I too was considering building a 601XL when I retire in 4 years. But a few things changed my mind:
1. I think there were 2 incidents of in-flight break ups. The latest one happened this summer and killed someone I knew. On top of that, the plane was a factory-built and the weather was calm. The pilot was experienced and not a hot-shot.
2. I don't have a place to do it. My garage is too small, and the hangar isn't suitable.
3. The state of KS taxes an airplane based on its market value. If I spend $30K on a kit, $30K on engine and instrument, and the plane is worth say $85K when completed, they'll tax it based on $85K. The annual property tax on a $20K C152 is over $1000. I don't want to pay over $4000 of airplane property tax per year.
So I'll stick with my 152. It'll be 30 yrs old and tax-exempted at the end of 2009. When I can no longer pass a medical, I'll give up flying or buy a used LSA.
Hung,
Have you considered moving to Texas after you retire? No property tax on aircraft! We'd love to have ya.
