Buying an RV and need some advice

[SebsRV7A]

Check your Private Messages

Seb Trost

[gvgoff99]

Originally Posted by Ron Lee

Opinion follows:

Only 180 HP or better. Constant speed prop offers significant performance improvements over a fixed pitch prop. Three blade prop may be smoother than a two blade but is less a factor than constant speed/fixed pitch.

Opinion: I agree with the above advice. I have a O-320 and really wish I had the O-360 with CS.

[Malibu]

Thanks for all the replies. I can see this site will be a wealth of knowledge. With that in mind, the next thing I'm clueless about is associated costs. It seems that most of the engines are a 2000 TBO, and I've heard that this can range from $5 - 25k. How about interim maintenance costs? Annuals, oil changes, random issues? Since I haven't built the aircraft, I can't do the oil changes myself correct? Any suggestions about how much to set aside per month, or per hour to cover all of these random things? I guess an easier way to ask is, on average, how much should I put aside for each hour or month to cover any unexpected costs I'm not considering. My thoughts are that the following are costs I will incour, but what else am I missing? Insurance, storage, annuals, oil changes, random mx, TBO.

[flytoboat]

Originally Posted by Malibu

Thanks for all the replies. I can see this site will be a wealth of knowledge. With that in mind, the next thing I'm clueless about is associated costs. It seems that most of the engines are a 2000 TBO, and I've heard that this can range from $5 - 25k. How about interim maintenance costs? Annuals, oil changes, random issues? Since I haven't built the aircraft, I can't do the oil changes myself correct? Any suggestions about how much to set aside per month, or per hour to cover all of these random things? I guess an easier way to ask is, on average, how much should I put aside for each hour or month to cover any unexpected costs I'm not considering. My thoughts are that the following are costs I will incour, but what else am I missing? Insurance, storage, annuals, oil changes, random mx, TBO.

You can legally do all work (maintenance, repairs, modifications, etc.) to an E-AB airplane you purchase. The only thing you can't do is the annual Condition Inspection. You will need to find someone with an A&P or the holder of the Repairman's Certificate for that airplane to do the Condition Inspection. Join the EAA and your local chapter to find an A&P and other builders to help you when needed.

Again, if you haven't joined the EAA, there is a wealth of information there. See this FAQ on maintenance: http://members.eaa.org/home/homebuil...html#TopOfPage

"I am going to buy a used homebuilt, what work can I perform myself?

FAR Part 43 specifically states that the rules of that part do not apply to experimental, amateur-built aircraft. Therefore, any work (not just maintenance) on an experimental aircraft can be performed virtually by anyone regardless of credentials. (This does not apply to the condition inspection). Let common sense be your guide as to what maintenance you conduct yourself."

[Mel]

Don is correct!
But also you mentioned TBO. There is no regulatory requirement to overhaul at TBO for part 91 aircraft. TBO is simply a "recommended" time between overhauls. If an engine is cared for and flown regularly, it can go far beyond TBO. I've seen Lycomings go beyond 3000 hours without problems. It's not at all uncommon to see them go beyond 2500. As long as the compression is good and oil burn is satisfactory, you can continue to fly.

[pierre smith]

Originally Posted by Malibu

....., on average, how much should I put aside for each hour or month to cover any unexpected costs I'm not considering. My thoughts are that the following are costs I will incour, but what else am I missing? Insurance, storage, annuals, oil changes, random mx, TBO.

David, since most experimental flyers fly around 100 hours or so, per year, on my -10 the insurance is $2,700 so $27/hr for insurance (yours should be under $2,000), 14 GPH @$4.00= $56/Hr and overhaul will run $20,000 (I think), so $10/Hr for overhauls (on a 2000 hr engine) and and $2,000 or so for tires, oil and misc+ = $20

Total is around $113/hr not including hangar fees but you get the idea of how to convert expenses to an hourly figure.

Best,

[gvgoff99]

Mel has given you excellent advice as has Pierre and the others posting here.
Also you will find that there are several on line places to find the answers to a lot of your questions and I am pretty sure after I post this others will mention sites they like. I find Mike Busch to be a pretty sharp fellow and cutting edge on maintenance. You will find a lot of info from his site "The Savvy Aviator": http://www.avweb.com/news/savvyaviator/

[PCHunt]

............. it's Mike Busch.

[Malibu]

Tailwheel vs Tricycle gear? Inputs/concerns.....what about resale?

[flytoboat]

Originally Posted by Malibu

Tailwheel vs Tricycle gear? Inputs/concerns.....what about resale?

Captain, time for you to try out the search function. There is a ton of info on this if you do a search. Also in the never-ending debate section on the front page. Bottom Line: Personal preference!