Sun 'n Fun Pictures of RV-12

[allbee]

a tad bit of air in them there brake lines.

[6S4 Hugo]

Originally Posted by JerryG150

Here is video #1 of the RV 12
at Sun 'n Fun 4/8/2008 About 130 more still pictures to be added this evening.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qrY3n5tVVQ


Tried to buy a VAF tee-shirt at Van's booth at about 2:00PM today ... at that time they still hadn't received any to sell. I'll try again Friday at Vans Aircraft BBQ.

I was able to schedule a demo in the -12 for this Friday, near Lakeland in Plant City. I already ordered the kit so I'm really hoping I enjoy the ride. Hey, it's an RV, it gotta be good.

Jerry,

Looking forward to seeing some in-flight video on Friday. Thanks so much for you efforts on behalf of all of us.

Hugo

[DaveLS]

Jerry,

Your photos are absolutely wonderful. I especially appreciated the ones you took while seated in the aircraft. These gave me a much better idea of the space and scale of the interior. The detailed shots of the spar pins and control juncture at the wing root answered some questions I've had on how these work. The under the instrument panel shots were also a first. Absolutely excellent.

I'd still like to see how the flap, aileron controls are mixed and some engine shots. Maybe someone could sweet talk Van's people to open up these areas?

In any event I would like your impression on the ergonomics of the cockpit and entry exit. After your Friday flight your impressions/thoughts of the flight would be most welcome.

Thanks again. I hope to see it first hand Saturday.

-Dave

[bigbill25]

Aero-News Network coverage of the RV-12:

Article:
http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?c...b-a40adb8817dd

Audio Interview with Van (19 Minutes):
http://www.aero-news.net/fb/index.cf...pisodesid=2082

--Bill

[JerryG150]

Let me preface my remarks with the fact that I am 5'7" and weigh 250 lbs. and my circumference is 44". (I know, I know, I going to go on a diet ... would like to take more baggage and less blubber on any future cross-country trips).

When you get into the left seat of the RV-12 be sure to "watch out for that first step." It's not that the step is so high but the the only thing to pull on is to put your left hand on the inside of the cockpit while pushing off with your right foot. The distance between the hand pulling and the step is short. (I kept wanting to grab the upper edge of the open canopy for a higher "grab" spot. Definitely a no no, I think) .

I don't believe it would be wise for you slender people to pull on the open canopy either. (By the way, did I mention I really dislike all of you slender people out there, but we won't get into that now). I wish the step had a "Z" brace which would lower the step and thus widen the distance between the raised foot and the hand pulling location on the inside cockpit edge. Better leverage on the "pull up phase" would make entry a lot easier.

Unfortunately my egress wasn't to pretty either ...(remember ... 250 lbs!). That "Z" brace lowering the step would help then, too. I only got in and out of the -12 one time ... and practice makes perfect so I'm really not concerned.

I hope to do better on Friday. (I will take pictures and videos of the demo flight ... same Bat time ... same Bat station).

[RickWoodall]

The lightening holes in seat made me wonder how much that would save. I guess every once counts. I never thought of removing material from them. Hmmmmmm

[N941WR]

Originally Posted by RickWoodall

The lightening holes in seat made me wonder how much that would save. I guess every once counts. I never thought of removing material from them. Hmmmmmm

They made me want to bring my seat backs home and do some more drilling.

Every ounce does count and the more you leave in the workshop, the more you can bring with you.

[RickWoodall]

No, really i can spell...just tired.

[mcems]

Any word on the new stall speed of the 12. I listen to Vans interview but no numbers. He confirmed the new wing was larger . The prototype stall was a bit to high. I want to operate of a short grass stip.

Also E AB is the only way I will build. Should not be a problem proving 51 % on an idividual basis. The hand out literature says it can be done that way. A good builders log and photos should take care of it.


If I can confirm that E AB will work I will send in my order.

What do you guys think???

Brad

[jte65]

Originally Posted by mcems

Any word on the new stall speed of the 12. I listen to Vans interview but no numbers. He confirmed the new wing was larger . The prototype stall was a bit to high. I want to operate of a short grass stip.

Also E AB is the only way I will build. Should not be a problem proving 51 % on an idividual basis. The hand out literature says it can be done that way. A good builders log and photos should take care of it.


If I can confirm that E AB will work I will send in my order.

What do you guys think???

Brad

While some are assuming that as a standard build kit, there should be no problem proving "major portion", there is no guarantee this will be the case given that the new guidelines for determination of what constitutes 51% have not even been released by the FAA for public comment. This is the reason Van's released as an E-LSA out of the gate. This was discussed in the most recent RVator. Also, the AeroNews article referenced in an earlier post on this thread states the following: "the RV-12 kit is so complete it may be difficult for builders to document fabrication and assembly of the majority portion of the aircraft." This kit requires almost no fabrication by the builder based on what has been written by Van's. Even Van described it as "Erector set-like construction" in Tuesday's AeroNews interview.

Hence, there is no way to confirm that E-AB will work right now. I have seen some people indicate that they may start assembly along the E-LSA route and once things are clarified and the kit is evaluated by the FAA, perhaps switch and make the changes they would like and certify as an E-AB (assuming it meets the new requirements).