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To Build or Not-to Build?
I am seriously considering building an RV-10 Quick Build. However I have no building experience. I have a good mechanical background, such as my MOS in the Army was Aircraft Mechanic where I cared for L-19's, L-20's, L-23's, YL-26 and various and sundry other "experimental" aircraft. (I was assigned to the Army Aviation Test Board for 3 years). I recently attended a course in California to obtain a Light Sport Repairman certificate and am certified to conduct repairs and inspections on Light Sport aircraft.
My concern is my lack of experience in building an aircraft. Built and flew large scale RC model aircraft (10 hp engines, etc) for many years, but that's models, not full scale aircraft. I hold a Commercial Pilot's license with Instrument, Multi-Engine and Flight Instructor ratings so I have a fairly good understanding of how an airplane flies. I just worry about jumping off into the deep with a large, expensive project and wondered what you would do if you were in my shoes. Recently got married to a wonderful woman who is actually encouraging me to start the project so home support will not be a problem. Did I mention that I am 83 years old, in perfect health and plan to be around for a long time to come? |
I'm not an RV-10 builder, but sometimes I help a buddy who is building a QB RV-10 and I'm building an RV-3B for myself.
It's a job, all right. Lots to do. But the quality of the kit is excellent and the plans are superb. You'll learn as you go. Ask local builders and VAF and Van's Support (which is excellent, by the way) and many of the questions will get resolved quickly. For an introduction, you can read Chapter 5. It's available as a PDF download on Van's site under their Support menu choice. Look for Service Information and Revisions, and scroll down to Revisions and Changes. For a hands-on introduction, you can buy Van's practice kits and actually build something. The main areas where you are on your own are the avionics and perhaps some of the engine installation. You can have one of the companies that advertise on VAF do the avionics, but even when they've sent the panel to you, there's some work to do. If you get ambitious and want to wire up your own panel, most of the major companies have very good installation manuals that you can download in advance. Some of the things that seem to affect us older guys might be worth trying to mitigate. The first is to get plenty of lighting for your shop. By plenty, I mean really a lot. The second is that often we aren't as limber as we ought to be, and yoga helps out here. The third is that having reading glasses might be handy, and if you get a stronger pair than you need as an extra pair, it's like having magnifying glasses on. I expect that you are entirely qualified to take on this project. Yeah, parts of it will be new, but it's just an airplane, after all. A big job to be sure, but doable. Have fun! Dave |
Go.
You come into thie endeavor with far more relevant experience than most of us,
and a great attitude. With family support behind you, start moving. Best of luck. Quote:
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There is nothing difficult about building an RV, just LOTS of nothing difficult.
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Building an airplane takes reasonable levels of skill in many different disciplines. After completing an airplane it becomes clear that the skills most in demand are not the ones used in the workshop. Managing time and finances are important non-shop skills. Far more important are the skills required to manage life during a built. To balance the priorities of other family members to ensure their needs are not being forgotten about is key, and keeping yourself motivated to push through the difficult times, the boring work, the times when you screw up an expensive part... THAT's the skill set that will make you succeed.
Don't worry about driving rivets or turning wrenches - those are secondary skills. Make sure you've got the right mental attitude, the right buy-in from family members and a good support network and you'll do just fine. |
If you want to build an airplane, build an airplane.
If you want an airplane, buy an airplane. |
I think Mel's advise is best. I will say I'm glad I built mine, if I did a quick build I would have had a hard time finishing it because I would essentially be picking up someone else's work.
I didn't have any experience either. just buy the practice kit from vans. after that buy the tail kit. by then you will know if it's for you or not. |
Build it
Early in life I had a dream to build a car...took a few years but I built a Model T hotrod. Loved planes but no money for that. Later in life...mid 50's...after learning to fly...I wanted to build my own plane. I found a 7 that was almost at the quick build stage and bought it. Now, 6.5 yrs later, with 90 hrs and counting I am flying my own 7.
We have an 87 year old working on his 10th build...a 4...after a couple 3's, 8's, Rocket etc.... I agree with Mel. If you want to build a plane, build it. Don't want to look back at life with too many regrets. No better feeling than taking to the sky in your own pride and joy. Al |
Building an RV10
I completed my QB RV10 three and a half years ago. Great experience.
My building experience before that consisted of attending the EAA 2 day build class and going to Synergy building assist in Eugene, Or. for 5 days. Synergy helped me build the tail. After that 2 years and 2100 hours of persistently working on the rest. Like you most everyone that jumps into this is scared to death they won?t be able to build a flyable airplane in a reasonable amount of time. Good luck with the decision. |
A contrary view...
First off, I have no doubt you would be more than capable of building the airplane.
Something to consider is the enormous amount of time it takes. This will be time you will not be spending with your wife. Not only is it the time you spend building but is the time you spend researching and ordering parts and learning how to do the next part of the construction. So it's not just the building part but all the other time of your day that is required to complete an aircraft. This is a huge time commitment away from the person you love. Even if she helps you, your mind will be elsewhere trying to figure out the next step. If it is the challenge of building a plane that excites you and you're not trying to finish it quickly, you may be able to have both the time with your new wife and some time to work on your plane. If your goal is to try to finish it 2 or 3 or 4 years then there will be little time left over for other things. Like spending time with your wife. If I had to do it all over again I probably wouldn't. I treasure the time I have to share with my wife. It's far more important than building an airplane. |
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