Source
r/homebuilt•
Jeffzig

EAA SportAir Workshops

Is it worth going to one of these if you're years out from affording a kit project? I've been thinking about a KitFox build and they have a fabric workshop early next month for $350 which sounds exciting but then I remember that just the kit alone costs more than my car... then another 5k for the firewall foreward kit, 20k for rotax, and it just keeps going on. Anyway, I guess I'm wondering if these classes are more for someone that knows they're building soon or what?

Posted Feb 18, 2016, 7:29 PM UTC

106
VelocityDuck•

If you've trying to decide between aluminum, composite or fabric, or you've decided and want see what's involved in the process, these are great to get an idea what you're going to be dealing with.

If you're 5 years out from building... you might want to hold off. Not because anything will change, but more so you don't forget what you've learned.

6
Penguinseatfish•

I did one even though I'm probably years from building - they're fun if nothing else and not too awful expensive to repeat.

3
commentor2•

Great points in the other comments. I've gone to three of these workshops even though I am realistically not going to start building a plane in many years. I just like making things and learning hands-on skills.

I suppose if you are purely rational, it would make sense to wait and save up some money rather than pay to go to a workshop, but going might also help spark interest and keep the dream of building alive. It has for me.

2
JeffzigOP•

All good points... still trying to decide.

2
Dr_Von_SpacemanStits SA6B (in progress)•

I feel like the classes would be fun even if you're not building any time soon, but that's just an opinion. I have never taken one of their stand-alone courses but have enjoyed the workshops at Oshkosh during AirVenture. Hands-on is way more valuable than all the books and videos in the world to me.

As a pseudo-alternative, check out your local EAA chapter if you can. I joined mine and we're building a Pietenpol. I've gotten many hours of hands-on experience with fabric covering over the past few years, plus a lot more, at the low cost of my time and modest yearly dues.

2
projektx•

You never know what's going to happen or whomst you might meet.

1