I've been teaching woodworking for 30 years along with all other things Industrial Arts (7th & 8th grade) so it made sense. Real reason was the friend helping me (EAA Oshkosh judge 10+ years, test pilot for big aerospace, homebuilder, etc) asked why I would consider metal. After talking to him, I realized that wood can do the job just fine so off I went. The cost has been real nice also. I have all my wing ribs, spars, and flap and aileron wood parts finished and only have spent about $700. My wings, flaps, and ailerons should be complete for under $1000 (building all my own metal hinges, plates, etc) less covering. I guess that is the same reason I scratch built everything so far. My total cost has been less than $4K so far with rolling fuselage basically finished with tail feathers and the wings and control surfaces well underway. Needless to say, I am not in a hurry and I love the building process. As a teacher, not much extra $$$. My fuselage currently is sitting in my nice clean store room connected to my class room. I had it in my class room for the parents to see at back to school night; a real big hit. My students had a blast taking the outside doors of my classroom apart to make the fuselage fit through! The kids love to sit in it and make airplane sounds. My idea is rather than just talking to my students about technology I like them to see and feel the real thing. Great motivator.
Marty57
