"noah" wrote in message
om...
You can get a Zodiac 601 HD flying with basic instruments and radios for
about $34,000. This is a good kit because it has very low construction
time,
about 1/5 of what Van's RV aircraft require. The wings are removable so
it
does not have to built at an airport.

A Rans Sakota can be had for about $24,000.

1. I don't know much about the Zodiac, and don't know anything about
the Sakota.

2. Explain to me how purchasing a fully functioning, on-field C152
with a good low time engine costs more than buying even the kit for a
Zodiac? Does the Zodiac at $34K include engine in the kit? (maybe -
I'm just asking). You can find good-looking, good spec C152s for well
under $25K.

3. Can I fly the Zodiac with pax? Can I put it on leaseback to a
flight school? Can I fly it in a busy class Bravo airspace
(Oakland/San Francisco, CA) ?

4. Can I build it in my 4th floor walkup (no elevator) apartment in a
city, with no garage? - even if I could - it wouldn't fit in my living
room, yet alone the fact that it wouldn't be a 'living room' anymore.

5. What is my time worth? You mention 1/5th the build time - let's say
300hrs @ 35/hr = $10,500 - and I have to work more than 40hrs/week as
it is!

6. Ok - the wings fold off. I don't have a garage - so what am I
supposed to do? purchase a trailer, have my Camry outfitted with a
hitch, and move it to the airport?

7. Does the Zodiac need a hangar for rain protection? (just asking -
maybe it's fine outdoors)? The local airports have decade long hangar
waiting lists.

These are just a few of my questions... I have nothing at all against
kitplanes - in fact, I have as a *long* term goal a great desire to
build something like an RV-6... faster, more fun, bubble canopy, great
looking, etc.

Maybe one day when I have a house, garage-workspace, and a very
supportive family, I'll consider that... for now - I can daydream of a
C172 partnership that I *know* will get me off the ground safely and
at practically the lowest cost possible.

Ask him about resale value and insurance cost.