Denny,
Your assuming quite a few things here, like, the person starting
this has never owned or operated a business before, never built a
plane, or is in Jacksonville FL. Lets look at the same thing from
another angle.
A person builds a plane, He likes the results but decides to design
and build his own that would qualify for the LSA. He sets up his
garage, basement, shed with tools he already owns. Then proceeds to
make the necessary jigs and tables, just as before but for his new
design. He goes ahead and builds the new design, fly's it, test it, all
the while he is making note after note on changes and efficiencies. By
now he has a great idea on cost for just one plane and he has spent
well under $70.000. Now we all know that any profit and overhead on
top of this will just raise the price to the average of what is offered
now.
Remember, the jigs are made and paid for, the changes will make it
more efficient, and purchasing products in bulk will help make them
less expensive. Now you write your business plan. An equity loan will
help with the money, Renting a factory could be as simple as renting a
hanger, you certainly wouldn't be dumb enough to start in the business
district of downtown. Employee's, why would you need more than one?
Roll up your sleeves and do the work yourself, better yet, get a
partner who would like to start in on this. As for the DNR, OSHA, and
the rest of Gilligans Island, unless your dumb enough to name your
business something like, "Come and Audit Me Inc." your not going to
hear from these guys. I realize that I'v never owned an airplance
factory, but I also beleive that companies like Van's didn't start out
in a factory either. To give up before trying is definite defeat.
Lou