RV-7? LATE COMER

[hardegg]

Well my project consists of a box containing a travel drive with plans, the initial pages you get with the jump drive, the two practice projects(tool box and flap). Along with a quote for tools (hoping to pick up around the end of the year) and plans to hopefully purchase the first kit early next year.

but Hey - I have my daughter working on the paint scheme already. I've heard that is a real priority.

can anyone advise best suggestion for builders log?

[Mike S]

Originally Posted by hardegg

can anyone advise best suggestion for builders log?

All depends on how much detail you want to document, and how much time you want to put into this.

Can be as quick and easy as checking off each step on the plans ----date and initial is nice. Photos even nicer.

Other end of the scale is somewhere up in the wild blue yonder.

Personal experience with the RV 10-----each step signed on the plans, photos on a CD (that the inspector did not even look at).

The new project is being done the same way-----check,date, photo log.

[hardegg]

Ah - sweet - that sounds easy enough -

Thank you Sir.

[PilotjohnS]

I just created a blog on blogspot.com. Really easy. Wordpress also works. This is not on my server so I should be backed up on the google cloud. One of these days i will print out a hard copy. Others sites have helped me so I figure I would pay it forward.

[Jpm757]

2 DAR inspections, a -6 and a -7, never looked at 1 picture or my builders log. I wouldn't spend an inordinate amount of time tracking the build, but rather spend the time building. After all you have to sign a notarized statement verifying that YOU constructed at least 51% of the machine. I think that satisfies the DAR's requirement and covers his butt.

[wirejock]

And then you have the OCD end of the spectrum. Every minute and penny accounted in a spreadsheet. At least one photo a day. Notes and photos copied to a Google blog.
Yes, it's way overkill but it's helped lots of builders and I've had to look back many times.
I figure it will help resale value as well.
Feel free to browse. Link is below.

[Girraf]

I track my shop time in a spreadsheet each day with the days activities. I snap a bunch of photos with the phone and upload them to my google drive regularly, but only a handful include me because I?m building solo and taking selfies isn?t organic so I have to stage them. I firmly believe your time is best spent building and not documenting, but on the other hand I?ve benefitted significantly from those willing to chart their build and share their experiences. When my airplane finally flies it will be in no small part to the great folks on this forum and others who came before me. ?I am tall because I stand on the shoulders of giants? is how I see it.

[Vlad]

Originally Posted by hardegg

....

but Hey - I have my daughter working on the paint scheme already. I've heard that is a real priority.

can anyone advise best suggestion for builders log?

John while painting is important don't forget about modern avionics. That's what impress the crowds. Buy now! From Stein!

Originally Posted by Mike S

Can be as quick and easy as checking off each step on the plans

..

Personal experience with the RV 10-----each step signed on the plans, photos on a CD (that the inspector did not even look at).
...

Originally Posted by Jpm757

2 DAR inspections,
...
I wouldn't spend an inordinate amount of time tracking the build, but rather spend the time building.
...

Golden advice. Did exactly that which made my DAR satisfied. However if you have have spare time out of the shop put it in an online blog. Average intelligence guys like myself are always on the hunt for a recipe. Ask the Cards if you don't believe me...

Remember the most exciting and satisfying part is the empennage. It gives you the feel you almost accomplished the airframe. Then in three years you hang the engine... and you suddenly understand you haven't started yet.

Good luck John. Keep this thread alive for years to come. First flight of 2026 will come before you know. We will be there for the party

[mdevans9]

lol!

Great post Vlad!

John, and other new builders, frame this post. Only, be advised that the avionics "buy now" advice is tongue-in-check - I bought good stuff, but way too early. Paint scheme? Check out Vlad's. I flew for a year with the same scheme. However, your daughter's participation is valuable, so encourage it.

Look forward to the party in 2026!

Best regards,

Merrill

[MJarreau]

Vlad,

You really should add

Remember the most exciting and satisfying part is the empennage. It gives you the feel you almost accomplished the airframe. Then in three years you hang the engine... and you suddenly understand you haven't started yet.

To your signature. In fact, I just added it to mine!