Eagler's Nest

General Category => Builders logs => Topic started by: BillTheBuilder on August 17, 2022, 03:13:57 PM

Title: Bill's LEXL build in Texas
Post by: BillTheBuilder on August 17, 2022, 03:13:57 PM

Hey there! I'm Bill. I'm a student pilot in the Houston area, slowly learning and building hours to take my checkride soon. My end goal is to eventually get my commercial license, and I figure a good way to build more hours with my PPL is to have my own plane instead of renting from a school since it gets expensive. I thought why not build one? I originally was set on the Aerolite 103 and registering it so I could log hours, but someone recommended to me the LEXL since Leonard is right nearby. A light aircraft that is easy on fuel, that I can register (already talked to the FSDO), and that I can possibly treat like a STOL plane? Sure!

So last year I bought a set of plans, watched build videos, bought the wood and metal kit from John Bolding, bought a prop from Performance Propellers, and have a 45hp 1/2 VW sitting pretty in its crate. Life kinda got in the way for the past year so progress has been nil with everything sitting in a stack, but once it cools down more I'm pushing myself to finally start. I've been slowly accumulating some tools and got myself a corner spot in a hangar on the same airfield as Leonard, so I'll have the boss right there to help out.

Once I get things rolling, I'll share updates!

Title: Re: Bill's LEXL build in Texas
Post by: DA Miller on August 17, 2022, 07:05:21 PM

Well Bill it sure looks like you have made a big financial commitment. Now it's time to make that same mental commitment. And it sounds like you have. You'll have to put some time in a 172 to get your dual in and do your radio work and cross country flights. So keep us posted.  We like to follow builds.

Title: Re: Bill's LEXL build in Texas
Post by: Kamcoman77 on August 17, 2022, 10:20:00 PM

Welcome aboard! Hope you can get started soon. For inspiration read through Chuck's XL in Indiana build log. Very interesting stuff there.

Title: Re: Bill's LEXL build in Texas
Post by: Dan_ on August 18, 2022, 07:22:28 PM

Bill,
Dunno how old you are but if you are say 40 or so, don't go anywhere near an airport with ATP...  They will have yer ass sitting in the right seat of a 747 so fast your head will spin...

Not a joke...

Title: Re: Bill's LEXL build in Texas
Post by: pappyadkins on May 30, 2023, 07:21:15 PM

Any updates? Hopefully We'll meet June 10th @ Leonard's...