New guy here looking at the -12

GhostRider32 · #1 06-19-2013, 08:16 AM

Hello all,

I didn't see a sub forum for intro's so I'll start here.

A little about me. I'm in my early 40's with a wife and 2 kids. My wife hates flying but my kids love it. I'm hoping that eventually she will get over her fear of heights...... Either way, at least my kids will fly with me.

Finally, after 15 years of dreaming I will financially be able to start my first plane in about six months. I have researched, read, looked, ect...... and have basically decided on either a -12 or a CH650. I realize that the -12 is way more favored here but in reality, out of these 2, what I build will be based on plane comfort as I see myself taking a couple of long trips a year and many short trips per year.

I have yet to fly in either and each plane has it's own pros and cons but it will still come down to comfort.

Well, I just wanted to say hi to you guys and whatever I build, this is a great forum with a lot of knowledgeable and friendly people.

MacPara · #2 06-19-2013, 08:42 AM

Welcome to the good ship VAF!
If you are looking for comfortable travel you might want to take a look at the RANS S-19 as well. You would also have the option to certify it for a higher gross weight than the LSA 1320lbs. in case you have a PP license.
Other than that, you will have a hard time finding a kit plane that will build as fast as the RV-12 goes together.

GhostRider32 · #3 06-19-2013, 09:49 AM

The 12's are definitely a nice plane and my plan is to fly in one next week. There's a nice fellow local to me who has one and offered me a ride. So that may seal the deal.

pietermk · #4 06-19-2013, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacPara

Welcome to the good ship VAF!
If you are looking for comfortable travel you might want to take a look at the RANS S-19 as well. You would also have the option to certify it for a higher gross weight than the LSA 1320lbs. in case you have a PP license.
Other than that, you will have a hard time finding a kit plane that will build as fast as the RV-12 goes together.

I would add one factor to think about and that is useful load. When I started building I was 250 lbs and my wife lets say was 35 lbs heavier then she is now. The only LSA kit we could fly with enough fuel was the RV-12. The Rans S19 only has about 500 lbs of useful load. The Ch650 has 550 lbs.

My wife and I at one time lost 100 lbs together now we still at about 75 lbs less so it will even be easier in the RV12. From a kit building perspective I keep hearing the same thing; the RV12 is king. It is an amazing plane with one of the best LSA's performance.

Just my 0.02

Peter

GhostRider32 · #5 06-19-2013, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pietermk

I would add one factor to think about and that is useful load. When I started building I was 250 lbs and my wife lets say was 35 lbs heavier then she is now. The only LSA kit we could fly with enough fuel was the RV-12. The Rans S19 only has about 500 lbs of useful load. The Ch650 has 550 lbs.

My wife and I at one time lost 100 lbs together now we still at about 75 lbs less so it will even be easier in the RV12. From a kit building perspective I keep hearing the same thing; the RV12 is king. It is an amazing plane with one of the best LSA's performance.

Just my 0.02

Peter

I'm right there with you on the weight issue. One of the things that has narrowed it to the 650 or -12 is the useful load. Zenith shows the useful load at 630lbs on their website for the 601 with the Rotax. I emailed Zenith for a clarification to see if its the same in the 650.

Ultimately, it will come down to which plane is more comfortable. I've seen the plans for the -12 and they were great and there's no question that RV's are held in high regard by lots of people.

One thing I really like about the 650 though is the ability to carry 30 gallons of fuel so each plane has things to like.

After my test ride in the -12 and the test ride in the 650, only then can I make a decision. One things for sure, from all of the articles I've read on both the -12 and 650, they are both great planes.

sf3543 · #6 06-19-2013, 07:40 PM

FYI
Stephen Garrett has an RV12 at Paris, TX. (At an air park near town.)
You can search for him in this forum and I'll bet he would be willing to let you have a good look at his plane.

E. D. Eliot · #7 06-19-2013, 11:11 PM

In my opinion, you may not be 'ready' for either kit. Your wife hates flying? And you are going to spent upwards of 70K for an RV-12 kit? Can you afford the divorce and still have the 12?

I was in your shoes when I was 40 - never considered divorce, had 4 kids and the moral responsibility to at least see them thru college. Couldn't afford an airplane or even many flying lessons.

Never had the backing of my ex about most anything. The point here is, if at all possible, try to find a way for your wife to 'like' flying. It will go much better for you if she is on board - supporting you and your dream. Maybe a few lessons or? Best to you.

GhostRider32 · #8 06-20-2013, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E. D. Eliot

In my opinion, you may not be 'ready' for either kit. Your wife hates flying? And you are going to spent upwards of 70K for an RV-12 kit? Can you afford the divorce and still have the 12?

I was in your shoes when I was 40 - never considered divorce, had 4 kids and the moral responsibility to at least see them thru college. Couldn't afford an airplane or even many flying lessons.

Never had the backing of my ex about most anything. The point here is, if at all possible, try to find a way for your wife to 'like' flying. It will go much better for you if she is on board - supporting you and your dream. Maybe a few lessons or? Best to you.

I'm sorry your wife didn't support you on most anything but not everyone is like that. My wife is scared of heights, not scared of me flying. She backs me on building and owning the plane, just not flying. She doesn't like to fly commercially either. My kids and I ride/race dirt bikes and she doesn't do that either but she still supports it.

I'm sorry it didn't work out for you but for you to say I'm not ready based on your experience is reaching a little.

GhostRider32 · #9 06-20-2013, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sf3543

FYI
Stephen Garrett has an RV12 at Paris, TX. (At an air park near town.)
You can search for him in this forum and I'll bet he would be willing to let you have a good look at his plane.

Steve is a nice guy. I met him when we were having EAA meetings at the local airport. He also has a really nice -12.

videobobk · #10 06-20-2013, 09:12 AM

I might also point out that the 12 is available fly-away at about the same cost as the kit. We can have one built for you as a school project. Takes usually less time than it would take you to build it, and you give over a dozen kids their start in aviation. $80k with lights, full interior and paint.

Bob