ORIGINAL: RCKen
Steve,
First of, on your father. This is coming from someone older (I'm 41, so not too old). But it also comes from somebody who's father died 10 years ago. Yes, I was only 31 when my father died.
Not older really, I turned 41 myself April 26. Really sorry to hear of your father, Best Wishes to you. I was very close to my father before the problem started so it is still possible it can be patched. The two of us built my first plane together (Sig Kadet Mark II) when I was 18, and although it was never flown it was one of the best times of my life, and although I had to give the hobby up since just recently, I would like to get him involved with my hobby again, will see what I can do.
but I don't know how to approach him
Try this one on for size. Ring ring (picture a phone ring here!!!). "hello". Hi dad, it's me. How're you doing son??? Hey dad, I got a question for you. Can you teach me to build a plane?? Or fly a plane???
It really is that simple
I know this is going to sound corny, but whatever personal problems you think you have with your dad you need to just throw in the damn garbage can. Because I can tell you this much, there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about my dad and miss him. And we were close!!! So whatever problems you have don't amount to much when you realize that he could be gone tomorrow and then you'll sit around wishing you had been closer. Trust me on this one.
Ok, I'll quit preaching now.
Ken, do you think I am ready for a build like that?
As far as building other planes besides trainers. Just build them. Most of the techniques that you use to build a trainer are used for just about every other kit out there. Just because it's a trainer type airplane doesn't mean that they made the building any easier!!! In fact, I've seen trainers that are harder to build than some of the more aerobatic kits. And speaking from lots of experience, the Something Extra IS easier to build than a trainer is.
Do they sell the Something Extra as a package (engine and kit) reasonable?
Hope this helps
Ken