In regards to the building light coment earlier, i agree, some of it is talent (patting mikes back). But...my first all wood(organic composite) airframe was bult using hand tools, the local hobbyshops wood which i walked in, grabbed sheets of whatever i needed and walked out (paid for).

Where i saved weight was thinking about wach step, following the plans (cough cough, i tried really), and using basic techniques shared here in these forums. Using Mikes thread, it applies to all airframes. I did not honeycomb my wing, i did not cut lightening holes etc, just built.. you can see my thread in the Insight builds.

Airframe ready to fly 10 lbs 4 oz. This is with an OS 160 and macs clone ppe and aluminum wing tube. Since, knife edge landing.... broke landing gear plate, redesign of that and now sitting at a hefty 10 lbs 8 oz.

I flew at the Nats, landed and weighed 11 .1 with fuel..


So, if you build thoughtfully (carefully) and cautiously, i think anyone can build light, not ridiculously light, but light enough to easily make weight.

just my .05 cents..

Chuck