Avionics, are they needed from get go?
 

I am thinking off building RV-12 next year, so for now I can only plan and read about building options. Since RV-12 can be flown with sport plane licence following Van's plan has to be done diligently in order to get the plane certified as LSA. My question is about avionics. Do you really need $14-15K glass panel to get it certified and fly it ? I am thinking off getting used airspeed, altimeter, tachometer and fuel gauge and add fancy glass panel later. Will I be allowed to fly?
Thanks.

You can build it however you want and as long as you can prove it is safe and get a DAR to sign off on it. You will get the same certification every other RV gets - just not the same as those built exactly to plans.

Since it isn't an issue with the 9A I am building I have no idea on how much it makes a difference in value. The panel would be an easy place to save at least $10k and still have a more advanced machine than most of the general aviation planes out there.

If you build it as an Experimental you can do anything you want. If you build it as an ELSA you must build it just like Van's. You can change things after the pink slip as an ELSA but it must be built per Van's directions/plans exactly. Of course the options (like second screen, ADSB, auto-pilot, etc.) are options.

Van built his personal 12 as an experimental. Others have built the 12 as an experimental with different engines, etc.

Your choice. Of course as an experimental all those rules like a 40 hour fly off, who can sign off inspections, etc. apply.

Bob

The equipment you list won't limit you. But your location is very close to the metropolitan LA area, with lots of class B and C airspace. You'll need a transponder and com radio for those areas, and, by about the time you're done, ADSB-out.

Looks like while I was typing all this you received a few answers to your question, but here's my two cents:

If you want to have your RV-12 registered as an experimental LSA, you must build it exactly the way Van's has designed it--including the avionics they have specified. If you want to use different avionics, you can register your RV-12 as an experimental/amateur-built aircraft. It will still qualify as an LSA, and you can fly it with a sport pilot (or higher) license. There are advantages and disadvantages to each licensing category, but the answer to your question is, yes, you will be allowed to fly an RV-12 with minimal instruments. Having said that, I see you live in Southern California. You are going to need a transponder and com radio to access much of the airspace around here, and you are also going to need a way to navigate to stay out of the airspace you aren't allowed to fly in, so you'll probably want GPS, too.

All RV-12s built by individuals are "experimental". What Bob means in the above post when he says "experimental" he means "experimental amateur-built".
To build as "experimental light-sport" it must be built exactly per plans with components purchased from Vans. To qualify as ELSA you must submit a statement of compliance (FAA form 8130-15). This form must come from the kit manufacturer and the kit manufacturer can only supply it if all components come from them.

Looks like several typing at the same time.

Thank you guys! I am new to flying and airplane building, so there is so much to learn.
RV-12 is supposed to be fast build, even for inexperienced builder. My concern is the money, it would take me about a year to save up $14-15k for fancy avionics. It's good to know that I have option off spending less and flying sooner. What would I loose if I go cheap on instruments? Coolness factor I suppose, LOL

Since you wish to save money there may be an easier way to do so.;) If you have never built an airplane before then going off script may increase your build time by 30%. Consider monitoring the Classified Section of Vans where you can find different sub sections for approximately 20% less than retail. Just a few months back there was a complete RV12 kit still in the Shipping boxes for approximately $57,000.00. For someone who is patient and has the time to travel and is pick up a uhaul he could save thousands.;) Good luck!:)

When I built my -9 I had the same thoughts regarding the panel. I discovered that installing a Dynon D180 connected to a Garmin handheld GPS was a LOT less expensive and a LOT more functional. (I have since upgraded to a SkyView and can't say enough about it!)

If you want to save money, do not buy a RV-12, buy a used factory-built plane instead. Or do not even buy a plane. Practically speaking, many times it is quicker and safer and less expensive to drive or fly commercial airlines.
On the other hand, if you want a fun toy, buy a RV-12 (or RV-9 if the medical rules are changed). It is fun to build and to fly. Since the goal is to have fun with your new toy, you will not be satisfied with old used instruments. Buy the expensive avionics to have even more fun with. Just make sure the transponder meets the 2020 requirements. In some cases, new steam gauges can cost just as much as glass panels.