My Highlander was my first fabric covering job, I had to buy an extra gallon of adhesive. Whichever system you use it's probably worth it to get some extra. Same goes for the Hysol structural adhesive, the kit comes with plenty but it will shut you down if a can goes bad (it gets grainy).
A homebuilders hardware kit like this:
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/pages/ha/ ... rdware.phpI recommend buying at least 50 extra:
- Cable thimbles
- nicropress sleeves
- 50 feet
extra of stainless 3/32 control cable (because "I cut that cable three times and it's still too short!")
1 dozen each
extra adel cushioned clamps from DG4 to DG12
1/2 dozen each plain clamps, 1/4 and 5/16
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/a ... ckkey=4904panel systems are evolving pretty rapidly. There may be a whole new thing available when it's time to install yours; for instance, touchscreens have recently been added to the Dynon line, and Garmin just announced a new line. Engines are evolving, too, and the engine you've chosen may get upgraded between kit arrival and firewall forward work.
I concur on the avionics, plus they come in small, easy to ship packages.
If you are going with a new Rotax 912, it comes in a crate approximately 3 feet cubed and weighs around 200lbs. I would be tempted to buy it and include it in the container to save $$$ on shipping costs. The risk, as others have pointed out, is that you will miss out on an upgrade, but upgrades are not too frequent.
I've seen the plexiglas windscreen on a couple of Highlanders, it is very nice and stays nice longer. I may buy one eventually, but I have replaced my Lexan windscreen once and it's very easy. Using the old windscreen as a template, it takes less than 4 hours. For now, my plan is to replace the Lexan every couple of years.
Depending on where you fly out of, I recommend buying a second set of wheels and mounting some durable pavement tires (especially for training). It's nice to have some pavement touch-and-go tires and save the Airstreaks for off-airport ops. Also include a couple of cans of Herculiner truck bed liner to put a sacrificial coating on your Airstreaks.
Last, go to Oshkosh next summer, it's especially fun when you're building a plane and in the market for tools and parts, buy your avionics there and carry them home.
Thanks for letting me spend some of your money, I'm tired of spending mine all the time.