I am a prospective builder and am using the forum and emails to
learn     enough to choose a good kit and hopefully use a rotary
engine. The     breadth and depth of the issues discussed often
surprises me.  I am not     a knowledgeable mechanic  but have
learned many things even when     attempting to drink from the
proverbial 2-inch fire hose.

     Thank you for forum and letting rookies listen in.

     Tom King

As far as a kit aircraft to use as a platform, I'm really partial to
the Van's series, as they are a well proven design with excellent
performance, flying characteristics, and dollar value. I have an RV-
4, but I would recommend one of their side by side models or the RV-
8 (or RV-10) because of the roomier cowl.

Brian Trubee

Hi Tom,

I am also in to street rods, and have known or heard of people that took a car
to a shop to have X work done. Then they see or read about some feature and
decide they need that incorporated into their car. This costs BIG money as it
usually requires re-doing things that had been completed.

The best thing you can do is lots of research. Decide what type of flying you
intend to do, what airfields you will frequent. Do you need a STOL aircraft or
are you looking at cross country  flights? Do you need or want a high wing?
Then go looking at planes and talk to their owners. You want to find out how
they fly to be sure. It is especially important to find out how the kit
manufacturer was with assistance. You do not want to be dealing with some
company that is like a house builder that will not return calls once the final
payment has been transfered. Once you get it short listed, visit their plant.
Go to Oshkosh or Air Venture to experience a variety. Maybe some of the
builders on here could voice their opinions on hints to watch for; pro or con.
This doing research now will save a lot of $ and time.

Dale Davies