Question: Researching Project

I'm going to add a bit of info to add to the equation...

I really would prefer a composite style 'kit' along the lines of the Jabiru.
I like the trike style setup for landing gear, I've never been a fan of
tail-draggers.

I understand that most home-builts (or at least the one's I'm looking at)
are not very big. I'm 6 feet tall and weigh around 225 lbs. I like the 4
seater idea because I can see myself taking my family or friends on trips
(not sure how far I'd go...too early in my thinking). I'd like the ability
to take passengers that are around 200 lbs each. Not that it'll be that way
everytime, but I'd like to have that ability. Realistically the passenger
weight loads would probably vary a lot. So I do understand that space will
be limited, but I just don't want to be stuffed in like a sardine!!

I was checking out the New Glastar 4 seater last night (on their website),
and I was thinking it may be the one. However, I came across the height
limit for backseaters. 5 feet tall!!!! How usefull is that??!!!

Anyways, this is what I'm looking at. Maybe I'm putting too much emphysis on
the 4 seater thing. One could say that you'd probably mostly only ever fly
with one other person. And for the occational longer trips with the family
you could rent a Cessna or something. But then again, that defeats the whole
purpose of building my own aircraft.

Oh, and one other thing...I hate to say it but, easthetics does play a
little role in my choice. For my eyes, I can't see myself owning a BD-4 or a
Bearhawk. I understand everyone has a different eye for beauty. I'm partial
to something a bit more newer looking and sleek.

Cheers,
Lyle


"Tilt" wrote in message
news:Of2Cb.663673$pl3.69462@pd7tw3no...
Hi,

I'm looking to get into a homebuilt project within a few years from now.
I've been doing some early research to see what's out there and look at
options.

I haven't come close to picking a final subject as my project yet, but I
have some pretty good ideas of what I want. So far the aircraft that
interests me the most is a Jabiru J450. I'm sort of looking for a
high-wing
4 place type plane. I want something with a bit of performance (able to
reach around 150 knots or higher), and some VERY light aerobatics. Now I
already understand that the Jabiru doesn't quite go fast enough for my
needs, but it gives you an idea of what I'm looking for.

As far as money goes, I don't want to break the bank, but I don't want to
cheap it out. I may have others go in on this project with me. I know I
don't really want to spend much more than around $75,000 (Canadian). It's
hard to think of cost figures this early.

So can anyone point me in the direction of some good quality (proven)
aircraft projects that I can research further? As long as they (somewhat)
follow the above criteria.

Thanks,
Lyle
(Alberta, Canada)