Advertise on podcast: We Are NOT Experts: An Airplane Building Podcast

In Episode 15, Chris and Tim discover that confidence peaks right before you drill your finger. They cover access-panel optimism, aileron push tubes, solo wing-handling regrets, and what happens when the tech finally works… except the video. Progress was made. Lessons were learned. Expertise remains theoretical.

In this episode of We Are Not Experts, two amateur airplane builders catch up on real progress, unexpected detours, and the kind of decisions that always seem to spark strong opinions. We talk shop updates from the Cleveland Skunk Works and the Gilbertson AeroFactory, navigating confusing plans, thinking ahead to maintenance and future upgrades, and why experimental aviation has a way of forcing you to slow down and rethink your next move. Along the way, we wander into a few topics guaranteed to light up the comments — including smoke systems, electrical choices, and the many ways builders convince themselves they’re doing the “right” thing. As always, we’re not experts — just builders figuring it out one decision at a time.

In this episode, Chris and Tim hit a major RV-8 milestone: finishing the bulk of the fuselage canoe riveting and somehow pulling off a full riveting session with zero drill-outs. They talk tool wins, custom yokes, avionics planning, magnetometer placement, finishing-kit realities, and the ever-present ProSeal anxiety. Chris finally solves his aileron push-tube problem with welding, sandblasting, Cerakote, and an impressive amount of bright orange overspray that would make an Oompa Loompa proud. There’s travel talk, shop upgrades, future kit planning, and the usual realization that you only get good at something right after you’re done doing it. We are not experts — but sometimes the rivets get lucky.

After burning an hour trying to make Riverside work (again), Chris and Tim retreat to the warm, forgiving arms of Zoom — a platform that at least pretends to like them. In this episode, the guys recap the Great Recording Meltdown of 2025, followed immediately by an actual near-meltdown: Tim almost flipping his canoe-stage RV-8 while Chris looks on in a mixture of concern and morbid curiosity. CG matters, folks. They dive into the forward-skin riveting marathon, the seatbelt-bracket-to-the-kidneys experience, the mysterious bucking bar incident, and the riveting miracle: not a single rivet drilled out during their work session. (Please don’t expect that again.) Tim confesses to forgetting he installed nuts on his fuel-selector bracket. Chris pretends to be surprised.The guys also talk brake-line bracket sorcery, 3D-printed goodies, welding ambitions, and why Houston heat turns grease guns into crime scenes. They close with plans for episode intros, classic-rock walk-in vibes, and their ongoing quest to produce a “better podcast” while steadfastly remaining… Not Experts.

After a six-month “we definitely meant to publish that” gap, Chris and Tim are back in the shop and back on the mics. Chris catches everyone up on life outside the Gilbertson Aerofactory: fully exiting the film and TV world (farewell, John Wick wrap gifts), growing his advisory business, hiring a team, and bouncing between graduations and family trips instead of riveting wings. The airplane hasn’t moved much, but the long game is clear: build the business now so future-Chris can actually finish and fly the RV-8. Tim, on the other hand, has been in full send mode. Since the last episode he’s turned a pile of fuselage parts into a real RV-8 canoe, installed dual fuel pumps and a custom fuel selector setup, and cut a big, terrifying, totally worth-it access panel into the side of the fuselage so Future Tim doesn’t have to do inverted yoga under the subpanel at age 65. He walks through brake line upgrades, why he’s throwing money at stainless braided lines instead of plastic, and how his 4 a.m. build routine is the only way any of this gets done. Somewhere in the middle of all that, Tim’s daughter decided to join the United States Marine Corps (to Chris’s great delight), a 200-horsepower IO-360 “hot-rod” engine showed up in Tim’s garage and got lovingly pickled, and the guys started sniffing around a two-plane hangar they absolutely don’t need yet but absolutely want. They talk about fellow builders finally getting first flights, why RV-8s keep stealing their hearts, how AI is quietly writing half their YouTube metadata, and what it’s like to restart a podcast when life — and airplane projects — haven’t slowed down at all.

In Episode 10 of We Are Not Experts, Chris and Tim catch up after a long stretch away from the shop and dive deep into the latest round of RV-8 building chaos. Chris returns to the project with a vengeance—facing down long-neglected rear spar fixes, wrestling with questionable rivets, and discovering that CherryMax rivets have exactly two moods: perfect and absolutely not. Meanwhile, Tim goes full Air Force safety-review mode after the Rob Holland accident and engineers a clever (and actually elegant?) solution to ensure his wingtip hinge-pin block can never jam an aileron. It’s a rare moment where overthinking pays off. The guys talk wingtip redesigns, fiberglass confidence levels, Insta360 camera power systems, and Tim’s accidental new side-hustle selling experimental airplane parts. They also tour the new Chennault Airfield development, discuss hangar hopes, Oshkosh prep, and the ongoing struggle to build airplanes while also affording airplanes. It’s classic We Are Not Experts: two RV-8 builders, equal parts enthusiasm and self-doubt, figuring it out as they go — and sharing every win, mistake, and improvised solution along the way.

