I am not a person with exceptional "craft" skills nor do I have a college degree (yet).  I am a high school graduate with a lot of post high school military training.  I consider myself average to above average in mechanical abilities.  I am certainly no "McGyver" when it comes to mechanical aptitude.  I do not have any metal, fiberglass, or other airplane building experience.  Up until this project, I had only done home improvement type activities (i.e.: finishing a garage, basement, landscaping, etc.).  Working on my cars was limited to oil changes, tire rotations, and the occasional replacement of brake pads.

I graduated high school in 1985 with grades that well, were not impressive to say the least.  I was in the lower half of my graduating class.  Looking back, I just didn't apply myself.  I was to busy socializing, working, and riding my motorcycle.  I wasn't interested in college and it was probably a good thing with my 1.8 GPA.