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  #61  
Old 07-25-2012, 12:16 PM
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RBD RBD is offline
 
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Am I the only one who is largely disappointed? How many side-by-side two seat models are really needed? The -14 is a cool airplane, for sure, but when there are already -6, -7, -9, and -12 options on the table...well, I was just hoping that the factory would come out with something a bit different. They seem to be crowding their own line up with marginally different airplanes.

Patiently waiting for the factory to get back to their roots, and come out with the pre-punched -3 with modern build documentation. And I do realize the irony of that statement.

-Debbie Downer
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  #62  
Old 07-25-2012, 12:24 PM
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Jamie Jamie is offline
 
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You guys are right. They should just be content with what they have. Don't try to improve. Don't try to make the building process easier, or build a more solid and robust nosegear, or cater to the requests of builders. They should just keep doing what they've been doing because that always works for companies in the long run.

::tongue planted firmly in cheek::
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  #63  
Old 07-25-2012, 12:40 PM
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AllThumbs AllThumbs is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Novato, CA
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Default It's for guys like me

I own a used RV-6 and have done lots of panel work but have never felt competent to consider a whole-plane build. After helping put together an RV-12 (I did the electrical and shot some rivets) I saw how having complete build instructions (vs plans) can make a complex project possible for the new builder.

I think the 14 and the 12 complement each other in being high performance and low(er) performance options that can both be built in a fairly turn-key way. This makes them very different from the 7 and 8 to me. I saw even the 12 canopy as something just a little beyond my build comfort zone. Note my login name.

I'm going to look closely at the 14 with an eye to putting a cargo door in. If I can do that and get a small dog crate and a little luggage back there it's the perfect two pilot plane for us down the road a few years. Most people fly solo or with only one pax according to the alphabet groups. And many want an "affordable" way to get into aviation ownership without 10 years of building.

Neil
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  #64  
Old 07-25-2012, 01:09 PM
Flying Scotsman Flying Scotsman is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RBD View Post
Am I the only one who is largely disappointed? How many side-by-side two seat models are really needed? The -14 is a cool airplane, for sure, but when there are already -6, -7, -9, and -12 options on the table...well, I was just hoping that the factory would come out with something a bit different. They seem to be crowding their own line up with marginally different airplanes.
...
-Debbie Downer
Nope...I was hoping for a seaplane, myself
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  #65  
Old 07-25-2012, 01:18 PM
John R. Graham John R. Graham is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Alpharetta, GA
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Does anyone know the Vne of the -14?

- John
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  #66  
Old 07-25-2012, 01:26 PM
aerhed aerhed is offline
 
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Location: Big Sandy, WY
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Hmm. I think if you throw out "its not what I wanted", "too many 2 seaters", "too expensive" and all that jazz and just stand back and ask yourself this: Is that a nice airplane or what?
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  #67  
Old 07-25-2012, 03:03 PM
pilottangocharlie pilottangocharlie is offline
 
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In the Airventure TODAY article it is interesting that Ken mentions $75-80k for a complete airplane. Seems to be a lot less than what people are thinking right now with the estimated wing kit price and an IO-390 as the standard powerplant.
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  #68  
Old 07-25-2012, 03:24 PM
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LAMPSguy LAMPSguy is offline
 
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Location: Pensacola, FL
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Default Economy of scale

Could Vans actually save the builder a significant amount of $ if a lot of the things people purchased separately were included since they could buy larger quantities? I am thinking one engine option, only one FWF kit, same or similar wiring harness, etc. Allowing them to assume a cheaper completed price due to assumptions that builders would build how their prototype is?
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  #69  
Old 07-25-2012, 03:39 PM
sandifer sandifer is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: NC
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I was hoping for a single-seat unlimited aerobat, symmetrical wing w/ 30% hinged ailerons...that would compete with the One Design and Laser, but easier to build. Who cares of they'd only sell about 30 kits?
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  #70  
Old 07-25-2012, 04:16 PM
pilottangocharlie pilottangocharlie is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Newcastle, OK
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LAMPSguy View Post
Could Vans actually save the builder a significant amount of $ if a lot of the things people purchased separately were included since they could buy larger quantities? I am thinking one engine option, only one FWF kit, same or similar wiring harness, etc. Allowing them to assume a cheaper completed price due to assumptions that builders would build how their prototype is?
Bulk discount is nothing new and could bring this airplane to more garages and hangars. I like the idea. In my opinion there is still enough room for customization to suit the builder. The first thing I thought when I saw the -14 is "Did Van somehow get my list of goodies I would love in an airplane?".
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