Hi guys, I just had a flying buddy assemble a 30% edge 540 for my son for his birthday. I would have done it, but it needed to be a surprise. My friend did a very professional job. After the maiden flight, I asked what I owed him for his time.He said to find out what other people charge for assembling an ARF. As we all know, building is a labor of love, as we never really do it to make money. Anyway, I am just curious as to what people are charging for assembling a gas powered 30% airplane. We do a lot of things to keep kids off the streets and in this hobby, but I don't expect him to do it for nothing. Thanks

The best meal money can buy + drink for a start.

There is a huge thread on this very subject. I can't remember which forum, but I think it is this one. I don't feel like looking it up, but you can. Basically, anywhere from one to two times the cost of the ARF. For a 30%, and a good job, the man probably spent at least 30 hours putting it together and setting it all up. Probably more like 50 hours if he set the radio and engine up for you--was it ready to fly? If so, then probably in the neighborhood of 300 to 500 dollars would be the going rate. Of course, we all have friends who will do things for their favorite cold beverage, so this is going to have to be a personal decision, ultimately.

I do this alot for a friend of mine. He gives me the plane and pays for everything I need. If he is not in a hurry, I don't charge him a thing. He'll usually give me a few gallons of fuel or things that I may need that is related to my style of planes and flying. Maybe about $100 worth of stuff might be nice. Like a grab bag with things you know he will need or use would be a nice gesture.

An Arf is not that big a deal like a kit would be. If it were me and you showed up with a bunch of stuff, I'd be fine with it.