RV-10 all in cost (2020)

[BobTurner]

Originally Posted by aturner

I have to admit that I'm shaking my head at this thread. I spent a whole lot less on my RV-10. You guys might not think it is "nice", but I love it, it has great performance, and we fly the heck out of it. I guess I'm fortunate in liking simple things. :-)

I guess we Turners think alike. I have a basic (rattle can) interior (but comfortable seats), a poor quality do-it-yourself paint job. But the airplane is light, BEW=1608 lbs. Full ifr panel, triple redundant attitude sources, back up power, etc. $130K (2010 dollars). Not counting hangar costs, tools I already owned.

[archerar]

It all depends on the mission. I built my Rv10 for cross country coast to cost flying and that’s what it does. So it has full glass Garmin IFR panel, New engine, prop, full areosport interior and a fancy pant job. 4 place mountain high O2 system that is used on just about every flight. So yes I’m north of $220k and would not change a thing about the plane. My view for the money its the best cross country plane a person could own.

[Kyle Boatright]

Originally Posted by archerar

It all depends on the mission. I built my Rv10 for cross country coast to cost flying and that’s what it does. So it has full glass Garmin IFR panel, New engine, prop, full areosport interior and a fancy pant job. 4 place mountain high O2 system that is used on just about every flight. So yes I’m north of $220k and would not change a thing about the plane. My view for the money its the best cross country plane a person could own.

Which is great. You chose the features you wanted and built the airplane for that. My fear (not really my fear, because I'm smart enough to avoid it) is that folks are being peer-pressured out of building airplanes: "I can't afford a $220K RV-10".

You don't have to. You can build one for 3/4 of that, and will have a great airplane.

[Nero]

well... since this went a little sideways, as expected, i think i'll ask one more question that ought to rile people up.

The engine is arguably the single most expensive purchase we'll make for an RV-10. Is there a good reason to not at least look at a factory rebuilt or overhauled option and save $10k in the process? I'm not proposing going and picking one up off ebay, but is there really that much risk getting one that was done by Lycoming at their factory?

[Kyle Boatright]

Originally Posted by Nero

well... since this went a little sideways, as expected, i think i'll ask one more question that ought to rile people up.

The engine is arguably the single most expensive purchase we'll make for an RV-10. Is there a good reason to not at least look at a factory rebuilt or overhauled option and save $10k in the process? I'm not proposing going and picking one up off ebay, but is there really that much risk getting one that was done by Lycoming at their factory?

What's the factory OH/reman cost? Add the cost of an engine core, and I bet you'll come out at least as good buying brand new from Van's.

But if the numbers work, they work. A factory rebuild is a fine option.

[mndless]

I am new in the 'process'... but, my preliminary IFR budget is a little north of $200k.

Stein is doing a really nice panel, QB fuse and wings... Wanting more than a 'production' interior..

I 'hope' to keep it below $225k, but again, just based on preliminary budget numbers.

Certainly can be done for much less.

T

www.tonysrv10.com

[rvanstory]

IMHO, the budget for an airplane is almost like the decision to buy an airplane. You start with the question "what is your mission?" For some, the "mission" is to stay within a budget. So, you build toward that goal. This might mean you don't get certain amenities and it might mean you won't get across the finish line as quickly (because your wiring your own panel, etc...), but you build inside the parameters of your budget.

Others have a mission to build what they "want" and the budget isn't their biggest concern. There are no wrong choices, simply different needs and personalities.

To answer OP's original question, my RV-10 will cost north of $260k when paint is complete. I know some will chastise me for spending that much, but there's a few things that lead to that high of a number.

1) I account for EVERY penny! Some only budget and count the $'s for major components, like engine, airframe, panel, paint, etc.... I tracked every penny spent down to every sheet of sandpaper and every tool I purchased to help along the way. Not sure everyone really accounts for all the little details of costs. (time lapse camera to film build, builders insurance because homeowners won't cover it, all those cool little tools that one will need like washer wrenches, prop wrenches, inch pound and foot pound torque wrenches, the DAR that charges VS the FAA that won't return calls, etc....)

2) Budget was not important to me, but getting what I want when I want it was important. I'll admit, another person could probably build the same plane for much less money. I admire that discipline, and wish I had more of it.

3) Time will also cost. In my number, I found an 8 time builder to help me out. It wasn't free, but it sped my time frame up. Also, when I went to order the engine, Lycoming was over 9 months out!! I got mine in 3. But that 6 months of time costs me about $8k.

In the end, I'm ok with the cost and the weight (1649 lbs) because I have the plane I want! I'll fly my 40th Phase 1 hour today! Couldn't be happier with the result!

[Strasnuts]

Originally Posted by rvanstory

IMHO, the budget for an airplane is almost like the decision to buy an airplane. You start with the question "what is your mission?" For some, the "mission" is to stay within a budget. So, you build toward that goal. This might mean you don't get certain amenities and it might mean you won't get across the finish line as quickly (because your wiring your own panel, etc...), but you build inside the parameters of your budget.

Others have a mission to build what they "want" and the budget isn't their biggest concern. There are no wrong choices, simply different needs and personalities.

To answer OP's original question, my RV-10 will cost north of $260k when paint is complete. I know some will chastise me for spending that much, but there's a few things that lead to that high of a number.

1) I account for EVERY penny! Some only budget and count the $'s for major components, like engine, airframe, panel, paint, etc.... I tracked every penny spent down to every sheet of sandpaper and every tool I purchased to help along the way. Not sure everyone really accounts for all the little details of costs. (time lapse camera to film build, builders insurance because homeowners won't cover it, all those cool little tools that one will need like washer wrenches, prop wrenches, inch pound and foot pound torque wrenches, the DAR that charges VS the FAA that won't return calls, etc....)

2) Budget was not important to me, but getting what I want when I want it was important. I'll admit, another person could probably build the same plane for much less money. I admire that discipline, and wish I had more of it.

3) Time will also cost. In my number, I found an 8 time builder to help me out. It wasn't free, but it sped my time frame up. Also, when I went to order the engine, Lycoming was over 9 months out!! I got mine in 3. But that 6 months of time costs me about $8k.

In the end, I'm ok with the cost and the weight (1649 lbs) because I have the plane I want! I'll fly my 40th Phase 1 hour today! Couldn't be happier with the result!

Really like your RV10, great job with everything!

[cderk]

Originally Posted by rvanstory

2) Budget was not important to me, but getting what I want when I want it was important. I'll admit, another person could probably build the same plane for much less money. I admire that discipline, and wish I had more of it.

This, and this alone is the biggest difference between basic planes and everything else. Couldn’t have said it better myself. While I spent a little less than you, I got exactly what I wanted - although now that I’m finished I realize I want a few things that I didnt know I wanted. So my next RV10 will cost more.

But yep, I like mine . I’ve got 90 hours on it now and have loved every minute of it. I dont think I’d enjoy it as much if I only spent 175

[BobTurner]

Originally Posted by rvanstory

3) Time will also cost.
!

No one counts the dollar cost of their time. After all, you are building for your own pleasure or education, right?
But it is sadly true that some fail to consider the cost of time away from family.