3 ms·

How feasible (I guess in terms of costs) is it to build a real home-made airplane? I guess the obvious place to start is to reproduce the Kitty Hawk plane with

by morley 7y ago

How feasible (I guess in terms of costs) is it to build a real home-made airplane? I guess the obvious place to start is to reproduce the Kitty Hawk plane with modern (ostensibly lighter and cheaper) materials?

ousta 7y ago
it is impossible. try making a home made plastic mug to see already
spitfire 7y ago
Very! There's a number of aircraf that are plans only. They used to be the main homebuilt aircraft around. Thankfully kit built is the major bulk of homebuilt aircraft today. If you had $20K it's perfectly possible to build a day only single/twin seat runabout. http://www.chilton-aircraft.co.uk http://www.chilton-aircraft.co.uk Plans available free after permission to build from Mrs. Ward. https://www.pietenpolaircraftcompany.com https://www.pietenpolaircraftcompany.com Plans available for $180. Wood kits with all the wood for specific parts available in the $75-$300 range.
noir_lord 7y ago
With the plans and a basic toolshop I'd imagine quite straightforward* * Assuming mechanical ability and a toolshop and not making the engine. Wright brothers did it from first principles, built the engine and where bike technicians. Wouldn't be cheap though for the equipment. People built planes as a hobby pretty much as soon as they were a thing, the internet and overnight shipping would help, be thousands of hours work though. https://www.popularmechanics.com/flight/how-to/g631/4-amazing-diy-planes-and-how-to-build-your-own/ https://www.popularmechanics.com/flight/how-to/g631/4-amazin... This one is really impressive https://generalaviationnews.com/2010/12/05/savor-the-experience/ https://generalaviationnews.com/2010/12/05/savor-the-experie... And he has a site here http://www.aerostruk.com/the-plane/ http://www.aerostruk.com/the-plane/
sokoloff 7y ago
The airframe is relatively straightforward (albeit a lot of work). Trying to make an engine at home from first principles is, for most practical purposes, prohibitive or at least, ill-advised. Even people who do automotive to airplane conversions often run into issues. Innovate on the airframe if you must, but choose a proven aircraft engine.

by morley 7y ago

ousta 7y ago

it is impossible. try making a home made plastic mug to see already

spitfire 7y ago

Very! There's a number of aircraf that are plans only. They used to be the main homebuilt aircraft around. Thankfully kit built is the major bulk of homebuilt aircraft today. If you had $20K it's perfectly possible to build a day only single/twin seat runabout. http://www.chilton-aircraft.co.uk http://www.chilton-aircraft.co.uk Plans available free after permission to build from Mrs. Ward. https://www.pietenpolaircraftcompany.com https://www.pietenpolaircraftcompany.com Plans available for $180. Wood kits with all the wood for specific parts available in the $75-$300 range.

noir_lord 7y ago

With the plans and a basic toolshop I'd imagine quite straightforward* * Assuming mechanical ability and a toolshop and not making the engine. Wright brothers did it from first principles, built the engine and where bike technicians. Wouldn't be cheap though for the equipment. People built planes as a hobby pretty much as soon as they were a thing, the internet and overnight shipping would help, be thousands of hours work though. https://www.popularmechanics.com/flight/how-to/g631/4-amazing-diy-planes-and-how-to-build-your-own/ https://www.popularmechanics.com/flight/how-to/g631/4-amazin... This one is really impressive https://generalaviationnews.com/2010/12/05/savor-the-experience/ https://generalaviationnews.com/2010/12/05/savor-the-experie... And he has a site here http://www.aerostruk.com/the-plane/ http://www.aerostruk.com/the-plane/

sokoloff 7y ago

The airframe is relatively straightforward (albeit a lot of work). Trying to make an engine at home from first principles is, for most practical purposes, prohibitive or at least, ill-advised. Even people who do automotive to airplane conversions often run into issues. Innovate on the airframe if you must, but choose a proven aircraft engine.