As came up in the multitude of threads on inexpensive aircraft, everyone has different requirements for an "inexpensive" aircraft. I maintain, my primary use for such an aircraft will be relaxing after work on fun flights in the evening.
I love the idea of a hummelbird/ultracruiser. They almost meet my requirements.
However:
1) I am not comfortable with the idea of hand-proping my aircraft, so I need an electrical system and starter.
2) To feel fully comfortable in the national airspace system in the area of the country I operate, I need to have a transponder, radio, ADS-B out and ADS-B in capabilities. Luckily I already have an electrical system from point (1). Unfortunately, for the in capabilities to be meaningful, I now need a GPS. This probably ends up being a Dynon Skyview.
3) My interior will not be bare bones. It will be finished like a fine automobile. I hate the "cheap", "unfinished" feel of homebuilts.
4) It will have a nice paint-job.
These requirements will drive a higher weight and higher cost (I would approximate it as $10,000, but could be more) than a completely bare-bones machine. It will also burn more fuel than a bare-bones machine. With an $8,000 aerovee engine I'm already pushing $20,000 with no airframe (which is what I classified as "inexpensive"). Luckily, many of the additional pieces can be added after first flight, I just have to plan and build with that in mind.
The Minicoupe fits these requirements pretty well. Published empty weight is 497 lbs. Gross weight is 900 lbs.
497lbs empty + (probably a low approximation)
200lbs pilot + (a high approximation that allows a fair amount of "growth")
90lbs fuel +
100lbs (interior, additional avionics, paint - hopefully this is a high approximation)
______________________________
887 lbs gross
I love the idea of a hummelbird/ultracruiser. They almost meet my requirements.
However:
1) I am not comfortable with the idea of hand-proping my aircraft, so I need an electrical system and starter.
2) To feel fully comfortable in the national airspace system in the area of the country I operate, I need to have a transponder, radio, ADS-B out and ADS-B in capabilities. Luckily I already have an electrical system from point (1). Unfortunately, for the in capabilities to be meaningful, I now need a GPS. This probably ends up being a Dynon Skyview.
3) My interior will not be bare bones. It will be finished like a fine automobile. I hate the "cheap", "unfinished" feel of homebuilts.
4) It will have a nice paint-job.
These requirements will drive a higher weight and higher cost (I would approximate it as $10,000, but could be more) than a completely bare-bones machine. It will also burn more fuel than a bare-bones machine. With an $8,000 aerovee engine I'm already pushing $20,000 with no airframe (which is what I classified as "inexpensive"). Luckily, many of the additional pieces can be added after first flight, I just have to plan and build with that in mind.
The Minicoupe fits these requirements pretty well. Published empty weight is 497 lbs. Gross weight is 900 lbs.
497lbs empty + (probably a low approximation)
200lbs pilot + (a high approximation that allows a fair amount of "growth")
90lbs fuel +
100lbs (interior, additional avionics, paint - hopefully this is a high approximation)
______________________________
887 lbs gross
