. You need to keep your education going.
                          My brother is an engineer at ...BP...for the time being...He paid his dues, and the money is good...now he does what ever he wants.....(which is saving his money, LOL)
                          Whatever I do, the other will still probably get done, eventually anyway. One of the big advantages of the plane is the learning value. While, sure, I will learn a lot from a car, it will be a lot of re-doing what I have already done. Building a plane will teach me a whole new skill set. Oxy-acet welding chrome-moly tubing, laying composites, fabric covering, avionics installation, and some design theory, in addition to the standard wiring, plumbing, engine building and fab work. Also, the plane would weigh less than 700 lbs empty, and it is designed so that the wings fold and it is car towable.

                          The Escort will run on the salt. There is no doubt in my mind of that, the question is just which comes first. I have about 8 months before I can do anything with either one, so I have plenty of time to make a decision.

                          Comment

                          Working...
                          X