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RV 12 kit
Hello all
Just looking for some advise I am toying with the idea to build a rv12 but do not have any engineering background. Am I pushing my luck and kidding myself or is it really not that difficult. There certainly seem many parts to deal with but some of the video,s on you tube seem excellent. There also seems many tools and machines to purchase. Any sound advise would be welcome KH |
An engineering background is not required to build an airplane. In fact, it might even be a detriment. :D Engineers tend to make changes.
The main prerequisites are money, perseverance, mechanical aptitude, and time. |
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It is truly a rewarding feeling to take your first Flight in the plane you built with your own hands.....and Van's RV-12 is a beautiful airplane! |
What Joe said. It's not particularly difficult to build but it does take dedication. I built an RV-10 which is larger and more complex than an RV-12 with almost zero prior mechanical experience outside of changing the oil in my car. The best advice I can give is you need to try and hook up with a UK RV builder (doesn't matter which model) and get a first-hand look at what is involved.
Oh and welcome to VAF! |
Point of Order.
In my USAF deployments and squadron exchanges with the RAF, I noted that the RAF called their aircraft mechanics "engineers". Kevin, I suspect that by the UK definition of "engineering background", you're possibly referring to what we Americans call an "aircraft maintenance background." If that's the case, then shoot no, you definitely do not require an aircraft maintenance background. That's the point of experimental/amateur-built aircraft. We build and fly these for education and recreation which, in turn, provides us the aircraft maintenance background we wouldn't have otherwise. Build to fly, and build to learn....you definitely will learn. Regarding your question about tools: Yes, you need them, but you'll learn their use very quickly. The right tools for the job, eh? I urge you not to try and piece your tool kit together. You can watch the VAF for folks selling their kits (post build, usually), or order a new complete kit from any of the tool suppliers listed on the VAF advertiser index. Kevin, the very hardest part of building any airplane is just pulling the trigger. Once you get started, if you were meant to build, you will FEED off this experience. :cool: DO IT! |
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tools?
Maybe some RV-12 builders can chime in here as to what tools someone would need to buy. Certainly fewer than the other RV kits. I would bet a pneumatic pop rivet puller is about the only tool you wouldn't have already if you have a home workshop.
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Joe has summed it up well. It's just a full size model aeroplane kit.
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My opinion
I am a pretty 'handy' person with a background of building houses, rebuilding cars, etc. - but, I find that building my kit is entirely 'different'
If you are building an RV-12, you need to try and get someone who has built an airplane (hopefully and RV), to help you. This is critical in the beginning as, if you are like me, the materials, tools, methods are all new. A mentor will help you purchase tools, help you with construction, and make sure that you 'progress'.. Even with a mentor, I have found Van's RV-12 plans sometimes confusing and I spent a lot of time studying the plans. If you have questions, you may ask you mentor, call or e-mail Van's technical support, or ask here on the VAF. You don't need a lot of tools - some are absolutely mandatory and some are nice to have. Don't purchase cheap tools! In order to build a 12 easily, you have to be able to follow directions exactly as they are written. Not doing so may cost you the pain of delays in construction and the cost of purchasing new kit parts from Van's. My mentor says that the RV-12 plans are 'great' in comparison to the other plans - RV-8 for instance. My next build will likely an RV-9 and I will like the freedom of choice offered by those plans. Did I say "get a mentor" to help you - at least at the start of the build? That will make a big difference, in my opinion. Best of luck and skill to you - you can do it! |
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