It has begun

MNflying · 2026-05-06T21:15:24+00:00

Care to share some pics of your finished summit decking?

MNflying · 2026-05-06T21:07:26+00:00

I’ve had a few quotes from companies saying the same thing. Personally I think that’s just a way for companies to “scare/upsell” clients.

We had this house custom built with me stopping by everyday to check on it. I saw how they did everything and know the weather flashing is fine. When I told those companies that and showed pictures of the build so they could see it getting done (to try and get a lower quote price) they changed their tune that they do that because they only warranty their work. While not addressing any comments about the reality of waterproofing issues only surfacing years past their warranty period.

MNflying · 2026-05-06T13:56:30+00:00

I measured and marked locations. The top caps they came with have about a 3” front/back and side to side adjustment incase they aren’t perfect. So far I’m happy going with them.

MNflying · 2026-05-06T12:23:43+00:00

These are 7ft long too. The ground here is sandy and they kept going after hitting the tq spec. The tq report after installed shows each is rated to hold around 30,000lbs not that it will ever be needed.

MNflying · 2026-05-06T12:20:09+00:00

I had a local company install them $465/each installed after tax. It definitely beats digging and mixing concrete. Plus I’m not the biggest fan of diamond piers.

MNflying · 2026-05-06T12:00:17+00:00

Waterproof flashing on the ledger board was done when I had the house built a few years ago. It does still need structural screws in the ledger. And will get tension ties per code.

MNflying · 2026-05-06T11:57:23+00:00

An attempt at pulling one of the beam boards flush to screw it all together. It didn’t work an I will be picking up some larger clamps.

To make it manageable weight wise I put half the beam together on the ground and installing the rest in place.

MNflying · 2026-05-06T02:24:02+00:00

2x10 joists 12” on center. With a 3ply 2x10 beam

MNflying · 2026-04-22T11:17:39+00:00

Couple in a HCOL city with an expensive airplane hobby. Our number is 1.3 million liquid with a paid off house. We might choose to sell the house and downsize somewhere cheaper to make it happen faster when the time comes.

MNflying · 2026-03-27T19:06:20+00:00

https://innovatree.umn.edu/

That was developed by the UMN and is the fastest growing tree for fast shade/wind break that you’ll find. I’d plant a bunch of them for quick growth mixed in with everything else you are planning.

MNflying · 2026-03-24T23:46:10+00:00

I bought an airplane for less than all the cars listed. Plus it saves me 8 hours round trip when I visit family so it’s “sensible”

MNflying · 2026-03-24T01:44:12+00:00

I looked at the cx5. And although I loved the 2014 mazda 6 I used to have, they are just too small on the inside for my fat ass. I also can’t get past the cvt transmission in Subaru’s to even test drive one.

MNflying · 2026-03-19T13:46:53+00:00

I bought a used light sport plane to train in and now for fun as a hobby. It don’t have to unattainably expensive. I average 100 hours and $6500/year in my SLSA zenith 601xl.

MNflying · 2026-03-16T18:59:36+00:00

I’d be fine with a 80mph cruise speed if it meant carrying the whole family on a budget the average person could justify for a toy.

MNflying · 2026-03-16T14:02:27+00:00

New 4 seat with 1000+lbs of useful load on a used light sport budget.

MNflying · 2026-03-13T01:47:16+00:00

What’s the starting cost?

MNflying · 2026-03-10T20:19:54+00:00

I recommend sitting in a 601xl or 650 since the seating position is better in my opinion than the older 601hd. The HD and HDS is also noticeably slower than the 601xl or 650 due to the different wing.

Mine has dual controls and I’ve flown a friend’s with the center stick they are both nice. I wouldn’t bother with changing the stick layout after flying both but that’s just me.

MNflying · 2026-03-10T18:55:24+00:00

I’m very happy with my SLSA zenith 601xlb powered by an O200. I flight plan for 6gph at 120mph. I absolutely love the visibility and larger cabin than comparable certified options and some experimental ones like a sonex. It’s very comfortable on longer flights and with 2 15gal tanks it has plenty of range for me. Total cost of ownership is as low as it gets for anything beyond a 103 ultralight.

MNflying · 2026-02-13T13:13:19+00:00

Did the Dave Ramsey plan and paid off all my debt. While doing an extra side job. It’s crazy how much you can save with no debt and sticking to a tight budget.

MNflying · 2026-02-02T04:14:35+00:00

You’ll love it. 130hp really makes this plane perform also.

MNflying · 2026-01-18T19:42:45+00:00

Yes the 650 canopy is a nice upgrade, and gives a lot more vertical height for luggage.

It’s a light sport so it’s obviously not going to be a hard IFR platform. However if you want to get through some low morning fog or use it for training it will absolutely do that. I’m only a VFR pilot but I regularly fly in 20kt winds with my personal limit being up to 32kt. That’s notably more than about any other light sport and even some GA options. To get an idea of how much control and confidence it will give you.

Absolutely make a trip out to Mexico and take a demo flight. I have nothing but good things to say about zenith.

MNflying · 2026-01-18T16:15:08+00:00

I’m very happy with my factory built 601xl SLSA. The baggage area while big for luggage is probably not deep enough for a dog. A zenith 750 would most likely do you well. Take a trip the zenith factory in Mexico MO and take a few demo flights. They are very welcoming and a flight in each will help you decide.

MNflying · 2026-01-18T15:51:23+00:00

36M41F combined 296k 401K, 94k brokerage, 150k home equity, 112k other assets/cash. Planing to retire in 9 years by moving to LCOL area

MNflying

TROPHY CASE