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-   -   Wannabe -10 builder (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=166356)

WannFly 11-27-2018 09:51 AM

Wannabe -10 builder
 
Hello everyone, my name is Priyo and i am based out of Fargo, ND. I own and fly a PA-28-181 out of KFAR. In next 3 years or so i would need a cross country traveling machine and getting excited about RV-10 and building it. While i know a lot of people who have traveled all over US in an Archer II, i think i could use some speed and i absolutely love shinny new stuff (interior, avionics etc). If i had unlimited funds, i would buy a SR-22 yesterday, but the reality is I dont.

Just kicking the tires right now since i have no idea if i even have the skill to take on a project this big, but i plan on ordering the Toolbox and one of the control surface project from Vans and see what this riveting is all about and if i am able to do a decent job of doing it.

I am little handy, but never done work with Al or fiberglass. i used to do wiring and building computers for a living many moons ago, so avionics shouldn't be a huge deal. i might look at hiring an A&P to do some of the firewall forward work.

Anyway, just wanted to stop by and say hi and provide an early warning that there is a plethora of dump questions coming shortly.... I have never flown anything other than a 172 and my Archer, but getting a ride in a 7A is not too far away...

any tips on where to even start? this project seems insurmountable to me right now, but i am patient, i have time and perseverance is my middle name (with a lot of four letter words that comes with the territory)

I have been reading forums and watching build videos, i am getting excited and apprehensive at the same time :p

Mike S 11-27-2018 10:08 AM

Welcome to VAF
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by WannFly (Post 1305330)
Hello everyone, my name is Priyo

Priyo, welcome aboard the good ship VAF.

The 10 is a wonderful plane, loves to go high and fast.

Your best bet is to try finding someone actually building a 10, in a reasonable travel distance and go see what things are all about.

Try the White Pages, on the VAF home page.

WannFly 11-27-2018 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike S (Post 1305337)
Priyo, welcome aboard the good ship VAF.

The 10 is a wonderful plane, loves to go high and fast.

Your best bet is to try finding someone actually building a 10, in a reasonable travel distance and go see what things are all about.

Try the White Pages, on the VAF home page.

Thanks Mike, i will give that a shot

bpattonsoa 11-27-2018 10:55 AM

Here is a very complete builders log. I was an experienced builder so your time, and number of reordered parts will be higher. Mine was slow build fueselage and quick wings.

Suggest doing some builders workshops on metal, fiberglass (there is a lot on the -10), and electrical. Find your EAA chapter and it should have some very helpful people. This forum is a very good source, The Vans kit is excellent and any issues have been ironed out a long time ago.

It is a big commitment of time and money, but the result is better than any other four seater plus you are your own mechanic and A&P which is worth a whole bunch of money in the future.

http://www.mykitlog.com/users/index....r&project=2128

BobTurner 11-27-2018 05:37 PM

My standard advice: try the toolbox kit, maybe even the tail kit. If you enjoy the work, great. I and many others found it rewarding. But if you find that's it's actually unenjoyable work, stop. Life is too short to force yourself into years of unhappiness. Buy a used -10 instead.
Also, be sure you understand the EAB (experimental amateur built) rules. There is only a limited amount of work that you may hire out, especially if you go the "quick build" route.

BobTurner 11-27-2018 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WannFly (Post 1305330)
In next 3 years or so i would need a cross country traveling machine

BTW, if the above quote implies that you need regular, scheduled travel (work?), then you should definitely plan on getting an instrument rating. And have an airline alternative available. And have some flexibility.

1001001 11-27-2018 06:14 PM

Hi Priyo,

I was in your situation too--I own a PA-28-161, and while it actually has more useful load than at least one -181 I have seen (no kidding! --some are loaded up with so many extras as to eat up all the added gross weight), it is not the cross country machine I eventually want. I travel frequently around the East to visit family, and less frequently for business. The RV-10 seemed to me the best option versus the competing certified aircraft in terms of flexibility and performance. The speed will eat up the miles, and the carrying capacity will make for some fun trips with friends and family. I love building things, and since I already owned the Warrior, I figured I would give building a go.

Get the toolbox kit, and get the airfoil kit. I recommend signing up for the EAA's weekend seminar on building Van's kit aircraft. It only costs less than $400, which is nothing compared to what you will spend on building an RV-10. I consider it money well spent; the work that I did in the class convinced me that I was capable of doing the sheet metal work, which was my major concern.

When you do the airfoil kit (they give you one and you build it in the EAA seminar), pay close attention to deburring ribs, because you will be doing an enormous amount of that. If you can keep your focus on quality and not get bored out of your skull doing those ribs, it seems to me the rest of the build will be interesting and rewarding.

If you don't decide that building is for you, there's no shame there, and there are some RV-10s out there for sale occasionally--at a hefty premium over what you will spend building one.

Also give thought to the builder assist programs out there; while I'm building mine by myself with only help from friends, there are pros out there that can help you get through the build process.

If you have a local EAA chapter, consider joining it! I have found a ton of support in my local chapter from folks who have built and are building RVs, and plenty of other aircraft types. The support you'll find from a group of like minded local builders is indispensable.

DRMA 11-27-2018 06:33 PM

Welcome to the world of Van's aircraft and the RV-10 Priyo.


I agree with the recommendations above that you try to get enrolled in an EAA SportAir workshop. I took both the building a Van's aircraft and the sheet metal workshop, and they are almost identical, so pick which ever is most convenient for you in location and timing.

I also took the EAA workshop on fiberglass, but didn't find it very helpful for building the RV-10. EAA is now offering a fiberglass workshop specifically focused on the RV aircraft, but they only seem to be offering it in Oshkosh. But it might be worth attending if you decide you like building with the sheet metal workshop.


Another way to get a great start on building is with the Synergy Air empennage class. In their class you actually build your empennage with the advice and oversite of one of the Synergy Air A&Ps who are experts on the subject. For the RV-10 it is an 8 day class, and I found it extremely helpful and highly recommend it. But I would suggest you start with the EAA sheet metal or RV workshop first, as it is a lot cheaper and I found that workshop helped prepare me to make the most of the Synergy Air class.

Best of luck with your project.

bruceh 11-27-2018 07:53 PM

Hit up Derek (dbro172) and ask him for a ride in his RV-9A. :D
He put that airplane together in less time than you would expect.
The sooner you start, the sooner you finish!

Dbro172 11-27-2018 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruceh (Post 1305458)
Hit up Derek (dbro172) and ask him for a ride in his RV-9A. :D
He put that airplane together in less time than you would expect.
The sooner you start, the sooner you finish!

That?s right, looks like you?re right here in my backyard. My -9A is at KJKJ. I have all the build tools and a completed -8 empennage at home. I could definitely take you for a ride and help you get started.

Call or text 701 2one2 3947


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