I'm building a KR-1/-1B. The reasons are: (A) I enjoy soaring: Makes twice the pilot out of you in half the time while still giving you the opportunity to fly a missed approach; something you don't get in a normal glider. (B) I haven't flown in years and recertifying in a motorglider makes for quick time building very cheaply. (C) After building my time back up, transitioning back to Private Pilot will be very quick, simple and, my favorite, CHEAP. Building the wings for the KR-1B is as simple as building a spare set of wings only longer. The plans and supplement for the -1B wings were cheap enough, too.
To date, I have invested less than $3000 in my plane. Included was a ground looped KR-2 complete with HAPI engine and mount, Diehl gear, hydraulic brakes, flight and engine instruments, new canopy (still boxed), all the important hardware (hinges, control linkages, etc.), and various serviceable parts. (Cost: $1000 less the outer wings I sold for $150; Net $850). The KR-1 kit was purchased on eBay for $1550 as was working the Edo Aire 563A transceiver ($200). Various supplies (foam, fiberglass, epoxy, etc.) still keeps the total well under $3K. By the time I'm finished, I expect to have a total of around $5,000 invested for essentially two planes. So, why build the KR-1B? It's CHEAP and will allow me to own two separate planes in one! You're absolutely right when you say there will be a slew of motorgliders coming on the market in the $25,000 range but why build one of those when you can have a multi-purpose fun plane like the KR? I suspect for most builders, the vast majority of flying will be solo anyway. My 2 cents worth. Gene, Worland, Wyoming When you give a lesson in meanness to a critter or a person, don't be surprised if they learn their lesson. -------Original Message------- From: KRnet List-Post: krnet@list.krnet.org Date: 07/27/04 17:48:53 To: KRnet Subject: @WL Re: KR> law of unitended consequences/Sport Pilot >Not even going to start the KRMotorglider thing as I sure there are going to >be a ton of new motorglider designs hit the market Cost will still be a factor. Most of the new ones will be $25,000+ > but remember, sport pilot >also has a new of max 120 kts. and not just the stall. This allows for smaller VW engines? High lift, slow speed, less gas, and lower price. Larry Severson Fountain Valley, CA 92708 (714) 968-9852 lar...@socal.rr.com _______________________________________ to UNsubscribe from KRnet, send a message to krnet-le...@mylist.net please see other KRnet info at http://www.krnet.org/info.html
