I read about those airplanes once and they are amazing. If memory serves, they were designed in the Czech Republic and the kit parts may still be produced there. Really well-engineered low-tech.
The best part of the story is what will come next - the Montana expeditions and the engineering perspective that will be applied to so many other things.
So those are the F1 Rocket (https://f1aircraft.com/). I definitely looked into those. They're very cool, but a bit too high powered for my 9 year old on his first aircraft. This is more like a big lego set than an F1 Rocket.
I'm really excited to get this airplane going for real. Now we're in the "hurry up and wait" phase.
There is a factory in Prague where they build complete Zenairs. I had the good fortune of visiting there a few years ago. “German quality at Chinese wages,” they said.
This reminded me of the moment when the 60-something stopped by us and our 4-, 6- and 8-year old on the Annapurna trek and said "I wish I had thought to do this WITH them. Now they are older, they don't have the ability to accompany me."
That's awesome, looks like you both had a great time. And no small feat putting in and removing all those clecos to build the tail. Amazing what kids can do given the education and responsibility.
It was so much fun. He really amazed me. Everyone there was saying how strong you have to be to place and remove the clecos, and he zipped right past them.
He MAY have even "borrowed" a few from other people when we were ahead
I read about those airplanes once and they are amazing. If memory serves, they were designed in the Czech Republic and the kit parts may still be produced there. Really well-engineered low-tech.
The best part of the story is what will come next - the Montana expeditions and the engineering perspective that will be applied to so many other things.
So those are the F1 Rocket (https://f1aircraft.com/). I definitely looked into those. They're very cool, but a bit too high powered for my 9 year old on his first aircraft. This is more like a big lego set than an F1 Rocket.
I'm really excited to get this airplane going for real. Now we're in the "hurry up and wait" phase.
There is a factory in Prague where they build complete Zenairs. I had the good fortune of visiting there a few years ago. “German quality at Chinese wages,” they said.
Fabulous! The photos make it especially inspiring!
Just this line: This all started at the end of 3rd grade, when my son told me he wanted to build an airplane.
Airplane ride smiles are always the biggest.
JUST TOO RAD FOR WORDS!!! 🤩
That is so cool!!!
Its really challenging me as to how I homeschool and the types of projects I could and should be doing with my kids.
its been so much fun. It's made me rethink how I was homeschooling as well.
This reminded me of the moment when the 60-something stopped by us and our 4-, 6- and 8-year old on the Annapurna trek and said "I wish I had thought to do this WITH them. Now they are older, they don't have the ability to accompany me."
This is amazing.
Thank you Rob. Easily one of the coolest things I've done with my kids.
So freakin cool!
Thanks Alex.
That's awesome, looks like you both had a great time. And no small feat putting in and removing all those clecos to build the tail. Amazing what kids can do given the education and responsibility.
It was so much fun. He really amazed me. Everyone there was saying how strong you have to be to place and remove the clecos, and he zipped right past them.
He MAY have even "borrowed" a few from other people when we were ahead
This is so inspiring
Thanks Paul. Far and away one of the coolest things I've ever done.