brenna
New Member
Hey guys, I've been lurking around and reading posts here without making an account for nearly three years now as I toyed with the idea of getting into homebuilts... well, I finally have free time and some extra income so I figure it's now or never to get started!!
About me: I'm 24, from the PNW, but living and working in Southern California.
My aviation experience: Got my private pilot's license in 2010, it's no longer current sadly, I didn't have the finances to keep flying regularly through college. Now that I have an adult job, I could afford to fly, but for the price I just don't think it's worth it right now, I'd rather build cool things (currently building a solar powered cell charger to bring camping). During my undergraduate I worked in a research lab where we designed and tested plasma thrusters. So while I have no actual engine experience, I have some machining experience (can use a lathe, band saw, etc), can solder, and have a good grasp of physics.
My idea: I want to build a powered glider. I am toying with the idea of using a kit but I think I'd rather build one from scratch if at all possible. I am thinking of starting with a snowmobile engine. I've been reading up on engines a little and I know I would need a reduction drive which is generally more expensive than the used engine itself... then I have to decide what size propeller to use... I'm going to buy the glider part pre-made though because I don't trust myself to build that part obviously haha.
I know I have a TON of research to do before I begin a project of this magnitude and cost. Any reading recommendations etc would be much appreciated.
Hope to "meet" you all soon!
About me: I'm 24, from the PNW, but living and working in Southern California.
My aviation experience: Got my private pilot's license in 2010, it's no longer current sadly, I didn't have the finances to keep flying regularly through college. Now that I have an adult job, I could afford to fly, but for the price I just don't think it's worth it right now, I'd rather build cool things (currently building a solar powered cell charger to bring camping). During my undergraduate I worked in a research lab where we designed and tested plasma thrusters. So while I have no actual engine experience, I have some machining experience (can use a lathe, band saw, etc), can solder, and have a good grasp of physics.
My idea: I want to build a powered glider. I am toying with the idea of using a kit but I think I'd rather build one from scratch if at all possible. I am thinking of starting with a snowmobile engine. I've been reading up on engines a little and I know I would need a reduction drive which is generally more expensive than the used engine itself... then I have to decide what size propeller to use... I'm going to buy the glider part pre-made though because I don't trust myself to build that part obviously haha.
I know I have a TON of research to do before I begin a project of this magnitude and cost. Any reading recommendations etc would be much appreciated.
Hope to "meet" you all soon!
