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-   -   Kit build time (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=128457)

TXHardWorker 08-10-2015 08:48 AM

Kit build time
 
Last night I put in my order for the tail kit. Obviously, I'm terribly excited. This will likely be a long process for me, but as a planner I do like to project as much as possible.

I know the estimated hours for the RV-10 are around 2,000, but one thing I haven't seen is a breakdown by kit and the other portions. In particular I'm looking for time estimates for the kits. Can anyone give projections for me ??

I know that builds are dependent upon experience of course but am just wanting to get an idea. Maybe even percentages of time. Like the tail took 10% or 15% of the overall build time, etc. I want estimates for the four kits. Thank you everyone ahead of time.

Low Pass 08-10-2015 09:03 AM

The one major variable in the equation is how fast *you* build. Not knowing this, no one can estimate. It'll be done when you finish the last step.

Sorry. Not trying to be flippant. But it's all up to you and your pace.

Other important questions you need to be researching is what level of quality you want. Want to "hire" some help on assemblies, etc? Want to go with a minimal shop/tool setup, or have a state-of-the-art airplane factory? How about work flow in your shop?? Are you going to build at/near home, or the airport? (The latter could kill you and your marriage, and you'll double your build time...) You should understand these things before picking up a part.

You want to take advantage of all the little tips and tricks that you can to to customize the plane, or just build to the plans? Want to prime every part? (I wouldn't. Who cares if the plane lives 100 years versus 40.)

Two things I tell people thinking about the building process are, follow the plans (sequentially), and spend plenty of time understanding what the step you're trying to accomplish looks like in your mind. Time spent standing in your shop looking at the drawings and reading the plans over and over is not productive build time. Know what you're going to do before picking up the parts. Reworking is even worse!

ppilotmike 08-10-2015 09:04 AM

Welcome Andrew!
 
I'm interested to see what people say. I must be a fairly slow builder, because I should be farther along than I am if the build should only take 2,000 hours. Then again, I am very methodical and I don't touch the project every day. Most people say that doing something on the project, no matter how small, is the best way to keep the total hours and duration of the build to a minimum. However, you also have to weigh your other priorities (spouse, family, friends, work, etc). Either way, welcome to greatest adventure of your life.

Mike S 08-10-2015 09:05 AM

Welcome to VAF!
 
Andrew-----welcome aboard the good ship VAF:D

TXHardWorker 08-10-2015 09:16 AM

LP, I don't think your reply was flippant, but I already knew there would be a variance due to skill set. This is why I thought maybe % of time used would be informative as well.

My main purpose in asking isn't so much to rush through, but to try to get an idea of financial planning and obtaining for each step. If I want to goal to do 10 hours a week, what would've a good expectation to be ready (financially) for the wing kit ?? And so on. This is an immense financial project for me, and the earlier and more I can prepare for it, the more it will help me with other issues.

ppilotmike, I too am a slow methodical builder and I suspect I will be 'over, as well. I should have insight from some past builders of RVs that should be invaluable.

60av8tor 08-10-2015 09:17 AM

Welcome Andrew,

The others are right, it is based on a lot of variables. I will give you my experience thus far - and as Mike said, I sometimes feel very slow as when I compare some hours on others' logs, my hours are much higher - oh well...

I, too, like to plan and when I was researching the build, I used Brian and Brandi's excel spreadsheet as a rough planning guideline to create my time and budget plan. So far, since beginning last February it looks like this:

Emp: Feb - June 420 hours

Wings: July - March 620 hours

Fuse: Apr - present 310 hours (coming to the end of section 29)

Some things to consider: I note the time I step into the shop and note the time I quit for the day. My hours are probably a bit high because of that - some of that time is head scratching, cooling off in the house (SE GA!), getting distracted on VAF, a honey-do, etc. I'm also priming everything in and out which has added about 150 hours not counted in the above.

A really big thing to think about... As I begin to see the light at the end of the airframe tunnel, I am seeing how much work lays ahead of me. I'm beginning to think about systems planning/installation and my head is spinning. Not to mention all the glass fun ahead of me:D I truly believe the airframe is the 1/2 way point.

I am truly enjoying the journey, though. It took me a while to stop thinking about a timeline, but now that I have, the build had taken on another dimension and has become very enjoyable, almost therapeutic - except for the occasional day here or there like when bending the longerons and I want to chuck my dead blow through a wing :D:D

Just saw Ed's post - he is definitely one of the builders I was referring to above ;). If you're interested, PM your email and I'll send you my planning and time-by-section spreadsheets.

NovaBandit 08-10-2015 09:19 AM

I've tracked hours per "section" on my build site listed in the sig below. But really, people can be all over the place with how much time it takes. I've been finding I'm slightly on the quicker side of the bell curve.

bill@fusion4.net 08-10-2015 09:22 AM

My Times
 
My times were mostly consistent with other builder sites that I tracked.
The big thing that will change the times is even small mods or after market items.
All these are slow build:
Tail 315
Wing 431
Fusalage 588
Finish 298
Wiring/Panel 289 (Could have been 1/2 time if I knew then what I know now)
Firewall Forward 186
Painting 432 (First time, in small space, could have been a lot faster)
Final Assembly 213 (This includes misc tasks from some kits, Moving to airport, DAR, and stuff done at the end of the build when finalizing everything)

Total 2786, total no paint 2354

More details on blog

TXHardWorker 08-10-2015 09:36 AM

Very nice gentlemen, this gives me SOME idea at least... Perhaps I can make a 'slow track' and a 'fast track' plan....

Thank you for the hellos, and the advice. I appreciate all the assistance. Obviously, I am all new to this. Not just the forum, and RV, but flying as well. So...... many, many, MANY more questions to come......

rleffler 08-10-2015 09:39 AM

go to mykitlog.com and look at all the RV-10 project online. That will give you some idea to the variability, but still not 100% accurate. For example, the time on my log, is only the time that I spent, not helpers. It also doesn't include time for studying the plans and any research conducted on customizations and parts purchases.


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