Comparative Analysis: Choosing The Kit Aircraft That's Right for You

Worksheet 4: The Kit

Now let's examine the kit. This is one of the most important things to look at; remember, you're not buying a finished aircraft, but you're buying the means to build an aircraft.

Get familiar with the kit and required building techniques, tools, skills, etc. For the purposes of this worksheet, assume you're familiar with each aircraft and its kit. If you don't know, it's worth your time to find out beforehand.

Kit Aircraft Comparative Analysis
Worksheet 4: Aircraft Kit		 Kit A: Kit B:
Weight AIRCRAFT KIT Rating Score Rating Score
Completeness of Kit
What's not included?
Are parts ready for assembly or do I need to make / finish them?		 3
2
1 		3
2
1
Quality of Kit
Am I getting the best quality?		 3
2
1 		3
2
1
Kit Build Time
How long will it realistically take to build?		 3
2
1 		3
2
1
Component Kits
Can I buy and build each section at the time?		 3
2
1 		3
2
1
Required Skills
Do I have the skills and expertise to build this?		 3
2
1 		3
2
1
Required Tools
What kind of tools do I need?		 3
2
1 		3
2
1
Required Jigs
Will I need to spend extra time and money on jigs or fixtures?		 3
2
1 		3
2
1
Required Workshop
What size is needed? What about ventilation and controlled heat?		 3
2
1 		3
2
1
Availability of Kit Options / Upgrades
Can I get floats or other options?		 3
2
1 		3
2
1
Availability of Individual Parts
How much does the factory charge for individual parts / spares?
How available are they?		 3
2
1 		3
2
1
Starter Kit
Can I try it out before buying the complete kit?		 3
2
1 		3
2
1
Is the kit on the approved FAA list for amateur-built eligibility? 3
2
1 		3
2
1
Will I enjoy building this kit?
Can spouse or kids get involved with this type of kit?		 3
2
1 		3
2
1
Other 3
2
1 		3
2
1
Worksheet 4: The Kit
TOTAL SCORE		 TOTAL
KIT A:		 TOTAL
KIT B:

 One more to go: Let's finish with Worksheet 5: Costs

CHOOSING YOUR KIT HOME Worksheet 1
FLYING		 Worksheet 2
DESIGN		 Worksheet 3
COMPANY		 Worksheet 5
COSTS
Zenith Aircraft HOME ZODIAC CH 601 STOL CH 701

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