Stéphane Lee

P3X is my code name for a homebuilt airplane project. It can fly three times faster than a car and without getting a speed ticket. I am still studying and researching my options in building an airplane. Before starting the project, I must know that I can finish it and in how many hours. With the advancement in technology, I do not want to fly an airplane that is as old as or older than me (30+). The basics of aerodynamics remain the same. But a thirty-year old sheet of metal is quite old although they are properly maintained and safe. I have compiled a short list of airplanes that fit my profile and that are sold in kit: 2 or 4 seats, single engine, fixed landing gear, 700-900 lbs useful load, min. 100kts cruise speed (185 km/h), 800-1000km range. The kit provide only the body. You have to add an engine, the electric and avionics equipment. It is literally your choice.

I’ve made some notes on things to have or to do:

• Take rudder building class. The rudder is the initial component that you usually build.
• Talk with fellow builders in the area.
• Remain with proven aviation engine. Do not use auto engine. Used, overhauled Lycoming engine OK for example.
• Panel: Auto-pilot, GPS, angle-of-attack indicator, engine cylinder monitors, oil heater, night VFR (IFR optional), long range fuel tank, audio intercom panel. No oxygen.
• Prime internal parts with non-cancerigenic material.

I am fairly confident in the basic mechanical building process (cleco, rivet, deburring…) now but I am less familiar with the engine, avionics and electrical system so far (I did not know what was a cleco six months ago).

This project will be re-evaluated regularly during 2008. I have more to read and research.

Life is short. People still die in six months with cancer. It will be diagnosed too late and the chemotherapy will not be enough. 50 is young nowadays. You can live 30 more years without becoming senile. Live your life. Don’t have any regret.

Have you noticed that after a Mac OS X software update, it gives you only two choices: reboot or shutdown? WTF? Where is the “no, I’ll reboot later” button? In Windows, the Apple software updater (iTunes, Quicktime, Safari) gives you the choice to reboot later. It’s quite ironic that you can do it in Windows but are forced to reboot on Mac OS X. Where’s the user freedom?