RV-7/9 plans vs. RV-14

[Roy25101]

Ill apologize in advance if this has been addressed before but I am trying to decide between starting a -9 or a -14 and I am curious about the plans. I have been working on a -10 and love the step by step plans and illustrations. I understand the -14 is similar. For those folks who have built a -7/9 and are now working on a -14, could you give me an idea of the differences in the plans. Are they marginally better or significantly. Also, is the -14 a easier plane to build due to improvements in the kits themselves. I appreciate folks taking time to answer my questions. This is a great resource with a great group of people.

[Brantel]

The newer type of plans are light years ahead of the older ones. You can download examples on Vans website.

That being said, thousands and thousands of RV's were built using the older ones.

[Beagle]

Please correct me if I am mistaken but I believe the -14 kits are not only match-drilled but they are drilled to final size.

[nilberg]

There is a benefit of being builder no. 1,500 instead of no. 50.....

This site and several excellent builder logs supplements the 'old' building manuals.
Having many different points of views instead of just one is priceless....even if the one comes from some great builders in a great company.

[YellowJacket RV9]

The -9 manual was adequate, but if it was all I had to go by, it would have been a longer process. It is important to read each section completely before doing any one step, study the plans very closely, and also learn from those ahead of you. I had several build logs I followed religiously that saved me from making a number of mistakes that I probably would have had I followed the manual alone. Since these resources exist (and VAF), there is plenty of information out there to build any of the older kits without much issue. But, if you just want to open the book, follow along, and get it done, the newer plans are definitely the way to go. Probably far fewer gotchas and surprises.

Chris

[johnny stick]

For me I was attracted to the RV14 because the plans are better and the holes are pre-punched to final size. But then I started looking and realize there is size able difference in cost of the finished plane. Also the plane size is different too. So I am thinking now my decision between a 9 vs 14 is going to be based more on the physical and cost difference, rather than the plans. Right now I plan to go to vans and see both, fly the 9, and if the 9 fits, the cost difference for me will be hard to justify the 14.

[kamikaze]

Originally Posted by johnny stick

For me I was attracted to the RV14 because the plans are better and the holes are pre-punched to final size. But then I started looking and realize there is size able difference in cost of the finished plane. Also the plane size is different too. So I am thinking now my decision between a 9 vs 14 is going to be based more on the physical and cost difference, rather than the plans. Right now I plan to go to vans and see both, fly the 9, and if the 9 fits, the cost difference for me will be hard to justify the 14.

What he said ...

Basically, if you can afford the -14, go ahead, it's a better kit ... otherwise, you'll manage with the -9 plans, it'll just require more decoding of plans and drawings ...

I'm doing the -9A, as the -14A is out of my reach money wise ...

Sure would love to see Van's re-issue new style plans for older models still being sold!

[BillL]

Originally Posted by Brantel

The newer type of plans are light years ahead of the older ones. You can download examples on Vans website.

That being said, thousands and thousands of RV's were built using the older ones.

+1

Since you are asking, it is your first build. Being at the end of my 7 build - the reading, researching, thinking, double checking skills are all finally honed, enough that the 7 plans are adequate, but in the beginning it was a steep learning curve. The measurement of said was the scrap pile, It grew and grew, then started shrinking. Nearly gone now. Vans has come a long long way in design, manufacturing, documentation, and completeness. Stay on plan and all will move smoothly.

[Rupester]

Originally Posted by YellowJacket RV9

The -9 manual was adequate, but if it was all I had to go by, it would have been a longer process. It is important to read each section completely before doing any one step, study the plans very closely, and also learn from those ahead of you. I had several build logs I followed religiously that saved me from making a number of mistakes that I probably would have had I followed the manual alone. Since these resources exist (and VAF), there is plenty of information out there to build any of the older kits without much issue. But, if you just want to open the book, follow along, and get it done, the newer plans are definitely the way to go. Probably far fewer gotchas and surprises.

Chris

I fully agree with Chris' comments.

[bruceh]

+1 for the above comment.

If you were building a -9 without any internet, then the instructions in the plans are probably adequate for someone who has prior experience with building airplanes.

I certainly could not have completed my RV-9A without the benefit of many, many build logs and using good old Google searches and VAF.

The plans tell you what to do. They don't tell you what NOT to do, which is where you can learn from others experiences.