By Lisa Turner, EAA Lifetime 509911
This piece originally ran in Lisa’s Airworthy column in the July 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine.
“Now that you’re a pilot, you need an airplane.”
Ellen cocked her head and looked at me with a questioning look.
“Sure, but a freshly minted pilot and a wad of cash don’t go together,” I replied, shaking my head at my instructor standing behind the flight office counter.
“Okay. How about an older model 152?” Ellen slid the newspaper ads across the counter to me.
“It’s still a bunch of cash. But you’re right, I need an airplane.”
“Or,” Ellen said with a pause, looking into the distance, “you could build one. Look at this.”
She held up a magazine with a sleek two-place airplane on the cover.
“Right,” I said with a laugh. “Build an airplane. That’s hilarious.”
“Well, don’t entirely dismiss the idea.”
“I won’t.” At that moment, I thought it was impossible and crazy.
Falling asleep that night, I saw the airplane on the magazine cover. The thought of building a kit aircraft grew in my consciousness until it blotted out everything else. It grew bigger with every passing day until I knew it would happen. I called the factory — and the rest is happy history.
* * *
Can you build or restore an airplane by yourself? Of course you can. Should you? Yes, but with one caveat: don’t be all by yourself.
I speak from experience when I say not to build or restore the airplane totally by yourself. I don’t mean to not enjoy that wonderful quiet time on your own, sorting through issues and solving problems. I’m talking about deciding what things need another set of eyes and hands, and when.
In my more impetuous days, I’d launch into repair projects with confidence, only to find out that I didn’t know what I was doing. These misadventures — from leaky plumbing connections at my sister’s house to the blue screen of death on a friend’s computer — taught me to find experts and information before I ruined things. This experience comes in the course of learning, which is normal and natural, but knowing your weaknesses will make it less painful.
What does this have to do with building an airplane? As the philosopher Socrates said long ago, “To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom.” In other words, before you launch into your aircraft-building project, explore your own psychology and figure out where the traps are.
One of my traps was wanting to “do everything myself.” As a result, my first project took longer, and I made more mistakes. I was introduced to an EAA technical counselor during the build and realized how much I needed that help. Not only did I learn new construction skills, but also he was able to help me set up a system for the paperwork that made making a pilot’s operating handbook (POH) much simpler than it would have otherwise been.
We’re all more or less social creatures; some of us more, and some less. The courageous and disciplined souls who build their own airplanes may tend to be more introverted and less social. The personality characteristics that prompt you to begin building an airplane in your garage are the same qualities that will carry you through to completion. But that can also be a problem when you don’t want to ask for help.
A third or more of aircraft builders don’t engage a technical counselor (TC) and/or a flight advisor (FA). In my discussions with designated aircraft representatives, technical counselors, and builders, the reasons builders gave were:
- They were afraid the TC will criticize their work.
- They were afraid they won’t understand what the TC wants them to do.
- They were afraid the TC will find things that are wrong.
- They were afraid the hours with a TC will unnecessarily add hours to the build time.
- They are introverted and don’t want the intrusion.
- They don’t think they need a TC or FA.
- They can’t find a TC or FA close by.
These are reasons, but they are not good reasons to not seek the help of both a technical counselor and a flight advisor. TCs and FAs are volunteers and usually will take the time to travel to you. The time you spend with these experts will be invaluable.
The TC will find things that can be made better; following their suggestions will improve your workmanship. Put your pride aside and use the opportunity to learn. You are not in front of an audience now, but your airplane might be in front of an audience in the future. Why not have it be the best?
Even if you’re an accomplished A&P/IA mechanic, you’ll have some knowledge gaps. As you get better at something, you’ll be conscious of what you don’t know, realizing you can learn more.
Whether you are about to tackle a plansbuilt project, a quick-build project, or a certified aircraft restoration, stop and think through what resources you are going to need. Then incorporate them into the planning.
Preplanning. Planning items will include more than just constructing the aircraft. You’ll have workshop setup, tool and equipment lists, parts inventory, and the dreaded but all-important paperwork — from invoices to instruction manuals, to the assembly of a POH. TCs, FAs, A&P mechanics, and experienced builders will have tips and tricks that shorten the build time and add to the safety factor.
Comfort zone. Move out of your comfort zone. Are you an introvert? You may hesitate to get others involved. Even if it’s uncomfortable for you, getting others looking at your work will make you more confident and your airplane safer.
Identify skill sets. Take the time to identify what skills you need and how you’ll get them. Consider reading resources, attending EAA workshops, watching online videos, and joining your local EAA chapter if you have one. When I was building my second aircraft, I realized right away that I had no fabric covering experience and didn’t even know where to begin. The fabric covering workshop was the answer.
Explore locally. Explore your local airport and make friends if you haven’t already. Hang out at the FBO, search out the flight school locations, get to know the folks running them, and check out any other businesses on the field. If you’re not socially inclined, this process will be uncomfortable for you, but you’ll be glad you reached out as you meet the people in your community with a shared delight in flight.
EAA chapters. Where is the nearest EAA chapter? This is the time to engage. When I was building, the nearest chapter was almost an hour’s drive away. Once I made the first meeting, I realized the travel time was worth it.
Work with others. Consider a group build. These may take longer because there are multiple people involved. Coordination and skills training are important, and deciding who will do what is critical. A group project will force you into detailed planning and provide opportunities to learn new techniques. When you’re done, you’ll likely be glad you participated.
Owners groups and factory specialists. You may hesitate to reach out to these experts, but all of the kitbuilt owners I’ve talked to are delighted to answer questions in depth. The manufacturer of your kit will be highly involved in your build, too, since it wants you to be successful and safe. Take advantage of every opportunity to consult with factory personnel.
Certified repairs and restorations. If you are restoring a certified aircraft (and you are not an A&P mechanic yourself) you’ll need to find an A&P mechanic willing to supervise your work. The planning phase should include a meeting with an A&P/IA mechanic who can advise you on what things you can do yourself and areas where you will need their help. They can also help you figure out your skill level and what training you might need. These services aren’t free, but it will be money well spent.
One resource that will lighten your learning load and the confusion factor will be others who have restored the same vintage airplane. Restoring a Cub is one thing; restoring an early model Waco is another. The Cub offers relative simplicity, and lots of information is available. The Waco may have incomplete schematics, and the parts may be difficult to locate or fabricate.
Consulting with several other restorers who are familiar with the challenges will be invaluable. The type clubs should be able to steer you to these “Obi-Wan Kenobis.” I have personally found that these people are happy to share their experiences and don’t even mind answering questions on the fly.
Planning your resources at the beginning of your build will reinforce your confidence, make your aircraft safer and more reliable, and get you in the air faster. You’ll also make new friends along the way. Our homebuilt and restoration communities are ready and willing to engage with you. Never be afraid to ask for help.
Lisa Turner, EAA Lifetime 509911, is a manufacturing engineer, A&P mechanic, EAA technical counselor and flight advisor, and former designated airworthiness representative. She built and flew a Pulsar XP and Kolb Mark III, and is researching her next homebuilt project. Lisa’s third book, Dream Take Flight, details her Pulsar flying adventures and life lessons. Write Lisa at Lisa@DreamTakeFlight.com and learn more at DreamTakeFlight.com.