In this definitely not episode 8 (RIP, echo chamber), Tim’s plane turns composite, Chris orders the wrong parts—twice—and an Amazon driver gets a goat he never asked for. We talk camera mounts, secret fiberglass techniques, and the joys of closing out elevator ends… only to find a rogue rivet rattling inside. Plus, Tim saves everyone's fuselage orders from disaster, and we debate whether you can actually build an airplane without eventually adding USB ports and missile switches. If you've ever asked, “Can I build and fly a plane without accidentally creating a podcast about it?”—the answer is no. Definitely not.

Chris and Tim are back after a short break, catching up on their airplane builds, customer service frustrations, and unexpected podcast listeners in Oman. Tim dives deep into the challenges of fiberglass work on his wingtips, including fixing past mistakes and the nerve-wracking process of cutting them down. Meanwhile, Chris debates whether to move his build to a hangar and shares his latest struggles with long lead times on simple parts. Plus, a surprise power outage adds some drama to Tim’s latest round of fiberglass work. All that, plus a donkey cameo in the outro!

In this episode of We Are Not Experts, Chris and Tim dive into their latest amateur airplane-building adventures, from riveting woes and fiberglass fixes to 3D-printed drill guides and parts-ordering nightmares. Along the way, they discuss project management for builders, tools they wish they had sooner, and the eternal struggle of waiting for shipments. If you’ve ever wondered how not to build an RV-8, this is the podcast for you.

In this episode of 'We Are Not Experts,' hosts Chris and Tim discuss their recent experiences in flight training, including nausea during spin training and the challenges of airplane building. They share insights on panel design for the RV-8, welding techniques, and updates on their respective projects. The conversation also touches on the importance of community among builders and the learning process involved in constructing an aircraft. The episode wraps up with a preview of future topics and a light-hearted discussion about their podcast journey.

In this episode of 'We Are Not Experts', Chris and Tim discuss their ongoing airplane building projects, focusing on the complexities of electrical system design, the acquisition of a helicopter engine, and the intricacies of panel wiring. They share insights on collaborating with Dynon for advanced avionics and the potential of 3D printing in their projects. The conversation highlights the challenges and excitement of building experimental aircraft, emphasizing the learning journey involved. In this engaging conversation, Chris and Tim delve into the intricacies of building an aircraft, sharing personal anecdotes and challenges faced during the process. They discuss workspace setups, the journey of construction, and the various hurdles encountered, particularly with rivets and specific components like flaps. The dialogue also touches on community feedback and the evolution of their podcast, highlighting the importance of sharing experiences in the aviation building community.

Join Chris and Tim as they discuss their latest triumphs and setbacks in airplane building. From skinning wings to dealing with pesky rivets, they cover the highs and lows of a hands-on approach. This episode dives into practical tips, lessons learned, and future plans, with a few laughs along the way.

In this second episode of We Are Not Experts, Chris and Tim dive into their latest progress, challenges, and lessons learned while building Van's RV-8 experimental aircraft. From fitting fiberglass wingtips and exploring Cerakote as a durable coating option to discussing riveting techniques and tool hacks, the duo shares detailed insights and the occasional humorous misstep. They also reflect on the value of clear plans (or lack thereof), the nuances of dimpling aluminum, and strategies for tackling tricky assemblies like flaps and bottom skins. Listeners from around the world, including a shoutout to Matthew in Australia, chime in with feedback and encouragement. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast, a fellow builder, or simply curious about the world of experimental aircraft, this episode offers a mix of practical advice, camaraderie, and inspiration. Tune in for more laughs, lessons, and the joy of building something extraordinary in your garage.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of We Are NOT Experts: An Airplane Building Podcast! Meet Chris and Tim, two passionate DIYers taking on the challenge of building Vans RV8 airplanes—one rivet, one mistake, and one laugh at a time. In this episode, the hosts introduce themselves, share their aviation backgrounds, and dive into the ups and downs of experimental aviation. From the infamous “Corner of Shame” filled with discarded parts to unexpected bonus holes and donkeys invading the workspace, Chris and Tim reflect on what it really means to be an enthusiastic amateur. Listen in as they discuss: Their personal journeys into aviation and DIY aircraft building. The challenges of balancing life, work, and a labor-intensive passion project. Why they document every mistake (no matter how embarrassing). If you’ve ever dreamed of building your own airplane or just want to laugh along with two non-experts figuring it out as they go, this is the podcast for you! Follow along on YouTube for visual highlights and more misadventures: Chris: ⁠That Hippie Pilot⁠ Tim: ⁠T-Flight⁠