So, I've wanted to build a plane since my dad got an RV4 when I was about 16. I flew a C150/150 at the time, and liked the high wings, plus always liked to explore off the beaten path. So about 2 years ago, while deployed in Afghanistan, I thought to myself that I'd have a plane if only I'd started building about 4 years ago.

I started researching what to build and ran across the CH-750. Other planes I considered were the CH-801 and the bearhawk. I love the bearhawk, but could not afford the O-360 or larger engine I'd want to put on it and with the added cost of CS prop, well, it would be out of my reach for now. The CH-801 would be great, but if I get 4 seats I'd want it for going further than the speed of a CH-801 would be suited for. So, I had to think about how I would use the plane. I've not flown solo for a while (I fly with my dad when I'm back home or when he comes to visit in his plane), but did a lot when younger. Most of my flying was just putting around my hometown and the countryside and mountains around there. I considered the CH-650 for the added speed, but finally decided that I'd love to live out my dreams of landing in a meadow or riverbank and break out my fly rod for some fishing. 

So, here I am deployed again, but now I have ordered my plans. They should get here the first of next week. I built a desk out of a bed frame (this time I have beds instead of cots, and an actual room instead of a tent). I ordered a roll of paper and some aluminum construction squares from Amazon and have an idea of how to make a drafting table with what I've got. I'll post pictures when I get it set up. My plan is to make paper templates while I am here, and study all I can on the plans. I've got some of the Home Built Help videos and worked for a while at the local airport when I was a kid (back when I flew a lot) and learned a lot (I'm not an A&P- just helped out in the shop- everything I did was inspected and signed off by the A&Ps). I've been watching the EAA help videos on their website for over a year now and finally feel confident enough to start hands on learning. I've got a background in woodworking, so it will be super easy to use spray adhesive and stick my templates to the appropriate wood, cut them out, then duplicate (where needed) using flush trim router bits, then go to town making parts using my cutting and forming blocks. 

I do plan on buying some parts and components from Zenith. I'll make a list as I study the plans. I will browse the posts on the Zenith forums to learn from you all as well. 

It's great to see all your completed projects and your progress on the uncompleted ones. What a great community of builders.