How good are the quickbuild kits?
Most builders, whether they’re building a QB or have just had a look at one, will tell you the QB kits are a very good value. The QB kits are well-built and there is no reason someone couldn’t make one into an award winner. They will save you a ton of time, so if your focus is on getting done and flying, the QB is a good way to go. Don’t be misled by the name however — yes, you will save a lot of time doing a QB kit, but there’s nothing “quick” (or easy) about building an airplane under the 51% rule no matter how you slice it. You’ll still have to have, or be able to develop, all the skills (metalwork, plumbing, electrical, etc.) that it takes to build a “slow-build” kit. You’ll have to rivet and drill and cut and form and trim and smooth and deburr just like people who build the regular kits. And just like them, you’ll curse the plans and manual. Sure, the QB plans and manual are generally easier to follow than the slow-build, but they still don’t lead you by the hand step by step. A
