I disagree with you guys that diminish the cost benefit.  I know it is popular to assume that because it is cheaper it may be inferior, but what I seem to see in the aviation market is that expensive does not necessarily transfer into automatic savings or safety.  Expensive, pedigreed crank shafts fail.  If dollars transferred to reliable or safety, that would not happen.  I know we do not want to appear cavalier, but this "oh, I would never take the cheaper route cuz it must be the more dangerous route" gets old.  It is a red hearing and is just not borne out, in my arrogant opinion.  Mindful evaluation is called for. 

I know, now we will all jump on and say of course, we know that but it is an argument so overused it makes my eyes role.  Yes, COST is a major factor.  If I can build as good or better then good on me.  It is like the urban legend of all the money NASA spent to develop a pen that would write in space....the Russians....well, they used a pencil.  (I think Snopes debunked this even though it is a great story).  I don't mind using the pencil....even though a pen that writes upside down is kinda kewl (yes, I am dating myself a bit with this reference....)

If you postpone replacing your plugs because they are $60 each or you just buy a new set each year for your rotary at less than that for a full premium set, that may be a false economy.  How many certified engines are flying well past their 2000 hrs?  It is my understanding, a lot.   Why, cost prohibitive to replace/rebuild?  Or, maybe, it is just the if its not broke don't fix it.  Who knows?

We seem embarrassed to acknowledge that price matters.  If I can get an as good or better product for much less I should not be embarrassed to do so, I should herald it from the longest runway. I should be embarrassed to pay more for the same thing. While I have enjoyed the build I would also likely love a Cessna Corvallis.  The reality is, on either my cop salary or my lawyer income I could not afford it.  My build gives me entertainment and satisfaction.  That, my friends, is bang for the buck.

When I read "when cost is a major reason, I get nervous" I ask why.  Expensive professionals built the Titanic, Armatures built the ark.  We are by nature those that are willing to step up and try to build a better mousetrap....why not be proud that we can do so at a fraction of the cost and still outperform those expensive lesser brands.   Harbor Freight is a good example.  For things that are not life dependant and if I am not making my living with the tools, are great for my use.  Yes, I have bragging rights if I have a complete set of Snap-on, or Craftsman or whatever, but the HF wrench worked just as well for the purpose intended.  NO, I would not likely want to use a HF part to hold on my wing, but to turn the screw on the nav light on the end of that wing, no problem.

Another example of this not directly related to the engine is my Dynon Skyview.  It is far superior, from what I can see, than the most expensive, and now outdated, steam guages even though many still wish to swear by steam gauges, not to mentions the glass cockpits of the airlines that likely cost in the hudred of thousands of dollars just a few years ago.  More power to them.  I relish the fact I have options

If it were not for the bang for the buck, I would not be able to be involved to this degree with my passion for homebuilt aviation........cost matters and I am not ashamed to say so.

Going is cheaper does not mean going inferior as long as you are mindful about your decision.  I hope to zoom zoom zoom past the boing bangers very soon.....hopefully with a big Rotary knowing smile.

Flame suit on.

Chris Barber