Thorp Air Command - T18.net

Hi,

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Rich
EAA 1379
St. Augustine, FL

Welcome Rich, I built my Thorp, which means you can build one also! Look around and see if you can find a project that has been partly done, I helped 2 other Thorpers do this and in both cases the projects flew very soon, just a little over a year to complete. The started projects are out there and most of the time can be had for a very good price........Dan

Welcome aboard!
Seek out the T-18s at fly ins and airshows that you attend, and see if it's something you might be interested in, then attend some builder's workshops, on Sheet Metal construction, wiring, and the other skills needed.
These were not available in the 1960s and 70s when the T-18 first became established, but they are worth your time.
Join a local EAA chapter in your area. It will bring you into a group of like minded fliers, and help keep you focused on your project.
As Dan pointed out, T-18 (& S-18)s now come in several flavors:
1) You buy the Plans, and you buy the material, then you get started.
2) You buy the plans and some sub assemblies, and material, then get started.
3) You buy a not completed project and finish it.
4) You buy a Flying T-18 (or S-18) and fly it right away.
5) You buy a T-18 that has not been flown for a while and needs some work.
I did option 5.
Good Luck!

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Scott Emery
EAA Chapter 326
T-18 N18TE

Rich - If you ever get down to Daytona (OMN), let me know, I am no 'guru' like Highley or Williams but would be more than happy to take you for a hop & answer questions.

Thanks so much for all of that, I appreciate it. All excellent advice.

I have been to the SportAir sheet metal workshop and really enjoyed it. That's what finally got me pointed to the metal planes. I'm disappointed to see there are no workshops scheduled in Orlando this year, but I'm going to try to get to one of their other electrical workshops.

I do belong to EAA 1379 in Green Cove Springs, it's a great group. We meet at Haller Airpark (7FL4) on the second Saturday of each month at 10:00 AM. We 'd love to see a Thorp if you need somewhere to go on a Saturday!

Doug, thank you very much for your gracious offer, I really appreciate it. You will not have to twist too hard to get me to take you up on that! Once the holiday company is gone and I get back on track at work, I'll send you a message and see if we can find a time that is convenient for you.

Again, thanks very much.

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Rich
EAA 1379
St. Augustine, FL

Hey Rich, we have some real wizards of sheet metal on this forum. These guys don't just buy the stuff that you just rivet together and shazamm your done. These guys are craftsman, they use raw materials and create their flying machines and the better part of these machines are flying works of art and nothing less. Fire away with the questions, no such thing as a crazy question, I considered all of the senior guys on this forum to be my Instructors during my build, learning from these guys was a pleasure. So you have quite possibly tapped into one of the best instructional Forums ever hatched by the Home builders Community, and the most important part is they are all glad to have you!!! Dan