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-   -   Where did you hit the wall? (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=101200)

Paul K 06-25-2013 11:00 AM

Totally agree with Flion! I finished my build and was ready to fly but I hadn't done any of the paperwork, fed registration, state registration, finding a DAR, any paperwork for the engine or airframe data plates, all the forms for the airworthiness app, airmanship cert, equipment warranty forms, piles of FAA forms, POH, flight test program, etc etc etc! Anyway, all of this stuff took me 6 months! When you think everything is done, you've only just started! Happy paperwork. :D

Dbro172 06-25-2013 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul K (Post 782631)
Totally agree with Flion! I finished my build and was ready to fly but I hadn't done any of the paperwork, fed registration, state registration, finding a DAR, any paperwork for the engine or airframe data plates, all the forms for the airworthiness app, airmanship cert, equipment warranty forms, piles of FAA forms, POH, flight test program, etc etc etc! Anyway, all of this stuff took me 6 months! When you think everything is done, you've only just started! Happy paperwork. :D

So, Are there any good resources for this process? I did not know it was such a process. I thought this would just be a couple nights of paperwork:eek:

Rupester 06-25-2013 12:55 PM

EAA has a paperwork "kit" ...
 
... runs about $15 or so, has all the paperwork and forms you need. But be forewarned, many of the FAA forms have been superceded by a newer release or version since the EAA assembled the kits. My DAR said the FAA will reject any form that's not the latest one issued, even if your older form has all the info they need. Check the FAA website to see the latest version of all forms.

pierre smith 06-25-2013 01:07 PM

We borrowed $25,000 from our local bank for a used engine and the basic avionics. We overhauled the engine (O-360 from a flipped Mooney) ourselves with some A&P help.

Never regretted it.

Best,

flion 06-25-2013 01:35 PM

The paperwork kit is handy. My DAR was very helpful and reviewed all my paperwork via email before he made the trip up from PHX to inspect my plane; it took some back and forth before we were done. On the day, he showed up with everything printed out, including my operating limitations, and the post-inspection paper party was pretty smooth. Other things, like the POH, are up to you. My RV-6A POH is pretty basic. The one for the -10 will be more complex, not including the supplemental manuals for all the avionics. Research and decision-making are all part of the process.

Beer30? 06-26-2013 07:10 AM

Used engine
 
Im roughly at the same point. Here is my plan for staying busy. Also, I refuse to go into debt for this, so I'm working overtime to pay for the stuff I describer here.

I took the $$ I was saving for my engine, and found a good core her on VAF. Since then, I've been methodically sending out pieces to ECi and the other engine shops to get refurbished. Is is going to save me quite a bit on the engine, and I'm getting an engine education in the process. I've researched electronic ignitions, and still need to do some research on fuel injection.

In the meantime, I built (and rebuilt) the fuel system, designed and started on the electrical layout, fiberglassed the empennage tips, and took my Ham radio license test (so I could install an APR). Thanks to Pete Howell, I'm building my own APR antenn. I rolled my own Nav lights, am building up the wing tips with APR, Nav and strobes, etc. Also bought the ELT and strobe backet kits from Vans, and installed them. I found someone with an engine mount he wasn't using, and bought it so I could save some $$ on the finishing kit and could also lay out the firewall.

This far, I haven't run out of things to do. Good luck!

David

Paul K 06-26-2013 09:19 AM

As mentioned, the EAA kit is very helpful but it is just a guideline. Plus it assumes you have already done your homework! I on the other hand assumed it woud be easy and simple. (OK, I confess I used the FAA for my inspection and I beg of you, USE A DAR!)

The forms are easy to make mistakes on. For example, when I filled out the FAA registration form, it was very specific as to the format of the builders name; Last First Middle. When you read the EAA information kit on the data plate, it just says to put builders name on first line or somthing like that. So, I put: First, Middle, Last. Had the data plate engraved and installed it like a proud builder. The first thing the FAA guy did was take the registration over to the data plate and started shaking his head. What's the problem? It's me, we're the same guy! Nope! Stop everything and start over with new data plate, schedule, paperwork, etc. GRRRRR (I beg of you, USE A DAR who will help with the paperwork!)

There are so many placed to screw up the forms, use a DAR who will help get through it.

Anyway, between completed construction and first flight was 6 months caused in part by not having paperwork stuff done that I should have. So you can start very early in the build getting some of this done when you have lots of time.


Also as mentioned, use the time to find/design a paint look that you really like. This took me almost a year of exploring and rolls and rolls of masking tape on the sides before I settled on the final plan. This was a fun process that I worked on when I didn't feel like pounding rivets. Printed lots of profiles and drew lots of designs.

bret 06-26-2013 11:02 AM

That is some good info. Thanks

BSwayze 06-26-2013 01:24 PM

I'm going through the same thing here, too, Bret. I found a great deal on an engine, but it really cleaned me out, financially. I haven't gone into debt at all, and I hope to keep it that way. But I've been spinning my wheels a lot, trying to keep busy and make progress with small bits here and there. I'm working on my electrical wiring, learning a lot, and I keep finding small things to do. It's hard to progress though, when everywhere you turn there's something you need that you don't have.

TerryWighs 06-26-2013 02:52 PM

The "Wall"
 
I am at the "Wall" and understand this place well. I have decided to retrace my steps in the builders manual. I highlighted in "Pink" when I had to skip ahead on a task, and plan on returning to all these pages to make sure I completed those silly little things you forget about. I am also at the point that I am revisiting instrument panel design, current product availability, and thinking out electrical wiring. All I need now is 6 very lucky numbers, and the financial slow down is over....:)


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