I’d put down a deposit for a high wing tail kit, and now need to figure out what I want to move on to.
The first two options that I can think of that come in at a similar price range & aluminum construction are the Zenith 750 Cruzer & the Murphy Rebel. The zenith was actually my (distant) second choice after the highwing, but I’m now taking a closer look.
For the others in a similar situation: what are you considering?
@Badger830 , feel free to remove if you feel that this is too far off topic but I imagine I’m not the only one trying to figure out what’s next
I have the original “A model” Sonex and it comes with complete set of plans with drawings for every part that can be scratch made (excepting canopy, brakes, & wing spar) by the builder from raw stock.
I know the High Wing is a kit so the plans are not detailed. Could, or would, Sonex (or whomever picks up the pieces) be able to put out a set of detailed plans so that HW kit builders would have an opportunity to finish their projects even if they have to manufacture parts from raw stock?
That said, I’m on the younger side (maybe the youngest at 29?) and while I’m fortunate enough to have a job that lets me afford building a plane without it being a (completely) stupid decision, I still have a job which would make the extra time for scratch building unviable.
Before you decide on a Zenith study the plans. We are building a Zenith as a chapter project. Perhaps the new match drilled Zenith kits are better but the Sonex was far superior in plans department.
Assuming the spars are similar to the Sonex, the main spar aluminum extrudes would be near impossible to make without tooling from a manufacturer. Making fiberglass molds and setting up for machines components would be a lot of work.
Another option for you to consider is the Rans S21 Outbound. All metal construction, Rotax/Continental Engine support, cruises between 135 mph and 155 mph depending on the engine and configuration.
I considered the S-21 as well, it was my second choice just due to kit and engine costs for it. Significantly more, so much so I probably could get a flying plane of my dreams for the same money. Also, in considering kit company longevity I did not see a succession plan for when Randy Schlitter retires, he is no spring chicken. So, I thought it was smarter to go with the company with the barely 50 year old owner. That decision didnt age well. It sure makes me wonder how many other companies in the industry are on the edge. Is Van’s still on the edge?
Yeah, the S-21 looks absolutely fantastic but it is a big enough jump in price that I can’t really justify it.
At this point, the options I’m considering are:
Zenith 750 Cruzer
Pro: Similar cost & a proven design so they aren’t having to fund development costs at the moment
Pro: Can be built from plans if needed (in theory)
Con: Slow, but I did the math & it is only an hour slower on the longest trip I know I’ll do more than once. The cruise speed would make some of the longer trips I’d like to do harder, but that would be a small fraction of my flying.
Seems to be similar to a 152, and I’ve had plenty of fun flying those
Con: Form doesn’t follow function here - it has left the building
Scratch build something
Lets me satisfy my desire to build without having to put too much money up front
Means it would take MUCH longer to finish, but I’d probably fly more in the interim
Build a boat instead
@ChrisAtwood I was actually thinking about doing this post-Highwing, so the opposite order from you .
Shelve the idea and fly more
I can rent a 152 for $90/hr wet & a Mooney for $190/hr wet
The cost of a highwing pays for a whole lot of flight time, but renting makes it harder to actually fly
The Murphy Rebel also looked appealing, but I was pretty much unable to find any positive comments about Murphy as a company.
Interesting thread. I live at 4500 feet so finding a performing aircraft is a challenge.
I had looked at the Kolb III Extra for awhile. They like to do the build instead of sending out kits but will accommodate builders. And the Kolb is more on the “ultra-light” side of the spectrum.
Have also wanted to find a not finished RANS S-19 that would be a good option. Probably should post a WANTED on Barnstormers. Randy thought about restarting the kit offering when I talked to him at OSH last summer. Perhaps just a momentary consideration.
A Vans RV12 could also fit what I want if I can find one out in the wild that was started and is a mostly complete kit.
Yesterday I had found a Grumman AA1A just listed with a broker I have talk to in that past. It had a 500 hour 0320 160hp STC and had been flying regularly between annuals. The brokers phone was ringing off the hook. It was a 8 hour drive to go look at the plane. Sold the same day it was listed. $55,000 seemed like a great price. Still being a 1971 vintage it is on the old side.
Right now I live where there are not any aircraft to rent unless I drive two hours or more. So the search continues.
The Thatcher CX 5 Tandem seating and the 7 side by side are worth a look .VW engine .Company has just been bought by a gent in Utah and he has plans to improve .
.