Am I capable of building an RV?

[odens_14]

Originally Posted by Robin8er

Buy the Van's practice kit. You will most likely destroy it and it will look awful. Then build another one. Maybe even a 3rd. If by then you feel like you got it, then go ahead and build. It's really not that hard.

Although the tail kit and tools are expensive, in the grand scheme of things they are relatively cheap. So worst case scenario you will be out a couple thousand dollars. That's no small amount of money, but if you really want to build your own plane then I feel it's an acceptable risk.

If you really have the itch to build, I agree with Robin8er. Buy the tools, practice kit(s), and the tail. Try to find someone who's done it before to help you along; but if you can't don't panic, I didn't really have any help until towards the end. If you run into problems or have questions on how to do something ask here, you'll almost always have an answer within an hour. Van's support is great too if you have a question about fixing a mistake, which there will be a few.

This will likely be ~$4k+ so not insignificant, but a drop in the bucket of the overall project. If you concentrate on good workmanship and decide it's not for you sell it. There is a market for both the tools and a started tailkit; you could get out for <$1k loss. Worst case, if your quality is truly lacking you may have to eat the whole tailkit, but you'll still be able to sell the tools and have the experience and the knowledge you at least chased your dream.

[Captain Avgas]

Originally Posted by Earl Findlay

I really have the itch to have an RV.. and not just have, but BUILD one. My issue is, I am not at all a "builder." Heck, I can't even build a table and chairs from Ikea, so I wonder how the heck am I going to build an airplane?!

How common is it for a builder to start with what essentially amounts to zero building ability?

Is starting with no building ability more of a challenger than one should undertake?

Lastly, does starting with zero building ability guarantee frustration?

Basically, I want to build, but I feel foolish undertaking such a major project with my complete lack of skills. Talk me off of the ledge.

This is a common question on VansAirforce. And many of the responses are typically familiar....over exuberant encouragement to just ?get started and get on with it.? On VansAirforce there are many pied pipers eager to lead the rats to drown.

But be warned that some of the most enthusiastic encouragement often comes from builders who have not yet completed a project (and may never complete a project). In reality no-one here can tell you if you can finish an RV project...there?s just too many variables, including but not limited to, financial capacity, time available, reasonable building space available, support of spouse and family, availability of build assistance, type of model, QB or Slowbuild, mechanical common sense, etc etc etc.

It has been estimated that only about one-third of RV builders who start with an empennage go on to complete a project. The majority of RV projects get sold before completion, some a number of times...always at a financial loss, and sometimes at a very large financial loss. As a general rule the further the project is down the track the greater the loss will be.

But beyond all of the considerations above, the prime ingredients for success in building a safe project are patience, perseverance and the capacity to study and learn. If you tend to be a day-dreamer who gets very quickly excited about doing things but loses interest just as rapidly then believe me....building an RV is not for you.

If you genuinely feel keen to build then the best advice on this thread so far comes from those who recommend you dip your toe in the water at the least expense by buying a practice kit and a few tools.

[Pilot8]

It is a lot of work! You'd better love problem solving, be a self motivator, and *never* give up. It's like having a second job. If you are married, make sure your wife is totally on board. It's faster and cheaper to buy a flying RV, and if you love maintaining it, then consider building one. Did I say it's a lot of work? Rewarding but a lot of work...

[bruceh]

If you are motivated to build, then yes, I believe anyone can build an RV.
Make sure you have the time to dedicate to the task. Daily interaction with the kit is essential and will keep you progressing towards the finish line.
Make sure you have the financial resources to dedicate. If you are on the fence about spending a couple of grand on the tools, then forget it. Getting tools purchased is just the beginning of the money drain. Can you afford right now to buy all of the kits, engine, prop, avionics? If not, when?
Make sure you have reasonable expectations of the challenges you will face. VAF is a terrific resource that you can always leverage to get help, opinions, and sometimes motivation to pursue the building of your RV. I know that I would never have built my own airplane without the help of the interwebs. Definitely take a workshop class to get an idea of the skills involved. These skills are all learnable, and if you can, find a mentor to help get this project started.

Lastly, figure out exactly what your mission will be and stick to it. Don't change your mind on anything and you will be better off in the build process when you are faced with more than one way to proceed. Really nail down what you want in the airplane. Start at the spinner and work your way back to the tail. Metal spinner or fiberglass or carbon fiber? Fixed prop or adjustable or constant speed. Size of engine? Injection or carb? Electronic ignition or mags? Glass panel or steam? Interior choices, etc. If you don't stick to the initial plan, then you will waste a LOT of time at each decision point trying to decide what should have already been decided to keep the project going.

When you have completed the airplane and get it flying, the feeling of accomplishment is overwhelming. It is truly life-changing.

[Earl Findlay]

Thank you for the encouragement!
I went for an RV-14 ride, and boy did I get bit hard!! So hard that I signed on the dotted line at Oshkosh and ordered myself a empennage/tailcone kit. Time for me to get my workshop setup!

[gasman]

Originally Posted by Pilot8

It is a lot of work! You'd better love problem solving, be a self motivator, and *never* give up. It's like having a second job. If you are married, make sure your wife is totally on board. It's faster and cheaper to buy a flying RV, and if you love maintaining it, then consider building one. Did I say it's a lot of work? Rewarding but a lot of work...

You are allowed to maintain any experimental aircraft even if you did not build it.

[rbibb]

Lots of plots probably asked the same question about whether they could ever learn to fly. Learning to fly, as in getting to first solo, is fairly straightforward. Having the perseverance to actually get the license and then add ratings, etc. is another thing.

Even the most inept with tools can learn the skills to drive a rivet but driving 10,000 plus of them tests the patience and determination of most.

I?d wager that every builder out there harbored doubts at one time or another if the effort was worth the frustrations, setbacks, disappointments, and general sanity of the idea of building.

But I also have never heard anyone who?s completed and flown on say they wish they hadn?t...