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12-07-2012, 05:32 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: KTCY
Posts: 643
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Quote:
Originally Posted by N546RV
When I got my tail kit and started working, there were very few surprises either. Most everything I did was something I'd done before in the workshop.
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That's why Van's make the toolbox kit....
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Dave & Trina
RV-9A Flying  - 330 Hrs. Painted  Finishing the interior.
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12-07-2012, 07:55 PM
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Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Merritt Island, FL
Posts: 602
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Get the books by Tony Bingilis. A bit dated perhaps, but still loaded with great information.
Read all the old posts and take notes.
Come here to ask questions, post photos and see what others have done and are doing.
It is indeed a daunting task, but you will figure it out as you go. Having an experienced builder around is great, but I got started without any help and somehow got through it all.
Before you know it, you will be coming on here and giving more advice than you are asking questions!
__________________
Jeff Rosson
Repeat Offender
RV14 - Working on Empennage/Tail Cone
RV9A - Completed! First flight on July 18, 2012!
Based at Merritt Island, FL (KCOI)
VAF Number: 1170
----
Star Trek Quote: "Logically, it could work. Also, logically, there are a hundred variables, any one of which could put us in a worse position than we're in now." Mr. Spock in Return to Tomorrow
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12-08-2012, 08:35 AM
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Join Date: May 2006
Location: Boone, Iowa
Posts: 342
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We are three hours North of you in Boone Iowa. W&C Aircraft Works is on our home airport. Their award winning builders teach a one on one class for new builders.
http://www.wcaircraft.com
-Mike
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12-08-2012, 03:19 PM
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Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Kansas City, Mo
Posts: 14
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Thanks for the info Mike!!
I was looking at the Oshkosh weekend workshop, but BNW would be muh easier to get to.
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CFI-ASEL, Commercial Pilot, Instrument,
Part Time Free Lance instructor at MKC/ Kansas City Metro
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12-09-2012, 02:29 PM
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Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Dublin, CA
Posts: 1,261
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I took the EAA sheet metal class and while that didn't solve all of the problems that I ran across on the tail section it was certainly a good start. I would also recomment buying the practice kits from Van's. I don't think the tool box is that helpful, but the other kit is pretty good. I built a couple of them and I still made some mistakes on the tail section afterwords.
After having built the empennage and pretty far into the wings I still wouldn't have I'm an expert. However, I'm much better than I was and I can easily tell when something isn't right. Sometimes you'll have rivets where you'll have to say to yourself "Is this good enough?". After awhile you'll know if you should redo a rivet. Sometimes you'll think maybe I could make it better, but then you decide you might make it worse so you decide to leave it.
Don't expect to be an expert right out of the gate. This type of building takes skill that most people don't have. It can be learned over time and it can be frustrating at times. Just keep at it and when it seems that things are going from bad to worse walk away and tackle it another time.
I really enjoy the build process. Sometimes I have milestones that I try to reach and I find that I'm pushing too hard. Try to keep in fun and realize if this is your first build its not going to be perfect.
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Ray Tonks
2020 Donation Paid
Titan IOX-370, Dual PMAGs, 9.6:1 Pistons, FM-150
RV-7 Fuselage in progress
* Cabin Interior - In progress
RV-7 SB Wings
* Both Wings fully skinned
* Fuel Tanks Complete - No leaks finally
* Ailerons Complete
* Flaps Complete
RV-7 Empennage - Complete (a little fiberglass work left)
Vans Training Kit # 2 - Complete
RV-7 Preview Plans
Vans Training Kit #1 - Complete
EAA Sheet Metal Class - Complete
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12-09-2012, 03:33 PM
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Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Ridgeland, SC
Posts: 2,589
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Even thought I'm not building 'my' RV yet, I've helped several guys with theirs. Yep learned some interesting stuff (I HATE PROSEAL). This airframe stuff is alot different that building hose assemblies. I visited several builders, learned some different techniques, and a few new words 
If I could give some advise---take the time to visit some builders. Take the courses that are offered. The is ALOT of help here on VAF.
Tom
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Tom Swearengen, TS Flightlines LLC, AS Flightlines
Joint Venture with Aircraft Specialty
Teflon Hose Assemblies for Experimentals
Proud Vendor for RV1, Donator to VAF
RV7 Tail Kit Completed, Fuse started-Pay as I go Plan
Ridgeland, SC
www.tsflightlines.com, www.asflightlines.com
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12-09-2012, 04:01 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Utah
Posts: 8,151
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Jon it's very good thing you are planning a year ahead. All above are great suggestions. You already are in aviation industry and things will go easy for you. Building RV I mean. I bet $10 you will order you tail kit at AirVenture 2013 
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12-09-2012, 04:31 PM
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Olathe, KS
Posts: 63
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Plenty of RV builders/flyers in the KC area. EAA Chapter 91 is in Lee's Summit, Chapter 868 in Olathe, Chapter 200 in Overland Park. Choose a close chapter and attend a meeting.
Dave
RV-6
Phase I in progress.
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